Guide to Agios Nikolaos

"With a 'bottomless' lake and bags of charm to match, this is one of Crete's most popular and cosmopolitan resorts."

Affectionately known as 'Ag Nik', this lively resort has come a long way since just 95 inhabitants were listed on its electoral role in the early twentieth century. Now it's one of the island's most popular holiday hotspots, as well as being a busy working port. At the same time, it's managed to retain its relaxed, small town atmosphere and is gorgeously picturesque, with oodles of Greek charm, to boot. Built around a so-called 'bottomless' lake which is linked to the sea by a narrow canal, the area around the lake is the most happening part of town, with vibrant cafes, restaurants and bars, bustling with chat and bouzouki music. You'll find an amazing choice of places to eat here, offering everything from traditional Greek dishes to Chinese. And there are also quite a few sightseeing highlights in the town. Visit the Folk Museum with its fascinating exhibits including icons, embroidery and stamps. Pop into the town's little namesake church, with its beautiful 9th century frescoes. And don't miss the Archaeological Museum, which has many artefacts from eastern Crete, including a 7th century bust that bears a striking resemblance to the famous explorer Christopher Columbus. If you're not much of a historian though, you'll still find plenty to occupy you from the atmospheric Wednesday morning market to taking a gentle stroll along the bustling marina. And when you want to kick back and relax, pad down to one Ag Nik's small, pebbly coves, or make the trip to nearby Istron, where the sand is cashmere-soft. Whatever you want to do, this sophisticated slice of Crete can't fail to impress.

The beach at Istron offers great sunbathing and swimming, while nearby Kalo Chorio gives you the chance to see the ancient fort at Vrokastro that dates back 1,000 years BC. Visit the Minoan Palace on the outskirts of Malia which dates back to the same era as Knossos - evocative ruins are superbly situated with wonderful views of the sea.

Find the cheapest late deals to Agios Nikolaos leaving in the next six weeks.

Recommended Agios Nikolaos hotels and apartments

Hotel Minos Beach

Hotel Iberostar Mirabello

Hotel Hermes

Agios Nikolaos hotels and apartments

Our hotels and apartments in Agios Nikolaos include Candia Park Village Aparthotel, Hotel Hermes, Hotel Iberostar Mirabello, Hotel Lito, Hotel Minos Beach, Hotel Minos Palace, Hotel Miramare, Mare Apartments and Paradise Apartments.

More Crete holiday destinations

Looking for holidays in Crete? Our Crete holiday destinations include Aghia Marina, Crete, Agios Nikolaos, Akrotiri, Almeritha, Apokaronas, Chania, Elounda, Gerani, Gouves, Gulf Of Mirabello, Hersonissos, Horafakia, Istron And Kalo Chorio, Kalives, Kamilari, Kamisiana, Kolymbari, Koutouloufari, Livadia, Lyttos Beach, Maheri, Maleme, Malia, Nea Kydonia, Palekastro, Panos Stalos, Platanias, Prina, Rethymnon, Stalis, Veni and Vrouchas.

Beaches

Aghios Nikolaos has compact, shingle beaches with bathing platforms below the promenade. Watersports are nearly everywhere, with a wide range to choose from.

Eating out

Enjoy relaxed evenings lingering over a glass of ouzo or retsina, watching the world go by. The lively restaurants lining the harbour-front offer the chance to enjoy your meal whilst watching the boats, as well as the people. Meze makes the perfect appetiser, selecting as many or as few as you want from plates of dolmades, pickles, olives, nuts, deep-fried calamari, whitebait and other delicious delights.

Nightlife

The nightlife in Aghios Nikolaos ranges from smart restaurants and discos to traditional tavernas and bars. So whether you're looking for a lazy evening of backgammon with the locals, a frenetic night of dancing with other tourists or a few hours learning to Greek dance, you'll be over the moon that you chose Aghios Nikolaos for your holiday.

Shopping

Aghios Nikolaos has numerous chic boutiques and tempting jewellery shops as well as plenty of scope for buying more typical Cretan handicrafts to take back home. The best shopping streets run up from the harbour front and are open until quite late each evening. Take a trip out of town to the mountain village of Kritsa which is renowned for its woven goods and handicrafts.

Local information

For some local interest, visit Elounda Beach or take a boat trip to the island of Spinalonga, which lies opposite Aghios Nikolaos and boasts an incredible history. When the Turks were banished from Crete after its independence in 1898, they fled to Spinalonga and refused to leave. In an attempt to reclaim Spinalonga, the Cretans sent a leper colony to live on the island and the Turks, fearing contagion, soon returned to their own lands.