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Agios Νikolaos A
n international cosmopolitan seaside resort, attracting thousands of visitors every year. The lake, the town’s jewel, is known for its many legends, according to one of which, Athena and Artemis are bathing in its waters. The lake becomes one with the sea through a narrow canal, and is surrounded by red rock formations and lush vegetation. A stroll in the shops is always a pleasure. Stores sell unique traditional Cretan art artifacts, copies from the local archaeological museums, jewels, and impressive embroidery. They also sell local products and delicacies that dazzle everyone’s palate. The town is filled with traditional coffee shops that serve local dishes and raki. Agios Nikolaos is equally magical at night. There are numerous bars, with a relaxed atmosphere and loud music, that attract the younger crowds. The town of Agios Nikolaos is a beautiful place with open-hearted people!
Άγιος Νικόλαος
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Culture The historical past is connected to modern reality. The city has a rich history that can be seen in every corner. The Archaeological Museum of Agios Nikolaos
The Archaeological Museum of Agios Nikolaos was inaugurated in 1969 and is considered one of the most significant in Crete. It houses collections of very important archaeological findings from the entire region of eastern Crete, extending from Malia to the distant Zakros. Findings are exhibited in chronological order from the Neolithic period until the end of Roman times. Its showcases include more than 1,500 pots, as well as the oldest gold and bronze findings in Crete. Due to maintenance, the museum currently houses periodic exhibitions only.
The Folk Art Museum of Agios Nikolaos
The Folk Art Museum of Agios Nikolaos was established in 1978 by the Cultural Association of Eastern Crete. It is located in one of the busiest streets of Agios Nikolaos, next to the Tourist Information Bureau in Lake Voulismeni. The Museum houses authentic items of Cretan art and reflects the island’s old traditional life. This unique collection mainly consists of traditional textile handmade items, with incredible embroidery and designs. The Museum also houses holy icons, wooden artifacts, and manuscripts.
The Abduction of Europa sculpture
The legend suggests that Zeus, the father of all gods, fell in love with a beautiful princess named Europe. He took the form of a white bull and approached her while she was playing with her friends. All her friends were captivated by the beauty of the robust and friendly animal and began caressing it. Then Europe tried to ride on his back. Then the bull rushed into the sea and took her to Crete in spite of her weeps. The sculpture was designed by the Cretan film director Nikos Koundouros and was created by sculptors Nikos and Pantelis Sotiriades.
The Archaeological Museum of Agios Nikolaos
41, Konstantinou Palaiologou Street Opening hours: 08.00 - 15.00 Tel. +30 28410 24943
Agios Nikolaos
The Folk Art Museum of Agios Nikolaos
1, Konstantinou Palaiologou Street Opening hours: 14.00 - 18.30
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Religious monuments
Church of Panagia Vrefotrofos (nursing)
This particularly elongated church dedicated to the Virgin Mary in the old part of the city of Agios Nikolaos is the result of two successive expansions to the west of the original single-aisled vaulted church. The original church and its first extension bear two layers of frescoes, of which the oldest -dating back to the early 14th century- is traced mainly in the eastern part, with scenes from Jesus and the Virgin Mary. The second layer, indicative of the so-called academic style of the second half of the 14th century, is traced only in the arch of the westernmost part of the church.
Church of Agia Triada
The Cathedral of Agia Triada is located in the center of Agios Nikolaos. It is a Byzantine, three-aisled, cruciform church with a dome. Its middle aisle is dedicated to Agia Triada, the northern to the Three Hierarchs, and the southern to the Presentation of the Virgin Mary. Two chapels were added to the original church, mainly serving as confessionals. The church is filled with frescoes, representing two trends of Byzantine Hagiography: the Cretan and the Macedonian. In 2001-02, a mosaic was placed on the façade of the church of Agia Triada, in the narthex of “Trimorfos”.
Church of Agios Nikolaos in Ormos
The church of Agios Nikolaos is located in a small bay, where ships anchored during the Byzantine and Venetian periods. It is a singleaisled church with a dome, and was most probably built before the Arab conquest of Crete in 827-828. Two layers of frescoes adorn its interior walls. The oldest layer is non-iconic and dates back to the period of iconoclasm. The church is one of the few examples of early-Byzantine architecture in Crete, and gave its name to the city of Agios Nikolaos.
Agios Nikolaos
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Gargadoros
Ammoudi
Ammos
Δήμος Αγίου Νίκολαου | Άγιος Νικόλαος
Beaches
Agios Nikolaos is a seaside town, surrounded by stunning beaches. Visitors can access one of the area’s most incredibly beautiful beaches, located at a stone’s throw from downtown.
Kitroplatia
Municipal Beach EOT
Almyros
Agios Nikolaos
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Coastal zone
The municipality’s coastal zone consists of many interesting places that are surely worth a visit, such as Elounda, Plaka, Sissi, Milatos, Kalo Chorio, and other smaller villages. All these places are developed, giving the opportunity for a wealth of activities for everyone. Scenic beaches, luxurious hotels, rooms to rent, traditional taverns, and tourist attractions are only few of the reasons why these areas are more developed and popular. Elounda
Elounda is built on the southern shores of the bay of the ancient city of Olous, which is where it got its modern name. A world renowned tourist resort, north of Agios Nikolaos, with scenic beaches, windprotected sandy shores, crystal clear waters and a serene ambiance. Visitors can enjoy the beaches of Schisma, Chiona, Kolokytha, Dianiskari and Alykes. Elounda is one of the most famous tourist destinations worldwide, attracting thousands of visitors every year. The area is filled with 5star hotels, as well as smaller rooms to let. The island of Spinalonga, one of Greece’s most known historical places is located in the area of Elounda.
Plaka
A traditional fishing village with a small port and crystal clear pebbly beaches. It is located across from Spinalonga, on the western shore of the Elounda lagoon. Today it is a cosmopolitan resort with numerous hotels, lovely stores and scenic fishing taverns.
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Coastal zone
Kalo Chorio
The settlements of Arnikos, Pyrgos, Istron and Forti that today constitute Kalo Chorio, are scattered in the evergreen valley, beach and the surrounding fertile hills. The area of ​​Kalo Chorio has three of the best beaches of Crete. These organized beaches are Voulisma, Agios Panteleimonas and Karavostasi and are awarded every year the Blue Flag. Due to their size, they are all suitable for sup, surf and windsurfing. The climbing field of Peza is merely a few minutes away. It consists of four rocks and has many trails, both for beginners and experienced climbers.
Sissi
A tourist resort, half an hour from Agios Nikolaos, with a picturesque little port. This quaint settlement is blessed with many nearby beautiful sandy beaches, such as Boufos and Avlaki. There area boasts many hotels of all categories, as well as rooms to let.
Milatos
The beach of Milatos is a lovely fishing village with scenic taverns, serving fresh seafood. The beautiful beaches, stunning natural beauty, and unique combination of mountain and sea bedazzle all visitors. A village with rich history that goes back to the Homeric Epics. The history of the cave of Milatos is quite remarkable. This is where in February 1823, during the Ottoman occupation, 2,000 women and children were slaughtered by Hassan Aga who plundered Lasithi.
Coastal zone
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Culture
Spinalonga
Spinalonga is a significant historical attraction of Crete. This infamous islet was the base for one of the most important Venetian castles of Crete. Also known as the Island of the Lepers, Spinalonga was the place where all lepers from Crete and the rest of the country were quarantined at until 1957. For many decades it remained unexploited. However, following the growing tourist interest, the state started the systematic restoration and repair of the old buildings, fortified Venetians walls, old residences and streets on the islet. The Ministry of Culture has requested the inclusion of Spinalonga in the UNESCO World Heritage Monuments List.
Olous
Elounda has a rich history that starts with the ancient city of Olous or Olounda. This ancient city sank into the sea, and its remnants are still visible when the sea is calm. Olous was the most powerful, fortified citystate near Lato, one of the greatest of the island, with a port and its own currency. The glorious past of ancient Olous was abruptly disrupted by a powerful earthquake in 780 AD.
Early Christian Basilicas
In the location of the ancient city of Olous, in the isthmus of Poros and the bay of Kolokytha of the peninsula of Spinalonga, an excavation brought to light two three-aisled basilicas that date back to the first Byzantine period. In the basilica of Poros there is a mosaic floor with geometric and plant motifs, with depictions of fish and birds.
Ancient Naxos
On the top of Mount Oxa we find a well-fortified ancient city called “Arhaia (Ancient) Naxos�. It bears the name of its founder Oaxos, Axos or Naxos. Others argue that Zeus Tallaios (Zeus of the Sun) was worshipped at Ancient Naxos. This ancient historic city features stunning views of the gulf of Mirabello and the bay of Elounda. It is rumoured that the city served as the acropolis of the city of Olous (later named Elounda) and its walls and some cisterns are still visible. Moreover, important archaeological findings were made which included coins of the god Dionysus. Ancient Naxos is a city well-hidden within an awe-inspiring landscape and definitely worth visiting.
Spinalonga
Opening hours in summer (1 April - 31 October) 08:00-18:00 daily. Closed during winter (1 November - 31 March). For groups of visitors who want to visit the site prior arrangements are required.
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Voulisma
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Δήμος Αγίου Νίκολαου | Άγιος Νικόλαος
Beaches The wider area of the Municipality of Agios Nikolaos is filled with numerous beaches. Small coves, long sandy beaches, hidden bays with crystal clear waters are only few of its attractions. The water sports opportunities, organized beaches and scenic taverns by the water attract all holidaymakers. All the beaches, aside from being safe since they are located in the wind-protected bay of Mirabello, comply with European standards, while many of them were awarded the Blue Flag.
Avlaki Milatos Volia Avlaki Lagkadaki Agios Antonios Plaka
Coastal zone
Chiona Dianiskari Alykes Chavania Ammoudara Karavostasi Agios Pandeleimonas
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Activities
Sailing
The imposing bay of Mirabello is also ideal for those who seek to escape from everyday life with sailing. The bay is wide, giving the opportunity for exploration with a calm cruise along the coast, as well as in the open seas, for the bolder ones. This is where you will find the right wind, without the tiring waves. In August, the winds are stronger, but the bay is wind-protected, allowing for safe sailing. Therefore, if the weather is calm, the routes increase.
Diving
The imposing wild relief of the area continues into the sea. Impressive formations of abysses, caves and reefs adorn the seabed. The bay of Mirabello is an attraction for diving aficionados, boasting a rare natural marine environment, full of ancient remnants, wrecks, rocky slopes and underwater caverns. The crystal clear waters offer visibility of over 30 meters and ideal temperatures between 19°C and 29°C. Everybody has the opportunity to escape to the underwater world, as a large number of active diving companies operate in Agios Nikolaos.
Windsurfing
Windsurfing is an exciting sport that combines sailing and surfing. The ideal location of Mirabello Bay offers a unique advantage to windsurfers. The beaches of Chiona in the Bay of Elounda, Ammoudi and Karavostasi are considered to be the best places for windsurfing, as they offer strong and stable winds of over 5 Beaufort in the summer and often throughout the year. Several companies are active in the area, offering equipment and training to beginners.
SUP | Surfing
Although SUP is a new addition in the field of water sports, the area of Agios Nikolaos has several spots ideal for SUP and surfing aficionados. In the bay of Mirabello, visitors can easily plan a short ride along the coast. Exploring the unique bays, one can also tour all the beaches, as they are at a short distance from each other. In addition, the wind-protected bay of Mirabello offers safety to those interested for excellent downwind routes. Moreover, SUP training is also offered at the Municipal Beach, and many companies rent the necessary equipment and basic training.
Sea kayak
This activity, except from physical exercise, offers the opportunity for exploration of the unique natural beauty of the municipality. It also offers the opportunity for exercise and relaxation, both physically and mentally, in shallow or deeper waters. The inaccessible hidden caves throughout the coastline of Agios Nikolaos can be visited by a sea kayak. The bay of Mirabello offers the advantage of choosing a waterway, with either calm or wavy waters. You can visit places, difficult to access in any other way, and do some downwind paddling. This is a unique experience, with the lake of Agios Nikolaos as a meeting point.
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Inland The coastal zone of the municipality of Agios Nikolaos is surely stunning, but the inland is equally impressive, with its natural beauty and grandeur of the Cretan tradition. Picturesque villages, merely few minutes away from Agios Nikolaos, promise visitors an unforgettable trip through the history of Mirabello. Neapoli
Neapoli, the historic seat of the Municipality, is located in the northwestern part of the Prefecture of Lassithi, the so-called Ano Mirabello, and is about 15 minutes away from the town of Agios Nikolaos. It is the seat of the Holy Metropolis of Petra and Cherronisos, as well as the seat of judicial services, and is filled with old mansions, scenic alleys, and well preserved ottoman fountains. The main square with the municipal garden and the church of Megali Panagia complements the area’s grandeur and serenity. The Folk Art Museum of Neapoli is located right next to the church of Megali Panagia. It was established in 1979 and its exhibits offer visitors the opportunity to have a comprehensive view of life in Mirabello. The surrounding area is filled with monasteries and churches. The Franciscan Monastery of Fraro, as well as the archaeological site of Driros are significant historical monuments. Moreover, the area is known for the wealth of events organized annually. Many celebratory, cultural, and athletic events take place in the main square, and the greatest one of all is the one held on the 14th and the 15th of August.
Vrachassi
Vrachassi is built amphitheatrically on the southern slope of mountain Anavlochos, at an altitude of 360 meters above sea. The name Vrachassi is said to derive from the word “vrachos� (rock). Due to its location, many battles took place there during the Greek Revolution. Moreover, this is where Ancient Anavlochos, a steep mountain, is located. On this inaccessible place, traces of a postMinoan (9th to 6th century BC) settlement were found, with water tanks, walls, tombs, and a sanctuary.
Limnes
At the end of the plain of Mirabello, below Ancient Driros, Limnes charm visitors with its authentic Cretan character, as one of the oldest villages of the area. Rich and fertile, due to the plain, and filled with water mills. There are two Byzantine churches here, both decorated with impressive frescoes.
Ano Mirabello
Ano Mirabello
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Inland Fourni
Fourni actually comprises three different villages; close one to another. The villages of Kastelli, Kato Chorio and Pano Chorio, all located in the homonymous fertile plain (polje) at an altitude of 320m. All those settlements used to be wealthy rural villages of great cultural tradition. Visitors often come across houses of Venetian architecture, proof of the area’s long history. The area has dozens of chapels and Monasteries, most of them of the 16th-17th centuries. The large number of Monasteries in such a small area (Ano Mirabello) is the reason why it has been given the name THE HOLY MOUNTAIN OF CRETE. The village of Kastelli is connected to the village of Kato Chorio by a magnificent 400m-long road with eucalyptuses and cypresses. To the left we find the Crafts & Cottage Industry Museum “Milopetra”
known as the Romana Portela. Equally important is the Agios Georgios Fountain of the Ottoman period.
Vrysses
The village of Vrysses is located at an altitude of 400m, on the northern slope of mount Kavalara, south of the Mirabello plain. The Fountain (1887) of the village is impressive and features a wonderfully engraved plaque. The archaeological findings (14th-1st centuries B.C.) on the hill of Profitis Ilias and at the enchanting rural area of Drassi indicate that the greater area of Vrysses has been inhabited since the Prehistoric Age.
Nikithianos
Choumeriakos
The village of Choumeriakos is built on three hills at the edge of Mirabello plain and is surrounded by olive groves. Houses with flower gardens and shops reflecting the traditional Lassithi architecture provide a testimony of the village’s past splendour. Within the village we find 17 old temples, the Temple of Panagia Koumbelina being the most important of them. It is the only cross-in-square temple left in eastern Crete (11th-12th centuries). An important monument of the Venetian period is the marvellous arch-shaped gate, which is actually the entrance to a Venetian palazzo of the 16th-17th centuries,
Nikithianos is a small, well-preserved traditional village located at the heart of the Ano Mirabello plain. The slope north of the village and south of the National Road features some of the most impressive stone-built windmills of Crete as far as their number, variety and construction quality are concerned.
Latsida
Latsida is located at the north-western edge of the Mirabello plain, at an altitude of 250m. The village is essentially a rural village whose economy is based on agricultural production. The oldest mention of the village dates back to the Venetian occupation of Crete (1369). Surrounded by a magnificent landscape and close to the village, we find the church of Panagia Keragoniotissa (14th century), dedicated to the Dormition of the Virgin Mary.
Ano Mirabello Voulismeni
Voulismeni, a village surrounded by orchards, is located on the provincial road network 1.5km NW of Neapoli. The Venetian Temple of Agia Ekaterini and two Fountains from the Ottoman era are its main sights.
Vrouchas
This village is built on the mountain above the lagoon of Elounda. A short, steep route winds its way up to the village affording spectacular views of the Bay of Mirabello. Tall windmills line the entrance to Vrouchas.
Agios Antonios
The main village of a former community which comprised the villages of Agoroi, Kounali, Tsambi, Frathias, Agios Antonios, Anogia and Amygdalolakkos. All villages are small traditional villages with interesting elements of popular architecture and are located on the north-western ridge of Ano (Northern) Mirabello. Their residents are farmers and livestock breeders.
Dories
Dories is a small rural hamlet with residences which are notable examples of the traditional architecture of the Cretan highlands. There is also an impressive artificial rainwater cistern which was created following the unification of 14 earlier rainwater cisterns of the area.
Karydi
Karydi is located 800m from Dories and is a typical example of a livestock breeding hamlet of the Cretan highlands. Near the village we find earlier livestock holdings-corrals and cheese dairies, of unrendered stonework and separated by dry-stone walls, whose structure is totally in sync with the area’s arid and harsh landscape. Moving from Karydi towards Skinias we find the Monastery of Kardamoutsa and then the fortress-like Monastery of Areti.
Ano Mirabello
Skinias
On the N.W. edge of the municipality is the village of Skinias which includes the settlements of Agios Georgios, Valtos and Chondrovolakoi. There are pebble beaches at Vlichadia and Agios Antonios “of the sponges”, ideal for swimming and fishing.
Loumas
Stone-built windmills and an exceptional view across the northern coast of Crete make a visit to this village memorable. Sunlight and wind have moulded the rock, the earth and the trees here.
Pines
The village Pines is situated at a short distance from Elounda where the traditional architecture has been preserved. Visiting here is a quiet trip into the past.
Zenia
This village is located at a height of 750m and is about 10km west of Agios Nikolaos through the lush valley of Drassi. A short distance away are the remains of an ancient town and the cave of Atzigano, one of most interesting caves in Lassithi.
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Inland
Kritsa
Kritsa is located southwest of Agios Nikolaos, is the largest village of the prefecture and a former seat of the municipality. It is a place with particular folklore and archaeological interest, but also a rich historical past. The ancient city Lato, with its Byzantine churches, alleys, and residences of traditional architecture, travels visitors through time. Powerful even today, the town is a lovely place, ideal for strolling, and has many stores that sell local products and traditional handmade needleworks.
Katharo Plateau of Kritsa
For mountain and nature lovers, a visit to the plateau is a must. Thousands of sheep and goats are bred on its slopes, providing milk for the area’s excellent dairy products. The plateau is of particular scientific interest, as researchers - palaeontologists discovered fossils of pygmies, hippopotamus’ and elephants.
Kroustas
A distinct traditional Cretan village, at a mere distance of 20 minutes from Agios Nikolaos. A fertile place, known for its traditional cuisine and festive ambiance. The locals are open-hearted people, ready to share the story of this place, about what happened to the village and the entire inland of the municipality. The Almond Feast and the Eftazymo Feast take place annually and are directly linked to the village’s gastronomic character.
Exo & Mesa Potamoi
This is the highest village of the municipality of Agio Nikolaos at 840880m and it is surrounded by maple, oak and chestnut trees. The settlements are all built in ravines and in the slopes of the mountain of Selenas, a local historical mountain which owes its name to Selini, the Doric Selana. Numerous springs of pure mountain water irrigate the plateau where vegetables, apple trees, walnut trees and vineyards are cultivated.
Kato Mirabello
Prina
The southern village of the municipality is accessible through a dense pine forest, at an altitude of 345 meters above sea. Prina has started appearing in the Venetian censuses since the 16th century, but its history goes way back before that. The village is directly linked to the production of honey and every summer locals organize a relevant traditional feast.
Lakonia
A complex of small villages, 10 minutes away from Agios Nikolaos, divided into two larger settlements; Mesa Lakonia and Exo Lakonia. The settlements forming Exo Lakonia bear family names, most of them Byzantine or Venetian. The Church of Archangel Michail, located in the heart of Lakonia, is an important Byzantine monument.
Kato Mirabello
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Culture
Lato
Lato is one of the most important city-states of Dorians in Crete, and is considered the most well-preserved city of the classical Hellenistic period. Built between two hills, in a strategic location, offers defensive coverage to the entire city. It is rumored that its name derived from Leto (Doric type of Lato), who was the mother of Apollo and Artemis. The most important goddess of the city was Eileithyia, who was also depicted in the city’s currency. The city was destroyed around 200 BC. Opening hours: 08.00 – 15.00, except Monday
Ancient Driros
Ancient Driros was an important city of Crete, and is built on Mount Kadistos, northeastern of current Neapoli. It was established in the 12th century BC, and flourished from the Geometric/Archaic eras until the Hellenistic years. The local archaeological site includes two acropolises and an agora from the Archaic era. Delfinio, the most ancient temple of the Geometric era, dedicated to Apollo, is located there, as well. The city was destroyed during the civil war that started on 220 BC.
Religious monuments Religion always played a pivotal role in Cretan life. The biggest number of monasteries is in the area of Mirabello, which was justifiably called the “Mount Athos of Crete”. Panagia Kira in Kritsa is one of the most significant religious monuments in Crete. Its incredible frescoes and different styles used make this the most important monument of the area. Particular mention should be made to the depiction of Saint Francis of Assisi in the central aisle of the church, as well as to the scenes from the occult gospels on the aisle of Agia Anna. The Franciscan monastery Fraro in Neapoli also surely worth a visit, and is where monk Petros Filargos, who later became Pope Alexander the Fifth, lived.
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Activities
Hiking and cycling
The inland of Agios Nikolaos offers opportunities for a wide range of outdoor activities. Its excellent continental location combines different trails for hiking or cycling. Most trails are marked, while the natural landscape of the municipality has a network of more than 100 routes. Visitors have the opportunity to see the wild nature of Crete as they explore the vast gorges. For nature lovers, there are paths that lead to remarkable mountain peaks and evergreen forests.
Mediterranean Diet
Since ancient times, people on the island have been consuming local products. The Mediterranean diet, which is based on herbs, legumes, meat, fish, honey, dairy products and wine, is celebrated in Crete. The Cretan traditional cuisine is simple and inventive, and is based on the endless variety of Cretan endemic products. What is never missing from the Cretan cuisine is olive oil, wheat or barley dusks, and of course raki, which is a local traditional alcoholic drink.
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Municipality of Αgios Î?ikolaos /agiosnikolaoscrete /visitagiosnikolaoscrete /agiosnikolaoscrete /municipalityofagiosnikolaos /agiosnikolaoscrete /agiosnikolaoscrete /agnikolaoscrete #agiosnikolaoscrete www.agiosnikolaoscrete.com