Agios Nikolaos is one of the most beautiful cities in the east north side of the island. The city has the privilege to be built around the lake Voulismeni, Lake Voulismeni is a former sweetwater small lake, later connected to the sea, located at the centre of the town of Agios Nikolaos!
Location
The town of Agios Nikolaos is located on the north coast of Crete, the port was center of trade. This town lies close to Chania city and Heraklion city-almost 65km far from both of them.
How to go there
Agios Nikolaos is a place easy to access, you can drive-cycle-ride and go there. There are very often connections to the city, either from east-Heraklion airport-city-port or west from Chania airport- city or port.
By car
The best way to visit Ierapetra is by hiring a car. There are very competitive rates to hire a car from Heraklion airport or any other place of Crete, it is just an hour distance either from Sitia airport or Heraklion airport far.
By Taxi
Hiring a Taxi is a good idea when you arrive late night and have to drive a long distance, even though the access is easy.
By Bus
By bus is a good solution too. You can get one in Heraklion port main station or from the airport Heraklion. The other cities have a good connection, Sitia city or Ierapetra city has a faster way to move to Agios Nikolaos.
Things to do during your stay
It is necessary to visit the beautiful north coast, just 17km of beach front the city, the New Marina and the connection to the old port and the old city, the bike lanes and the huge parking to park your vehicle by the New Marina of Agios Nikolaos. It is one of the most visited excursions of Crete to drive south Agios Nikolaos!
Vai beach is one of the must you should do when visiting Agios Nikolaos. It is just 1 hour and 20 minutes far to drive, the palm beach is amazing beautiful!
Elounda, the famous port which is located between beautiful beaches,
Spinalonga island, used to be hosting people suffering from Lepra.
Accommodation-resorts
Agios Nikolaos is hosting many visitors who come for leisure and business. The famous resorts are welcoming their guests all year round. There are very good 5 star hotels in all places.
Gorges close to Agios Nikolaos
Richtis gorge, This is one of the most beautiful small gorges of Eastern Crete, following a well-marked route. Located in the prefecture of Lassithi, between Agios Nikolaos and Sitia on the northern coast, it follows the stream which flows all year round, creating a splendid waterfall. “Richtis” word means waterfall in Cretan dialect.Hohlakies gorge – Lassithi.
Hohlakies Gorge is a beautiful, fairly small and easily accessible gorge in the prefecture of Lassithi. It begins at the village of Hohlakies and ends up at the beautiful bay of Karoumes on the eastern coast of Crete.
Historic
Agios Nikolaos is the place very difficult occupied against enemies, Venetians, Arabs or Turks. The port of Agios Nikolaos was a target for pirates coming from Africa, kidnapping women and young children selling them to foreign countries as slaves.
Agriculture
The plateau areas are full of green houses, olive trees and open fields with orange trees it is one of the most sunny places of Crete! There are many immigrants working by the greenhouses and open fields. The locals produce olives, olive oil, tomatoes and vegetables, water melons, according to the year period the production is varying to different vegetables and production. Mainly the areas before the city are agricultural areas.
Food-Restaurants by the port and city center
Agios Nikolaos is one of Crete’s places that local fishermen bring fresh fish to the local market, everyday. You can taste delicious fresh fish dishes and taste the Cretan diet by the city’s taverns in the north side or to the magnificent villages south of it!
The most important thing for you is to feel the quiet atmosphere and spend unforgettable days and nights in this area. There are numerous of famous restaurants as well as local taverns. The marine of Agios Nikolaos is the base to sail and bring fish, entertaining your self or making it a profession!
When is it the best period to visit Agios Nikolaos
Crete has temperate climate, there are some places that have subtropical climate. The winter is mild and the summer is hot. You can see there is snow all year, by Psiloritis mountain, the highest on the island=2452meters.
In conclusion, I can suggest Agios Nikolaos as one important area to spend unforgettable vacation.
