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    Agios Nikolaos

    Discover the cosmopolitan charm of Agios Nikolaos: Lake, beaches, and relaxation in eastern Crete

    Agios Nikolaos, built around the picturesque Lake Voulismeni, offers a blend of island aura and Cretan cosmopolitan life. The town features numerous cafes, restaurants, and shops, while the old port and neoclassical buildings create a romantic atmosphere. At a relatively short distance from Agios Nikolaos, there are many destinations worth visiting. Some of these include Elounda with its picturesque shores and deep blue waters, Plaka—the traditional fishing village with its pristine beaches—and, just opposite it, Spinalonga. Agios Nikolaos captures the authentic charm of Crete with affordable luxury and a unique vibe.

    Highlights

    Elounda

    Elounda is located on the northwestern side of the large Mirabello Bay, with the large Spinalonga peninsula connecting to Crete by a very narrow strip of land. The area is a world-renowned tourist resort with ultra-luxurious hotels.

    Spinalonga

    It is a small islet north of the Gulf of Elounda. It means "long thorn". It was a fortress for the port of Elounda. In 1905, it was used as a leper colony, initially for Cretans and later for all Europeans.

    Windmills at Seli Ambelou

    This is a remarkable complex of a total of 24 windmills located at Seli Ambelou, in the Lasithi Plateau. The windmills were built during the Venetian era, and the complex was designated as a work of art in 1986.

    Lake Voulismeni

    It is the most important attraction in Agios Nikolaos and has been associated with a multitude of ancient and modern urban legends. The most famous one states that the goddess Athena and the goddess Artemis Vritomartis used to bathe in this lake.

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    IDEAL DESTINATION

    Beaches, Lakes, and Cretan Hospitality

    Agios Nikolaos, Crete, is an ideal destination because it combines island charm, culture, and relaxation. The combination of romance, authentic hospitality, and natural beauty makes it special. Lake Voulismeni and the picturesque port are enchanting, while the nearby beaches offer dips in crystal-clear waters. With excursions to Spinalonga, gastronomic experiences, and warm hospitality, it is an ideal choice for couples, families, and travelers seeking quality and authenticity.

    A culinary journey in Agios Nikolaos

    Try fava with caramelized onions, goat with staka, and raki from local producers. The seaside tavernas and the restaurants around the lake offer authentic Cretan experiences. As for Cretan cuisine, it needs no introduction; some of its wonderful traditional dishes adorn the menus of the best restaurants throughout Greece. Cretan delicacies are perfectly complemented by the deep red wine of Crete, marouvas, or raki.

    The best time to visit Agios Nikolaos

    Crete is an island for all seasons. Summer is ideal for enjoying its endless sandy and pebbly beaches, as well as its deep blue, crystal-clear waters. Spring and autumn are perfect for exploring its mountain villages, mountains, gorges, and trails.

    How to use transportation in Agios Nikolaos

    Airport transfer options

    Currently, there is no direct ferry connection from Athens to Agios Nikolaos. You can travel by ferry from Piraeus to the port of Heraklion or Sitia. The driving time from Heraklion or Sitia to Agios Nikolaos is 1 hour and 1 hour and 20 minutes, respectively.

    Agios Nikolaos is not connected by air to the mainland, as it does not have an airport. From Athens (approximate flight time 45 minutes) and Thessaloniki (approximate flight time 1 hour and 15 minutes), you can fly to Heraklion Airport.

    Agios Nikolaos is located 63 kilometers east of Heraklion and 66 kilometers west of Sitia. Access to and from Heraklion Airport, or to and from the ports of Heraklion and Sitia, can be done by bus, taxi, or rental car.

    Public transportation

    To get around Agios Nikolaos, it is a good idea to have your own vehicle. But even if you don’t, there are intercity bus routes that connect the town with the entire island.

    Alternatively, you can rent a car there.

    Questions / Answers

    Q&A

    Lake Voulismeni, the old port, Elounda, and Spinalonga.

    Yes, with calm beaches and many options for children and parents.

    On the beach or by the lake – there are tavernas with authentic Cretan flavors.

    By boat from Elounda or Plaka – it takes about 20 minutes.

    Yes, mild and romantic – bars with lake views and live music.

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    They said about us...

     Savita
    2025-07-21
    Αthens, Santorini and Corfu
    My Kids and I loved the trip except for our lost baggage from the Aegean airlines upon arrival at Athens at the start of the trip.Loved all the sightseeing. Tour guides and Pick up services were awesome!! Tour guides were very knowledgeable in their area and history of the city and my kids and I loved that. They answered all our questions. Pick up services were always on time.I just wish I had a little more time in Corfu to do the boat tour as I had planned. Wasn’t able to accomplish that. Loved the wine tasting, Oia and Fira in Santorini. Thank You so much for helping me plan this trip. Great memories made on this trip!!Savita
    2025-05-09
    Group from India
    Thank you so much for your flexibility and support throughout the past weeks – the group ended successfully and we truly appreciate your efforts.
    During the trip, we also received very positive feedback from the tour leader regarding the hotels, restaurants, and the quality of your transportation service. We’re very happy with the overall arrangement and sincerely hope to continue working with you on upcoming groups.
    2024-03-27
    BDA - Scientific meeting
    Mata/ChristineThe feedback from all delegates was very positive about all the arrangements provided by the hotel and your good selves. Accommodation, meals and overall satisfaction from the hotel was very good. The renovated rooms help to bring the best of the hotel – the gala dinner room location was fantastic. Please give this feedback to the hotel too. All the transfers, excursions, the drivers, guide etc were performed professionally and all delegates again had something good to say about your services and the way you have handled the management of these activities. Overall well done. This is a genuine feedback and hope that makes you feel satisfied for a job well done
    Fabiola Cano
    2023-11-29
    Fabiola Cano from Viajes Lerma
    It was a real pleasure to meet you. The passengers were happy with all your details and the beautiful country of Greece. Regarding food, I must thank you for the care you took to choose the places and the dishes. They were all a great success. The menus, even in Spanish, were totally appreciated. Regarding accommodation, I found the hotel nice, comfortable and well located. The breakfast room is a bit busy in the mornings, but the food tastes great. And the view of the Parthenon from the top roof is impressive. Transportation good. The tours seemed good to me. Tour guides have a good command of the Spanish language and were quite friendly.  Regarding contact and respond from the company. I must emphasize that there is only praise for you, Anna. You really are a great person. The joy of your soul is transmitted around everything you do. Always with a smile no matter how tiring the tourist activity is. The details and care with which you do your job are extremely applaudable. I only have one word but for you THANKFULNESS.October 2023
    RAK
    2023-05-05
    One more Thank You
    Dear Mata and Desi,I mean it when I say I have never been exposed to such level of loving care in the world of travel.  We were not just your clients. We felt like your family. You cared for us, and all of our many (many! Many!) different needs. You showed Stuart such respect. You were patient with some in our group who would not always ask things with proper respect. You kept showing up in places we did not expect. You made visits to the pharmacy, and extra trips with your car, all to make us feel comfortable and at home.Truly—you are at the top of your business, and it shows. I do not even remember how we initially found you. But however it was, I am so grateful for this friendship and partnership. And I do mean it when I hope that we do many trips together in the future, and that I can send many of my colleagues to you for trips.It is hard for this trip to be over and to say goodbye. Know that we mean it when we say we have not only appreciation for you. But love for you.Αντίο και σας ευχαριστούμε και σας αγαπάμε και είμαστε ενθουσιασμένοι που θα σας δούμε σύντομα.With a heart that is full because we know one another, and heavy because we have to say goodbye!
    Kleopatra M
    2021-09-15
    Very helpful office…
    Very helpful office… special thanks to Ms. Lina who was very kind, very fast (although she had a large workload due to the tourist season) and met our needs perfectly !!! I highly recommend it !!!Kleopatra M
    Aris Konstantinidis
    2021-09-07
    The only travel agency that has served me perfectly
    The only travel agency that has served me perfectly as a voucher holder for \"tourism for all\". Perfect organization of the whole trip. Definitely first in my choices for future travel!Aris Konstantinidis