Travel to Crete
The lovely serene little town of Agios Nikolaos is the cosmopolitan capital of the prefecture of Lasithi with 20000 permanent residents. The town is built on the site Mandraki, on the west side of the Gulf of Mirabello, but the current name comes from the Byzantine church of Saint Nikolaos located west of the city.
Here was the site of the Minoan "Lato pros Kamara", the seaport of Lato town near Kritsa. Later, in the Byzantine era, it was known as the Diocese (Episkopi) of Kamara, but was never developed. Because Venetians never gave importance to the region, Agios Nikolaos was not fortified and remained a small fishing village until when the capital of Lassithi was moved here (early 20th century). Since then, the city transformed into a picturesque resort with the main pillars of development being its tranquility and the beautiful beaches.
Panagia Kera church at Kritsa
ne of the most popular Byzantine monuments in Crete (13th- 14th A.D.) is located in Logari, one kilometre east of Kritsa. This triple-nave Byzantine church is dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, to Saint Anthony and Saint Anna. It is adorned with superb wall paintings on particular themes like the representation of Saint Anna, other icons of the saints, and the fourteen scenes depicting the secret life of the Virgin Mary.
Folklore Museum of Agios Nikolaos
The Folklore Museum of Agios Nikolaos was founded in 1978 and is housed in the Old Port Service by Lake Voulismeni. Most of the exhibited objects were donated by the Touring Club of Agios Nikolaos.
The museum contains a collection of authentic and rare samples of Cretan art, especially weaving and embroidery. Moreover, the visitors will see everyday objects of a traditional Cretan household, a collection of old icons, a rich collection of wooden small objects, manuscripts and other priestly books, old documents referring to local history, agricultural tools, a loom, old photographs, coins, traditional music instruments etc.
Almiros beach
Almiros beach is located 2.5km south of Agios Nikolaos and is the most popular beach of the city. It is shaped near the exit of Almiros River, which empties on the south part of the beach. Next to the beach, the protected wetland of Almiros hosts several rare birds, towering eucalyptus trees, reed and some palm trees.
he beach is quite long and very well-organized. It is sandy and the water is shallow and usually calm, making it ideal especially for young children. The area has a few canteens, while there are also many options for water sports. The sea water is very cold in some places due to the river that flows all year round. On the south side of the beach there are small hotels and apartments.
Gargadoros beach
Gargadoros is located 1km south of Agios Nikolaos lake and is actually a beautiful suburb of the city. In the region there are two nearby beaches, which are very popular to the locals who enjoy the sea, the restaurants and bars located nearby.
The first beach you come across, next to the tavern Gargadoros is the main beach of the area. It is pebbly and well organized, a really good choice for those staying in Agios Nikolaos and wanting to escape from the ordinary things. From the main beach, if you walk till the small pier on the north, you will find the second beach from the other side (of the pier). You can access the beach only through a wooden ladder. This secret beach is sandy and ideal for relaxing moments.
Kitroplatia beach
Kitroplatia is located 200m west of the picturesque Lake Voulismeni, in the heart of the city Agios Nikolaos. There is a small stone – paved square which hosts some of the finest taverns in the city. In front of the big tamarisk trees of the square there is a small beach with sand and pebbles in places. Here you will find umbrellas and showers. Next to it there are many options for accommodation, food and drink. It is a perfect choice for children and anyone looking for a beautiful and clean beach, close to all amenities of a city.
Ammos beach
Ammos Beach is located 500m south of the Agios Nikolaos lake. It is a long beach which starts near the city's marina, at Nearchou Street. It runs near the stadium of the town and extends to the south, till the Municipal Beach. The part near marina is a beautiful beach with umbrellas, sunbeds, showers, water sports, restaurants and hotels around it. It is located near the city center and its stores. The water is shallow, ideal for little kids and the sea is usually flat.
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