Agios Nikolaos is located at the beautiful Mirabello Bay, about 45km east of the capital of Heraklion and 30km west of the town of Sitia. The town of Agios Nikolaos has about 12.000 inhabitans and is the second largest town in the prefecture Lassithi. In 1904 Agios Nikolaos became the capital of the prefecture of Lassithi.
The city owes its name Agios Nikolaos by the small church “Agios Nikolaos” from the 10th century. The church is located north to the hotel “Minos Palace”. The former fishing village can look back to 40 years of tourism.
The town of Agios Nikolaos was among the first regions connected to tourism. The most famous two hotels of Agios Nikolaos are “Minoan Palace Hotel” and “Hotel St. Nicolas Bay” If you like to stay close to the town, these hotels are ideal.
In the 3rd century BC Agios Nikolaos was the port city of prosperous ancient settlement Lato inland. Today you can see the remains of Lato, about 5km inland from Agios Nikolaos.
Today Agios Nikolaos is an attractice town with tastefully decorated restaurants and cafes and commercial streets.
A trip to the former leper colony on the island of Spinalonga is a worthwhile day trip. Spinalonga is near to the town of Elounda.
How to get to Agios Nikolaos
- by ferry boat from Athens / Pireus to Agios Nikolaos
- From Heraklion Port or Airport by rental Car
- by Bus from Airport Heraklion or Port
- From Chania by Car rental to Agios Nikolaos
