Agios Nikolaos

Agios Nikolaos is a charming little town blessed with historical sites, gorgeous gorges, boat trip options, and beautiful beaches in its vicinity.

How to go Where to stay
A picture of small fishing boats at the lake of Agios Nikolaos on Crete.
photo: Brian Snelson / CC BY 2.0

Agios Nikolaos Attractions

Picture taken from one shore of Agios Nikolaos Lake, includes some anchored boats and the nearby shops and restaurants.
photo: Brian Snelson / CC BY 2.0
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Lake of Agios Nikolaos (Voulismeni)

The town is known for its lake which was connected to the sea via a channel constructed in 1870. A beautiful walk and various tavernas around.

An overview of the exterior of the Byzantine Church of Episkopi in Lasithi region.
photo: Kyrvas at English Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 3.0
distant ≈ 23.1km
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Episkopi Kato Chorio Byzantine Church

Built in the 11th century AD, it is dedicated to St. Georgios and St. Charalambos. It stands out for its distinctive architecture.

An picture of the island of Spinalonga where the Venetian fortifications stand.
photo: Marek Bakajsa / CC BY-SA 2.0
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Spinalonga Fortress (Island)

The Venetians fortified this small island and later became an isolation colony for lepers until 1957. An excellent day trip.

The statue of the Abduction of Europe at the harbor of Agios Nikolaos in Crete.
photo: I5800 / CC BY-SA 4.0
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Abduction of Europe Monument

Statue that depicts the abduction of Europe from Zeus who transformed himself into a bull in order to seduce her. Oh Zeus!

An old stone-built windmill at the area Poros close to Elounta.
photo: James Preston / CC BY 2.0
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Poros Elounda Windmills

The three old but well-preserved windmills are distinctive trademarks of this windy area. The sea nearby has crystal clear waters.

A curvy horn of Amalthea standing on the edge of the waterfront with the sea and a mountain in the background at Agios Nikolaos.
photo: Eduard Marmet / CC BY-SA 2.0
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Horn of Amalthea

Amalthea was a goat foster-mother of Zeus that fed him milk from a horn. The monument to the horn shimmers in different colors depending on the sun's position.

A light-brown church with a sharp-cornered façade, a dome, and a small belfry - the Panagia Kera Church, Kritsa.
photo: C messier / CC BY-SA 4.0
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Panagia Kera Church

Kritsa

Panagia Kera's distinct exterior look will surprise you, and once inside, the ancient biblical hagiography will fascinate you.

An image of remains and foundations of the Archeological Site of Ancient Gournia.
photo: Olaf Tausch / CC BY 3.0
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Archeological Site of Ancient Gournia

Ancient Gournia was a Minoan settlement of the 15th century BC that survives in a relatively good state also thanks to restoration works.

Agios Nikolaos Museums

An old house wall with selves full of utensils, bottles, an cups in the Rodanthi Museum, Kritsa.
photo: Municipality of Agios Nikolaos
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Rodanthi Museum

Kritsa

Crete's herbs are used for traditional medicines, infusions, and cuisine. Museum Rodanthi gives an engaging tour into the island's botanical wealth.

The feet of two persons pressing grapes in a basin at the Cretan Olive Oil Farm, Agios Nikolaos.
photo: Cretan Olive Oil Farm
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Cretan Olive Oil Farm

Experience the process of oil production, cheese making, and cooking in an authentic olive press. Self-tour, guided tour, tasting, and market. Fabulous!

The yard and the exterior of the Archaeological Museum of Agios Nikolaos on Crete.
photo: Tomisti / CC BY-SA 4.0
low rating
temp. closed
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Archaeological Museum of Agios Nikolaos

This museum hosts findings from east Crete, but it is under renovation some time now, so check before you visit it.

Agios Nikolaos Why visit?

  • The locals call it plainly Agios, meaning the Saint.
  • Near a former leper colony, Spinaloga.
  • A lagoon town.

Agios Nikolaos Beaches

A beach separated from a tree-covered hill by a stream t Almyros Beach, Agios Nikolaos.
photo: George Chorafas / CC BY-SA 4.0
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Almyros Beach

Almyros, or the Salty Beach, is ideal for families with kids thanks to its shallow waters. An interesting feature is the little stream.

A color pallet sea with all shades between turquoise and blue at Voulisma Beach, Istro Lasithi.
photo: ArtemiyPavlov / CC BY-SA 3.0
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Voulisma Beach

Istro Lasithi

A gorgeous beach with sand and rocks below short cliffs. Turquoise waters. Excellent vibes. You could also go up the hill, if you feel adventurous.

Loungers with pink umbrellas on the Agios Nikolaos (Ammos) Beach with blocks of apartments in the background.
photo: Paul Mannix / CC BY 2.0
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Agios Nikolaos (Ammos) Beach

Agios' home beach is convenient, especially for those staying in the town. Clean, nice sand, but you didn't come to Crete for this.

Agios Nikolaos Things to Do

A picture that shows the «Ha» Gorge and the Thrypti Mountain Range close to Ierapetra.
photo: Lemur12 / CC BY-SA 3.0
distant ≈ 22.1km
needs caution
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«Ha» Gorge

Thrypti Range

Ha's gorge is impressive however, you need to be an experienced climber to proceed after the first water basin. Worth the detour if you're passing by.

A human hand offers food to a monkey with Crete's mountains in the background.
photo: FB: Amazonas Park Crete
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Amazonas Park Crete

Neapoli

A menagerie with a few animals from the tropics. You can feed playful and friendly lemurs. Ideal for families. Note: animals in artificial habitat.

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