Best Things to Do in Agios Nikolaos, Crete
Agios Nikolaos is the main town of eastern Crete, set on the stunning Mirabello Bay. The nearby island of Spinalonga, a former Venetian fortress and leprosarium made famous by Victoria Hislop's novel The Island, is the region's top attraction. This guide covers the best things to do in Agios Nikolaos and the surrounding Lasithi region.
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Agios Nikolaos is eastern Crete’s main coastal town, built around a small inner lake (Lake Voulismeni) connected to the sea by a narrow channel. Its compact harbor, pedestrian streets, and excellent position on the Mirabello Bay make it the natural base for exploring the Lasithi region. The things to do in Agios Nikolaos center on the island of Spinalonga, a fully intact Venetian fortification that served as Greece’s last active leprosy colony until 1957, made famous internationally by Victoria Hislop’s 2005 novel. Beyond Spinalonga, the Minoan palace at Malia, the Panagia Kera Byzantine church, the Katharo Plateau, and day trips across the Lasithi Plateau reward visitors who venture inland.
Best time to visit
May through October for beach and island visits. July and August are peak season; Spinalonga boat trips fill up early and accommodation prices peak. June and September offer comfortable temperatures with fewer crowds. The Mirabello Bay is warm enough for swimming from late May through early November. Winter closes most boat excursions; the town itself stays open but is significantly quieter.
Getting around
Agios Nikolaos is a compact town; the harbor, lake, and main restaurants are walkable. For Spinalonga, boats run from the Agios Nikolaos harbor and from Elounda (10 km north); the Elounda departure is shorter and more frequent. For inland sites (Panagia Kera, Katharo Plateau, Kritsa village), a hire car is necessary. The Lasithi Plateau, with its windmills and Dikteon Cave (the mythical birthplace of Zeus), is about 45 minutes inland. Heraklion Airport is 70 km west; Sitia Airport handles fewer but growing routes from Athens.
What to eat and drink
The Agios Nikolaos harbor and the lake area have a good concentration of seafood restaurants. Pelagos Restaurant on the lake is consistently rated the town’s best for fresh fish. For something more casual, the town’s back streets have tavernas serving grilled octopus, dakos, and local cheeses (anthotiro, graviera) at more reasonable prices than the waterfront. Elounda village, 10 km north, has a cluster of high-end restaurants serving Cretan cuisine to the luxury hotel guests who stay in the bay’s famous resorts.
Neighborhoods to explore
The Harbor and Lake Voulismeni – The town’s social center: the inner lake is connected to the sea by a narrow channel and is surrounded by restaurants and cafes. A pleasant early morning or evening circuit.
Spinalonga Island – A 30-minute boat trip from Agios Nikolaos or 10 minutes from Elounda. The Venetian fortifications, the leprosarium buildings, and the church are all intact and accessible. Allow two hours on the island.
Elounda – The upscale resort village 10 km north, with luxury hotels on the bay and better access to Spinalonga boat trips. Has a quieter harbor area worth visiting even without staying.
Kritsa Village – An inland village 11 km from Agios Nikolaos, known for embroidery and weaving, and the entry point for Panagia Kera (the best-preserved Byzantine frescoed church in Crete).
Katharo Plateau – A high plateau above the town (20 km inland), accessible by rough road, with sweeping views and a handful of tavernas serving mountain lamb and local cheese.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best things to do in Agios Nikolaos?
The best things to do in Agios Nikolaos are visiting Spinalonga Island (Venetian fortress and former leprosy colony), exploring the Panagia Kera Byzantine church near Kritsa, driving to the Katharo Plateau, visiting the Minoan site at Malia (40 km west), and enjoying the harbor and lake area. Beach options include Ammoudi Beach within the town and the more dramatic coves further east toward Sitia.
How do I get to Spinalonga?
Boats to Spinalonga run from Agios Nikolaos harbor (30 minutes, more expensive) and from Elounda (10 minutes, more frequent and cheaper). Both offer return trips with time on the island. The last boats return in the late afternoon; check departure times at the harbor. Book ahead in July and August when boats fill up.
How many days do I need in Agios Nikolaos?
Two to three days covers the main sites: one day for Spinalonga and Elounda, one for Kritsa and Panagia Kera, and a third for the Lasithi Plateau or eastern Crete beaches. As a base for eastern Crete, three to five days works well.
Is Agios Nikolaos good for families?
Yes. The inner harbor is safe for children to walk around. Spinalonga is fascinating for older children (9+) with an interest in history. The town beaches are calm and suitable for swimming. The Dikteon Cave on the Lasithi Plateau works well for families with children interested in Greek mythology.
What is the Katharo Plateau?
The Katharo Plateau is a high-altitude mountain plateau (about 1,100 meters) in the Lasithi mountains above Agios Nikolaos, accessible via a steep and winding road. It is farmed for potatoes and used as summer pasture; the air is cool even in summer. Several small tavernas serve lamb, cheese, and mountain herbs. The plateau road offers some of Crete's best panoramic views and is rarely visited by tourists despite being only 20 km from the coast.