Agios Nikolaos

Agios Nikolaos sits on the ancient site of the town of Lato-Etera. Both towns were administrative centres and reached their pinnacle in the 3rd Century A.D. Agios Nikolaos is the place where tourism first began in Crete and it gradually became a much favoured area, thanks to the wonderful coastline, clean beaches (nine of which in the region have been awarded the European Blue Flag) plus the very rich variety of ancient sites to visit.

Agios Nikolaos has much to offer both young and old. It is ideal for walkers, for those who seek history and culture, and there is a wide selection of nightlife to suit every taste. It is also an ideal centre for all kinds of watersports, and various hotels and sports centres have swimming pools, basketball, volleyball and tennis courts. In the centre of the town is the picturesque harbour, with the curious little round lake of Voulismeni, and the cafes around provide a popular meeting point for locals and visitors alike.To add to the attractions, one of the most beautiful yacht marinas in the Aegean was built here in 1994.

Always appealing too are the numerous small shops to browse through in the little winding streets of the town. Many of the shops sell traditional Cretan craftwork, jewellery, embroidery and of course a wide variety of other goods. All round the centre of town you will find plenty of tavernas, and restaurants offering a wide variety of Cretan culinary specialities.