Agios Nikolaos, Greece: Visit the Chic Town on Lake Voulismeni, Crete

Agios Nikolaos is a chic and charming coastal town in Crete, the largest island in Greece. It’s the capital city of Lasithi, one of four provincial areas in the official Region of Crete.

Among the many wonderful places in all the Greek Islands, Agios Nikolaos earns a special claim to fame.

Because Agios Nikolaos, Crete, boasts a unique location: Not only is the town located on the northeastern seashore, Agios Nikolaos also centers around exquisite little Lake Voulismeni.

But before we dive into the must-know info, let’s see why Agios Nikolaos is a rare jewel in the rich treasure trove of Greek coastal towns.

Ready? Πάμε, let’s go!

Agios Nikolaos, Greece (Video)

Now that you’ve seen its magic, let’s discover why Agios Nikolaos makes a memorable home base to discover the many gems of Lasithi.

We’ll start with the legends about Lake Voulismeni, Crete. Speaking of which, allow me to clarify:

Lake Voulismeni (Λίμνη Βουλισμένη) is occasionally confused with another Greek lake named Lake Vouliagmeni (Λίμνη Βουλιαγμένης).

Despite the similar names, these are two different lakes.

• Lake Voulismeni is located in Agios Nikolaos, Crete, the southernmost Greek island.
• Lake Vouliagmeni is located near Athens, the Greek capital, in mainland Greece.

Next, let’s explore Agios Nikolaos’ lakefront, seafront, and beaches. We’ll also dive into some of our favorite things to do and places to stay in Agios Nikolaos.

We’ll learn Agios Nikolaos’ arc from ancient city to 20th-century jet-set destination and thriving modern-day town.

Finally, we’ll share some notes on Greek names and why the name Agios Nikolaos adorns countless churches, chapels, and other locations around the world.

In this article, you’ll find custom maps, as well as resources and recommendations from our firsthand experience.

Whenever we visit Crete, Agios Nikolaos always rates an overnight stay.

Quite simply, we adore this Greek town with its welcoming locals and wondrous lake. And we think you’ll adore Agios Nikolaos, too.

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Agios Nikolaos Map

Lake Voulismeni, Crete: Myths and Mysteries

Circular, small, and altogether enchanting, Lake Voulismeni (Λίμνη Βουλισμένη) is the lovely heart and lively hub of Agios Nikolaos, Crete.

Once upon a time, Lake Voulismeni was a freshwater lake. A swath of land separated the lake from Mirabello Bay on the Sea of Crete.

Legend and local lore tell us the goddesses Athena and Artemis would bathe in its bottomless depths of clear, sweet water.

You can easily imagine these goddesses of Greek mythology luxuriating in this natural beauty, with high rocky cliffs providing privacy from lesser deities and mere mortals.

Today, the waters of Lake Voulismeni are still deep and clear. Indeed, so crystal clear that the lake surface is like a mirror reflecting the clouds and sky above.

However, Lake Voulismeni is now a lagoon mingling fresh and sea waters rather than a lake of sweet water.

During the late 19th century to early 20th century, Ottoman and subsequently French Army engineers dug a narrow channel to unite the lake with the sea.

Another myth about Lake Voulismeni dates from the 20th century, specifically the 1956 earthquake on the nearby volcanic island of Santorini, Greece.

This urban legend connects Lake Voulismeni via “subterranean passages to the Nea Kameni volcano at Santorini,” as Tony Cross describes.

If you’d like to read more on this topic, then we suggest the article “The Mystery of the Lake on Crete.” Author Tony Cross debunks this intriguing but incorrect idea for Greek Reporter.

Lake Voulismeni, the Heart of Agios Nikolaos

As mentioned earlier, Agios Nikolaos’ heart and hub is Lake Voulismeni. In other words, Lake Voulismeni is THE place to be.

Colorful small boats bob at anchor in the lakefront harbor. Carved into the limestone cliff, a white-washed fisherman’s crypt and chapel is rarely open yet always photogenic.

Geese, ducks, and cats join the locals and tourists strolling the serene lakefront. Shade trees, benches, viewpoints, and a small garden park enhance the allure.

A built-in stage hosts free public performances and special events in the peak summer season.

Boutique hotels, bars, cafes, and restaurants line the picturesque promenade and rise on the steep cliffs surrounding Lake Voulismeni.

At sunrise, the lakeside sets a serene and splendid scene. During the day, the setting seems tranquil despite the busy bustle.

Later, the lakefront area comes to vivid and vibrant life as the sun sets to spectacular effect.

At night, people throng to the stunning scene. Voices blend, and music wafts in the air. The entire area sparkles and shines with special illumination.

Agios Nikolaos, the Sea Port Beyond the Lake

Beyond Lake Voulismeni, a short walk brings you to Agios Nikolaos’ port and shoreline along the Gulf of Mirabello.

Glamorous yachts, larger fishing boats, and the occasional cruise ship dock in the modern port. More shops, bars, cafes, restaurants, and, of course, upscale accommodations.

The seafront promenade provides easy access to pretty beaches, phenomenal views, and public art, including two notable sculptures:

The Horn of Amalthea pays tribute to the magical cornucopia or horn of plenty that fed infant Zeus, the supreme god of Greek mythology.

This substantial contemporary sculpture, crafted of concrete and glass, commands a cobblestone promontory jutting into Mirabello Bay.

Address: Horn of Amalthea (Κέρας της Αμάλθειας) | 9 Themistokleous 1 | 72100 Agios Nikolaos, Crete, Greece

Created in a classical style, The Abduction of Europe conveys the mythical tale of Zeus as a bull carrying Europe to Crete.

A marble placard identifies the bronze bull rider as Europa, the daughter of Phoenician King Agirnoras and the mother of King Minos, “creator of the Minoan civilization.”

Similar to the nearby Horn of Amalthea, the elegant bronze statue atop a marble base stands in a prominent position at the port.

Address: Abduction of Europe (Η Αρπαγή της Ευρώπης) | Themistokleous 12 | 72100 Agios Nikolaos, Crete, Greece

Things to Do in Agios Nikolaos, Greece

Agios Nikolaos Beaches

Among the top reasons to visit Greece are the irresistible attractions of pristine beaches and pure crystalline seas.

This endless allure certainly applies to Crete and its award-winning beaches. Global Blue Flag award-winning beaches, to be precise.

The Blue Flag award recognizes and rewards the highest standards of quality, sustainability, accessibility, safety, and community education for beaches, marinas, and tourism boats worldwide.

For several years running, Greece ranks 2nd in the world for the most Blue Flag awards; a total of 657 awards in the 2025-2026 season.

Numerous beaches throughout the Agios Nikolaos municipality have won the sought-after Blue Flag Award over the years, including this current year.

These pebbled and sandy beaches offer both organized sections with sun loungers, umbrellas, and beach bars, as well as free open areas.

Within walking distance, Kitroplateia Beach and Ammoudi Beach are two popular town beaches flying the Blue Flag.

Address: Kitroplateia Beach (Παραλία Κιτροπλατεία) | 72100 Agios Nikolaos, Crete, Greece
Address: Ammoudi Beach (Ηλία Σωτήρχου) | 72100 Agios Nikolaos, Crete, Greece

Additionally, a short drive, day trip, or boat trip down the Agios Nikolaos coast to Elounda and elsewhere expands options from luxury beach resorts to remote wild beaches.

Whichever beach you choose, you’ll surely make the most of sparkling clear seas and protected shores of the Agios Nikolaos coast.

Boat Trips and Day Trips from Agios Nikolaos, Crete

With its strategic port and modern marina on the Cretan Sea, Agios Nikolaos is a top spot for day trips and boat trips.

Boat trips rank among the favorite things to do in Agios Nikolaos. Sailing, swimming and snorkeling, as well as fishing trips on Mirabello Bay, are exciting options.

Full-day and half-day trips vary in the number of hours and trip inclusions such as lunch or snack foods, tour guides, and activities.

Boat trips beckon you to swim in turquoise waters. Explore tiny islands and islets like Agioi Pantes (Άγιοι Πάντες). Sunbathe on secluded beaches such as Kolokytha (Κολοκύθα).

Spinalonga Island

We highly recommend visiting Spinalonga (Σπιναλόγκα), a fortified island presently on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List.

Built by the Venetians in the 16th century, then held by the Ottomans before the modern Greek nation, Spinalonga served as a medieval fortress for centuries.

Then, in the 20th century, Spingalong served as a leper colony from 1905 to 1957. And so, Spinalonga is quite unlike other Greek landmarks.

In addition, we suggest reading The Island, a best-selling novel by British author Victoria Hislop. It’s a romantic and researched work of historical fiction about the leper era, which MEGA-TV later filmed as a Greek-language miniseries.

Spingalonga opens in season, that is, April to October, weather and seas permitting.

For independent visitors, a cooperative of small boats provides public ferry service to and from the island.

In this case, you’ll take a boat ride from one of three harbors in the Agios Nikolaos municipality:

• Agios Nikolaos town, about 45 minutes one way.
• Elounda village, about 30 minutes one way.
• Plaka village, about 10 minutes one way.

Alternatively, you can experience Spinalonga as part of your boat trip excursion in season.

Popular excursions can include time to disembark and visit Spinalonga on a walking tour, either with or without a professional local guide. Other itineraries include a scenic cruise around the island and its mighty bastions.

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Travel Tips: How to Get to Agios Nikolaos

Agios Nikolaos, Crete, is certainly worth visiting. Day trip itineraries from the top tourist destinations of Heraklion or Chania often incorporate a stop here.

However, if your travel itinerary allows, then we highly suggest an overnight stay or longer in Agios Nikolaos.

After all, Agios Nikolaos tends to reveal its genuine charms, character, and community in the quieter hours between day trips and cruise ships.

A rental car is thus the best way to stay overnight in Agios Nikolaos and explore the Lasithi area in your own time and at your own pace.

You’ll find the biggest selection of rental cars at the car rental agencies at the three airports in Crete, which are also major ferry ports.

The following are driving distances between these three airports and Agios Nikolaos:

• Heraklion International Airport “Nikos Kazantzakis” is approximately 37 miles (60 km).
• Chania International Airport “Ioannis Daskalogiannis” is approximately 128 miles (206 km).
• Sitia Airport “Vitsentzos Kornaros” is approximately 42 miles (67 km).

Whether you’re coming from Heraklion, Chania, or Sitia, the drive overall runs primarily along the coastal highway, EO75.

EO 75 is a modern road with rest stops providing gas, fresh food, and surprisingly good specialty coffee along the scenic route.

Check available dates and best prices, then book your Cretan car rental:

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Travel Tips: Where to Stay

The two best areas to stay in Agios Nikolaos are the Lake Voulismeni lakefront and the Agios Nikolaos coastline.

Lake Voulismeni is unquestionably our favorite place to stay in Agios Nikolaos. Due to the uncommon geography, as mentioned earlier, the lakefront area with both lake and sea views is exclusive to Agios Nikolaos, Crete.

Emerald Lake Studios on Lake Voulismeni

Located in the very center point of Lake Voulismeni, Emerald Lake Studios offers three serviced apartments in what was formerly the owner’s family home.

Emerald Lake Studios are super cute outside and inside. Outside, the building is painted in blue, punctuated with white balconies.

Inside, the apartments are awash in colorful accents and natural light from the balcony. Each apartment takes up a floor length, accessible only by stairs.

The cozy layout includes a petite kitchenette with a small sofa, an updated bathroom with a walk-in shower, and a bedroom balcony overlooking the spectacular scene.

We booked the Apartment with the bed facing the amazing vista of Lake Voulismeni and Mirabello Bay.

By the way, if you work while traveling as we do, you’ll be happy to know the free WiFi also works well on the balcony.

Check the available dates and best pricing for your stay.

Address: Emerald Lake Studios | N. Plastira 14 | 72100 Agios Nikolaos, Crete, Greece

Remvi Apartments on Lake Voulismeni

Located on a high floor in a modern mixed-use building, Remvi Apartments offers a front entrance on 28th of October Street, the pretty and popular pedestrian zone.

A few steps from street level lead to the building foyer with an elevator, hooray!

Two Studio Apartments showcase stunning lake views with floor-to-ceiling windows and a balcony. There’s also a One-Bedroom Apartment with city views and no balcony.

We booked the larger Studio Apartment with Lake View, and found it both stylish and comfortable.

Contemporary design influences the living and seating areas, a full kitchen, and a dreamy bed. The new bathroom, while compact, offers a spacious walk-in shower and toiletries from local firm, Biorama.

Since we work while traveling, we appreciate having ample workspace and electrical outlets. Remvi Apartments delivered these in spades and also fast, free WiFi throughout the property.

Air conditioning and heating make Remvi Apartments available for year-round accommodation.

Check the available dates and best pricing for your stay.

Address: Remvi Apartments | 28th Oktovriou 19 | 72100 Agios Nikolaos, Crete, Greece

Luxury Hotels on Agios Nikolaos Coast

A short walk from Lake Voulismeni takes you to the luxury resorts and high-end hotels of the Agios Nikolaos shore.

Given that Crete is the largest Greek island and a top European vacation destination, Cretan hotels range from locally owned boutique hotels to domestic and international hotel brands.

IHG Hotels and Resorts Group, for instance, opened the glamorous InterContinental Crete, a 5-star hotel on the Agios Nikolaos coast in 2023.

Address: InterContinental Crete | Akti Koundourou 17 | 72100 Agios Nikolaos, Crete, Greece

Then there’s the Minos Beach Art Hotel, a member of Design Hotels, premium properties with Marriott Bonvoy benefits.

Minos Beach Art Hotel is a historic hotel with an exclusive pedigree:

• Minos Beach Art Hotel was the very first five-star hotel to open on Crete, with the main hotel built in 1961.
• Since the 1960s, Minos Beach Art Hotel has hosted international jet-setters and celebrities alike.
• Furthermore, speaking of famous guests: Walt Disney himself stayed at Minos Beach Art Hotel while filming the 1964 movie of Mary Stewart’s suspenseful romance novel, The Moon Spinners.

This design-forward resort displays both Greek and global arts in its public spaces, restaurants, guest rooms, and sculpture garden. Not to mention, sea views from its bungalows, villas, pools, and private sandy beaches.

Check the available dates and best rates for your stay.

Address: Minos Beach Art Hotel | 1 Akti Ilia Sotirchou | 72100 Agios Nikolaos, Crete, Greece

Travel Tips: What to Eat and Drink

Crete is rightly famous for its agriculture, especially olive trees and olive oil, delectable foods, distinctive wines, and tsikoudia (τσικουδιά), a Cretan brandy often called raki.

Likewise, Agios Nikoloas offers restaurants and bars aplenty to savor these delicious fruits of the land, the vine, and the sea.

Tavernas, those traditional Greek restaurants with jaunty checked tablecloths and wooden chairs, line Lake Voulismeni and the Agios Nikolaos seafront.

You’ll furthermore find more eateries galore along 28th October Street and around the main plateia, Elfetherios Venizelos Square.

Rest assured, if you’re craving a cappuccino, light lunch, or brunch (otherwise known as Marilee’s favorite meal), your taste buds will be glad to visit Agios Nikolaos.

Given that coffee fuels our journey, we as coffee aficionados especially enjoy two cafes with high-quality specialty roasts.

Cafe du Lac, Agios Nikolas

Cafe du Lac serves a modern menu, as well as specialty coffee from Area 51 Artisan Coffee Roasters in Athens.

In 2016, “coffee cosmonauts” established the Area 51 “mother ship” in the Greek capital. Since then, Area 51 has perfected the coffee craft.

Sip an excellent espresso drink at the colorful cafe, where tables and chairs offer an awesome perch on the pedestrian street.

Or take your to-go coffee on a scenic stroll around Lake Voulismeni, mere steps away.

Address: Du Lac Cafe Bar | 28th Oktovriou 7 | 72100 Agios Nikolaos, Crete, Greece

Piazza Cafe Bar, Agios Nikolaos

Piazza Cafe Bar is centrally located at the intersection of great coffee, great food, and great vibes in Agios Nikolaos.

Freshly roasted in Athens, Taf Coffee supplies the superb specialty coffee that accompanies the scrumptious menu for breakfast, brunch, snacks, savouries, and desserts.

Outdoors, the cafe verandah presents a prime opportunity to see and be seen. Indoors, the interior design focuses on rich textures, warm woods, and blue velvet upholstery.

Locals of all ages seem to meet and greet at Piazza Cafe day and night. The warm welcome and friendly service make us feel like Lasithi locals, too.

Address: Piazza Cafe Bar | Nik. Plastiras 1 | 72100 Agios Nikolaos, Crete, Greece

Agios Nikolaos, Greece: History

Like elsewhere in Greece, whether major cities or tiny villages, the island of Crete and the town of Agios Nikolaos build upon layer after layer of ancient cities and cultures.

Crete is home to the highly advanced Minoan civilization dating from the Bronze Age, i.e., approximately 5,000 or more years ago.

Minoan sophistication awaits your discovery at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Knossos and other archaeological sites such as the ruined Minoan town of Gournia.

Following the Minoans, the empires of Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, Ottomans, and, of course, ancient and modern Greeks all have left their marks here.

Ancient City of Lato Pros Kamara

The original city of Agios Nikolaos, Crete, was Lato Pros Kamara (Λατώ πρός Καμάρα), inhabited since at least the Bronze Age.

A small archaeological site reveals ancient ruins from the Roman era in Lato Pros Kamara, right in the historic town center of Agios Nikolaos.

The Lato Pros Kamara archaeological site is closed at this time. But the urban excavation with foundations and walls can be seen from the surrounding sidewalks..

Address: Lato Pros Kamara (Λατώ πρός Καμάρα) | 25th of March 9 | 72100 Agios Nikolaos, Crete, Greece

Archaeological Museum of Agios Nikolaos

Given that the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion holds the world’s paramount collection of Minoan art and artifacts, the Archaeological Museum of Agios Nikolaos may consequently seem somewhat lackluster.

Still, the Archaeological Museum of Agios Nikolaos deserves your visit.

Completely renovated and reopened in 2023, the museum showcases an impressive array of antiquities from Lasithi area excavations.

Permanent collections span thousands of years, from the Neolithic Period of 6,000 BC and the Minoan Period of 3,000 BC, to the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires.

The museum is an approachable and enjoyable experience thanks to its helpful staff, plus curatorial signs in both Greek and English.

Agios Nikolas Archaeological Museum is open daily except on Tuesdays, as well as on national and major religious holidays.

Address: Archaeological Museum of Agios Nikolaos (Αρχαιολογικό Μουσείο Αγίου Νικολάου) | 74 Constantinou Palaiologou Street | 72100 Agios Nikolaos, Crete, Greece

Notes on Greek Names: Agios Nikolaos

Agios Nikolaos (Άγιος Νικόλαος) means Saint Nicholas in Greek. St. Nicholas was an early Christian bishop of Myra during the 4th century AD.

As the esteemed Cambridge professor and historian Owen Chadwick (1916-2015) reminds us,

“Particular professions or times of need get their special saints; St. Nicholas was patron of children and of sailors.” (A History of Christianity)

St. Nicholas’ philanthropy is considered the traditional origin of Father Christmas, Sinterklaas, or, as he’s best known these days, Santa Claus.

In addition, St. Nicholas is one of the patron saints of Greece, a sea-faring nation since time immemorial.

So that’s why the name Agios Nikolaos adorns countless churches, chapels, cities, towns, and villages across mainland Greece and the Greek Islands.

Due to various transliterations of the Greek alphabet to English and other languages, you may see Άγιος Νικόλαος spelled alternatively as Aghios Nikolaos or Ayios Nikolaos

For clarity and consistency, we use the most familiar spelling, Agios Nikolaos.

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Interactive Agios Nikolaos Map

Agios Nikolaos Sources and Resources

Chadwick, Owen. A History of Christianity. First U.S. edition, St. Martin’s Press, New York, 1995.

Note: Owen Chadwick deftly deploys his vast research and scholarship into an insightful yet easy read. The hardcover first edition holds a place of honor on our bookshelves. You may find the out-of-print book in your public library or a used bookstore.

Cross, Tony. “The Mystery of the Lake on Crete and the Santorini Earthquake of 1956.” GreekReporter.com, July 24th, 2025.

Farmer, David Hugh. The Oxford Dictionary of Saints. 5th Edition Revised, Oxford University Press, 2011.

Hislop, Victoria, The Island. 9th Printing Edition, Harper, 2007.

Stewart, Mary. The Moon-Spinners. Chicago Review Press, Inc. Rediscovered Classics, 2011.

Check Out More Recommendations

Famous Landmarks in Greece to Visit in Every Greek Region

Gournia, Crete: Discover Ancient Ruins of a Minoan Town in Greece

Why Visit Greece? Best Reasons to Visit Greece

Plan Your Trip to Greece: Top Tips Including Best and Worst Time to Visit Greece

Essential Travel Safety Tips, Resources, and Recommendations

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All opinions expressed are Spotlight Sojourns’ own.

All content and images are original, created with care by yours truly, Marilee Kostadimas and Paul Kostadimas. We’re the Hidden Gemologists® of Spotlight Sojourns: Award-winning travel experts and slow travel storytellers. Because slow travel is meaningful travel, part of a meaningful life. And stories enrich the meaning.

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