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City in Greece — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇬🇷
Country
Greece
Type
City
Best time to travel
May to October, September and October particularly mild and calm, high summer hot and lively
Budget/day
80-140 € (hotel with sea view, restaurant)
Getting there from Germany
Flight to Heraklion about 3 hours, transfer to Agios Nikolaos about 1 hour, rental car recommended
About Agios Nikolaos
Agios Nikolaos is the glamorous heart of East Crete and a coastal town that delights with its famous Voulismeni Lake, elegant boutiques, and a relaxed, almost South French atmosphere. The capital of the Lasithi Prefecture is located on Mirabello Bay, one of the most beautiful bays in the entire Mediterranean, and has transformed from a sleepy fishing village into a popular holiday destination with an international flair, all while retaining its Greek charm. The absolute landmark of the town is Voulismeni Lake - a round, allegedly bottomless freshwater basin in the city center, connected to the sea by a narrow canal. Cafes and restaurants are arranged around the lake on several levels, and the steep rock walls framing the lake give the place an almost magical atmosphere. According to legend, the goddesses Athena and Artemis bathed here. The town itself impresses with its hilly topography featuring picturesque stairs, winding alleys, and viewpoints from which new perspectives on the lake, the harbor, and the bay can be discovered. The marina with its elegant boats, the palm-lined promenade, and the small city beaches Kitroplateia and Ammos invite you to linger. The surroundings of Agios Nikolaos offer some of the most beautiful beaches in Crete, including the famous Vai palm beach and the island of Spinalonga with its moving history as a former leper colony. From Germany, Agios Nikolaos can be reached via Heraklion Airport in about an hour's drive. The connection is excellent, as Heraklion is directly served by numerous German airports. The best travel time is from May to October, with autumn being particularly mild and calm. Agios Nikolaos is an excellent starting point for exploring the wild East Crete with its gorges, high plateaus, and authentic mountain villages.
Top 4 highlights in Agios Nikolaos
The places you absolutely must not miss.
Voulismeni-See
Round freshwater lake in the city, surrounded by cafes and steep cliffs - a landmark and legend at the same time
Mirabello-Bucht
One of the most beautiful bays in the Mediterranean with turquoise water and views of the mountains of East Crete
Insel Spinalonga
Former Venetian fortress and leper colony, now a fascinating museum and boat excursion destination
Uferpromenade und Hafen
Elegant promenade with marina, palm trees, cafes, and small city beaches
Hotels in Agios Nikolaos
Vergleiche tausende Hotels, Apartments und Resorts auf Expedia – mit Bestpreis-Garantie, kostenloser Stornierung und Bonuspunkten.
* Weiterleitung zu Expedia.de. Es gelten die dortigen Nutzungsbedingungen.
Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen
Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie
Best time to travel for Agios Nikolaos
Recommended travel time
May to October, September and October particularly mild and calm, high summer hot and lively
Summer
Hot and dry, 28-34°C, water temperature 24-27°C, little rain, Meltemi provides cooling
Winter
Mild, 12-16°C, occasional rain, calm atmosphere, many hotels closed
How much does a holiday in Agios Nikolaos cost?
Average costs per person per day
Budget
45-70 € (apartment, tavern by the lake)
Hostel, Street food, Public transport
Mid-range
80-140 € (hotel with sea view, restaurant)
Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions
Luxury
160-350 € (luxury resort near Elounda, gourmet)
Boutique hotel, Fine dining
Book a package holiday to Agios Nikolaos
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Compare package holidays now5 travel tips for Agios Nikolaos
Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.
Enjoy a coffee or raki at Voulismeni Lake and watch the hustle and bustle - the pulsating heart of the city
Definitely plan a boat trip to Spinalonga - the history of the leper colony is moving and well presented
Visit Almyros Beach south of the city - fine sand, shallow water, and less crowded
Day trip to the Lasithi Plateau with the Dikti Cave, the birthplace of Zeus
In the evening, enjoy the sunset from the steps above the lake - one of the most beautiful spots in Crete
Food & drink in Agios Nikolaos
These specialties you must try!
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