The island of Crete is Agios Nikolaos. Agios Nikolaos and Eastern Crete

It is located in the western part of the Gulf of Mirabello, 62 kilometers from Heraklion.

In the 3rd century BC. e. the large trading city of Lato flourished here, evidence of whose prosperity was the coin minted here.

The city received its modern name thanks to a small Byzantine church built in the 9th century in honor of St. Nicholas, although it began to be actively developed only in 1870.

In the 60s of the 20th century, it was here that the traditions of Cretan tourism were born, which gradually covered the entire island.

In summer the city hosts festival "Lato". Exhibitions and performances of Greek and European pop stars and folk ensembles are organized.

Beautiful beaches, most of which are awarded Blue Flag , panoramic views of the beautiful Mirabello Bay, natural and cultural monuments allowed Agios Nikolaos to become a resort of world significance.

How to get there?

From Heraklion airport ( helpful information about the city) a regular, air-conditioned bus leaves for Agios Nikolaos every hour. The trip will take one and a half hours and will cost 7.20 euro per person.

The cost of a taxi ride will be approx. 100 euro. It can be ordered in advance online.

The most convenient way to get around Crete is rented car. Pre-selected, it can be picked up at the airport or hotel.

The cost of a Toyota Corolla class car will be approximately 540 euros during the week.

The price of gasoline in Greece is 1.7 euros, and diesel fuel is 1.37 euros per liter.

Attractions

Lake Vulismeni

Agios Nikolaos is called Cretan Saint-Tropez, to a greater extent this is due to the fact that the city is located around the freshwater lake Vulismeni, the depth of which reaches 64 meters.

According to legend, the goddesses Athena and Artemis loved to swim in its waters.

Until the mid-19th century, the lake was not connected to the sea, but in 1867, by order of the Turkish ruler of Crete, Adosid Pasha, construction of a connecting canal began.

However, in the lower layers the water remains fresh, thanks to the numerous underground springs that feed the lake.

As a sign of the liberation of Crete from the fascist invaders, local residents dumped a large amount of German equipment at the bottom of Vulismeni, where it is still located.

Today, an exceptionally romantic atmosphere has been created around the lake; numerous restaurants invite you to relax.

It's good to have a cup of coffee or a glass of cold juice here. It is better to have lunch and dinner in the old town. A meal on the shore will cost about 20-30% more.

Church of St. Nicholas

Located in the northern part of Agios Nikolaos on a small hill.

This Byzantine church, which gave the city its name, was built at the beginning 9th century.

Inside there are remains of paintings dating back to the 14th century.

On December 6, when St. Nicholas Day is celebrated in Greece, it receives increased attention from local residents.

Archaeological Museum

Located north of the lake on Paleologou Street 74.

Eight halls of the museum, founded in 1970, present a rich exhibition of archaeological finds from the eastern region of Crete, belonging to the Neolithic periods, Minoan and Roman civilizations.

An entire hall is dedicated to exhibits found in the largest in Crete Minoan burial in Agia Fotia.

Among the finds: 1,600 ceramic vessels made without the use of a potter's wheel, obsidian tools, bronze knives.

The most famous sculpture in the next room is the image goddess Myrta. This is an impressive ceramic vessel in the shape of a female figure with a disproportionately small head, elongated neck and bell-shaped body. In her hands the goddess holds a small jug for sacrificial libations.

The most interesting exhibit of the museum It is believed that the skull of a young male athlete was found on the ruins of a Roman burial.

His head is crowned with a golden laurel wreath, and a silver coin is hidden in his mouth, which, according to ancient tradition, served as payment to Charon for delivery to underground kingdom deceased.

The museum's doors are open during the summer months for visits every day from 8.00 to 15.00, except Mondays. Entrance fee 3 euros.

Phone: +30 841 24943.

Ethnographical museum

Located in the lower floor of the Port Authority at 2 Paleologou Street.

The museum is quite small, consisting of three rooms..

Presented here National costumes, samples of fabrics and embroideries, local household items.

You can see the model of a traditional Greek manor.

The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 12.00 to 14.00.

Entrance – 1 euro.

Ruins of the city of Lato

They are located 3 kilometers from the village of Kritsa and 15 from Agios Nikolaos.

Dorian Lato city was one of the most important settlements on the island.

Built in the 7th century BC. e., it had a large trading port and minted its own coin with the image of the goddess Ilithyia.

Lato was the birthplace of Nearchus, the closest friend and ally of Alexander the Great.

Although the city itself was destroyed in 200 BC. e., its harbor was actively used by the Romans, then by the Byzantines and Venetians, until modern Agios Nikolaos grew up in its place.

Systematic excavations of the ancient city began in 1899 under the leadership of French archaeologists. The remains of the city gate and steps of the staircase to the Agora, where the sanctuary was located, were discovered.

Based on the surviving remains of stone buildings scientists managed to restore city plan.

Today it is known where the main temple, the ancient theater, residential buildings, and craft workshops were located.

Entrance to the territory of the archaeological site is open from 8.30 to 14.30. Ticket price is 2 euros.

Church of Panagia Kera in Kritsa

Is one of the most famous monuments Byzantine architecture in Crete.

It is located 20 kilometers from Agios Nikolaos in an olive grove at the entrance to the village of Kritsa.

The three-nave church was founded in XIII century and dedicated to the Dormition of the Virgin Mary.

Here you can see authentic, unusually colorful frescoes from the 13th-14th centuries depicting biblical scenes.

The images are quite well preserved Gregory the Victorious And Francis of Assisi, whose presence on the murals of the Orthodox Church is surprising.

Numerous pilgrims come here to say words of prayer before miraculous icon of the Mother of God, according to numerous testimonies, healing from bodily ailments.

The church is open from 8.30 to 15.00. Entrance – 3 euros.

You can get there for 1.60 euros from Agios Nikolaos to regular bus, which runs every two hours to Kritsa. Last return flight at 20.15.

Spinalonga Island

The Spinalonga Peninsula emerged after an earthquake that led to the destruction of the ancient city of Olus.

Ruins of an ancient city at the bottom of Mirabello Bay(read all about the bay) perfectly visible through clear waters .

This place attracts many divers from all over the world.

In the 15th century, the Venetians discovered on Spinalonga salt deposits and began to actively develop them.

To protect against pirates, and later from the Turks, in 1526 the Venetians built a canal and erected a fortress on the resulting island.

According to the myth, Kronos, not wanting to be overthrown from Olympus by his own son, ate his children.

But one day his wife Rhea decided to deceive Kronos and gave him a stone to swallow instead of his son, and she hid in a cave on the slope of the Dikti mountain range, where Zeus was born.

It consists of five halls, stalactites hang from the ceilings, in one of the halls there is a lake, you can go down to it along special walkways.

Archaeological excavations started here by the British in 1900 indicate that this cave really had enormous cult significance during the era of Minoan culture, more than two thousand years before the new era.

The cave is located two kilometers from the village of Psychro in the southwestern part of Lassithi.

A winding road runs west from the village highway, which runs into a paid parking lot. Parking costs 2 euros per hour.
Further up there is a walking trail, 800 meters long, to the entrance to the cave.

The ascent on foot takes from 15 minutes to half an hour; there are benches to rest along the way.

You can use the help of donkeys. The cost of lifting on this type of Cretan transport is 15 euros.

Before visiting, you need to take care of comfortable shoes and a warm jacket, as it is cool in the cave.

Opening hours: 10.00 –15.30. Entrance – 4 euros, free for children. You can take pictures without flash.

Agios Nikolaos is the capital of Lasithi, located on the eastern part of the island of Crete. It occupies the western zone of the Gulf of Mirabello, 62 kilometers from Heraklion. In the 3rd century BC. e. this city was a major trading point, the prosperity of which was evidenced by the coins produced here (own money indicated great wealth). The name of the city is associated with the Byzantine church, which was built in the 9th century in honor of St. Nicholas. But it began to be actively developed only in 1870.

The beginnings of tourism arose in the 60s of the 20th century, quickly covering all cities. Over time, tourists began to come here from all over the world. In the summer, the city hosts the Lato festival. You can see various exhibitions, performances by artists from Greece and Europe, as well as folk ensembles.

Agios Nikolaos Krista Baltroka

Sights of the city of Agios Nikolaos in Crete, clean beaches(many received the Blue Flag Award), the landscape views of the amazingly beautiful Mirabello Bay allowed it to gain fame resort town on a global scale.

Regular buses run from Heraklion local airport to Agios Nikolaos. The journey takes about one and a half hours. You can also use taxi services. For a convenient transfer around Crete, you can rent a car, which can be pre-selected or taken upon arrival.

Admiring the sights of the town of Agios Nikolaos in Crete

The city is jokingly called Saint-Tropez by the locals. This is mainly due to its location near Lake Vulismeni with fresh water and a depth of 64 meters. Legend says that Athena and Artemis themselves took baths here.

Until the middle of the 19th century, the lake was not connected to the sea. In 1867, the Turkish ruler issued an order to build a canal that was supposed to connect them. But even so, the lower layers still remained freshwater due to the large number of underground streams that feed the lake. And the upper approximately 30 meters became salty.

Lake Vulismeni ArtemiyPavlov

After the liberation of Crete from the Nazis, local residents dumped a lot of German equipment at the bottom of Vulismeni, which remains there to this day. Today the lake is shrouded in an amazing atmosphere of romance; a large number of restaurants offer complete relaxation. Here you can enjoy a delicious drink. It is better to dine at local restaurants, where a full meal will cost 20 percent less.

Photos and descriptions of the sights of Agios Nikolaos in Crete are impressive. But it’s better to see and appreciate all the charms of the town with your own eyes. List of most visited places:

The Church of St. Nicholas in the north of the town is built on a small hill. The church of the Byzantine period, which gave the name to the city, was erected in the 9th century. Ancient paintings have been preserved inside. On St. Nicholas Day, December 6th, she especially attracts attention;

Church of St. Nicholas in Agios Nikolaos Dimitris Kamaras

The ethnographic museum occupies the first floor of the port office. It consists of only three rooms. The exhibits consist of national costumes, samples of materials and embroidery, and household items. Museum opening days: all week except Monday. You have to pay to enter;

Athlete's skull with coin for Charon Zde

archaeological museum north of the lake. There are only eight here exhibition halls with a rich exhibition of archaeological excavations from the east of Crete. The finds belong to the Neolithic period, a civilization of the Roman and Minoan periods. In a separate room, exhibits from the Minoan burial in Agia Fotia (numerous ceramic vessels, bronze knives, obsidian tools) are exhibited. The face of the goddess Myrta is a sculpture for which this museum has become famous. Ceramic vessel big size has a female figure with a too small head, an elongated neck, and a bell-shaped body. The goddess holds a vessel for sacrificial libations. The most impressive element of the museum remains the skull of a young athlete, which was discovered in the ruins of a Roman burial. He has a laurel wreath made of gold on his head, and a silver coin in his mouth (according to ancient tradition, it is needed to pay for the transition to the kingdom of the dead). In summer you can visit the museum any day except Monday. Paid entrance;

Church of Panagia Kera

The church of Panagia Kera in Kritsa is the most popular monument of Byzantine architectural monuments in Crete. Located in an olive grove at the entrance to the Kritsa settlement. Authentic, extraordinarily beautiful frescoes depict biblical scenes, including George. Victorious and Francis of Assisi. The miraculous icon of the Mother of God attracts numerous pilgrims who believe in its healing properties. You have to pay to enter the church. They go here to the church minibuses;

Eastern room of the Prytaneion in Lato Bernard Gagnon

the ruins of the city of Lato, three kilometers from the village of Kritsa and 15 km from Agios Nikolaos. Old City was a very important village on the entire island. Previously it was the largest Trading port with a coin being produced that depicted the goddess Ilithyia. The city was destroyed, but the Romans continued to actively use the harbor, later the Byzantines and Venetians, until it became a full-fledged modern Agios Nikolaos. After excavations, the remains of the city gate and steps of the stairs to the Agora to the sanctuary were discovered. What was discovered allowed scientists to reconstruct the citywide plan with the placement of the main temple, the ancient theater, residential buildings, and various workshops. You can admire the archaeological site until 14:30, entrance fee;

Windmills on the Lasithi plateau Nikater

Lasithi Plateau, which occupies a large area on the eastern part of the island at an altitude of 900 meters. In eighteen villages located on the plateau, the ancient way of life is still preserved. There are many windmills on the plateau that work continuously. The Dikti mountain range with the Cave of Zeus is especially attractive to tourists;

Spinalonga Island Guérin Nicolas

the island of Spinalonga, which arose after an earthquake when it was destroyed ancient city Olus. Sunken ruins can be seen through the clear waters. This place is especially attractive to divers from all over the world. In the 15th century, the Venetians discovered salt deposits, which began to be actively developed. Today, you can visit a church and a museum on the island. You can get to Spinalonga by excursion boat. The tour lasts four hours with a stop for swimming. A walk around the island lasts an hour and a half; you can walk alone along the paths you like or join a guided tour;

Candles in the Cave Monastery Christine McIntosh

the monastery of the Mother of God of Faneromeni is not very widespread tourist place because it is located high in the mountains. You need to be especially careful on the road, but the local landscapes are truly amazing. Inside, everything is arranged like a traditional Cretan village. The main cathedral was carved into the rock, with small houses-cells located nearby. white, staircases made of stone and numerous flower balconies. The Mother of God gives a woman a child, so on August 15 a huge number of pilgrims from all over the world flock here;

Dictey Cave Own work

The Dictaean Cave of Zeus is known to all locals and visitors. It has five halls, one of which has an underwater lake; people go down to it via special bridges. Here you can use the famous Cretan transport - donkeys to transfer things. You need to take comfortable shoes and a warm jacket with you. Adults only have to pay to enter. It is allowed to take photos without flash.

Photos of the sights of Agios Nikolaos on Crete do not allow one to fully appreciate the beauty of the area. People of all ages like to relax here: whether leisure or a relaxing and romantic trip. Even children will have an interesting time if they organize their leisure time correctly.

Beach in Agios Nikolaos MatthewJCarter

Every year, crowds of tourists come here to enjoy the amazing gifts of nature and appreciate cultural and natural monuments. Thanks to the constantly running regular buses, you can explore not only the city, but also the surrounding area in a short time. It is worth familiarizing yourself with the pricing policy in advance and thinking through possible sightseeing tours. With proper planning, you can spend a minimum of time admiring nature and appreciating local attractions. Read also about and get inspired for your further travel to Greece.

On the northern coast of eastern Crete, 65 km east of Heraklion, lies the town of Agios Nikolaos. It is located on the slopes of Mirabello Bay, close to the small village where the most popular luxury hotels in Crete are located. Beautiful beaches surround the city, but the most impressive in the region is the palm-fringed Vai Beach, on an isolated east coast. The nearby traditional villages of the Lassithi Valley add a certain flavor to this city and will not leave any traveler indifferent.

Top 7 attractions in Agios Nikolaos

There is a lake in the heart of Agios Nikolaos Vulizmeni- a small round lake surrounded by a hillside on one side and busy cafeterias and fish restaurants on the other. You can also see small fishing boats moored here and ducks calmly swimming on the lake. It is especially beautiful at night when the neon lights, lanterns and flickering candles reflect off the water. According to local legend, the goddess Athena bathed here, and for a long time the lake was considered bottomless (although its depth is 64 meters). In fact, this lake was originally freshwater until a canal was dug in 1870 to connect it to the sea. The canal is crossed by a fairly low bridge, meaning that only small boats can enter the lake.

The rich and famous from the worlds of cinema, sports and politics choose to holiday in Elounda hotels thanks to the excellent service provided in its exclusive modern hotel complexes located in landscaped areas with villas and apartments. Some offer amenities such as private pools, Jacuzzis, saunas, gyms and personal chef services. Situated eight kilometers north of Agios Nikolaos, Elounda stretches along the coast between Sisma and Plaka, offering stunning views of the serene blue waters of Mirabello Bay and the island of Spinalonga. Even if you didn't manage to stay in one of the hotels, some of them have health centers, which non-residents can visit to take advantage of massage and beauty treatments.

Spinalonga Island

After this, you will cross Mirabello Bay and make another stop. Depending on the wind, you can swim in the sea at Voulisma Beach in Kalo Chorio or visit the islands of Kolokita and Spinalonga, as well as the isolated Krio Bay.

Residents of Crete express their feelings and emotions not only with words, but also with dance movements and, of course, songs. The most compelling way for Cretans to express themselves is through music and dancing, which were prohibited during the island's long occupation.

This evening you will see how well the locals dance and get acquainted with traditional Cretan music. The extraordinary melody with its oriental elements, the precise steps of the dancers, acrobatic movements, the colorful costumes of women and the strict national clothes of men - all this belongs to the traditional Cretan holidays.

Let yourself experience the celebration of life as a resident of Crete. Try some of the dance steps. This evening of fun and dancing includes as much food and local wine as you'd like.

Boat trip on the ship Black Rose

Every day the ship "Black Rose" sets off on a sea voyage from the port of Hersonissos to clear waters Cretan Sea. A trip on this mighty vessel gives you the opportunity to explore magnificent sea caves, swim in the refreshing sea, and enjoy a delicious barbecue lunch.

Arrive at the port of Hersonissos and board the Black Rose where you will be greeted by a friendly and experienced captain and crew. Drift peacefully through the sparkling waters of the Cretan Sea to your first stop, St. George's Bay. Admire sea caves filled with blue light reflecting off the water, and take a dip in the invigorating waters with your snorkel gear. Return to the boat and enjoy a BBQ lunch, carefully prepared by your crew.

Continue to Sissi, Malia and Stalis to see a different side of Crete. Keep an eye out for majestic dolphins and sea turtles, common visitors to the area. Unforgettable views of the coastal part of the island await you, as well as a stop in Stalis Bay for swimming and getting a dose of vitamins from fresh fruit juice. The walk ends with a return back to the port of Hersonissos.

Try spending a day exploring the secluded island of Chrissi. A 45-minute boat ride from the port of Ierapetra will take you to the island, enjoying its mesmerizing natural and exotic beauty, sunbathing on the long golden sand beach, swimming in the turquoise waters of the Libyan Sea or taking a walk through the cedar forest.

Preserving its pristine natural beauty for many years, the island Chrissi is protected nature reserve and has an impressive collection of untouched landscapes. Once you disembark, follow the path through Europe's largest natural forest of Lebanese cedars to a golden beach lined with purple shells and fossils. Spend some time in the forest, then take a dip in the crystal clear sea or just breathe in the fresh air.

Agios Nikolaos – administrative center Cretan nome Lasithi, conveniently located in the picturesque Mirabello Bay. This city can be given the status of the most “non-Cretan” due to the bustle of the resort and the dominance of modern buildings in the architecture. But despite the apparent shortcomings, Agios Nikolaos has its own special charm. Just look at the embankment of the freshwater lake Vulismeni, along which there are numerous cafes and restaurants, where life never stops day or night.

The city of Agios Nikolaos owes its name to the Christian saint - Saint Nicholas, in whose honor a church in the Byzantine style was built in the 9th century. It was in this city that the first tourists appeared in the 60s of the last century. Modern city St. Nicholas is often called the Cretan Saint-Tropez and today it is considered one of the most comfortable Greek resorts.

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Attractions of Agios Nikolaos

Mirabello Bay

Finding yourself in Agios Nikolaos and not visiting Mirabello Bay is a big mistake. For many centuries, this place with its untouched natural beauty has delighted the eyes of every traveler, tourist and local resident. From the shore of the bay you can endlessly admire the picturesque combination of sea and city landscapes.

Lake Vulismeni

It is around this circular lake that the city is built. As legend has it, the supreme deities of Greek mythology, Athena and Artemis, often liked to swim in the lake.

Interesting Facts about Lake Vulismeni:

Until 1867, the lake was isolated from the sea. And only during the Turkish rule of Crete, by order of Adosid Pasha, the lake was connected to the sea by a small canal. But despite the fact that sea water fell into the waters of the lake, many underground sources prevent the water from becoming completely salty.
After Crete was liberated from the Nazi invaders, local population drowned a large amount of enemy equipment in the waters of the lake, which still rests at the bottom.
The depth of the lake is 64 meters, diameter is 137 meters.
Prices in cafes and restaurants on the lake shore are on average 30% higher than in the old city.

Archaeological Museum

The Archaeological Museum of Agios Nikolaos houses the second largest exhibition of objects from the Minoan period in Crete.

Museum address: Paleologou Konstantinou 74
Entrance ticket price: 4 euros
Opening hours: Tue.-Sun., 8:30-15:00

Ethnographical museum

The collection of the Ethnographic Museum contains unique works cultural heritage Krita.

Museum address: Paleologou Konstantinou 4
Entrance ticket price: 3 euros
Opening hours: Tue.-Sun., 10:00-14:00

Church of St. Nicholas

The church is located on a small hill in the northern part of the city. In the church you can see unique ancient icons and frescoes.

Elounda

12 kilometers from Agios Nikolaos is the small resort town of Elounda, which is a cluster of luxury hotels located in numerous bays. At one time, Bono from U2, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Lady Gaga stayed here.

Spinaloga Island

Village Kritsa

The mountain village of Kritsa, located 11 kilometers from Agios Nikolaos, is notable for the fact that local residents have preserved the life and traditions of “old” Crete. Unfortunately, Kritsa is very popular among tourists. As a result, the streets of the village turn into souvenir shopping arcades from early morning.

Beaches of Agios Nikolaos

As already mentioned, this resort is very popular among tourists. Therefore, in the summer season, the city and nearby beaches are always crowded. We recommend driving further away from the city and finding secluded small beaches and coves.

If we talk about the city beaches of Agios Nikolaos, then it is worth noting the excellent organization of recreation and entertainment areas for both adults and children. Unfortunately, the main municipal beach of the city has a paid entrance.

Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas 5*
Nicholas Bay Resort Hotel& Villas
Minos Beach Art hotel 5*
Sensimar Minos Palace 5*
Candia Park Village 4*
Dessole Mirabello Beach & Village 5*
Dessole Hermes 4*
Blue Marine Resort & Spa 5*
Miramare Resort & Spa 4*
Santa Marina Hotel 3*

The Gulf of Mirabello is located in the eastern part of Crete, and was called by the Venetians “the bay with a beautiful view.” Traces of copper mining were found here back in the 3rd millennium BC. Nowadays the bay is a popular tourist destination with great beaches and picturesque nature.

On the shores of the bay there are various hotels offering tourists relaxation on clean beaches washed by the gentle waves of the sea. You can admire its beauty anywhere in the bay, but best view can be observed from the tops of the mountains that surround the bay.

Beaches of Agios Nikolaos

The beaches in the Agios Nikolaos area are well equipped, but are not at all suitable for a secluded holiday, because during the season they are almost packed to capacity with vacationers. All beaches of Agios Nikolaos offer all types water activities- from scuba diving to water skiing. There is even a beach with a children's pool and playground. All beaches of Agios Nikolaos are surrounded by cafes, restaurants and hotels.

In general, these places are famous not only for their wonderful beaches and entertainment. It is believed that the resorts of eastern Crete are visited by people with excellent taste. Everything you need is here unforgettable holiday, but the main thing is the atmosphere that reigns here.

What attractions of Agios Nikolaos did you like? Next to the photo there are icons, by clicking on which you can rate a particular place.

Faneromeni Monastery

Faneromeni Monastery is located west of the city Agios Nikolaos, with magical views of the areas of St. John, Gir and Kastro. The unique monastery still operates today and is one of the most important monuments in the region.

They say that in the place where the monastery is located, there used to be a Marble Sanctuary of the Goddess Artemis. The disciples of the Apostle Paul preached Christianity and created the first “house of prayer,” and one of them, Sosion, was ordained the first bishop of Lefkada and founded this monastery.

The monastery acquired its current appearance during the era of Venetian rule, in 1734, and in the 19th century it was restored after two fires, and is distinguished by the clearly expressed influence of Zakynthian architecture.

The monastery was recently reconstructed on the initiative of the Abbot. A library and a chapel dedicated to Saint Silouanos of Athos were attached to it, and a new wing with cells was also added. In the monastery in the new modern building There was a church museum where you could see objects of church art and traditional crafts.

Vessels, robes, as well as icons were located on three floors, revealing to visitors a detailed picture of the development of the culture of Lefkada.

There has always been an exhibition of Christian books in the monastery, and there is a small dormitory for pilgrims. The Monastery of Our Lady of the New Revelation attracts many pilgrims, she is also the patron and protector, and thanks are offered in her honor on Monday, the Feast of the Holy Spirit.

The island of Crete is one of the most popular places holidays in Greece. There are very few cities on the island. And one of them, a fairly large city for the island, with a population of 19,500 people, is Agios Nikolaos. This city has existed since the 13th century, and it was built by the Venetians. Agios Nikolaos means "Saint Nicholas".

In this city there is a street that leads to Lake Vulismeni. It's called 28 October Street. And it differs from others in that it is completely pedestrianized street, there are no cars or their busy traffic. In Crete they celebrate October 28th, so called Okha Day. This is the day when the Greeks in 1940 did not want to take the side of Germany and Italy, and said their decisive “no”. This street is also famous for the monument to Roussos Koundouros - the outstanding political figure of Agios Nikolaos, one of the leaders of the island’s resistance, who died at the hands of the German fascists in 1944.

The monument is a full-length bronze sculpture of a man. The architects, to emphasize the fact that this politician participated in the Resistance Movement and was executed, dressed him in the uniform of a prisoner of German concentration camps. Locals They honor the memory of this person, so there are always a lot of fresh flowers near the monument.

St. Panteleimon Beach

St. Panteleimon Beach is a favorite place for an unforgettable wedding. It is this coast that future newlyweds often choose for the main event in their lives. The beach attracts with its wild beauty. Sea and sand – and nothing more. This place can only be reached by car, which is very useful when you want to hide from prying eyes.

Blue water, warm sand, glistening pebbles, a beach with a delicate edging of greenery, clean sea air– this is all that helps you feel one with nature. And when you have the opportunity to wander barefoot along the shore, mentally flying far, far away, knowing that no one will distract you from pleasant thoughts now - this is often the most pleasant moment in life, when you gain strength for the whole next year.

Sculpture "Cornucopia"

The sculpture "Cornucopia" appeared on the shore Aegean Sea in 2012. The authors of the project were the architects Sotiriadis brothers. In their understanding, the statue represents a divine attribute. The monument looks like a huge horn, made of a metal frame and green glass.

There is a legend from Greek mythology that on the island of Crete there was once a goat that fed the god Zeus himself with its milk. The animal's name was Amalthea. The mother of the god of thunder and lightning was afraid that Father Kron would kill him. The supreme deity was worried that his son would overthrow him from the throne and seize power. The mother hid Zeus with the nymphs. They, in turn, looked after him, and the goat Amalthea fed him milk. After her death, Zeus kept her horn as a keepsake. Supposedly it is still stored somewhere in the mountains. It was in honor of him that the Sotiriadis brothers made their sculpture.

Winery at Toplu Monastery

Toplou Monastery Winery is a small private winery on the island of Crete, run by local monks. Wine from Toplu Monastery is in great demand among tourists and is highly valued for its taste.

Toplou Monastery was founded in the 15th century and today is considered one of the most famous religious attractions of the island of Crete. However, in addition to architectural and other advantages, this place is also famous for its winery. The mild Mediterranean climate allows the monks to grow vineyards and produce excellent red wine using ancient technologies. The local wine has a rich ruby red color and has a magnificent aftertaste.

In general, a visit to the Toplou Monastery will certainly appeal to all lovers of noble red wine - at the winery you can see with your own eyes how this wonderful drink is made, and after the excursion you can buy a couple of bottles as a souvenir of your holiday in Crete.

Agios Nikolaos Yacht Port

Marina of Agios Nikolaos is a securely protected yacht port built to European standards. Here you can rent a yacht and sail to the island of Spinalonga or Mirabello Bay. The yacht port is advantageously located near the city center, not far from the Venetian fortress

The most popular attractions in Agios Nikolaos with descriptions and photographs for every taste. Choose best places for visiting famous places Agios Nikolaos on our website.