Greece has been attracting our compatriots for many years with its magnificent nature, mild climate, well-maintained and well-groomed beaches, comfortable hotels and inns. Thousands of tourists choose to spend their annual holidays here.
There are many resorts in Greece, each vacationer can choose according to his taste - sandy or rocky, secluded or crowded. Today, the topic of our conversation will be one of the most picturesque corners of Greece - Agios Nikolaos. It develops more and more every year, but at the same time its unique amazing atmosphere is preserved. During the day, this is an ordinary Greek town, not much different from others, with a measured and even somewhat sleepy life. But at night life boils here.
Many consider Agios Nikolaos a fashionable resort. This is not entirely true. Here everyone can choose a holiday for themselves.
Location
Agios Nikolaos is located in the east of Crete. From its capital - Heraklion - the resort is 76 kilometers away. A distinctive feature of the town is an almost perfectly round lake located in its very center. It is called Vulismeni. It should be noted that this lake is freshwater.
Climate
Climatic conditions are typical for Greece - dry and hot summers and rainy but mild winters. There is almost no wind here - the mountains reliably protect the town. The hottest month is August, the "real" winter begins in early December and ends in April. In May, the tourist season already begins in the city.
A bit of history
The city of Agios Nikolaos has a long history. It is believed that it arose in the third century, after the unification of two cities - Lato Getera and Lato Pros Camaro. The new city began to develop actively, and by the 6th century it had become the central city of the bishopric of Kamara. At the beginning, the city was named Lato Pros Camaro. It was not until the 9th century that it received its current name. It is believed that it was given in honor of the Church of St. Nicholas.
Soon the city was conquered by the Genoese. It was they who built the Mirabella fortress here in 1206. She did not stand long, unable to withstand the attacks of the Turks. Then an earthquake occurred, which completely destroyed the fortress. From that moment on, the decline of the city began, dragging on until the second half of the 19th century.
Local residents took up the revival of their native city. Their labors were not in vain, and in 1905 it became the center of the province of Passity. The beauty of these places could not fail to attract celebrities here sooner or later. It just so happened that after Jules Dassin, W alt Disney visited here, a tourist boom begins in the town.
Agios Nikolaos is getting bigger and more beautiful every year. Today here you canchoose housing according to your wallet, taking into account your own preferences.
Attractions: Agios Nikolaos and surroundings
Any resident of this sunny city will advise tourists to first get acquainted with local monuments and famous places and visit Lake Voulismeni. This is the pride of the locals. According to the legend, Aphrodite and Athena used to take water procedures here. Old-timers believe that this lake has no bottom. It is surrounded by a small park that hosts various recreational activities.
This is the charming town of Agios Nikolaos. A map of its sights will help you make the right route so as not to miss anything interesting.
Lasithi Plateau
Let's talk more about the main attractions. Agios Nikolaos is truly unique in this regard. The Lasithi Plain is located at an altitude of 800 meters above sea level. Most tourists easily overcome this climb in order to visit the Dikteyskaya cave. According to legend, Zeus the Thunderer himself was born in it. Here you can also see the monastery of Kera Kardiotissa, which houses the miraculous icon of the Virgin.
Tourists will certainly be interested in visiting the village of Peza. The best wines in Crete are produced here. The village of Trapsano is famous for its pottery.
Church of Panagia Kera
Often tourists are interested in (when visiting Agios Nikolaos for the first time) what to see in this city. For lovers of ancient architecture, we recommend visiting the most famousan architectural monument of the Byzantine era, which is located 20 kilometers from the city in a luxurious olive grove, not far from the entrance to the village of Kritsa. Panagia Kera (the most famous Byzantine church in Crete) was built from the 11th century to the 14th and was dedicated to the Virgin Mary, her mother Anna and St. Anthony.
The rich interior decoration of the church is decorated with frescoes and images of saints. In addition, Panagia Kera is famous for the miraculous icon of the Mother of God, which, according to believers, heals many diseases.
Archaeological Museum
All history lovers who want to explore the sights of Agios Nikolaos are advised to visit this museum. Its exposition is located in eight halls. But even if it were not so big, it would be worth coming here for the sake of a single exhibit - the skull of an ancient Roman athlete. It is dated to the 1st century. Decorated with a golden crown. It was found during excavations of an ancient Roman cemetery.
Besides, museum workers are justifiably proud of the collection of artifacts that belong to a variety of eras - from the Neolithic to the time of the Roman Empire. No less valuable are exhibits such as the clay statue of Mirta, which was discovered by archaeologists in Myrtos, and a huge shell-shaped vessel from the Minoan palace of Malia.
Archaeological Museum
Locals are very sensitive to the history of their native land. It is necessary for every tourist who first came to the city of Agios Nikolaos to know that seeing the exposition of the Folklore Museum is useful for everyone - both adults and children.
Its organizers pursued a single goal - to tell local residents and guests about the history of the island of Crete and their hometown.
Folklore Museum
In the center of the exhibition is a Cretan peasant's house with a typical decoration, which is recreated in great detail. In addition, here you can see a unique collection of ancient costumes and agricultural tools of the past. Complement the collection of postcards and photos of previous years.
Beaches
It should be noted right away that the resort area of the town is well equipped, there are very comfortable beaches. Agios Nikolaos can hardly be called suitable for relaxing alone - during the swimming season, the coastlines are completely occupied by vacationers. Here you will be offered all kinds of entertainment on the water.
E. O. T. Beach
This is the only recreation area with a mini golf course. On the beach, you will be offered to do your favorite water sports and provide you with the necessary equipment for rent. In addition, billiards, ping-pong, well-prepared basketball and football fields, a swimming pool for competitions are at your service.
Ammos
The beach is in the city center. Ideal for diving.
Kitroplatia
Magnificent, well-equipped beach, in the city center. It is surrounded by shops and restaurants.
Almiros
The beach is located in the north of the city. This is one of the most important reservoirs of the island. Eucalyptus grows on the banks, reeds and reeds grow in the water. The advantage of this beach is the beautiful sandycover.
Restaurants and cafes
If sunny Greece has become your favorite holiday destination, Agios Nikolaos, like no other resort in the country, will satisfy all your wildest dreams of a perfect vacation. In addition to sunny beaches, you will surely like local restaurants, cafes, bars. All of them are distinguished by gourmet cuisine and mesmerizing views of the sea coast or the lake.
No less popular is the area of cafes and bars near the marina. It is very cozy here - you can sit under the shady crowns of trees, enjoying delicious dishes of fresh seafood.
After sunset, clubs and discos open here, turning this area into the center of nightlife in Crete.
Excursions from Agios Nikolaos
The city is very advantageously located on the island, this allows you to travel anywhere in Crete, as well as to mainland Greece. But first, we suggest you familiarize yourself with the surroundings of Agios Nikolaos. Around it, the ruins of the ancient Greek cities of Spinalonga and Lato, which are of particular interest, have been preserved. As the legends say, the city of Lato is named after the mother of Apollo and Artemis. Here, the agora, the remains of the theater and the temple, shops, workshops have been preserved in good condition.
In the east of the island, we recommend visiting the city of Sitia. He became famous for his fortress, and if you drive even further east, you can sunbathe on the famous palm beach of Vai.
Color of a great resort
Sunny Greece, Crete, Agios Nikolaos always welcome guests, provided that they do not violatelocal traditions and customs. The Greeks are hot-tempered and remarkably sentimental.
From two in the afternoon to six in the evening, locals rest. At this time, it is undesirable to make phone calls or visit shops and cafes - they may be closed for a break.
The local population is accustomed to a calm and measured life. In restaurants and cafes, you can expect a long time to order. To some, this may seem like a sign of disrespect. In fact, this state of affairs is quite normal.
Locals observe many customs that are somewhat different from those existing in the country. For example, on Easter they roast a young lamb on a spit, and the beginning of the holiday is announced by shooting from guns.
After meeting a foreigner, the townspeople will definitely ask where he came from. And it's not just curiosity. During its long history, the city has experienced many military incursions, so every foreigner makes them feel apprehensive. At the same time, this does not prevent local residents from being sympathetic and hospitable hosts - they quickly imbue confidence in a foreigner if they feel his positive attitude.
