Aghios Nikolaos holidays

Best hotels in Aghios Nikolaos

A chocolate-box town set along Crete’s eastern coast, Aghios Nikolaos combines Greek good looks with a modern beach resort featuring some of the best attractions on the island. The town centres on a saltwater lake that provides a relaxing setting for relaxing, drinking and dining. Five golden beaches and a nearby water park will keep the kids happy, and the town’s energetic nightlife is popular with couples and clubbers.

Things to do

Get to know Aghios Nikolaos with a stroll around the enchanting Lake Voulismeni, and stop for lunch at a lakeside cafe. The lake connects to the glistening marina, where you can charter a boat to explore Crete’s sun-drenched coast or wander along the beaches. There are five to choose from in Aghios Nikolaos, each with fine, golden sand protected by green, rocky headlines. Take the kids for a day out at Acqua Plus, one of the biggest water parks in Crete, featuring slides, pools and lazy rivers. There are plenty of ways to spend your evenings, from Greek cuisine by the lake to wining and dining on the chic marina.

Beautiful beaches

Blessed with five long, golden beaches, you’ll never be short of somewhere to lay back and relax in Aghios Nikolaos. Just a short taxi boat ride puts all five of these stunning, family-friendly spots well within your grasp. They’re all great for paddling with the kids or just sitting back and topping up your tan.
If you’re into your water sport competitions, then check the dates of Aghios Nikolaos’ famous Naval Week. This is when such events as artistic swimming, water skiing and windsurfing contests take place all along the resort’s waterfront.

Fun at the farm

For a great day out, try the Cretan Olive Oil Farm, which is only a short distance from Aghios Nikolaos. This family run attraction is a fun day for both couples and families alike. Offering an exciting tour detailing the process of making olive oil, you’ll get the chance to make your own delicious olive oil and even enjoy some folk dancing.

Get cultural at the monastery

Built in a hillside over the Minoan city of Gournia, the Monastery of Faneromeni gives a tranquil view of the spectacular Greek countryside. On arrival, you’ll find a church with numerous fascinating paintings capturing the raw talent of great artists. Take in the intense mountain views from the top as you look down on the world below.

More Travel Guides

5-25 ℃

The weather in Aghios Nikolaos is typical of Crete’s Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and long hours of sunshine.

View live forecast

4 hours

Heraklion Airport (HER).

Types of holidays in Aghios Nikolaos

Map of Aghios Nikolaos

Aghios Nikolaos is best for...

Beach lovers: Not only does Aghios Nikolaos have five golden beaches, the beautiful Lake Voulismeni provides an alternate waterfront setting.

Families: The beaches are bursting with fun activities, and with Crete’s best water park nearby, Aghios Nikolaos is a hit with families.

Night owls: Aghios Nikolaos’ vibrant nightlife scene provides everything from dance clubs to low-key Greek tavernas beside the like.

Getting around Aghios Nikolaos

By bus: Crete has an extensive bus network, with a local service linking Aghios Nikolaos to nearby towns like Heraklion. Buses run regularly in high season and are cheap and efficient for day trips.

By car: If you’re interested in exploring the island at your leisure, hiring a car is the best option. The roads in Crete are good and hire car companies operate in the resorts and airport. It’s possible to hire cars for a single day.

By taxi: Taxis are readily available in Aghios Nikolaos, from taxi ranks or booked in advance. Taxi fares are reasonable and are a good option for short journeys or airport transfers.

Fast facts for Aghios Nikolaos

Language: The language spoken in Aghios Nikolaos is Greek

Currency: The currency used in Aghios Nikolaos is the Euro (€)

Local time: Aghios Nikolaos is 3 hours ahead of GMT/UK time

Fly to: Heraklion Airport (HER)

Flight time from UK: Approximately 4 hours

Tourist information: Further tourist information can be found at the offical Aghios Nikolaos tourism website.

Visa & health: Before you travel, check the latest FDCO advice for recommendations and information on visas and health for your holiday to Aghios Nikolaos

Events in Aghios Nikolaos

Cultural festival: In August, Aghios Nikolaos hosts its annual Lato Cultural Festival. The biggest event on the town’s calendar, this event celebrates Cretan folklore and traditions with an exciting line up of dance performances, exhibitions and musicians in venues throughout the town.

Nautical week: A favourite Aghios Nikolaos event is July’s Nautical Week. Taking place on the resort’s beautiful waterfront, the event features several days of swimming and sailing competitions, water sports displays and fun on the beach. There is a huge firework display on the last night to round the week off.

Aghios Nikolaos weather

Temperature: 5-25 °C

Experience Aghios Nikolaos at its most beautiful during the spring, when the flowers are starting to bloom and the island is a lush green. Summer is the best time to hit the beach, thanks to highs of 31(°C) and up to 11 hours of sunshine a day. For a more laidback experience, book your holiday for the autumn or winter, when the resorts are quieter and the weather is mild enough to explore.