Agios Nikolaos Holidays

Beautiful, buzzy harbourside town

Agios Nikolaos manages to achieve something rather special. Classy, cool and modern, this town on the northeast coast of Crete is also brimming with old-world Greek authenticity and traditional island flavour. And it blends these worlds effortlessly, meaning Agios Nikolaos holidays offer plenty for visitors to enjoy. The town’s waterside is lined with cafés and restaurants, and acts as a social hub for locals and tourists alike.

With colourful houses rising uphill from the shore, Agios Nikolaos is beautiful to look at, while it also boasts plenty of cultural diversions, thanks to the presence of museums and churches throughout the area. With a lively ambience and enough happening to keep all kinds of holidaymakers happy, it’s not hard to see why so many people have fallen in love with holidays to Agios Nikolaos. Get ready to be swept off your feet.

Explore our map of Agios Nikolaos

Your Agios Nikolaos questions, answered

Is there a beach?

There are beaches to the north and south of Agios Nikolaos. These vary from calm shores to destinations for water sports, offering everything from jet-skiing to paragliding.

Is it family-friendly?

There are lots of spots close to Agios Nikolaos that are great for families who are looking to chill out, including the lake and the many beaches with good facilities.

When’s the best time to visit Agios Nikolaos?

The most popular months for Agios Nikolaos holidays are July and August. This is when the weather is hot and dry and there’s plenty on the calendar such as the Mirabello Jazz Festival and other live music events. This is also a good time to hit the beach with sea temperatures peaking at 25°C. If you prefer a quieter holiday, you should also look at May and June or September and October. You can often find cheaper breaks during these months and enjoy more space at the beach.

Where can I work out?

The locals like keeping fit and there are several gyms in town, some with indoor climbing and yoga facilities. The area’s hiking trails will tone the calves, too.

What’s the nightlife like in Agios Nikolaos?

While Agios Nikolaos isn’t a full-on party town, there’s plenty to do in the evenings. This means Agios Nikolaos holidays can be great for those who want to party, or those who prefer a more relaxed pace. If you want a laidback night out, head to one of the tavernas or beach bars. There’s often live music and other entertainment after dinner. If you are looking for a party atmosphere, head to the port area where there are bars that open until the small hours. Malia is just half an hour away and has several nightclubs too.

What is Agios Nikolaos known for?

Agios Nikolaos is known as a historic port and there’s plenty to explore from Medieval churches to the Archaeological Museum that has items dating back to early civilization. There are legends about the town. Athena and Artemis are said to have bathed in its waters, for example. Agios Nikolaos is also well-known for its beaches. While Northeast Crete can have choppy seas, Agios Nikolaos has coves and bays, which means the waters are calmer and the beaches are sandy and unspoilt. Some people also know Agios Nikolaos for its olive oil as there’s a large farm near town.

Is Agios Nikolaos lively?

Agios Nikolaos has lots going on both day and night, so the town has a lively atmosphere. During the day, you can enjoy the quaint town centre full of interesting boutiques and shops selling handcrafted Cretan items. You can also book a boat trip from the harbour, visit an olive oil farm, or simply spend the day on one of the beaches. In the evenings, find a local taverna for a few drinks, dinner, and some live entertainment, or head to the waterfront to enjoy the late-night bars.

Is Agios Nikolaos good for couples?

Agios Nikolaos is the perfect backdrop for a romantic couples’ holiday. The town has an old-world charm, with sun-soaked white buildings and narrow, winding streets. During the day, you can relax on the beach or enjoy romantic walks along the promenade. Active couples will find plenty to do, from water sports to exploring museums and historic sites. At night, enjoy cosy dinners in local tavernas, or head to the harbour for a night in the bars.

How far is Agios Nikolaos from Elounda?

Elounda is a scenic 15-minute drive along the coast. Some inexpensive buses run regularly between the two towns. If you’re a keen hiker, you could walk the coastal trail one way, then take a bus back. It takes just over two hours and means you can enjoy the pretty sea views.

Best things to do Beaches

Embrace the lake
At the heart of Agios Nikolaos, Lake Voulismeni is an atmospheric place to take a stroll day or night, and its surrounding restaurants and cafés are perfect for watching the world go by.
Sample the nightlife
Agios Nikolaos really lets its hair down at night, when the town’s many bars come alive. Grab a cocktail and join a stylish mix of locals and tourists.
Shop like a local
Being a smart place, Agios Nikolaos has a wide choice of boutiques, as well as vintage stores selling everything from antiques and clothes to jewellery.