Agios Nikolaos Crete

Crete is divided into 4 prefectures: Starting in the west with Chania and then Rethymnon. Next is Heraklion, the province of Crete’s capital city. Agios Nikolaos is Crete’s easternmost province — it’s the wild, less explored and less touristy side of Crete, full of unspoiled and magnificent beauty!

Of Crete’s four regional capitals, Agios Nikolaos is the smallest and most intimate. Agios Nikolaos has a lot of shoreline, more than even the usual port town. The harbor is very deep, and the town also has a “lake” — Voulismeni lake was once a sweetwater lake, but has been connected to the sea via a small channel in the late 19th century, and so is in fact a nearly entirely enclosed bay. It also has Kitroplateia beach, in another deep bay to the town’s south. There’s even a tiny island- Agioi Pantes- off the coast.

This all makes for a lot of very charming waterfront promenade space. There is no shortage of interesting cafes, bars, and restaurants with lovely views in Agios Nikolaos. You’ll find good shopping, a wide range of accommodations, and delicious food both traditional and modern. It’s a wonderful cosmopolitan town with authentic character.

Agios Nikolaos is the patron saint of sailors — the perfect name for a city with so much waster and seafaring life.

Agios Nikolaos, like Crete’s other main towns, is on its north shore. It is the easternmost large town on Crete, located in the beautiful Mirabello Bay. The location offers proximity to some of Crete’s most interesting and wild locations. It’s a perfect place from which to explore this unspoiled corner of Crete, with all the convenience and diversions of a well-developed small port city.

There is no lack of things to do right in Agios Nikolaos. Taking in the scenery and charm of the marina and the “inner harbor” - the shores of Lake Voulismeni is reason enough to be in Agios Nikolaos. The area is full of cafes and bars and delightful tavernas.

For sightseeing, you could start with the petite and manageable Archaeological Museum, with many findings from nearby Minoan excavations.

At the Folklore Museum, you can see examples of wonderful Cretan Traditional dress, and the island’s fine crafts.