7 Days On Beautiful Crete

Ágios Nikolaos:
7 Days Itinerary

Ágios Nikolaos is a costal city situated east of the Crete’s capital Heraklion. You can get there from the nearest airport – Heraklion airport – in less than 1 hour (taxi or bus). We opted for a travel agency so we did not have to take care neither of the flight tickets nor the reservation of the hotel. The company we chose was not the best (we did not sit together in the plane and the scheduled information day with the tour guide did not happened due to bad organisation) but the prices were more interesting.

During our stay there was an exceptionally strong wind and even the locals confirmed that was not usual. If you are a warm-water-person (like me) the temperature of the sea in July may slightly disappoint you. The sea was not exceeding 22-23°C which may not be really low but if you add a wind blowing through on the top of that you may easily found yourself trembling. If you visit Crete between July and September you may enjoy much warmer temperatures of the sea (27-28°C).

Note: on Crete September is hotter month than June.

Seven to ten days are largely sufficient for exploring Crete’s east coast. I recommend you to rent a scooter for a couple of days. The cost for 3-day rent is around 80 € and you can find the rental shops basically everywhere in the city center of Ágios.

They do rent cars as well but I would really recommend you to opt for scooter (if you do not plan to cross the entire island of Crete of course and if you do not mind to sacrifice the comfortable seats of the car) as it is much more enjoyable to feel the air, have a better view on the landscape, feel little bit of adrenaline and to be able to park basically anywhere you want to. Just be careful when driving the scooter as the roads get easily slippery due to the hot temperatures on Crete. In addition, people on Crete drive little bit carelessly so it is good to pay an extra attention when driving.

DAY #1

Top 3 beaches

Paralia Gargadoros Beach

This little stony beach is situated just right in front of Ariadne Beach Hotel. There are few sunbeds and beach umbrellas which you need to pay for (around 10-15 €/day) but those are free to use usually in the late afternoon hours (is good to ask the beach staff who is usually around).

Personally, I enjoyed spending couple of hours If you are looking for a little bit of privacy and calm Paralia Gargadoros will not be the best option to go to as it is usually full of guests from the hotel and car traversing by the road separating beach and the hotel complex.

Beti Beach

Beautiful tiny sandy beach that I fell in love with! Beti Beach is just 5 minutes walking from the Paralia Gargadoros Beach and offers the picturesque view on the blue lagoon and rock hill.

As this beach is some kind of hidden one, it was much more pleasant to swim as the water was bit warmer and you did not feel the wind thanks to the rocks covering the beach. It is really a private place so if you want to have a place for your beach towel make sure you come there in the early hours. Capacity is limited to approximately 10 people.

For a little bit of adventure do not miss a chance to discover the small caves under the rocks the water is not high there. Beti Beach is definitely my  Nº 1 beach in Ágios Nikólaos.

Voulisma Beach

Only about 15 minutes of drive from the city centre, Voulisma Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Ágios Nikólaos. One must love that feeling of the warm sand almost burning your feet when walking and amazing turquoise blue colour of the sea.

Voulisma Beach is very well organised and you can find there a little restaurant and bar with the music which really adds up the right vibe to the summer vacation mood. In the high season the beach is very crowded and if you arrive late in the afternoon you may not find any sunbed or beach umbrella available (you need to pay for it). Nonetheless, you can still find some spot on the sand to put your beach towel which is of course for free.

On Crete, you may find plenty of private beached as well which provide additional level of comfort but the public beaches are in a very good condition so if you do not like to pay every day for your place with sunbed and beach umbrella on the beach you may prefer to opt for the free towel-one option which is completely worth it.

DAY #2

Agios and Lake Voulismeni

The city center is full of little commerce, bars and restaurants. Personally, I admired the architecture, streets full of tiny colourful Greek style houses. Ágios is a costal city so there are the boat ports on each corner. The accessibility to the city center is very good, you do not necessarily need to take taxi to get from one part of the city to another.

Lake Voulismeni is a very popular touristic place in the heart of Ágios. It is surrounded by the tavernas little bit too overpriced and a variety of shops. The best time to take a walk and enjoy the splendid views is during sunset or evening hours. It gets really romantic! There is always some music in the streets If you like music, this is the perfect spot to spend the night as there are the bars all around. The city of Ágios Nikólaos has definitely its own magic.

DAY #3

Day trip to Spinalonga Island

Once you go to Ágios Nikólaos, a boat trip to famous Spinalonga Island is unavoidable. There are tens of agencies offering boat trips to Spinalonga all around the city. Just to choose one. Keep in mind that it is a half day trip so better not to plan other activities for the day. We took a cruise of 4.5 hours for 20 €/person. To enjoy a full experience

Spinalonga Island is famous for the Venetian fortress from 16th century that stands on its shores. Later, it served as a leper colony from 1903 until 1957, housing individuals affected by leprosy.

Apart from its historical importance, Spinalonga Island boasts natural beauty and stunning views. The crystal-clear waters surrounding the island and the picturesque landscape make it a captivating destination for tourists and photographers alike.

Visiting Spinalonga Island is a must-do activity when you are in Ágios Nikólaos. It provides a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a memorable experience for travelers.

DAY #4

Kritsa village

Just about 10 kilometers from Ágios Nikólaos – Kritsa village offers a true gateway to an authentic Cretan village life. You can get there easily by scooter or car (I recommend you to opt for scooter you can better enjoy the vibrant scenery along the way but at the cost of comfort). Kritsa is situated on the hill so better to be ready and take good shoes.

Nestled on a hill, the village is known for its picturesque stone houses adorned with vibrant flowers and surrounded by lush greenery. Its peaceful atmosphere just ads to its authenticity.

As you wander through the narrow streets, you’ll find yourself immersed in a bygone era, where time seems to have stood still. Keep an eye out for the elderly villagers who can often be seen sitting on their porches, sharing stories of the past.

For those who enjoy hiking and nature, Kritsa village offers scenic trails that allow you to explore the surrounding countryside. Take a leisurely stroll through olive groves and vineyards, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the sea in the distance.

Visiting Kritsa village is a wonderful way to experience the traditional culture and hospitality of Crete. Whether you explore the charming streets, admire the historic church, or simply relax and savor the tranquil atmosphere, this village will leave you with a lasting impression of the island’s beauty and charm. It is definitely worth to visit this peaceful place where the time simply stopped.

DAY #5

Plaka and Elounda

When planning your itinerary of your stay in Ágios Nikólaos, Plaka and Elounda are two places that you should not miss.

Plaka is a charming fishing village located just a short drive from Ágios Nikólaos. It is known for its picturesque streets, traditional Greek houses, and stunning views of the sea. You can take a leisurely stroll through the narrow streets of Plaka and discover its traditional architecture. Make sure to visit the church of Panagia Korfiatissa, located in the heart of Plaka.

Elounda is a beautiful coastal town located in eastern Crete, near Ágios Nikolaos. It is known for its stunning views of the sea, luxurious resorts, picturesque landscapes and excellent culinary scene.

Elounda is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and pristine beaches. Some popular beaches in Elounda include Elounda Beach, Plaka Beach, and Kolokytha Beach.

Just like in Ágios Nikolaos and Plaka, Elounda is a starting point for boat trips to the famous Spinalonga Island.

To experience the authentic Cretan atmosphere visit the local shops, cafes, and tavernas – you will not regret if you try some local specialties, such as seafood dishes, dakos, and freshly caught fish. I recommend you to try local tavernas on Akti Olountos street where you can pass a lovely romantic evening with the table just by the sea.

DAY #6

Plateau Lassithi

To see Plateau Lassithi we left on scooter but this is not for everyone as you need to count 1 hour and 20 minutes from Ágios Nikolaos by car (on scooter it took us around 30 minutes longer) so unless you do not like long distance trip on two wheels opt for a car. Either way, the winding roads will lead you through picturesque villages and charming countryside. Crete is an olive tree paradise so you will see them basically everywhere around you.

Plateau Lassithi is a breathtaking destination located in eastern Crete, near Ágios Nikolaos. This high-altitude plateau is nestled in the Dikti Mountains and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Once you arrive at Plateau Lassithi, you will be greeted by a vast expanse of fertile land, dotted with traditional stone windmills and scattered farms. This plateau is known for its agricultural activity, especially the cultivation of potatoes, apples, and olives.

One of the highlights of a visit to Plateau Lassithi is exploring the windmill park. The iconic windmills, which were once used to irrigate the fields, create a unique and picturesque atmosphere. Take a leisurely stroll among these historic structures and capture the beauty of the surrounding landscape.

If you’re up for a bit of adventure, you can also embark on a hiking trail that traverses the plateau. The trails will lead you through beautiful meadows, past ancient ruins, and provide you with breathtaking panoramic views of the mountains.

To complete your visit to Plateau Lassithi, make sure to stop by one of the traditional tavernas in the area. Indulge in authentic Cretan cuisine, savoring dishes made with fresh, local ingredients. Don’t forget to try some of the famous Cretan cheeses and honey, known for their exceptional quality.

I recommend you visit the Psychro Cave, also known as Diktaean Cave. It is an ancient Minoan sacred cave in Lassithi plateau. According to the myth, Diktaean Cave is famous in Greek mythology as the place where Amalthea, nurtured the infant Zeus with her goat’s milk.

DAY #7

This was our last day in Ágios Nikolaos. Seven days is just about the right time to see the best that this costal city and its surrounding offer but there is so much more to explore! You will not get bored if you add 2 more days to your itinerary.

I recommend you to visit also:

• Cretan Olive Oil Farm: if you are interested in the process of production of olive oil, you may want to visit this olive oil farm. With guided tours you may take a walk around its natural and peaceful environment and discover the secrets of the Cretan diet. From The farm is just 10 minutes drive from the city center of Ágios Nikolaos.
  
  
• Archeological site of Gournia: archeological site unearthed at the beginning of the 20th century, includes Minoan houses, roads and a cemetery. From Ágios Nikolaos it will take you around 20 minutes to get there.