10 Must sees in Agios Nikolaos - Crete
Crete, Greece
Agios Nikolaos is a beautiful city in Crete located in the north, 65 km east of Heraklion. Despite being the fourth largest urban center in Crete after Heraklion, Chania, and Rethymno, it has only 11,000 inhabitants.
It is characterized by being a fishing town, as well as for its picturesque bay/small lagoon called Lake Voulismeni.
Below is a list of things to do around Agios Nikolaos:
1. Wake up early to see the sunrise
Although it may be challenging to wake up so early, watching the sunrise from around the bay is worth it. We recommend the top wall of Voulismeni (here).
2. Take a stroll around Voulismeni lake
This picturesque lake is the most representative image of Agios Nikolaos. In the evenings, it has a magical atmosphere, with the lights from the Greek tavernas and the sound of the sea waves. Interestingly, the exact depth of the lake is unknown. It is estimated to be about 64 meters deep. There are plenty of legends about it, such as it being connected to the sea with underground tunnels, or that it's linked to a well in the Acropolis which Athena used to bathe in.
3. Visit Spinalonga Island
Spinalonga is a fortified island located 15 km north of Agios Nikolaos. Even though the islet boasts a long and rich history dating back to ancient times involving the Venetians and the Turks, its principal cultural interest lies in the contemporary period. Indeed, the island hosted one of the last lepers’ colonies of Europe, which was left by its last residents in 1957.
4. Dine on fish at a taverna in the harbor
As mentioned before, Agios Nikolaos thrives in the fishing sector, leading to numerous Greek tavernas where you can enjoy fresh fish.
5. Visit the Archaeological Museum
It is the second largest archaeological museum in Crete. There you will find remains from the Neolithic and Minoan civilizations, as well as Greco-Roman artifacts. It is located here and admission is free.
6. Beach day at Voulisma Beach
Voulisma is located 15-minute driving south of Agios Nikolaos. It is a very popular beach, 700 meters long, mostly composed of fine sand. There are a couple of kiosks with food and cocktail service directly on the beach. If you fancy a relaxed beach day, Voulisma is a great option.
7. Walk and discover Richtis Waterfall
Near Agios Nikolaos, you can also go hiking. We recommend walking to Richtis Waterfall (1-hour drive). Richtis Gorge is one of the few gorges in Crete where water flows throughout the whole year. In addition to this, It hides one of the most colorful and beautiful waterfalls in Greece. It's worth it.
8. Explore the Palace of Knossos
Also an hour away but in the opposite direction is the Palace of Knossos. The Palace of Knossos is one of the most important archaeological sites of the Minoan civilization, considered one of the earliest civilizations in the world.
9. CretAquarium - The aquarium of Crete
Near Knossos, you'll find the Cretaquarium, Crete's aquarium. It houses a wide variety of marine species that inhabit the waters around Crete as well as the rest of the Mediterranean. If you are interested in marine fauna, this is an ideal alternative plan for both adults and children.
10. Visit the Palm Grove of Vai Beach
The most popular beach on the east side of Crete is Vai Beach. With its palm trees and crystal-clear waters, it's a truly charming place worth visiting, despite the potentially long journey (1 hour 40 minutes by car from Agios Nikolaos). If you're up for it, we also suggest visiting other beaches in the area such as Itanos Beach or Erimoupolis Beach.
These are some of the things you can do in Agios Nikolaos and its surroundings. Feel free to add more in the comments if you like!
