Agios Nikolaos is built around an exquisite lake on the northernmost point of the picturesque Mirabello Bay. While it is overlooked by the mountains on one side, it faces out into the Aegean Sea on the other three sides, at the lake and port, Kitroplatia beach and the Marina. The town has a pleasant harbor, and it’s the capital city of the Lassithi Prefecture.
It is different from all the other Crete towns and is built upon the ancient remains of bygone residents’ homes. It is an arty, leisurely, sleepy, but also a bustling place.
The climate is mild and the humidity is extremely low, making it the right place to relax.
A Little Bit of History
Agios Nikolaos is actually built on the site of the ancient town of Lato. During ancient times, the town was a busy harbor and flourished as an autonomous city.
The Town of Agios Nikolaos, Crete
Even during the Roman and first Byzantine period it was an important port, and kept flourishing and expanding.
The Mirabello fortress was built to protect the harbor by the Venetians. Even though the fortress is not there today, it has given its name to the Prefecture and the bay.
Mirabello Gulf, Crete
The Venetians built another port in Elounda (Porto di San Nicolo), and from then the harbor of Agios Nikolaos became less important.
During the Turkish reign, a small settlement developed around the port and was called Agios Nikolaos.
However, the city actually got its name from the small Byzantine church of Agios Nikolaos, located on the peninsula.
Agios Nikolaos Town, Crete
The municipality organizes various cultural, musical and dance programs, as well as various exhibitions and theatrical performances.
The Naval Week is celebrated with various contests like wind surfing, swimming and water skiing.
You can shop for some original items like woven fabrics, cups, mugs, china wear, clothes, delicacies and local food products.
Where is Agios Nikolaos?
- 6.7 miles/ 10.8 km from Elounda, Creete, Greece
- 38.8 miles/ 62.6 km from Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- 124.2 miles/ 200 km from Chania, Crete, Greece
- 25.2 miles/ 40.7 km from Hersonissos, Crete, Greece
- 42 miles/ 67.7 km from Sitia, Crete, Greece
- 21.4 miles/ 34.6 km from Lerapetra, Crete, Greece
- 37.1 miles/ 59.8 km from Heraklion International Airport, Crete, Greece
- 43.6 miles/ 70.3 km from Sitia Airport, Crete, Greece
Things to See
- Voulismeni
- Agios Nikolaos Church
- Archeological Museum
- The Folklore Museum
- The Marina
- The Iris Museum
- Gournia Archeological Site
- Cave of Psychro
- Olive Oil Farm
Beaches
- Kitroplateia
- Havania Beach
- Ammos Beach
- EOT Beach
- Ammoudi
- Ammoudara Beach
- Almyros Beach
The other beaches in the area are Istron (10 km), Elounda Beach (10 km) and Plaka Beach (16 km).
Excursions
- Spinalonga
- Sitia Town
- Elounda
Earlier, Agios Nikolaos was a good hideaway for some famous people, but now tourists arrive in force and it has become an overdeveloped tourist town.
Still the town is like an old friend and you will get familiarized with the place quickly.
We wish you a fantastic Mediterranean cruise!
