Agios Nikolaos

Agios Nikolaos is the capital of the prefecture of Lasithi and with around 8000 inhabitants one of the largest towns of eastern Crete. It is a modern town built on the north western point of the beautiful Mirabello bay and attracts many tourists because of its picturesque harbour and the many interesting sites of the surrounding area. The "trademark" of Aghios Nikolaos is the Voulismeni lake in its middle, which is linked to the sea by a canal. This is a particularly scenic part of the town, with many outdoor coffee shops and restaurants.

Getting there: An excellent network of roads and public transport links Agios Nikolaos to all parts of the island.

Atmosphere: Agios Nikolaos is a real modern Cretan town with an upmarket feel. Very different from say, Malia, which only exists to cater to tourists and is more or less dead in the winter months. 'Ag Nik' (as the Brits call it) is a very touristic town and it has brought a lot of affluence for many Cretans who live and work here.

Accommodation: It has many high quality hotels and rooms, of every kind and in a wide price range. In the peak season it can be difficult finding accommodation. Find accommodation in Agios Nikolaos

Restaurants: A lot of restaurants catering essentially for the tourists. Most of them are located near the harbour and around the lake.

 

 

Shopping: the best that you'll get on this side of the island

Nightlife: The town gets really busy at night and has many bars and discos.

Beaches: Three small beaches (Kitroplatia, Ammoudi and Ammos) that are nothing special and pretty busy. If you want to go to the beach it is best to leave the town, either towards the North (Havania beach) or on the road to Sitia (Ammoudara, Kalo Horio, Istro)

Photos - click to enlarge

 

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