Agios Nikolaos

Agios Nikolaos (or Aghios Nikolaos) is a coastal town on the Greek island of Crete, lying east of the island's capital Heraklion.

Agios Nikolaos is set on the largest natural bay in Crete, Mirabello or Merabello Bay, named for the beautiful view (mira bella) of the sea from the town.

Lake Voulismeni connects to the harbour of the town by a channel dug in 1870. A panoramic view of the lake can be seen from a small park situated above it.

According to legend, the goddess Athena bathed in it and every year at midnight turning to Orthodox Christian Easter day, the majority of the population of the town gathers around the lake to celebrate with fireworks.

Kritsa is one of the oldest and most picturesque villages on Crete, built amphitheatrically on a rock hill, named Kastellos, surrounded by olive groves, at an altitude of 375m. Old Cretan customs and traditions are kept alive here and Kritsa is considered one of the most important centres of weaving art, making it a popular tourist stop. From Kritsa there is a spectacular climb to the plateau of Katharo, which provides a panoramic view of Mirabello Bay, Agios Nikolaos and Kalo Horio.

Visit a Cretan Olive Oil Farm and learn how olive oil is made. Taste some local oil and honey, they make a good gift idea.

Why not take a boat trip to Barbarossa's cave or the island of Spinalonga. The island is a former leper colony, the last inhabitant left the island in 1962. There is also a fortress here and small pebble beaches with shallow waters.

Knossos, the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete, is best visited via a ship's excursion due to time restraints.

Stroll along the streets to find some traditional Cretan artwork, locally made jewellery and embroidery.

There are many beaches in Agios Nikolaos itself including Almyros Beach, the biggest and best beach in Agios Nikolaos on the south side of town, 2.5 kilometres from the centre. Nearby Elounda to the north or Ammoudara and Istron to the south are also options.

Popular Cretan dishes include 'spanokopita' (filo pastry filled with spinach and cheese), 'pastitio' (baked layers of pasta, minced beef, onions and cheese, fast food favourite 'gyros pita' (pita filled with meat, chips, tzatziki, onions and tomato) and 'stifado' (stew).

Cruise ships either dock in Mirabello Bay or anchor and tender passengers ashore. The centre of town is a short distance away.