Agios Nikolaos: attractions

Greece has been attracting our compatriots for many years with its magnificent nature, mild climate, well-maintained and well-kept beaches, comfortable hotels and hotels. Thousands of tourists prefer to spend their annual vacation here.

In Greece, many resorts, each holidaymaker can choose to your liking - sandy or stony, secluded or crowded. Today, the topic of our conversation will be one of the most picturesque corners of Greece - Agios Nikolaos. Every year it develops more and more, but at the same time its unique amazing atmosphere is preserved. In the daytime it is ordinary, not unlike other Greek town, with a measured and even somewhat sleepy life. But at night here life begins to boil.

Many people consider Agios Nikolaos a fashionable resort. This is not quite true. Here everyone can choose a holiday for themselves.

Location:

Agios Nikolaos is in the east of the island of Crete. From its capital - Heraklion - the resort is removed by 76 kilometers. A distinctive feature of the town is the almost perfectly round lake located in its center. It's called Vulismeni. It should be noted that this lake is freshwater.

Climate

The climatic conditions typical for Greece are dry and hot summers and rainy, but mild winters. There is almost no wind here - the mountains reliably protect the town. The hottest month is August, "real" winter begins in early December and ends in April. In May, the tourist season begins in the city.

A bit of history

The city of Agios Nikolaos has a long history. It is believed that it originated in the third century, after the unification of two cities - Lato Goethera and Lato Pros Camaro. The new city began to develop actively, and by the 6th century it had become the central city of the bishopric of Kamara. At first the city was named Lato Pros Camaro. Only in the 9th century it got its present name. It is believed that it is given in honor of the church of St. Nicholas.

Soon the city was conquered by the Genoese. They built here in 1206 the fortress of Mirabella. She did not stand long, unable to withstand the attacks of the Turks. Then there was an earthquake that completely destroyed the fortress. From this moment, the decline of the city begins, lasting until the second half of the 19th century.

For the revival of their native city, the local people took it. Their labors were not in vain, and in 1905 it became the center of the province of Passiti. The beauty of these places could not sooner or later attract celebrities here. It so happened that after Jules Dassin, Walt Disney, visited here, a tourist boom begins in the town.

Agios Nikolaos every year becomes bigger and more beautiful. Today, you can choose accommodation by your wallet, taking into account your own preferences.

Sightseeing: Agios Nikolaos and its environs

Any resident of this sunny city will advise tourists first of all to get acquainted with local monuments and famous places and visit Lake Voulismeni. This is the pride of the locals. If you believe the legend, once here took the water procedures of Aphrodite and Athena. Old-timers believe that this lake has no bottom. Around it is a small park, where various entertainment activities are held.

This is the charming town of Agios Nikolaos. The map of its sights will help to make a correct route, so as not to miss anything interesting.

Lasithi Plateau

Let's talk more about the main attractions. Agios Nikolaos in this regard is truly unique. The Lasithi Plain is 800 meters above sea level. Most tourists easily overcome this climb for the sake of visiting the Dikteiskaya cave. As the legend says, Zeus-Thunderer himself was born in it. Here you can see the monastery of Kery Cardiotissa in which the miraculous icon of the Virgin is kept.

Tourists certainly interested in the visit to the village of Peza. Here they produce the best wines in Crete. The village of Trapsano became famous for its pottery production.

Church of Panagia Kera

Often tourists are interested in that (first arriving in Agios Nikolaos), what to see in this city. Lovers of old architecture recommend visiting the most famous architectural monument of the Byzantine era, which is located 20 kilometers from the city in a luxurious olive grove, near the entrance to the village of Kritica. Panagia Kera (the most famous Byzantine church in Crete) was built from the 11th century to 14 and was dedicated to the Virgin Mary, her mother Anne and Saint Anthony.

The rich interior decoration of the church is decorated with frescoes and faces of saints. In addition, Panagia Kera is famous for the miraculous icon of the Mother of God, which, according to believers, heals from many diseases.

Archaeological Museum

To all lovers of history, wishing to explore the sights of Agios Nikolaos, we advise you to visit this museum. Its exposition is located in eight halls. But even if it were not so large, it would be worthwhile to come here for the sake of a single exhibit - the skull of an ancient Roman athlete. It is dated 1st century. It is decorated with a golden crown. It was found during excavations of an ancient Roman cemetery.

In addition, museum workers are rightly proud of the collection of artifacts, which belong to a wide variety of epochs, from the Neolithic period to the Roman Empire. No less valuable are such exhibits as the clay statue of Mirta, discovered by archaeologists in Myrtos, and a huge vessel made in the form of a shell from the Minoan Palace of Malia.

Archaeological Museum

Local residents are very sensitive to the history of their native land. It is necessary to know every tourist who first came to the city of Agios Nikolaos, that it is useful for everyone, adults and children, to see the exposition of a folklore museum.

Its organizers pursued the only goal - to tell local residents and guests about the history of the island of Crete and their hometown.

Folklore Museum

In the center of the exposition is the cottage of a Cretan peasant with a typical design, which is recreated in the smallest detail. In addition, you can also see here a unique collection of ancient costumes and agricultural tools of the past. Complement the collection of postcards and photos of former years.

Beaches

At once it is necessary to notice that the resort zone of the town is perfectly equipped, here are very comfortable beaches. Agios Nikolaos can hardly be called suitable for recreation alone - during the swimming season the coastlines are completely occupied by vacationers. Here you will be offered all kinds of entertainment on the water.

EOT Beach.

This is the only recreation area that has a field for mini-golf. On the beach you will be offered to do your favorite sports on the water and provide the necessary equipment for rent. In addition, at your service billiards, ping-pong, perfectly prepared basketball and football fields, swimming pool for competitions.

Ammos

The beach is in the center of the city. Ideal for diving.

"Kitroplaty"

A magnificent, well-equipped beach, in the city center. It is surrounded by shops and restaurants.

Almiros

The beach is located in the north of the city. This is one of the most important reservoirs of the island. On the banks grows eucalyptus, in the water - reeds and reeds. The advantage of this beach is a beautiful sandy cover.

Restaurants and cafes

If your favorite holiday destination is sunny Greece, Agios Nikolaos, like no other resort in the country, will satisfy all your wildest dreams of an ideal holiday. In addition to sunny beaches, you will surely like the local restaurants, cafes, bars. All of them are distinguished by exquisite cuisine and enchanting views of the sea coast or the lake.

No less popular is the area of cafes and bars near the marina. It's very cozy here - you can sit under the shady trees, enjoying delicious dishes of fresh seafood.

After sunset , clubs and discos open here, turning this area into the nightlife center of Crete.

Excursions from Agios Nikolaos

The city is very conveniently located on the island, it allows you to travel anywhere in Crete, as well as in mainland Greece. But first, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the surroundings of Agios Nikolaos. Around it are the ruins of the ancient Greek cities of Spinalonga and Lato, of particular interest. As the legends say, the city of Lato is named after the mother of Apollo and Artemis. Here the agora, the remnants of the theater and the temple, shops, workshops are kept in good condition.

In the east of the island we recommend to visit the city of Sitia. He became famous for his fortress, and if you travel further east, you can sunbathe on the famous palm beach of Vai.

Color of a magnificent resort

Sunny Greece, Crete, Agios Nikolaos are always welcome guests, provided that they do not violate local traditions and customs. The Greeks have a hot temper and a surprisingly sentimental character.

Between two o'clock in the afternoon until six in the evening local residents rest. At this time it is undesirable to call or visit shops and cafes - they can be closed for a break.

Local people are used to a calm and measured life. In restaurants and cafes you can wait a long time for an order. To some it may seem a sign of disrespect. In fact, this state of affairs is quite normal.

Local residents observe many customs, which differ somewhat from those existing in the country. For example, on Easter they roast on a spit of a young lamb, and about the beginning of the holiday notifies the shooting of guns.

After getting acquainted with a foreigner, the townspeople must inquire where he came from. And this is not just curiosity. For its long history, the city has experienced many military incursions, so every foreigner causes them a sense of apprehension. At the same time, this does not prevent local residents from being responsive and hospitable hosts - they quickly penetrate to a foreigner with confidence, if they feel his positive attitude.