Agios Nikolaos is the capital of Lasithi, located on the eastern part of the island of Crete. It occupies the western zone of the Mirabello Bay, 62 kilometers from Heraklion. In the III century BC, this city was a major trading point, the well-being of which was evidenced by the coin produced here (its own money indicated great prosperity). The name of the city is associated with the Byzantine church, which was built in the IX century in honor of St. Nicholas. Nicholas. But it began to be actively built up only in 1870.
The beginnings of tourism originated in the 60s of the XX century, quickly covering all cities. Over time, tourists from all over the world began to come here. In the summer, the Lato festival takes place in the city. You can watch various exhibitions, performances by artists from Greece and Europe, as well as folklore ensembles.
Agios Nikolaos Krista Baltroka
The sights of the city of Agios Nikolaos in Crete, clean beaches (many received the Blue Flag Award), landscape views of the amazing beauty of Mirabello Bay allowed it to gain fame as a world-class resort city.
Regular buses run from the local Heraklion Airport to Agios Nikolaos. The journey takes about an hour and a half. Taxi services are also available. For a convenient transfer around Crete, you can rent a car, which is available to pre-select or take upon arrival.
Admiring the sights of the town of Agios Nikolaos in Crete
The city is jokingly called the local Saint-Tropez. This is mainly due to the location near Lake Vulismeni with freshwater and a depth of 64 meters. Legend says that Athena and Artemis themselves took baths here.
Until the middle of the 19th century, the lake was not connected to the sea. In 1867, the Turkish ruler issued an order for the construction of a canal that was supposed to connect them. But even so, the lower layers still remained freshwater due to the large number of underground streams that feed the lake. And the upper 30 meters or so have become salty.
Lake Vulismeni ArtemiyPavlov
After the liberation of Crete from the Nazis, local residents dropped a lot of German equipment to the bottom of Vulismeni, which remains there today. Today, the lake is shrouded in an amazing atmosphere of romance, a large number of restaurants offer complete relaxation. Here you can enjoy a delicious drink. It is better to dine in local restaurants, where a full meal will cost 20 percent less.
Photos and descriptions of the sights of Agios Nikolaos in Crete are impressive. But it is better to see and appreciate all the delights of the town firsthand. List of the most visited places:
- The Church of St. The church in the north of the town is built on a small hill. The church of the Byzantine period, which gave the name to the city, was built in the IX century. Ancient murals have been preserved inside. On St. Nicholas Day, the sixth of December, she especially attracts attention;
St. Nicholas Church in Agios Nikolaos Dimitris Kamaras
- The Ethnographic Museum occupies the first floor of the port authority. It consists of only three rooms. The exhibits consist of national costumes, samples of materials and embroidery, household items. Museum opening days: all week except Monday. You have to pay for admission;
Official website: http://odysseus.culture .
An athlete’s skull with a coin for Charon Zde
- The archaeological museum is north of the lake. There are only eight exhibition halls with a rich exhibition of archaeological excavations from the east of Crete. The finds belong to the Neolithic period, the civilization of the Roman and Minoan periods. In a separate room, exhibits from the Minoan burial in Agia Fotya (numerous ceramic vessels, bronze knives, obsidian tools) are on display. The face of the goddess Myrtle is a sculpture for which this museum is famous. A large ceramic vessel has a female figure with a too small head, an elongated neck, and a bell-shaped body. The goddess holds a vessel for sacrificial libations. The most impressive element of the museum remains the skull of a young athlete, which was discovered on the ruins of a Roman burial. He has a laurel wreath of gold on his head, and a silver coin in his mouth (according to ancient tradition, it is needed to pay for the transition to the kingdom of the dead). In summer, the museum can be visited any day except Monday. Entrance is paid;
Official website: https://odysseus.culture.gr
Panagia Kera Church
- The church of Panagia Kera in Crete is the most popular monument of Byzantine architectural monuments in Crete. It is located in an olive grove at the entrance to the settlement of Critza. The original, extraordinarily beautiful frescoes depict biblical scenes, including George. The Victorious and Francis of Assisi. The miraculous icon of the Virgin attracts numerous pilgrims who believe in its healing properties. You have to pay for the entrance to the church. Minibuses go here to the church;
The East Room of the Prytaneion in Lato by Bernard Gagnon
- the ruins of the town of Lato are three kilometers from the village of Kritsa and 15 km from Agios Nikolaos. The ancient city was a very important settlement of the whole island. Previously, it was the largest trading port with a coin produced, which depicted the goddess Iliphia. The city was destroyed, but the Romans continued to actively use the harbor, later it was the Byzantines and Venetians, until it became a full-fledged modern Agios Nikolaos. After the excavations, the remains of the city gate and the steps of the stairs to the Agora to the sanctuary were found. The discovery allowed scientists to restore a citywide plan with the placement of the main temple, an ancient theater, residential buildings, and various workshops. You can admire the archaeological monument until 14:30, entrance is paid;
Windmills on the plateau of Lasithi Nikater
- The Lasithi plateau, which occupies a large area on the eastern part of the island at an altitude of 900 meters. In eighteen villages located on the plateau, the ancient way of life is still preserved. There are many windmills on the plateau, working continuously. The Dikti mountain range with the cave of Zeus is especially attractive for tourists;
Spinalonga Island Guérin Nicolas
- Spinalonga Island, which arose after the earthquake, when the ancient city of Olus was destroyed. Sunken ruins can be seen through the clear waters. This place is especially attractive for divers from all over the world. In the XV century, the Venetians discovered salt deposits, which began to be actively developed. Nowadays, a church and a museum can be visited on the island. You can get to Spinalonga by an excursion boat. The tour lasts four hours with a stop for swimming. A walk around the island lasts an hour and a half, you can walk alone along the paths you like or join an excursion trip;
Candles in the cave monastery of Christine McIntosh
- The Monastery of Our Lady of Phaneromeni is not a very common tourist destination, as it is located high in the mountains. You need to be especially careful on the road, but the local scenery is really amazing. Inside, everything is arranged like a traditional Cretan village. The main cathedral was carved into the rock, with small white cell houses, stone stairways and numerous floral balconies nearby. The Mother of God gives a woman a child, because on August 15 a huge number of pilgrims from all over the world flock here;
The Dictatorial cave Own work
- The Dictaean cave of Zeus is known to all locals and visitors. There are five halls in it, one has an underwater lake, and special bridges lead down to it. Here you can use the famous Cretan donkey transport to transfer things. You need to take comfortable shoes and a warm sweater with you. Only adults need to pay for admission. It is allowed to take photos without a flash.
Photos of the sights of Agios Nikolaos in Crete do not allow you to fully realize the beauty of the area. People of all ages like to relax here: whether it’s an active vacation or a quiet and romantic trip. Even children will find it interesting to spend time if they organize their leisure time correctly.
The beach in Agios Nikolaos MatthewJCarter
Every year, crowds of tourists come here to enjoy the amazing gifts of nature and appreciate cultural and natural monuments. Thanks to the constantly running regular buses, you can explore not only the city, but also the surrounding area in a short time. It is worth getting acquainted with the pricing policy in advance, and considering possible sightseeing tours. With proper planning, you can spend a minimum of time admiring nature and evaluating local attractions. Read also about the sights of Corfu and be inspired to travel further in Greece.
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