Fantastic Things to Do in Agios Nikolaos That You Will Enjoy!

Agios: Essential Things to Know

Let’s start by sorting out some important things that you need to know to get there and visit Agios Nikolaos. The city, capital of the easternmost Lasithi region, is located facing the northern coast of Crete (35.208517 N, 25.612737).

It’s a beautiful seaside town, popular among tourists for its beaches and the mild climate year-round.

How to Get to Agios Nikolaos

We’ve often stated that the best way to see Crete is by car. This is flexible and cost-effective transport on this extensive island with much to do.

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→ Crete’s National Road
Crete’s National Road oruns along the island’s northern coast. It’s known as Greek National Road 90 (or with the acronyms ΒΟΑΚ/ sometimes VOAK). The road connects Kissamos (West coast) to Sitia (East coast) and passes through the main cities of Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion, and Agios Nikolaos. There are upgraded sections (designated as A90). Since it’s part of the European route E 75, it’s also known by that name.

Buses to Agios depart from Heraklion, Sitia, and Ierapetra. If you’re traveling to Agios Nikolaos from Chania or Rethymnon, you must change buses when you reach Heraklion’s Public Bus Station. To give you an idea, a complete trip by bus from Chania to Agios Nikolaos can last up to 5 hours.

Top Things to Do in Agios Nikolaos

There’s a lot to do in Agios Nikolaos, and sometimes time seems insufficient to experience everything. The town is not as extensive as other Cretan cities, and if you’re not in a rush, you will need at least two days to see the things in the following list.

If you also want to explore nearby places, mountains, or coastal villages, consider adding two or three more days to your itinerary. Generally, four days in Agios Nikolaos is a good time to see everything in and out of the city. Let’s look at the best things to do in Agios Nikolaos.

Lake Voulismeni

One of the landmarks of Agios Nikolaos is Lake Voulismeni, located right in the heart of the city. The sweet water lake is connected to the sea. Around the lake, several bars and restaurants make the place pretty animated at night.

Like almost everything in Crete, the lake is surrounded by legends. According to Greek mythology, the goddesses Athena and Artemis bathed here.

A local legend wanted the lake to be bottomless, as it was believed to be a passage to communicate with evil spirits. However, in 1853, it was discovered that the lake is 64 m deep at the center.

The lake has a rocky wall on one side. There are fishing boats and ducks, and it’s a traditional place for gathering. To get the best view of the lake and the sea, it’s better to reach the street bordering the lake’s upper part.

Greek Mythology and Local Sculptures

If you walk along the sea in Agios Nikolaos, two different sculptures will attract your attention.

Together with Lake Voulismeni, they have quickly become a landmark of the city. And it’s not odd to spot tourists taking selfies with them.

The Horn of Almathea is located near Kitroplateia Beach. It recalls the myth of Zeus and the god’s connection with the area (see the nearby Cave of Zeus).

According to the legend, while Zeus was hidden by his mother Rhea in a cave, the goat Almathea nourished the little god. One day, however, while playing with Almathea, the young god accidentally broke one of her horns.

Feeling sad and sorry (according to my son’s version of the myth!), Zeus blessed the damaged horn by adding a hole so that everything would be found in abundance pouring from it. This myth is at the base of the Cornucopia, the eternal symbol of abundance locally known as the Horn of Almathea.

The Abduction of Europa is a sculpture in the port of Agios Nikolaos. It’s also connected with Zeus, who, falling in love with Princess Europa, transforms into a white bull to approach the girl.

Captured by the beautiful animal, Europa tries to ride the bull. When she does so, the bull runs into the sea, taking Europa to the South of Crete (many legends say to Matala).

Check the City Museums

The Archaeological Museum of Agios Nikolaos hosts archaeological objects from Lasithi that belong to different Minoan periods.

The Folk Art Museum of Agios Nikolaos is easy to access. It is right opposite the lake, next to the Tourist Information Bureau. Here, you can see authentic objects that are part of the Cretan way of life (such as furniture, handmade textiles, and pottery). There are also religious icons and other crafts on display.

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→ Folklore Museum
Opening hours: 10.30 a.m.-2.30 p.m. and 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Closed on Mondays.

Enjoy Art in the City Stairs

The Spirit of the Stairs is a contemporary art project that started in 2018. It aims to make the city even more appealing by decorating its stairs. The project promotes Agios Nikolaos’s architectural and cultural heritage and its impressive network of stairs (over 70!).

Paintings and sculptures can be admired on 11 different stairs in town. The idea refers to the identity of Agios Nikolaos, the stairs that connect the upper and lower parts of the town, and the relationships they create.

Artists use the natural landscape and the culture of each neighborhood where the stairs are located. Each develops a unique theme, incorporating elements from yards and private gardens.

Churches & Monasteries

In the region, you can visit seven monasteries and 28 historical churches. Most of them host unique icons and frescoes and are usually open to the public. Let’s first look at some of the ones you can check in town.

Central Churches of Agios Nikolaos

Agios Nikolaos in Ormos: The first and most beautiful church is the one that gives the city its name. The Agios Nikolaos (Saint Nicholas) church is not in the center but worth visiting.

Agios Nikolaos church faces the nearby bay of Ormos, where ships anchored during the Roman and Byzantine periods.

This single-naved church probably dates back to the pre-Arab conquest of Crete, about 827. The little church is considered one of the few remaining Early Byzantine churches on the island.

Agia Triada: The Cathedral of Agia Triada is in the center of Agios Nikolaos. It has remarkable frescoes belonging to both the Cretan and Macedonian Byzantine traditions.

Agios Athanasios: The little church of Agios Athanasios is on one of the town’s most central roads (Roussou Koundourou Street), just a few steps from the lake.

You can also visit the churches on the island of Spinalonga. This article explains them better.

Churches and Monasteries Near Agios Nikolaos

Megali Panagia: Megali Panagia is the metropolitan church of Neapoli (1927), the region’s former capital. It is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and is in the town’s main square.

In the area, you can also visit the ruins of the abandoned Catholic Fraro Monastery belonging to the Order of the Franciscans. It dates from the 14th century and is accessible only by dirt road.

Agios Fokas and Agios Loukas: Not far from Elounda, in the bay of Kolokytha, are the remains of two early Christian basilicas (around the 5th century) with geometric floors. You can also visit the restored Byzantine church of Agios Fokas (access is only by boat).

It honors the Byzantine emperor Nikoforos Fokas, who liberated the island from the Arab occupation in 961 AD, thus beginning the second Byzantine period of Crete. Finally, behind the beach of Kolokitha, the Agios Loukas church is also worth visiting.

Other Churches in the Region

Panagia Kera: The most famous religious building in the area is Panagia Kera, one of Crete’s most important churches. Panagia Kera is less than a km from the mountain village of Kritsa. The church, which is believed to date back to the 13th—14th centuries, is home to remarkable frescoes and icons.

Selinari Monastery: Further from Agios Nikolaos, Selinari Monastery is in the area of Vrachassi. The complex develops into two levels, and it has a wonderful garden with stunning views of the sea. If you’re coming from the West, you will spot it along the main road, about 20 km before Agios Nikolaos.

The monastery and its small chapel dedicated to Saint George are among East Crete’s most important religious centers. Saint George is the protector of travelers in the region.

Pedestrian Streets in Agios Nikolaos

A few pedestrian roads in the center of Agios Nikolaos end where the lake meets the sea.

These roads are full of tiny souvenir shops, jewelry stores, bars, and cafeterias, and it’s a meeting point for visitors and locals alike.

Shopping Spree

Different boutiques along Koundouou Street and 25th March Street sell everything from bags and shoes to exclusive pieces of jewelry and—unfortunately—fur coats.

Explore the Sunken City of Olous and Epano Elounda

For those more interested in history and Crete’s past than in lazily lounging on the beach, it can be a good idea to spend your day combining a visit to the Sunken City of Olous, an excursion to Kolokitha and an afternoon in the traditional village of Epano Elounda.

Olous was, in fact, one of the most important cities in Crete during the Minoan period. The Minoans minted coins bearing the images of Artemis and Zeus, usually holding a dolphin or an eagle. Today, the city’s remains lie under the sea, and on a clear day, parts of them are visible from the surface.

After checking the area, you can explore the rest of the peninsula, including Agios Loukas and Agios Fokas churches, or head for the small village above Elounda.

After checking the area, you can explore the rest of the peninsula, including Agios Loukas and Agios Fokas churches, or head for the small village over Elounda. In the following pictures, you can see an old abandoned alley and a traditional bed (commonly known as ondas in Greek) inside an abandoned house/filming set for the series.

The picturesque Epano Elounda (or upper Elounda, also known as Pano Elounda) is a small village on top of the modern Elounda. Better known for hosting the set of the TV series The Island (from the same book by English author Victoria Hislop, more info here), the village features beautiful old homes that respect the island’s old architectural style.

Many of the houses used (and some even purposely built) during the filming are still standing and can be seen from the outside (if you were a fan of the series or the book, you would be able to recognize some of the sets).

Other houses have recently been bought by private owners and restored with every comfort inside, but they still retain their old appearance on the outside. There are a couple of ouzeries andkafenia in the village serving traditional Cretan raki and delicious bites known as mezedes.

The Leper Island of Spinalonga

When visiting Agios Nikolaos, nobody should miss a visit to the nearby island of Spinalonga. It’s located about 15 km from the city center, and you can access it by boat either from the port of Elounda, the coast of Plaka, or Agios Nikolaos.

On the island, visitors can learn more about Spinalonga’s past, which included its use as a leper colony until 1957. Spinalonga, one of Crete’s better fortifications from Venetian times, can be visited in an hour.

Beaches in and around Agios Nikolaos

Indeed, some of the prettiest beaches in Lasithi are not right in the heart of Agios Nikolaos. Yet, over there, you can find some good city beaches with a blue flag. On the other hand, you will need to get on the road to get to the region’s best beaches (for instance, Sissi, Voulisma, Mochlos, or Vai). Let’s first see the beaches in town.

Kitroplateia Municipal Beach

Kitroplateia is the most important city beach in Agios Nikolaos. Its central position and nearby facilities make it a great place for a one-day stop. On the promenade behind the beach, there are restaurants, tavernas, and bars where you can grab a quick snack or a cold drink.

The beach is mainly pebbled and rather shallow. It gets crowded during the season’s peak, so it might be a good idea to get away from the village for more relaxation, especially if you’re traveling with kids.

Ammos Municipal Beach

Ammos is the first beach I ever visited in Agios Nikolaos many years ago. It has not changed much over the years, and it’s not a bad option if you’re staying in town or don’t have a car to move around.

The beach is close to the Marina, east of Kritroplateia Beach. Ammos is great for kids because it has a sandy shore and shallow, clear waters. It is better than Kitroplateia regarding crowds; however, locals and visitors populate Ammos in summer.

Ammoudi Beach

Ammoudi is a beautiful city beach that is not far from the center. Many tourists choose Ammoudi because it’s organized, the waters are crystal clear, and the bay is protected from the winds. It tends to get crowded in the first hours of the day, so it’s better to arrive early to secure an umbrella.

Almyros Beach

One of my favorite beaches close to Agios Nikolaos is Almyros (my favorite one remains Voulisma, but Almyros is also perfect!).

Almyros is a very wide golden sand beach, 2,5 km east of Agios Nikolaos, so it’s fairly easy to reach if you have your car (public transport from Agios Nikolaos is also available).

The bay is protected from currents and winds and shallow water. It is a favorite among families with children and tourists in general. The beach has a little river that ends by the sea. The river is cold and clean, and when it mixes with the sea, it produces a weird, hot-cold effect. There’s a small bridge over the river where kids love to play. The colors of the water are amazing.

Ormos Beach

Another tranquil bay close to Agios Nikolaos is Ormos Beach, which is very protected. It’s sandy and shallow, and there are always a few small boats in the area. Ormos is on the way to Elounda, and it’s a must-go place if you want to visit the Byzantine church of Agios Nikolaos, which is very close by.

Other Beaches in the Area (West Mirabello Bay)

Embark on a journey east of Agios Nikolaos and discover a coastline with some breathtaking -often very quiet- beaches.

Plaka Beach

I’m not a big fan of pebbles, so it’s hard for me to put Plaka among my favorite beaches. However, it is indeed a quiet place in a tranquil village.

Many visitors think it’s one of the most beautiful places in Crete (I beg to differ, but that’s another story). The beach is about 16 km from Agios Nikolaos and directly faces the island of Spinalonga. It’s organized with lounges and umbrellas, and there are a few good fish tavernas in the area, too.

Being close to the popular resort of Elounda, Spinalonga tends to get quite crowded. You can hire a boat from the little harbor of Plaka to visit Spinalonga.

There are two main beaches in Plaka. Agia Marina is the most important one, and it’s good for snorkeling. It’s not my favorite, but it’s truly popular, also among fishermen.

Elounda

Elounda is an upscale resort town in Crete, home to exclusive hotels and villas. As in most of the Mirabello Gulf, the sea is calm and clear, making these shores popular.

To reach Elounda from Agios Nikolaos, drive along the coastal road towards the west for about 10 km. Close to the port, you will find the most popular Skisma, a sandy beach that’s very well organized. There are several tavernas and beach bars as well.

Kolokytha (Agios Loukas)

To reach the beach of Agios Loukas in the Spinalonga peninsula (or Kolokytha/Kolokitha), you must drive along the artificial road that passes on top of the ancient sunken city of Olous.

After a while, you get on a dirt path directly to the parking area (opposite Agios Loukas church). Hiking along the coastal path on the peninsula is a popular activity in the area too.

Once you’ve parked by the church, start hiking down the path despite not seeing the beach yet. Within 15-20 minutes, you’ll reach this spectacular sandy beach.

One might think that being harder to access could be lonely. Well, it’s not! This shore is popular. Many people also get to the beach by boat. Cruise ships traveling to Spinalonga usually stop here for a barbecue on the beach. For a quieter experience, people visit the small, secluded shores located towards the South. This area is known as Vagi, and it’s a favorite among naturists.

This narrow road is quite impressive despite not being very high or dramatic. I’ve even read once or twice that it’s among the most impressive drives on Crete.

Other Beaches in the Area (East Mirabello Bay)

Ammoudara

Ammoudara is about 5 km east of Agios Nikolaos, on the road connecting the city to Sitia. It takes about 10 minutes to get there by car. Many people who spend their holidays in East Crete choose this small village instead of staying in Agios Nikolaos.

The beach of Ammoudara is small but beautiful and sandy. It faces the east, which protects it from the winds and virtually lacks waves. The water is always calm and clean, making it another beach preferred by families with children.

Voulisma Beach

The small and quiet village of Istron, about 12 km from Agios Nikolaos, is home to Voulisma, one of Lasithi’s best beaches and one of the best on Crete.

It’s also possible to reach Voulisma easily if you’re staying in the South (for example, Ierapetra is only 23 km away). Voulisma is one of the three different beaches in Istron.

It has become popular for its bright turquoise waters and stunning green landscape. Voulisma (also called Golden Beach) is a very wide and shallow bay with white, fine sand and every facility you need. You can rent sunbeds and umbrellas or visit the beach bar above for lunch or a drink.

Tholos

Tholos is a wonderful, rather secluded beach not so close to Agios Nikolaos and, therefore, rather isolated. Some people usually call the beach Kavousi, but several locals confirmed that the real name is Tholos; Kavousi is a mountain village in the area (home to one of Crete’s oldest- but still productive- olive trees).

As you can see from the picture above, the beach is sand mixed with pebbles. It’s a very protected bay from waves and the wind. Tamarisk trees provide shade, and there is just one taverna in the area. This is another beach easy to reach from Ierapetra (23 km away) and Agios Nikolaos.

Mochlos

Mochlos is a pretty seaside village at the end of Mirabello Bay, about 27 km from Agios Nikolaos (a 50-minute drive on the coastal road to Sitia). It has a quiet beach and a few nice tavernas nearby.

Opposite the beach lies the little islet of Mochlos, famous for its archaeological finds from the Minoan period. The island is barely 250 meters away from the beach, and it can be crossed by swimming. However, despite the sea usually looking calm, the area is known for rather strong currents, so do exercise extreme care if you attempt to cross!).

Where to Eat in Agios Nikolaos

Karnagio
📌 24, Kon/nou Paleologou St., Ag. Nikolaos

It’s probably my favorite restaurant in town. Karnagio serves stunning Cretan dishes that are different from what you would get anywhere else. The portions are huge, and the ingredients are local. The prices are reasonable. Because it’s really popular, you usually have to wait in line.

The mezes are very creative. Their hot dakos are unique. And, as their t-shirts read, if selfies hadn’t been invented, Karnagio would be your best memory from Agios.

Piatto Cretan Creative Cuisine
📌 5, Minoos St., Ag. Nikolaos

Piatto serves a completely different kind of homemade Cretan cuisine. Do try their salads and starters. They also offer a wonderful wine list and several vegetarian dishes.

Paradosiako
📌 1-9, Themistokleous St., Ag. Nikolaos

This rakadiko (where they serve raki) is the perfect place for a quick lunch or an abundant table of Greek meze. Great meat, fish, and vegetarian dishes with a picturesque sea view. Paradosiakon is a very popular place for dinner in Agios Nikolaos.

Agios Nikolaos Hotels

If you still haven’t, check out my review of Porto Maltese Boutique Estate, where we stayed in Agios Nikolaos. It has stunning service, and the view from our room was magnificent.

Since it’s usually fully booked, even in the low season, a few other hotels down here are worth checking when planning your trip to Agios Nikolaos.

• Porto Maltese Boutique Estate Nice hospitality touches include a welcome lemonade on their traditional patio and freshly baked pies for breakfast. I enjoyed my stay here, and if you’re also traveling for business, their Wi-Fi speed is at the top.
  BOOK HERE

• St. Nicolas Bay Resort Hotel and Villas is located near Ormos. You can enjoy the exclusive beach, various pools, and a fantastic wellness center during your stay.
  BOOK HERE

• Vasia Ormos offers amazing views of the spectacular Mirabello Bay. This adults-only resort offers entertainment programs and themed nights.
  BOOK HERE

• Minos Beach Art Hotel is a superb 5-star hotel overlooking the Mirabello Gulf. It offers both regular guestrooms and stunning private villas.
  BOOK HERE

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