Photo of Agios Nikolaos

About Agios Nikolaos

Once a sleepy fishing village, Agios Nikolaos still has a wonderfully relaxed feel. Set on Crete's eastern coast, this seaside town has huge appeal for both couples and families, with a whole host of attractions and beautiful resorts — some of which are on our Gurus’ list of the best places to stay in Agios Nikolaos.

If you’re dreaming of a fusion of oceanfront tranquility and a bit of a cosmopolitan buzz in the evenings, look no further. Agios Nikolaos is set around a charming harbour, which opens into a deep lake. The lakefront, lined with cafes, bars and tavernas, is very inviting for long lunches and convivial dinners, as are the seafront and the marina. For laid-back beach days, head to sandy Ammos beach — close to the marina — or venture along the pretty coastal path to Almyros beach. Slightly out of town, you’ll find Almios, Ammoudara and the turquoise waters of Voulisma.

Culture aficionados can glimpse 12th-century frescoes at the Panagias Keras Church, or visit the marvellous Minoan ruins at Knossos, Phaestos and Gortyna. Delve into the process of making traditional olive oil at the Cretan Olive Oil Farm, or take a day trip to fascinating Spinalonga Island. Alternatively, soak up the sunshine, savour superb cuisine and try water sports or spa treatments at your choice of the best places to stay in Agios Nikolaos, all of which are fantastic.

The Best Places to Stay in Agios Nikolaos

For Romance

  • St Nicolas Bay Resort Hotel and Villas is a low-rise resort with swish white-on-white interiors and striking views of the peninsula. A small beach sits amongst lush landscaped gardens, and there's an impressive infinity pool, too. A luxury resort for romantics, with a real sense of retro style.
  • Minos Beach Art Hotel has a sophisticated, design-led feel, with 125 sleek, earthy-toned bungalows and villas, many of which have private pools. A rejuvenating sanctuary, the resort is dotted with contemporary artworks, and has four restaurants, as well as a number of semi-private beaches and coves. Exceptional and romantic.

For Families

  • Candia Park Village, designed to look like a traditional Cretan village, is a fabulous choice for families. Chic apartments and suites — many of which have been recently refurbished to offer cool contemporary interiors — are equipped with some self-catering facilities. With resort facilities including a kids club, two pools, watersports, a small gym, a spa, tennis and the beach, there's something for guests of all ages!
  • Daios Cove Luxury Resort is a gorgeous beach resort with slick modern interiors, and spacious suites and villas with flexible options for families. The kids club, sandy beach and plethora of eateries will delight the whole family. Seaside luxury.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY VILLA

  • If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel Information

  • Fly to Nikos Kazantzakis International Airport, 50 minutes from Agios Nikolaos by car or bus.
  • Crete is wonderful for a road trip, and there's lots to see if you're happy to explore the island independently! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
  • Expect hot summers, with temperatures averaging at around 26°C - 30°C between June and August, which is also peak season. For fewer crowds and cooler weather travel in April, May or late September, when the cities and coast are still immensely appealing.

STILL NOT SURE?

Weather

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Best Hotels in Agios Nikolaos

  • Candia Park Village Agios Nikolaos 222 rooms from €288

    Sights nearby  -  Archaeological Museum of Agios Nikolaos is nearby
    Restaurant  -  Greek taverna and buffet restaurant
    Sea Views  -  Mirabello Bay
    Spa  -  Aegeo Spa
    Air conditioningTennisSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenPet friendlyParking

    This lovely, well-designed resort northeast of the island is especially ideal for families, boasting plenty of facilities including pools, a pine-fringed beach, a kids’ club and watersports. There’s two restaurants and a small, traditional-style Kafeneion, and rooms are also self-catering. See More

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  • St Nicolas Bay Resort Hotel and Villas Agios Nikolaos (Thessi Nissi) 107 rooms from €260

    Romantic Break  -  Spoil yourselves with chartered yachts, tandem massages, chic rooms, five on site restaurants plus cocktail bar and beach bar
    Total relaxation  -  Totally unwind with relaxing Poseidon Spa face and body therapies, sauna, Hammam, hot tub and cocktails!
    Sailing  -  Explore untouched beaches and coves in the hotel's 34-foot sailing boat.
    Full of character  -  The retro 60's look adds an element of "cool"
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenPet friendlyParking
    Recommended by  -  Good Hotel Guide, Kiwi Collection, Small Luxury Hotels

    Low-rise garden resort with immaculate seaside grounds. Rooms with floaty linen curtains have excellent sea views from their large glass windows. Suites and private villas have personal pools. A good selection of bars and restaurants. Explore the surrounding islands or simply lie back and relax. See More

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  • Minos Beach Art Hotel Agios Nikolaos 129 rooms from €387

    Honeymoons  -  A haven of tranquility with private villas with mountian and sea views, spoiling massages and haute cuisine overlooking the bay
    Beach Life  -  Set directly on the crystal clear waters, indulge in diving, sailing, fishing or simply basking on the stunning beaches
    Hotel boats for hire  -  Venture out in the hotel's motorboat around the bay or day cruises to Spinalonga and Mochlos
    Artworks  -  A wealth of fine art and sculptures are scattered through the property
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenPet friendlyViewsParking
    Recommended by  -  Small Luxury Hotels

    Set in an out-of-this-world location right on the Cretan seafront. A collection of understated luxury rooms and bungalows are elegantly decorated with simple white walls and minimalist artworks. Excellent Mediterranean dishes are served up in the restaurants. Ideal for totally relaxing. See More

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  • Daios Cove Resort Agios Nikolaos 300 rooms from €614

    Active Holiday  -  Endless onsite activities such as watersports, a scuba diving centre, sailing and motor yacht rental, yoga, and tennis courts
    Families  -  There is a wide range of family friendly accommodation including villas with pools, plus on site kids club etc
    Beach Life  -  A wonderful luxury resort with its own private beach and excelllent watersports facilities
    Spa breaks  -  There is a luxury spa on site with extensive facilities for a pampering break
    Air conditioningTennisSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenPet friendlyViews

    Luxury beach resort just minutes from Agios Nikolaos. Sumptuous suites and villas have contemporary interiors and fabulous sea views, and many with their own private pool. Private sandy beach, and fantastic facilities for all the family including a luxury spa and kids club. See More

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