One of the cities in Crete that you should visit, no matter in which part of the island you are located is Agios Nikolaos. This city exudes uniqueness and warmth. Here we have list of 15 Best things to do in Agios Nikolaos.
There is something special that other Greek cities do not have, and that feeling is difficult to explain.
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1. Mirabello Bay
Imagine that there are people who do not like the sea. They are not even excited by the thought that there is that big water somewhere, that everything smells of salt and sand that sticks to the soles of your feet as you run to the beach for a towel. Such people certainly exist and imagine what it is like for their children.
How to convey to them that part of love for the great water. They certainly like some other things. But they certainly hadn’t heard of or visited Mirabello Bay. Agios Nikolaos is a rich city because it has a view of this bay. The largest bay of all the Greek islands and the fifth in the Mediterranean.
Today, it is an unavoidable tourist attraction, and you will see for yourself what it looks like from a movie.
2. Panagia Kera
If you have read some of our previous articles with suggestions of what you could visit in Crete, then you have noticed that we have often written about churches and monasteries. The reason for that is that religious tourism is noticed in Greece and they are proud of their cultural heritage.
They would like to introduce tourists to the role that religion has played in their lives throughout history and today. Panagia Kera is one of the most important churches in the world because the best-preserved frescoes from the Byzantine period in Crete are located inside its walls.
You probably understand now why the Greeks talk about it with pride in their voices. And it is located just a few kilometers from the city, in the mountains of Dikta and you will easily find it.
3. Voulisma Beach
When choosing accommodation, you usually ask how far the beach is. It would be best if it is nearby so that you can walk there and back. For that reason, the city beaches are always crowded. It is close to everyone and they can simply walk. Some do not have a car, and others do not like to drive.
However, if you belong to the third type of people – those who do not find it difficult to cross a few kilometers by car to find themselves on a beautiful beach, we have good news. Voulisma Beach is only 15 km outside the city, but it is worth reaching.
It is only a few minute’s drives, and the blue flag confirms the quality of the beach, which you will see for yourself.
4. Lake Voulismeni
Wherever you find accommodation in Agios Nikolaos, you will not be able to bypass this lake. It is located in the center of the city, it used to be a small freshwater lake, so the locals simply called it a “lake” and everyone knew what it meant.
Today it is connected to the sea, but has retained its circular shape. You will admit that there is a vibe as if you are in Switzerland. This lake is considered a symbol of the city and can often be seen on postcards and as a motif of artists engaged in painting or photography.
Several smaller boats are anchored on the shores of the lake, so it looks like a harmonious whole that you will want to notice.
5. Ancient City Of Lato
This city was considered one of the strongest at the time it was founded. It was built to last, and the fact that a large part has been preserved today speaks best about the quality of materials and the manner of construction.
It was founded during the Minoan period, and according to the data, it experienced its greatest prosperity during the Dorian rule. His fame began to crumble in the Roman period. Until then, it was inhabited.
How much the inhabitants of this city were respected is best shown by the inscriptions that have been preserved. It is located only three kilometers from the village of Kritsa and when you are already nearby, it would be nice to visit it.
6. Archaeological Museum
If you happen to be in Agios Nikolaos for a short time, just one day, then the Archaeological Museum is the best location you can go to. Everything you need to know about this city, its past, but also its impact on the present, can be found here.
They have a valuable collection that tells the story of the lives of people who lived in Crete centuries ago. All you need to do is open your heart and mind to the information you will hear. The items have been carefully collected from all parts of the island and preserved for generations to come.
The museum is open from January 1 to October 31 and from November 1 to May 31. For working days, it is best to contact the museum employees in case there are any changes in working hours.
7. Cretan Olive Oil Farm
You do not need to be an expert to know that some of the best types of olive oil are produced in Greece. When you think of this country, the first association is usually the sea, and then there are the olive groves that are everywhere, from the mountains to parts of the city.
Do you also like the smell of olive oil in a salad? Or simply when preparing food, it is an indispensable ingredient and every kitchen loves it. If you have been wondering how it is made, why there are so many different types and differences in price, we know a place where you can get answers to your questions.
Cretan Olive Oil Farm is a place where you will find out everything you are interested in and you can support their work by buying homemade products that you like.
8. Deras Leather Crafts
One of the saddest feelings is when the end of the journey is approaching. No matter how many days you spend on vacation, another one would always be enough to make the atmosphere complete. And then when that one passes, another extra would be ideal. And so you can indefinitely postpone returning home and into real-life where obligations await you.
Your biggest dilemma will no longer be which restaurant to go to for lunch, but which way to get to work in the morning rush hour the fastest. But even here you can find the good side of the story.
Deras Leather Crafts has everything you need to surprise your loved ones with handmade products. With them, you will find everything, from bags, wallets, sandals to diaries.
9. Traditional Grocery Mesostrati
If you are looking for gifts for dear people and would like to bring them something original from the trip, then this shop is perfect for you. At first glance, you would say that it is no different from the others you have seen, but when you enter, you will see how it is different from everyone you have been to.
Here you will meet friendly workers at the first step who will help you if you need it. If not, find for yourself what you consider an adequate gift for your loved ones, and they will answer additional questions regarding allergens.
When it comes to food, it is very important. You don’t want to endanger someone with your gift, do you? Once you have found everything you need, we recommend that you try their homemade ice cream because it quickly disappears.
10. Cretaquarium
We are sure that your little ones will be happy to spend time at sea, play in the sand and walk for a long time until they fall asleep in the evening, too tired from the adventure. We also wrote about nature parks that you can visit together, the zoo and the beaches that they would like.
But do you know what is best for children who love the whole world that lives underwater? Aquarium, that’s right! Just 15 km from Agios Nikolaos is the Cretaquarium which is a unique experience for visitors. We are sure that it will leave you breathless when you see hundreds of animals nearby.
For some, you didn’t even know they existed, but there are guides to explain everything that interests you. Admission is free for children up to 4 years of age, and for exact ticket prices for other categories, it is best to call, but for adults, it is not over 10 USD.
11. Elena on Crete
Do you like to explore for yourself what the new city has to offer or are you still more for the option to choose a guide? Or someone who could advise you where to go, what to see and, how to get there.
We have a suggestion to invite Elena, she is the right person to tour Agios Nikolaos and Crete in its entirety. She is a person who knows this island very well and who will reveal its secrets to you.
Before you decide to embark on an adventure, it would be good to book your appointment. What you see depends on your agreement, but you can be sure that you will return satisfied.
12. Pelagos Dive Center
If someone asked you, what wish would you like to fulfill, what would you say? Is it a big wish or a very small one, and yet important to you? People mostly take a breather on vacation and do those things they would not otherwise do in everyday life.
You can often see them riding scooters, parachuting, zip-down, and all that as if that’s all they care about. Others are again for slightly more casual vacation options, so they spend their days on the beach. And there are those people who decide to learn something new.
If you are interested in diving, there is the Pelagos Dive Center where you will learn everything you need together with the instructors and embark on an underwater adventure.
Address: Minos Beach Hotel, AGIOS NIKOLAOS, CRETE 721 00, Greece
13. Crete Semi Submarine
Have you read Jules Verne’s novel “20 Thousand Miles Under the Sea”? If so, you will admit that you were intrigued by the character of Captain Nema and that you would also like to experience at least once what it is like to be in a Nautilus-like submarine.
If you are on Agios Nikolaos, it is possible. All you need to do is contact Crete Semi Submarine, and they will turn your wishes into reality. Their submarine takes you on an adventure that you will remember for a lifetime. Through 28 large windows, you will see turtles and different types of fish.
You will have the feeling that you can touch them if you extend your hand, and they are still on the other side of the glass. Tours are conducted in several languages, so check when is the one that suits you.
14. Elounda VIP Cruises
Agios Nikolaos is a city that has a lot to offer. Probably a couple of days is not enough to visit everything that can be seen, and it is certainly not even close enough for all the experiences you wanted to gain.
However, whatever type of recreation and entertainment you choose, it will be of high quality if you entrust the organization to Elounda VIP Cruises. They do their job responsibly and professionally and their goal is to transfer their knowledge and experience to interested people from all over the world.
If you are among them, contact them to agree on the dates that suit you best. Their ships are modernly equipped and the cruise will be an experience to remember.
15. Wine Safari
One of the first associations with the word safari is wildlife, but when it comes to Crete and Agios Nikolaos, this word took on a completely different dimension. You can choose what type of safari you want to afford, and we recommend it a wine safari.
In addition to quality olive oil, the second most important product on the island is wine. There are different varieties, and on this tour, you will have the opportunity to try and find the one that suits you. It is necessary to reserve an appointment in advance so that the organizers can form groups with the optimal number of interested members.
You will visit different wineries and try wines directly from the barrel. After that, you can walk through the vineyard and at least for a moment imagine what it would be like to live like in a movie.
Also read:
Where to Stay in Crete, Greece
15 Best things to do in Chania, Crete
