Agios Nikolaos

Agios Nikolaos, is the capital of the Prefecture of Lasithi, is one of the most highly developed tourist cities in the whole of Greece. Lying along the west of Mirabello Bay, Agios Nikolaos lies right along the primary road axis of Crete, which makes it convenient to visit. The fact that these roads lie just outside the city limits puts a buffer between the tourists that they cater to and any traffic that might jam up the main roadways.

The city of Agios Nikolaos is famous, like most of Crete, for sandy beaches and clear waters, but features an additional body of water near the center of the city. This lake, known as the “Voulismeni” is at the foot of the city cliffs, and was recently connected with the sea via a canal that was opened in 1870. The site is beautiful and charming with many open-air cafes and restaurants along the bank of the lake. As an interesting historical note, the lake itself was supposed to have been the place where, according to mythology, the Goddess Athena was said to take her bath.

If you are interested in history, you will be delighted to discover the local archaeological museum, which is known as the second finest in Crete. Findings from throughout the prefecture are on display in this beautiful museum. To see a bit of history for yourself, try a boat tour to the island of Spinaloga near the city of Elouda. These tours alight on the small islet and allow you to explore the history of this tiny, rocky island that ranged from protective fortress to a haven for fleeing Christians, all the way to a sanitarium for lepers. When the leper colony was closed last century, the tiny island eventually followed up with tours exploring the island’s rich history.

If you are interested in culture more than archaeology, then the city of Agios Nikolaos will not leave you disappointed. Every summer cultural events, music, dance events, theatrical performances, exhibitions and shows are arranged by the Municipality of Agios Nikolaos to allow you to explore the rich cultural history of Crete. There is also a Naval week, during which water skiing, artistical swimming, and windsurfing contests are organized. Even if you do not want to participate, these events are thrilling to watch.

The history of Agios Nikolaos itself is rich as well, since it is built on the site of an ancient town by the name of “Lato pros Kamares”. This ancient city was a harbor town servicing other local ruins and ancient cities, and was used as a harbor through the Roman occupation and the first Byzantine period. The Venetians occupied the city later, and built the Mirabello fortress upon the site where the Prefecture building stands today. The fortress did not survive to modern day, but its name was given to the Mirabello bay and to the Prefecture itself. The city is named for the small Byzantine (and ancient) church of Agios Nikolaos, located on the peninsula.

This beautiful and historical city has amenities for every kind of tourist that exists. Families travelling with small children will find that the beaches are ideal for children who love to play in the water and in the sand. Couples of all ages will discover relaxing beaches, plenty of activities, a rousing nightlife, shops galore, and almost anything else that you can imagine. Business travellers will find comfortable resorts and a plethora of activities to occupy their spare time. Lone vacationers and travellers will find that there are plenty of bars and clubs in which to meet fellow travellers and locals alike for nights on the town, vacation relations, or even long term love.

The places to stay in Agios Nikolaos seem as endless as the wonders that the city offers us. There are plenty of old hotels in Eleftheria Square if you are interested in a quaint, historical, or old style feeling. If you are looking for modern luxury, there are a lot more hotels and resorts scattered through the city of Agios Nikolaos itself as well as just outside city limits and along the warm sand beaches.

For a homey, romantic feel, the hotels on Eleftheria Square are perfect. They are also located a stone’s throw away from the amazing archaeological museum in Agios Nikolaos, allowing easy access for a long day or two at the museum. If you are looking for more of a resort feel, the beach resorts of Agios Nikolaos offer a truly VIP experience. Resorts like the Minos Beach Art Hotel offer beach access and thorough luxury for the duration of your stay. This particular resort is named as one of the finest hotels on the entire island, and for good reason with a swimming pool (heated during the cooler seasons), sauna, gym, face and body treatment, hair salon, jewelry shop and a luxurious TV and video Lounge.

No matter what level of luxury you are looking for, there is someone who has anticipated your needs, and has built a hotel just to accommodate them. Whether you are looking for souvenirs and cheap knick-knacks or cultural pottery and weavings, there is a shop for you to visit in the city of Agios Nikolaos. There are activities for everyone from the youngest to the oldest of the tourists and water sports for participants of all ranges of experience to learn and enjoy. There are charming cafes and rocking nightclubs, traditional Greek food, and more familiar cuisine.

It is easy to see why Agios Nikolaos is known as the most tourist friendly city in Crete, with most of the modern city having grown up around the tourist industry. This beautiful city houses history and modern life under one graceful “roof”, and allows visitors to combine modern life and historical exploration in one unique and amazing trip. The only downside to Agios Nikolaos is that one you have experienced it, you will long to come back again and again to taste the wonders that Crete has to offer you.