Oddly enough, for some reason it turned out that while spending more time in the Lasithi area, we came to Agios Nikolaos mainly on business. As it turned out, we didn’t have time to properly wander around the city during all our visits. However, we still visited the city center more than once. And we really liked it there.

In general, Agios Nikolaos is a very nice little town. Of course, there are a lot of people, especially in the center. But all the same, the city does not give the impression of being noisy and fussy, rather, on the contrary, imposingly businesslike. People go about their business, but slowly, or sit in numerous cafes. In Heraklion, city life is much more active.

There is an opinion that Agios Nikolaos has a high crime rate. Maybe. But this side of city life did not affect us. But the beautiful, clean and hospitable city center left the most positive impressions! So.

What to see in Agios Nikolaos

Length – 2 km. Time – 2-2.5 hours.

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Eleftherios Venizelos Square and the Monument to the Heroes

Church of Agia Triada

Looking around, in addition to the shops, you can see a church in the square, which bears a fairly common name in Crete -.

Street named after October 28

Almost from the square, the street named after October 28 begins. This is the most famous street of Agios Nikolaos, it is named after the date when the Greek government refused to join the war on the side of the Nazis in 1940.

28 October Street is pedestrian and packed to capacity with shops and cafes. There are never enough people on it, in my opinion.

Everyone will find something to their liking in these shops. Personally, I can’t be pulled away from the display cases with such souvenirs!

Lake Vulizmeni

After walking along the street, we go back a little and get to the observation deck. Lake Voulismeni - the visiting card of Agios Nikolaos, and it really is very beautiful and harmoniously fits into the city center.

The lake looks very harmonious from all possible angles, but the best view is still from the top observation point.

There is a staircase leading down from it, along which you can go down to the lake itself and take pictures like this.

Going even lower, you will find yourself on the embankment, where the taverns are located. (This is a photo from the other side)

The food there is tasty, but not cheap. What to do - the city center.

This is the view of the lake offered to visitors to these taverns.

Church of St. George

We did not go inside, but went to the other side, as we were looking for two more interesting places - the Cornucopia sculpture and the beach of Agios Nikolaos.

We crossed to the other side along a small bridge and found ourselves on another embankment that led straight to the sea. This embankment can also rightfully be considered one of the central shopping streets. The entire embankment is dotted with shops and taverns.

Yes, looking at the sea from the lake, you immediately understand that Agios Nikolaos is one of the main ports of the island. Since such ships come here...

Sculpture The Rape of Europa

We go to the sea along the embankment, and literally in 5 minutes we get to the port. The port can sometimes be closed, which is not surprising. But on the territory of the port there is a sculpture - The Rape of Europa. In general, a lot of things in Crete are dedicated to mythology, and this monument is no exception. You can read the note about the sculpture and its location.

Sculpture Horn of Plenty

It offers a beautiful view of the sea.

Agios Nikolaos city beach

I consider it obligatory to mention that this beach is included in the list of blue flag beaches. Which is quite surprising, since it is located next to the port. Perhaps the number of ships arriving is not large and they do not spoil the environment much.

The beach itself is quite small and rocky.

As we were returning from the beach to the car, we decided to take a short walk through the city. I must say that walking around Agios Nikolaos is sometimes very difficult. Many streets either have a fairly steep climb or even have stairs, since the city lies on an area with significant elevation changes. This must be taken into account when planning a walk around this city.

We really liked Agios Nikolaos. To be honest, we came here for the third time and felt absolutely at ease. The city is very inviting and good-natured, and the residents of Agios Nikolaos are smiling and hospitable. We will definitely come here again!

Town of Agios Nikolaos located 2 kilometers from the hotel Mirabello Beach & Village 5. Previously the city was called Mandraki. The day after arriving at Crete we went to this beautiful town. Our path lay along the embankment Mirabello Bay. The unusually beautiful landscapes were a delight to the eye. There are shops and taverns all along the embankment, and if you go there you will definitely be persuaded to buy something.

Tavern where you can eat fresh fish

Ficuses grow on the embankment

On the streets of Agios Nikolaos there are many flowers of unusual beauty.

All sellers more or less speak Russian. It turns out that many attend Russian language courses in the winter.

The main attraction is Lake Vulizmeni, located in the city center. This lake is mentioned in many myths because people allegedly swam in it two goddesses Athena and Artemis.

Myths say that the lake was formed after a volcanic eruption on Santorini island and connected to it by an underwater current.

Church on the shore of Lake Vulizmeni

The lake has the shape of a circle with a diameter of about 137 meters. The lake is connected to the sea by a canal built in the 19th century. The lake is salty only to a depth of 30-35 meters, and below that the water is fresh. They say that at the bottom of the lake there is military equipment of German troops who left the island after World War II. I don’t know how everything really is, but the lake is very beautiful.

Along the coast there are cafes, restaurants, and taverns. You can eat deliciously, each client is dear, and is invited individually. Such hospitality is sometimes burdensome.

Cafe on the shore of Lake Vulizmeni

They sell handicrafts here and make a living here. I paid 1 euro for this grandmother’s photo, my grandmother politely hinted to me.

There are many small pleasure boats moored here. There are many travel agencies here that offer excursions at very reasonable prices.

Pleasure boat on the pier

The city is located on hills so there are a lot of stairs in the city. Many of them are of architectural value, as they were built by famous architects.

The city is a network of narrow streets where the best souvenir shops and fur coat boutiques, bars, clubs and dance floors are located.

These funny advertisements are posted on the streets of the city, inviting tourists to fur shops.

The city is called Cretan Saint-Tropez. In this city you can meet a celebrity walking along the embankment.

The city has a small beach located on a square called Kitroplatia.

The city beach has been awarded the Blue Flag, which is a certificate of quality established by the European Commission. The flag is awarded based on analyzes of the cleanliness of the water and the shore.

From Kitroplatia Square a long path lined with stone begins. The path ends at the Marina of Agios Nikolaos. In the last century, a brisk trade in citrus fruits took place in this area, which were supplied by merchant ships from other countries.

The city has Archaeological Museum And Ethnographical museum. The museums have a lot of ancient Greek exhibits found during archaeological excavations.

In the center of the city there is a monument to those who fell during various wars.

The famous sculpture of the city is the sculpture "Cornucopia".

Sculpture "Cornucopia"

"Cornucopia" - a sculpture created by sculptors brothers Sotiriadis. The statue resembles a large horn made of green glass and metal.

The history of sculpture is also taken from myth. The monument is dedicated goat Amalthea, who fed god Zeus, whom the mother goddess hid on the island of Crete from her husband god Kron who ate his children. The myth says that when a goat died, Zeus' mother kept its horn as a sign of respect and gratitude.

There is also a sculpture on the embankment "The Rape of Europa".

Sculpture “The Rape of Europa”

The author of the project for this sculpture is the Greek director Nikos Koundouros. He imagined Europe as a young woman sitting on a large bull. The animal personifies the god Zeus. The woman holds a herald's staff in her hands. This attribute has the property of trying on warring parties. Also, it is considered the key between light and darkness, death and life, evil and good.

Located in the central square Church of Elfetherios Venizelos, painted in Byzantine style in 1980. The facade of the church is painted with mosaics. Anyone can come into the church and pray.

Not far from the city, on the territory of one hotel, there is another famous landmark of the city, this Church of St. Nicholas, built in the 8th century.

The church enjoys increased attention from local residents. It is named after this church.

Iconostasis in the Church of St. Nicholas

Anyone can visit the church. To do this, at the hotel reception you need to take the key to the church and open the church yourself. This church is the oldest on the island. It is one of the first buildings in this area of ​​Crete. In Agios Nikolaos, the houses amaze with their original architecture and layout.

Ordinary Greeks live in very simple houses.

We visited more than once and each time we learned something new about this city. Here we bought a lot of souvenirs and gifts. I want to return to this city again, but that’s for another time.

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This city is called local Saint-Tropez, they say, in Crete it is difficult to find a more comfortable resort than Agios Nikolaos. During the day, the town sleeps peacefully, dipping its feet into Lake Vulizmeni. And in the late afternoon he wakes up to the lights of cafes and restaurants, nightclubs, where people constantly meet and part.

Strange, but this city was built as a place of salvation - the Cretans defended themselves from Turkish persecution. It turns out that initially there was an atmosphere of fear in him. But the Greeks are such a people - they cannot remain in a gloomy mood for long. They love to have fun. That's why the whole world adores them.

How to get there

The easiest way to get to Agios Nikolaos is from Heraklion. You can arrive in Heraklion by plane (there are flights from Russia) or by ship, and from there go to the resort by car or bus. The journey will take about an hour - the journey is just over 60 kilometers.

You can also get there by ferry from Piraeus - regular flights, so you won’t have to wait long for departure.

Beaches of Agios Nikolaos

The beaches of the Cretan city delight with clear water and fresh sea wind. There are snow-white yachts in beautiful bays. Tanned boys and girls are playing volleyball on the shore.

Agios Nikolaos has quite a variety of beaches. Most of them are surrounded by hotels, so near the tourist rookery you can play mini-golf, tennis, football, and basketball. The beaches are quiet, calm, there is no struggle for sun loungers and a place in the sun. There are always bars and cafes nearby, you can go for a couple of cocktails.

Maps of Agios Nikolaos

Weather in Agios Nikolaos

Cuisine, restaurants

Restaurants and cafes in Agios Nikolaos come alive every evening. The local bar area is located on the pier, and this is where suffering tourists flock. The town has two of the funniest streets - 25 March and Joseph Koundouros. On the first one they drink all the time, on the second one they dance. Fortunately, they are located close to each other.

In general, local restaurants attract not only excellent cuisine, but also views of the city and the opening lake. Usually this is a small establishment near the port, where guests sit under the canopy of trees. The menu usually includes seafood, vegetable and meat dishes. Early in the morning, to cheer yourself up, you can stop by a cafe and try coffee with croissants and cheese buns.

The shops

Local shops are literally filled with souvenirs. Sellers mostly emphasize the history and beauty of Crete. You can buy postcards, books, copies of exhibits from the archaeological museum, jewelry and much more.

One of the tasty attractions of the town is olive oil. When purchasing, you need to make sure that it is Extra Virgin Olive Oil - a very pure oil produced on the island by cold pressing. The healthiest product is Organic Product. If you find an oil with this name, take it without hesitation.

Agios Nikolaos is full of jewelry shops that attract wealthy tourists. Mainly from Russia. Here you can buy products from both local craftsmen and famous brands. No fakes were noticed.

And another attraction for guests of the island is fur coats. Fur coats and leather goods from famous designers are sold in special atelier stores. It also seems like everything is real.

3 things to do in Agios Nikolaos

1. Visit the area of ​​pedestrian streets - the local elite gather here, the shops sell only brands, and the cafes serve the best food. In addition, such streets are beautiful in themselves.
2. Wandering through the Sunday market is such a huge second-hand store where you can find “branded” items at bargain prices.
3. Go diving - during your stay in Crete you need to explore not only the world of the locals, but also the underwater universe. Simply because it is very beautiful.

Hotels in Agios Nikolaos

There are no and cannot be problems with hotels in Agios Nikolaos. Otherwise, the city would immediately lose its status as one of the most tourist destinations. Here you can stay in a hotel of any class. The oldest ones are located in Eleftheria Square. Modern ones stretch along the coast and are scattered in the city center.

The cost of accommodation is approximately the following: a standard three-star room will cost from 1,500 rubles per night, 4 “stars” - from 2,500 rubles, luxury lovers will pay 5-6 thousand rubles every day.

Service and service in local hotels are at a good level. The rooms are equipped with everything you need. Almost every room has a beautiful view of either the city or the lake and beaches.

Entertainment and attractions of Agios Nikolaos

The visiting card of the city is the previously mentioned lake Vulizmeni. Let's start with it.

Lake Vulizmeni

The city is located around this lake. Its diameter is more than 130 meters. The lake is connected to the sea by a narrow canal, but - amazing! - water does not mix. According to legend, the goddess Athena bathed in Vulizmeni. True, there are no witnesses to this event.

The embankment is lined with many cafes and restaurants, and ships leave the harbor for the fortress on Spinalonga.

Archaeological Museum

This museum is the second best archaeological museum in Crete. Gold jewelry, stone vases, and various vessels are collected here. A unique and funny exhibit is a male skull with a laurel wreath and a silver coin. The Greeks believed that transportation to the other world had to be paid for.

gios Nikolaos

Spinalonga Island

One of the most popular excursion routes is to the island of Spinalonga. There is an ancient fort here, which has been perfectly preserved and has conveyed to modern residents the atmosphere of past centuries. The excursion lasts a long time - about 10 hours. During this time, you can climb the entire fort, walk along the beach, see the reserve and eat in a cafe. There will be enough impressions for the rest of the trip.

Sunken City

They say that the sunken city of Olous can be seen at the bottom of the sea during a calm - it is located opposite the crossing leading to Elounda. The city went under water after the earthquake. Olus was an independent city with its own minted coins.

During excavations, the main temple of Olus was found - the temple of Aphrodite and Ares. His items are kept in the Archaeological Museum of Agios Nikolaos.

On the northern coast of eastern Crete, 65 km east of Heraklion, lies the town of Agios Nikolaos. It is located on the slopes of Mirabello Bay, close to the small village where the most popular luxury hotels in Crete are located. Beautiful beaches surround the city, but the most spectacular in the region is the palm-fringed Vai Beach, on the isolated east coast. The nearby traditional villages of the Lassithi Valley add a certain flavor to this city and will not leave any traveler indifferent.

Top 7 attractions in Agios Nikolaos

There is a lake in the heart of Agios Nikolaos Vulizmeni- a small round lake surrounded by a hillside on one side and busy cafeterias and fish restaurants on the other. You can also see small fishing boats moored here and ducks calmly swimming on the lake. It is especially beautiful at night when the neon lights, lanterns and flickering candles reflect off the water. According to local legend, the goddess Athena bathed here, and for a long time the lake was considered bottomless (although its depth is 64 meters). In fact, this lake was originally freshwater until a canal was dug in 1870 to connect it to the sea. The canal is crossed by a fairly low bridge, meaning that only small boats can enter the lake.

The rich and famous from the worlds of cinema, sports and politics choose to holiday in Elounda hotels thanks to the excellent service provided in its exclusive modern hotel complexes located in landscaped grounds with villas and apartments. Some offer amenities such as private pools, Jacuzzis, saunas, gyms and personal chef services. Situated eight kilometers north of Agios Nikolaos, Elounda stretches along the coast between Sisma and Plaka, offering stunning views of the serene blue waters of Mirabello Bay and the island of Spinalonga. Even if you are unable to stay at one of the hotels, some of them have wellness centers that non-residents can visit for massages and beauty treatments.

Spinalonga Island

After this, you will cross Mirabello Bay and make another stop. Depending on the wind, you can swim in the sea at Voulisma Beach in Kalo Chorio or visit the islands of Kolokita and Spinalonga, as well as the isolated Krio Bay.

Residents of Crete express their feelings and emotions not only with words, but also with dance movements and, of course, songs. The most compelling way for Cretans to express themselves is through music and dancing, which were prohibited during the island's long occupation.

This evening you will see how well the locals dance and get acquainted with traditional Cretan music. The extraordinary melody with its oriental elements, the precise steps of the dancers, acrobatic movements, the colorful costumes of women and the strict national clothes of men - all this belongs to the traditional Cretan holidays.

Let yourself experience the celebration of life as a resident of Crete. Try some of the dance steps. This evening of fun and dancing includes as much food and local wine as you'd like.

Boat trip on the ship Black Rose

Every day the ship “Black Rose” sets off on a sea voyage from the port of Hersonissos to the clear waters of the Cretan Sea. A trip on this mighty vessel gives you the opportunity to explore magnificent sea caves, swim in the refreshing sea, and enjoy a delicious barbecue lunch.

Arrive at the port of Hersonissos and board the Black Rose where you will be greeted by a friendly and experienced captain and crew. Drift peacefully through the sparkling waters of the Cretan Sea to your first stop, St. George's Bay. Admire sea caves filled with blue light reflecting off the water, and take a dip in the invigorating waters with snorkel gear. Return to the boat and enjoy a BBQ lunch, carefully prepared by your crew.

Continue to Sissi, Malia and Stalis to see a different side of Crete. Keep an eye out for majestic dolphins and sea turtles, common visitors to the area. Unforgettable views of the coastal part of the island await you, as well as a stop in Stalis Bay for swimming and getting a dose of vitamins from fresh fruit juice. The walk ends with a return back to the port of Hersonissos.

Try spending a day exploring the secluded island of Chrissi. A 45-minute boat ride from the port of Ierapetra will take you to the island, enjoying its mesmerizing natural and exotic beauty, sunbathing on the long golden sand beach, swimming in the turquoise waters of the Libyan Sea or taking a walk through the cedar forest.

Preserving its pristine natural beauty for many years, the island Chrissi is a protected nature reserve and has an impressive collection of untouched landscapes. Once you disembark, follow the path through Europe's largest natural forest of Lebanese cedars to a golden beach lined with purple shells and fossils. Spend some time in the forest, then take a dip in the crystal clear sea or just breathe in the fresh air.

Agios Nikolaos (Agios Nikolaos, Greek Άγιος Νικόλαος, in Cretan everyday life it is simply used Ayos, Greek Άγιος) is the capital of the Lasithi nome, located on the northern coast, on the western side of Mirabello Bay, 63 km east of the capital of the island of Heraklion, north of the city of Ierapetra (36 km) and west of the city of Sitia (73 km). The name of the city comes from a Byzantine church located in the bay of Agios Nikolaos. The oldest known name is Mandraki. Another well-known name used by residents of surrounding villages is Gialos, Greek. Γιαλός.

General information

Agios Nikolaos is the center of Agios Nikolaos. Since 2000, according to the law of Kapodistrias, the communities of Kritsa, Elounda, Limnes, Kalo Chorio, Vrouhas, Skinias, Loumas, Zegna, Exo-Potami, Kroustas, Exo-Laconia, Mesa Laconia and Prina have united in the dim of Agios Nikolaos. Since 2011, after the adoption of the Kallikratis program, the dim of Agios Nikolaos has united the dim of Neapoli and the community of Vracharisi.

Story

Antiquity

The modern city was founded on the site of the port of the ancient city of the Dorians - Lato, located 3.5 km north of the settlement of Kritsa. These two cities formed one administrative unit in the 3rd century BC. They revered the same deity - Ilithyia, the patroness of women in childbirth, and also had one coin, on one side of which Ilithyia was depicted, and on the other Hermes with the words ΛΑΤΙΩΝ .

The port city of Lato developed during this period as a large population center and economic center, while the city of Lato itself began to fade. Statues, inscriptions and graves dating from this period have been found in the river area. Burials from the graves, many of which are of great interest, are exhibited in the local archaeological museum.

During the first Byzantine period it continued to exist as an important city.

Venetian period

At the beginning of the 13th century, probably in 1206, a fortress was built on the hill, presumably by the Genoese Enrico Pescatore. The fortress was named Mirabello and gave the name to the province and the bay. The fortress was destroyed by an earthquake in 1303, but the Venetians rebuilt it. In 1374 it is mentioned as Castro Mirabelli, which housed warehouses for storing salt from the Elounda saltworks, which was then exported to the rest of Europe. The fortress was abandoned and turned into a warehouse after the revolt against the Venetians.

The fortress was destroyed by Turkish pirates in 1537, but was rebuilt according to the design of Michele Sanmicheli. A settlement developed around the fortress. In the census of Petros Kastrofilakas the settlement is mentioned as Mirabello proprio with a population of 753 inhabitants, mainly fishermen. Since 1630 it has been referred to as the Mirabello Fortress, and the settlement in Greek is called Voulizmeni, from the name of the lake.

In 1646, during the Turkish-Venetian War, the head of the garrison of the fortress Colonelo Baldela transferred the fortress to the Turks, who surrounded him. This was considered treason and Baldela was hanged. The Venetians recaptured the fort, but because they could not keep it in their hands, it was destroyed by them, after the fortress of Spinalonga was rebuilt, which satisfied their needs for protection.

In 1671 mentioned in the Turkish census as Nefs Meranblo. Not mentioned in the Egyptian census of 1834, since the settlement was abandoned by its inhabitants. However, the port functioned for the export of a local product - carob. In 1845, Victor Rolin mentions that there were 4 ruined churches that were used as a warehouse for carob.

Modern settlement

The modern settlement is created during the independence of Crete in 1866 by settlers from Kritsa and Sfakia. The ruins of the fortress were used as construction materials for new buildings. The first time it was mentioned was in 1881, when 87 Christians and 8 Turks lived in the settlement. Called Mandraki since ancient times, the settlement nevertheless takes the name Agios Nikolaos, from a small 9th-century Byzantine church that is located on the Amoudi peninsula, about two kilometers north of the city. In 1900, Agios Nikolaos became the center of Kritsa, and in 1904, the center of Lasithi was transferred to Agios Nikolaos from Neapoli.

In 1928, Agios Nikolaos had 1,124 inhabitants and since then there has been a constant increase in population: in 1940 - 2,481 inhabitants, in 1951 - 3,167 inhabitants, in 1961 - 3,709 inhabitants, in 1971 - 5,002 inhabitants, in 1981 – 8,130 inhabitants. At the same time, the city became a major tourist center.

Lake Vulizmeni

Lake Voulizmeni (in the everyday life of the residents of Agios Nikolaos simply “lake”) is a small lagoon in the center of the city. Many ancient myths mention this lake, the oldest of which say that Athena and Artemis swam in this lake. There are also two urban legends associated with the lake. The first says that the lake has no bottom, and the second says that the lake is connected to a volcano on the island of Santorini. The last myth is based on the fact that during the last eruption on Santorini, the waters of the lake began to boil and flooded the buildings on its shore. At the bottom of the lake is military equipment left behind by German soldiers before they left the island after World War II.

Attractions

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• A park with pine trees and tamarisk trees above the lake with panoramic views of the city. This park begins with a stone path that runs through the trees and ends on the north side of the lake, where many boats, mostly fishing, are moored.
• Spinalonga is an island north of the city, which was abandoned by its last inhabitants - people with leprosy. Many buildings and houses have been preserved as archaeological sites. There are travel agencies here that transport tourists from Elounda to the island.
• Marina of Agios Nikolaos, home to numerous sailing races.
• "Cornucopia" in Greek. Κέρας της Αμάλθειας - a sculpture built by local sculptors, the Sotiriadis brothers.
• Nearchou Square (Greek) Πλατεία Νεάρχου, decorated with mosaics with marine motifs.
• There are a large number of stairs in the city. The city is built on hills and stairs are its characteristic feature. Many of them were designed by famous local architects.
• Kitroplatia Greek. Κιτροπλατεία (Citrus Square) – a square with a small beach where a stone path begins, which runs along the coastline and ends at the Marina of Agios Nikolaos. The name of this square was given by the trade in citrus fruits developed in the last century (κιτρο - citrus fruits). Due to the great depth of the sea on this beach, even before the establishment of a port here, merchant ships exporting citrus fruits moored here.
• Hill of Agios Charalambos Greek. Ο λόφος του Αγίου Χαραλάμπους, there is a church of the same name, next to which a pine grove grows. The hill offers a beautiful panoramic view of the city and the bay.
• The islands of Ayii Pandes and Pharos. These islands are located just a few meters from each other, but the flora and fauna of these islands are completely different.
• Archaeological Museum
• Ethnographical museum
• Church in the central square of Eleftherios Venizelos, painted in 1980 in the traditional Byzantine style.