Agios Nikolaos Crete

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Agios Nikolaos Crete - we love to explore this town and eastern Crete, from ancient sites to magnificent beaches to mountain villages to the township itself, there is something around every corner to surprise and delight in this relaxed seaside town.

Agios Nikolaos Crete - the capital and administrative centre of the Lasithi Region of eastern Crete. Located 63 km from Heraklion and 60 km from Heraklion Airport, this town keeps its Greek rhythms and character.

Take the ferry from here to Karpathos and Rhodes, or take your flight from the domestic airport of Sitia 70 km to the east.

After staying here, we took our ferry to Rhodes from here, and on other trips visited Elounda and other nearby beaches.

See our central Agios Nikolaos highlights of the town:

• Lake Voulismeni
• The Harbour
• Town Beaches
• Agios Nikolaos Hotels
• Self-Drive Trips

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Activities

Activities to enjoy here:

• Stroll Around Lake Voulismeni (above)
• Relax at cafes and restaurants
  
• Visit Kitroplateia Beach
• Take a Day Tour on Mirabello Bay to Spinalonga Island
• Go Snorkelling or Diving for the Day
• Visit the Cretan Olive Oil Farm

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Restaurants and Cafés

For a day or evening drink with a great view you can't miss Gioma Meze, great food, not just a pretty face.

Avra Bistro is very busy so book ahead, this is your traditional Greek taverna food at its best, with friendly service and decent prices. There are some dishes to suit international visitors like pizza and prawns provencal.

Chrisofyllis is a taverna, ouzeri, a restaurant or mezedopolio, whichever you prefer, located near Kitroplateia Beach in town, with a sea view. Stay for a drink and some snacks or stay for dinner, it is up to you. Try the zucchini flowers and shrimp saganaki.

Piato, located on Ammoudi Beach this is a waterside taverna with good service, excellent reviews and plenty of ambience. The speciality is seafood so try the swordfish and the fresh fish of day caught in the very Mirabello Bay you look over whilst you dine.

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Diving Agios Nikolaos Crete

Diving in Mirabello Bay off Agios Nikolaos gives visitors a magic experience of this scenically beautiful bay and the sea life both above and below

When you dive in the Mediterranean you might look for world class experiences such as:

• Great dive spots
• Good clarity of water – excellent visibility
• Interesting sea life
• Good equipment
• Safety and instruction from the dive hosts
• Modern and reliable boats and craft
• Fun and friendly crews
• Professional accreditation
• Good prices
• A variety of activities
• Local knowledge

All of this you will find at Pelagos Dive Centre with Stefanos and his team, located at Minos Beach Art Hotel.

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Day Tours from Agios Nikolaos Crete

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The Ancient Site of Gournia

The setting by the bay makes this trip worth it just for the scenery. This is a site for serious history buffs, it is not a touristic site at all. This is a genuine ruin set amongst olive groves, next to a dusty track 2 km inland from Pachia Ammos Beach and 20 km south from Agios Nikolaos. There is very little interpretation and no shade or structures, so ensure you take water and sun protection. Best to go early in the hot months.

This is a Minoan site first settled in 2300 BC and excavated at the beginning of the 20th century.  Minoans were farmers and raised animals, fished and made pottery such as large rhyton vases and tools such as chisels, all found on the site. This site is marked as Minoiki Poli on Google Maps, which means Minoan Town.

Combined with a visit to Pachia Ammos Beach and perhaps the stunning Ha Gorge, this will make a fascinating day trip from Agios Nikolaos.

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Toplou Monastery

Toplou Monastery - this significant religious, historic and cultural settlement (pictured above) can be reached by car 85 km east from Agios Nikolaos. Housing a museum and winery, the monastery also produces local honey and olive oil, using biological techniques.

A visit to the monstery can be included in a day trip to Sitia, Vai Palm Beach and Palaikastro Village to explore the Lasithi region.

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Getting to Agios Nikolaos Crete

There are no flights to Agios Nikolaos, the nearest international airport is Heraklion Airport HER which is 60 km from town. There is a small domestic airport at Sitia (JSH) in eastern Crete, some 70 km from town, that accepts flights from Athens.

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Accommodation Nearby

Our town accommodation suggestions are here.

Our beach accommodation suggestions for eastern Crete are here.

There is a range of accommodation in the hillside villages and on the beaches all around the region, within easy driving distance from town, with some handy suggestions below.

Panorama Villas really do have a panoramic view of the beautiful Mirabello Bay and Sitia Mountains. Looking back to Agios Nikolaos, sitting overlooking  Ammoudara Beach just 10 km from town. With sculptured gardens, private pool and kitchenettes, these stylish villas are perfect for romance or for family time, and make a great base from which to explore the east of Crete.

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Your Own Private Beach

Carob Villa is 50 km south of Agios Nikolaos Crete and sits on its own piece of land with coastal frontage, allowing access to its three private beaches.

Set in an idyllic 5 acre landscape, dotted with palm, olive, carob, lemon and orange trees, with gardens full of grapes, berries and herbs. With 3 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, this villa accommodates 8 guests easily with terraces and patios for outdoor dining.

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