Looking out across Mirabello Bay from Agios Nikolaos, you’ll see how the bay got its name, which means ‘beautiful view.’ At the heart of the town, there’s a lake – bottomless, according to legend – and this is the prettiest area for a stroll around. Bright boats bob at the harbourside, while tavernas spill their tables onto the promenade.
A handful of small, town beaches are a good place for a quick paddle, but for a proper beach day complete with sunbeds and beach bars head 2km south to Almyros, or consider a boat trip to find more secluded sands. The chic resort of Elounda is just a short drive away, good for seaside tavernas and boat trips to Spinalonga Island.
Top three things to do in Agios Nikolaos
Soak up the relaxed atmosphere in town
Agios Nikolaos spreads over a headland, around a little lake and along the bay on either side, so it has a good stretch of waterfront ideal for a stroll. There are plenty of bars and restaurants with shore-side seating, and some pretty pedestrianised streets in the centre which are great for souvenir hunting.
Hop on a boat trip to Spinalonga
The fortress-topped rocky islet of Spinalonga beckons the curious to explore. The Venetian fortifications proved effective when the island resisted Ottoman invasion for nearly fifty years longer than mainland Crete. Walk up to the top of the hill and you will be rewarded with great views. In the 20th century, Spinalonga became a leper colony, a story made famous by Victoria Hislop’s novel, The Island. Today the village reveals the fascinating and sad story of the former inhabitants.
Head inland for some history
Meander back from the coast for 15 scenic minutes by car and you will be transported to a different Crete. Kritsa, one of the island’s oldest villages, oozes charm. Flower-filled lanes lead between sugar cube houses that cluster in the crook of the hills. Kritsa’s Panayia Kera church is famed for Crete’s finest Byzantine frescoes. The ancient Lato archeological site is nearby and worth a visit for the wonderful setting.
