How to Spend 5 Days in Agios Nikolaos with Kids: Child-Friendly Itinerary That All the Family Will Love

Kid-friendly, 5-day itinerary in Agios

I have prepared this Agios itineraries for families always keeping in mind what my own kids love about Agios. It puts together attractions in town, kid-friendly museums, and even a day trip to Knossos Palace (in the nearby region of Heraklion) combining a stop in a fun theme park too! All these child-friendly activities can be done in less than a week while maintaining kids’ rhythms in mind so you can follow a slow pace suitable for all ages.

Five days in Agios Nikolaos, the capital of the tranquil Lasithi region, are enough time to explore the best of this area. It’s short enough to remain entertaining, still flexible, and long enough to factor in downtime at the beach or by the pool at your hotel.

I’ve prepared this guide with small kids in mind. Therefore, I’ve avoided packing too much to do in a day, thus preventing meltdowns and tiredness. I’ve crafted this itinerary, including kid-friendly food places, frequent stops for rest, and plenty of time at each attraction. I hope you enjoy it!

This Agios itinerary for families combines must-see beaches and child-friendly activities to do in less than a week. It keeps kids’ rhythms in mind so you can follow a slow pace suitable for all ages.

Tips for this Agios Nikolaos family itinerary

Even when is not as big as Chania or as lively as Heraklion, Agios can offer a good amount of entertainment for kids of all ages, as well as a good collection of safe and quiet beaches for the small ones in the family, especially the ones on the quiet Mirabello Bay, which tend to be shallow, calm, and protected, making it particularly optimal for toddlers.

During this time in Lasithi’s capital city, you will sometimes explore areas close to each other, while at other times, you can spend a longer time on the road. However, do not worry much, I have tried cutting driving times to the minimum or chosen roots that offer the chance to make frequent stops along the way in case you need it. 

Since Crete’s bus network can be somewhat limited (reaching mostly the towns on the northern coast), renting a car can be the best solution to move around and respect your kids’ timing.

Agios Nikolaos family itinerary
Day 1

Morning: Agios Lake, Almathea & Europa

It’s a good idea to take it easy on the first day and rest from any jetlag. For that reason, I suggest a walk in town to get acquainted with Agios and check out some sights the kids might find interesting.

Start by heading to the seaside promenade, kids will love to discover to sculptures related to Crete’s ancient myths.

Horn of Almathea
This big sculpture is located by Kitroplatia Beach and it reminds of Zeus and his birth. According to the myth, when Zeus was born, his mother, Rhea, hid him in a cave on the island to protect him from his father Chronos and a goat named Amalthea took care of nourishing baby Zeus with her milk.

One day, as young Zeus was playing with the goat, he broke off one of the animal’s horns by accident, and to make up for it, Zeus blessed the broken horn, so that its owner would find everything he desired in it and it became a symbol of eternal abundance.

Statue of the Abduction of Europa
A few meters along the same road, another interesting sculpture will also pick kids curiosity. In this case it’s the image of Princess Europa riding a bull. According to another myth, Zeus fell in love with beautiful princess Europe and the god took the form of a white bull to approached her.

When Europe tried to ride the bull, he rushed into the sea and took her to Crete where they conceived King Minos, closely related to Knossos Palace and the Minotaur legend.

😉 RELATED ARTICLE
→ Popular Myths from Crete!

Spend sometime with the kids discussing these stories, take a few pictures, and head to Lake Voulismeni for a snack by the lake and a walk close to the colorful fishing boats.

Children often enjoy learning that, according to the legend Goddess Athena used to bathe in the lake that is connected to the sea and, in the past, was believed to be bottomless. In the area, kids will certainly have fun feeding the ducks that are often by the lake.

Afternoon: Beach Time

Relax during the rest of the afternoon in the city beach, you will find a shallow coastline where kids can swim and make sandcastles. If you prefer a wider and more beautiful beach and don’t mind the ride, drive (or take the local bus) to Almyros, a wide golden sand beach, 2,5 km east of Agios Nikolaos, that kids enjoy especially because of the small river that reaches the sea.

If you prefer a more scenic shore, drive a bit further (always east) and take the children for an afternoon on Voulisma Beach, one of the prettiest beaches in the area, shallow and calm, with crystal clear waters and amenities for the whole family.

KID-FRIENDLY DINNER IN AGIOS
It’s a good idea to go for an informal meal, and pizza is always a good idea. So, head to one of the best pizza places in Agios and call it a day!

Day 2

Morning: Day Trip to the Lasithi Plateau

On your second day in Agios I suggest embarking in one of the best day trips in the area, the Lasithi Plateau. If your kids enjoy long car rides, then this can be a fantastic opportunity to get to know different mountain villages.

Instead, if you prefer to keep the car ride short, I suggest getting on the Lasithi Plateau and head directly to Psychro village to visit the Cave of Zeus and then make your way back to the coast passing near the ancient windmills to then stop for a visit at the Homo Sapiens Museum.

The drive from Agios to Psychro village (in the Lasithi Plateau) takes about an hour. Once in Psychro, climb up to the cave’s entrance and spend an hour or so exploring the impressive place where, according to an ancient legend, God Zeus was born or even raised. The visit to this an ancient Minoan sacred cave was one of the day trips that my kids enjoyed the most when visiting Lasithi.

Right opposite the cave, you can catch a good glimpse at the vast plateau and enjoy a traditional Cretan lunch in one of the few tavernas with a view.

🗺️ CONSIDER BOOKING A GUIDED TOUR
→ If you prefer to skip driving, you can join this adventurous tour to explore Zeus’ Cave and the Lasithi Plateau. Perfect for families with teens!

Afternoon: Homo Sapiens Museum

After this stop, head back to the car and drive west to reach the huge ancient windmills that were once used to irrigate the crops in the plateau.

A few meters away from the giant mills, you will find the fascinating Homo Sapiens Museum, where the whole family can spend a fun afternoon learning about the course and evolution of the human being from the caves to the age of artificial intelligence!

SEASIDE DINNER
Once back in Agios, go for a walk along the pedestrian main road and then head to the seaside promenade for dinner.

My suggestion? Piato Creative Greek Cuisine with alternatives for adults and kids.
📌 8, Akti Koundouros, right by the sea.

Day 3

Full Day: Drive South to Ierapetra

This can be a fun beach day on the pristine southern Libyan Sea. And depending on your interests and your kids’ age I can suggest two alternatives: A quiet day by the sea or an adventurous ferry trip to a paradisiac uninhabited island. You choose!

ALTERNATIVE 1: MAKRIGIALOS AND IERAPETRA

If you prefer a quiet day by the sea, then I suggest driving to the south and heading to the small seaside village of Makrigialos, home to fantastic beaches, safe and shallow, perfect for the kids, where to spend the morning. I suggest having lunch by the sea in any of the good tavernas.

In the afternoon, take a short ride to the coastal city of Ierapetra where you can take the kids to visit the ancient Kales, a Venetian fortress by the sea, an ancient mosque, and a house where, according to the locals, Napoleon Bonaparte spent a night as he was sailing the Mediterranean.

LOCAL MOM’S TIP: I suggest checking out the meteo the day before the ferry trip and to purchase the tickets in advance. Prepare a good beach bag and don’t forget to carry:

• water shoes (for small feet that don’t love pebbles),
• sunscreen and a hat (the sun can be strong)
• snacks, fresh fruit, and water (there’s a canteen on the island, but prices tend to be high)
• all things you might need on a normal day for the kids (diapers, cream, pacifier, towel, etc. Remember the island is totally uninhabited)
• Beach toys and goggles to explore underwater and spend a great day at the beach.
• You can purchase the ferry tickets online on the day before the trip.

🗺️ CONSIDER BOOKING A GUIDED TOUR
→ For a smooth, custom-made ride, check out this private boat ride to Chrissi Island

Late Afternoon / Early Evening: Back to Agios – Time by the Beach/Pool

After spending a whole day sailing or even just by the sea, the kids will be tired and probably want to go to bed early. My suggestion? An early dinner (a quick gyro wrap with fries at Karnagio might be just ideal), an ice cream, and an early return to your hotel.

Agios family itinerary – Day 4

Morning: Spinalonga Boat Ride

An early wake-up call is needed to take the kids on a fascinating (yet short) boat ride across the Mirabello Gulf to explore the Island of Spinalonga which was once a leper colony. The island can be seen in around one hour and kids will enjoy walking around with no danger at all (the island is fully pedestrian). The most convenient place to take the boat to Spinalonga is from the small village of Elounda, around 15 minutes from the center of Agios.

Once on the island, you can take kids to visit the museum in Spinalonga where they can take a look at ancient board games that were find on the island. These objects are not related to the leper colony but date to many years back when Crete was dominated by the Ottoman Empire!

Besides, the whole island is an ancient fortress built by the Venetian Republic, somethings fascinate kids! The island is also surrounded by high walls and has imposing observation towers from where the Venetians would watch for pirate ships!

After spending a few hours in Spinalonga, you can explore the small seaside village of Plaka (bech time is possible here), or head to Elounda, another seaside village opposite Spinalonga, perfect for a relaxing walk at the port, or lunch in a local taverna. Also in Elounda, you can take the children to the beach and spending a few hours playing on the seaside.

😉 RELATED ARTICLES
→ Why You Will Love to Visit Spinalonga Island, Lasithi
→ Why You Will Enjoy Hiking the Kolokitha Peninsula in Lasithi

Afternoon: Amazonas Theme Park

Located in Neapolis Village, around 20 minutes by car from Agios, the Amazonas Theme Park can be a great option for a different afternoon in Lasithi!

The park is located on the side of a hill and is considered a sanctuary for protected animals. The place focuses in offering shelter to exotic South American animals but the children will also be able to interact with local donkeys and goats. But you can also see butterflies, lizards, tortoises, parrots, and monkeys.

The highlight of any visit is the opportunity kids have to feed the animals and get a close-up encounter with the unique lemurs which might eat fruit from your hand!

ℹ️ USEFUL INFO
→ Official Facebook Page

ALTERNATIVE: EASY HIKE IN KOLOKITHA AND UNDERWATER TOWN

If your family enjoy walks and pretty landscapes, you could spend the afternoon hiking the nearby Kolokitha Peninsula. The hike is quite easy for kids (small elevation gain) and takes about 2 hours to complete.

The trail starts opposite the ancient windmills by the sea close to Olous, and ancient underwater archaeological site that the you can see from the shore. Along the way, you will also get to the beautiful beach in the peninsula where you can even spend some time swimming.

Day 5

Morning: Day Trip to Heraklion – Knossos Palace

If this is your first time in Crete with the family, then I suggest not missing the highlight of the island, the magnificent Knossos Palace. People of all ages are fascinated by the myths and legends related with this impressive landmark and it can always be super fun if you combine it with another activity that is both educational and entertaining for the whole family.

Depending on your children’s ages and interests, you can take them to the Labyrinth Park or choose a private guided visit of Heraklion’s Archaeological Museum with a guide that can customize the visit for the whole family, which features one of the most important exhibitions in the country.

😉 RELATED ARTICLE
→ A Mom’s Guide to Visit Knossos with Kids

Labyrinth Park: For small kids (up to 12 or a bit more)
The Labyrinth Park in Heraklion is an interactive way to introduce children to the wonders of the Minoan civilization. It contains interesting cultural ideas that will engage and entertain them.

😉 RELATED ARTICLE
→ Crete with Kids: Labyrinth Theme Park, Heraklion

Afternoon: Souvenir Shopping in Town

Devote the afternoon for some time by the sea or the pool back at your hotel. Later on, enjoy a walk along Agios pedestrian roads to purchase some fun souvenirs to take home for friends and family. If kids enjoyed Crete and are interested in learning more about the island, you can either visit the Folklore Museum, older kids might find the Archaeological Museum of Agios Nikolaos a lot more interesting.

Don’t miss a small shopping spree in the capital if you plan to take souvenirs back home for your friends, family, or yourself. Besides the usual fridge magnet that nobody fails to purchase (but is nowhere near a local product), I suggest checking out authentic Cretan souvenirs, including olive oil and thyme honey.

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