Harbour view at Agios Nikolaos in Crete, Greece

Agios Nikolaos holidays

Elegant, effortless and enviable all at the same time, the bustling harbourside in Agios Nikolaos helped put Crete on the map. As one of it’s most loved resorts, it continues to charm tourists with its pretty avenues, tavernas ideally positioned by the edge of the lake and hilly terrain making up the backdrop. From its picture postcard buildings overlooking the azure water and colourful fishing boats moored at the harbour, your photo opportunities are endless. Alongside its good looks, holidaymakers can also delight in the spot’s historical relics or top up their tan on one of its mini beaches.

Agios Nikolaos information

Plane

Average flight time

4h

Clock

Time difference

GMT +2h

Wallet

Currency

Euro €

Language

Language

Greek

A guide to Agios Nikolaos holidays

Food & drink in Agios Nikolaos

With an idyllic location overlooking the water, most of the restaurants here come with a view. Whether you’re looking for modern dishes with a minimalist feel or home-grown produce prepared by local chefs, Agios Nikolaos has a range of eating stops. Known all over the world as a culinary destination you can expect wholesome food taken straight off the land, from the finest olive oil to high-quality dairy products and the juiciest fruit. You’ll find all of your classic Greek dishes here, along with some international options but the island also has some specialities of its own. These include it’s famous cheese pies and Daxos, Crete’s answer to Italian bruschetta with its use of tomatoes, cheese and herbs drizzled in olive oil and served on a rusk. Made from the leftovers of the winemaking process, Raki is Crete’s local beverage. Typically served in a shot glass and often offered as a treat on the house in many traditional tavernas, this potent drinks is worth a try. Plus, with wine being made on the island for almost 4,000 years, the flavours are incomparable.

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Beautiful beaches in Agios Nikolaos

Agios Nikolaos is a fantastic spot for those looking to soak up the Cretan sunshine. With a good choice of beaches, holidaymakers can stick to nearby spots such as Kitroplateia, a sand and pebbled number close to the marina with sufficient amenities, or they can head a little further out. Those in favour of Blue Flag shores will prefer Ammos Beach. This sandy stretch is much more roomier than Kitroplateia, and it’s just a short stroll away. Packed with all your beach necessities as well as a good supply of watersports, it’s a great choice for families.

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Things to do in Agios Nikolaos

This Crete hotspot never gets old. The scenic Lake Voulismeni sits at the centre of all the action, surrounded by restaurants and cafes, while the resort’s selection of shops draw in locals and tourists alike with their one-off items and home-grown produce. This resort is also known for its laid-back nightlife, interesting museums and upmarket dining experiences. When you decide to venture outside Agios Nikolaos there’s an array of boat excursions and nearby villages promising fun-filled days out.

Take in Lake Voulismeni views: As the resort’s focal point, it would be a shame not to make the most of your idyllic location. The views from here a beautiful with fishing boats bobbing gently in the water. Sit in one of the many restaurants which line the lake and enjoy a cold glass of wine as you look out over sunlit waters. At a staggering 64 metres deep, the lake is often described as bottomless with a number of theories around how it was formed. It also has its links to Greek mythology as the goddess Athena was said to have bathed in its waters.

Cross the water with a visit to Spinalonga Island: Trips to this rocky islet come highly recommended. With a long-standing history, Spinalonga is known for its leper inhabitants who were confined here until 1957. You’ll also see its Venetian influence with an old fort offering a glimpse into its fascinating back story. Spend your time wandering its ancient ruins with countless opportunities to snap photos of unchanged streets, crumbling houses and in-tact churches. And you’ll get to discover its past in greater detail with a choice of museums onsite.

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Map of Agios Nikolaos

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