A COMPLETE GUIDE TO AGIOS NIKOLAOS, CRETE

When to visit Crete

May, June, September, and October are ideal times to visit for good weather, manageable crowds, and reasonable prices. If you prefer the lively summer vibe, July and August are great, but like most places, expect hotter weather, more tourists and higher prices.

Spring (April – June)

• Highlights: Mild weather, fewer tourists, spring flowers.
• Average Temperatures:
  • April: 16°C (61°F)
  • May: 19°C (66°F)
  • June: 23°C (73°F)

Summer (July – August)

• Highlights: Peak tourist season, ideal for beach activities, lively atmosphere.
• Average Temperatures:
  • July: 27°C (81°F)
  • August: 27°C (81°F)
  • Daytime highs can reach 30°C (86°F) or more.

Autumn (September – October)

• Highlights: Warm sea temperatures, quieter beaches, pleasant weather.
• Average Temperatures:
  • September: 25°C (77°F)
  • October: 20°C (68°F)

Winter (November – March)

• Highlights: Quiet and peaceful, good for cultural exploration but limited beach activities,
• Average Temperatures:
  • November: 17°C (63°F)
  • December-February: 14°C (57°F)
  • March: 15°C (59°F)

Things to do in Agios Nikolaos 

Visit Lake Voulismeni

The town’s central lake is its most recognisable feature. It’s a small, deep body of water framed by cliffs on one side and cafés on the other. You can walk right around it, stop for coffee, or dine at one of the many lakefront tavernas in the evening.

At night, the reflections of the lights across the water make this one of the most photogenic spots in Crete.

Explore the Marina and Harbourfront

From the lake, it’s an easy stroll to the harbour and marina. Fishing boats and small yachts line the waterfront, and you’ll find several relaxed bars and seafood restaurants. It’s also where many of the daily cruise boats depart for Spinalonga Island or nearby coves.

Relax on the Beaches

There are several good beaches within walking distance of the town centre:

• Ammos Beach – a small, sandy beach close to the marina, ideal for a quick swim.

• Kitroplatia Beach – located in the heart of town with tavernas nearby.

• Almyros Beach – a larger beach about 15 minutes on foot from the centre, set beside a small river and surrounded by tamarisk trees.

For quieter options, drive east along the coast to Ammoudara or further south to Voulisma Beach near Istron, one of the most beautiful beaches in eastern Crete.

Take a Boat Trip to Spinalonga Island

Spinalonga is one of Crete’s most famous landmarks, a former Venetian fortress that later became a leper colony. Boats depart regularly from nearby Elounda or Plaka, both about a 15–20 minute drive north of Agios Nikolaos.

A visit here offers insight into Crete’s layered history as well as striking views over Mirabello Bay. Allow half a day for the trip.

Further reading: A Complete Guide to Spinalonga

Visit Nearby Villages

Several traditional villages surround Agios Nikolaos and make excellent short trips:

• Kritsa – one of Crete’s oldest and most picturesque mountain villages, known for its narrow streets, local craft shops, and nearby Byzantine church of Panagia Kera.

• Elounda – a seaside village north of town, home to some of Crete’s most luxurious resorts.

• Plaka – just past Elounda, this small, charming village is the closest to Spinalonga 

• Sissi – a small harbour village to the west, perfect for a quiet lunch by the sea.

Archaeological Museum of Agios Nikolaos

This small but well-curated museum holds artefacts from eastern Crete, including items from Minoan and early Greek settlements. It’s an ideal stop for history enthusiasts, especially before or after visiting sites like Lato, an ancient Dorian city located a short drive inland.

Do a Fishing Trip

Enjoy Mirabello Bay by sea and chances are you may actually catch something!

Spinalonga

Paralia Kitroplatia

Day Trips from Agios Nikolaos

Agios Nikolaos is perfectly located for exploring the eastern part of Crete:

A Full Day Tour of eastern highlights – Lerapatra, Matala, Malia & Elounda

Elounda and Plaka – for coastal scenery and easy access to Spinalonga.

Lasithi Plateau – a fertile plain dotted with windmills and small villages.

A full day catamaran trip with lunch and activities

Vai Beach – the famous palm forest beach near Sitia, about two hours east.

Voulisma Beach – Macrame Beach Club

Wine Tasting  & gourmet lunch

Knossos and Heraklion – if you haven’t already explored Crete’s capital and Minoan palace.

Hike the Richtis Gorge – About 40 minutes east of town lies Richtis Gorge, one of Crete’s most scenic walking trails.

Voulisma Beach

Knossos Palace

Where to stay in Agios Nikolaos

There’s a wide range of accommodation from simple guesthouses to luxury resorts.

In town, options like Minos Palace Hotel & Suites, Minos Beach Art Hotel, and the newly renovated and branded  Intercontinental offer modern comfort and beach access within walking distance of cafés and restaurants.

If you want to stay somewhere small and right in the heart of town, on the lake or harbour, then Lato Luxury Suites has affordable, self-contained rooms with great views, or Casa Porto Boutique Hotel is just along the harbourfront and has a great rooftop bar too.

A lot of people also like to stay up the road at Elounda, which is renowned for its luxury hotels and excellent restaurants. Check out Elounda Beach Hotel  Elounda Gulf Villas, or, if you have kids, then Porto Elounda is very popular with families with a kids club, a waterpark, games rooms, heaps of activities and even a small golf course.

Interncontinental Crete

Luxury Suites by Lato

Where to Eat and Drink

Agios Nikolaos has an excellent food scene with plenty of waterfront dining.

Overall, we find the quality here to be very high and cheaper than in Chania or even Rethymnon. Try local specialities such as dakos, stifado, grilled octopus, and the region’s own Cretan wine and raki.

• Around the lake you’ll find tavernas serving fresh seafood and local Cretan dishes. A standout is Karnagio who also have a Gyros shop across the street.

• For a casual lunch, head to the marina or beachside cafés at Kitroplatia or Almyros. A lot of people love Maistrali at Kitroplatia but we found Faros and Archontiko to be just as good and not as busy.

• For dinner Almiriki at the end of Ammos Beach is excellent but you must book in advance in summer. There are several excellent gems in the back streets too such as Yiasemi and Se-Meli.

• In nearby Elounda, several fine-dining restaurants feature creative Mediterranean menus with views across the bay. Despina’s is a favourite of many locals.

Faros

How long to stay?

Like the other main cities of Crete – Chania, Rethymnon and Heraklion, Agios Nikoloas can easily use 3 days and really, given the number of day trips you can do if using it as a base, 5 would not be unreasonable.

Suggested itineraries for Agios Nikolaos

3-Night Itinerary for Agios Nikolaos

Day 1

• Morning: Explore Lake Voulismeni and the marina area.

• Midday: Relax on Ammos or Kitroplatia Beach.

• Afternoon: Visit the Archaeological Museum and nearby churches.

• Evening: Dinner by the lake or along the harbourfront.

Day 2

• Morning: Drive to Elounda or Plaka and take the boat to Spinalonga Island.

• Afternoon: Lunch in Plaka, followed by a short swim or stroll through Elounda village.

• Evening: Return to Agios Nikolaos for a relaxed drink by the water.

Day 3

• Morning: Drive to Kritsa and visit the Panagia Kera church.

• Midday: Continue to the Lasithi Plateau or hike the Richtis Gorge if you prefer nature.

• Afternoon: Stop at Voulisma Beach for a swim on your way back.

• Evening: Dinner in town, watching the sunset over Mirabello Bay.

Like this post? Why not Pin it?

You may also like