A town bursting with life, lights, colour and the Cretan heartbeat,
welcome its visitors throughout the year in a cosy warm atmosphere.
Build on the ruins of the ancient city "Lato pros Kamara" and through
the centuries it developed from an independent trade center in the 3rd
AD century, into today's town, a place full of interest, throbbing with
motion and life. Agios Nikolaos changes its faces according to your
mood. Since it is loaded with memories and customs from the past, it is a
traditional place for those who have a longing for the good old days,
at the same time it is a cosmopolitan meeting point for those who love
fun, a paradise of peace and quiet for those who want to relax, a center
of European standards for the demanding, and an ideal summer resort to
spend your holidays. Rent a car and experience everything that Agios
Nikolaos has to offer.
The lake of Agios Nikolaos is obviously the most beautiful ornament
of the town. It is linked to the sea by a narrow canal, which adds to
the beauty of the lake, while its natural surrounding red rocks between
the trees turn it into a site of great attraction as one can enjoy a
wonderful view while sitting comfortably at any of the coffee shops next
to the multi colored fishing boats. Legend has it that Athena and
Artemis Vritomartis were washing their hair at the deep blue waters of
the lake. If you want to be part of the Legend then use a car hire
service and go to this magical place.
The small, especially well attended port of Agios Nikolaos, has its
own charm, as it is surrounded by the picturesque tile-roofed houses and
it is illuminated in the evenings by the lights of the shops and those
of the kaikis and the boats moored at the big dock. This is the starting
point of the kaikis doing their day trips to Spinalonga, Elounda and
the picturesque Merabello Bay. There is a scheduled ferry boat from
Piraeus to Agios Nikolaos 3 times a week while the ferry to Sitia,
Karpathos and Rhodos stops here once a week.
Two lovely islands, at the entrance of the port, complement the
beautiful landscape. The little plays host to the town light house,
while the big island's main attraction is the Agion Panton ( All Saints)
chapels and the famous Kri -Kri goat a protected species to which the
island serves as a refuge. The local car rental office will provide you
with a vehicle so that you will not miss your change to visit them.
Every two years the "Nautical Week" is celebrated with swimming
competitions, water sports events and a fireworks display. The night of
"Anastassi" (Christ's Resurrection) is the most impressive celebration
as thousands of people, holding candles lit with the Holy Light, gather
around the lake for the "burning of Judas". scores of crackers pierce
the night's silence, creating a unique, emotionally charged atmosphere.
Particularly important is the celebration of the name day of the city's patron St Nikolas, on December 6.
The celebration of the New Year's Day is another impressive event in
Agios Nikolaos. Two kaikis (local fishing boats) are at the port, one
leaving ( standing for the year ending) and the other coming in (for the
beginning year). Santa Claus disembarks triumphantly, welcomed by the
town officials, the municipal band and the cheering crowds and then
proceeds to the main town square to distribute presents to jubilant
children.
The Municipal Tourism Company has its own organized beaches
(Municipal, Almyros, Havania) where the swimmers can enjoy swimming. The
exemplary beaches of Agios Nikolaos are always among the the candidates
for the prize of purity and cleanliness by the respective European
Committee, earning more and more "blue flags" each year.
Ideal place for all sorts of water sports. For the athlete and the
sports fan and those who want to combine vacations and sports there are
several organized gyms, the national stadium, the national swimming
pool, basket and volley ball courts, tennis courts and a well equipped
riding school.
Major administrative, cultural and communications center, Agios
Nikolaos is one of the most developed tourist areas not only in Crete,
but in Greece in general. Having a valuable experience of 30 years of
organized tourism, its infrastructure matches that of any other European
resort, for the ideal and interesting vacation together with the
traditional Cretan hospitality and an excellent climate. Thanks to the
beautiful coasts, the great sights and the cosmopolitan life, this
lively city hosts every year thousands of visitors without losing one
bit of its tranquility and traditional hospitality.
Rent a car in Ag. Nikolaos Crete from autoUnion and enjoy your stay.
If you are on a business trip hire a car in Ag. Nikolaos Crete and you will not have to worry about your transportation.
If again you are on holidays, an affordable car rental is the way to explore Ag. Nikolaos Crete surroundings without
the fear of exceeding your budget.