Agios Nikolaos & Elounda

Agios Nikolaos and Elounda: cosmopolitan eastern Crete

Agios Nikolaos is perhaps the most elegant town in Crete. Built around the small lake of Voulismeni, which joins the sea, it has color, cafes and restaurants on the water, and a relaxed cosmopolitan aura that makes it ideal for a full day of strolling. A few kilometers further, Elounda spreads out in a sheltered bay with luxury resorts and the famous lagoon.

From here, boats depart for Spinalonga, the small island with the Venetian fortress and the shocking history. The area combines sea, history and good food like few others in Crete.

How to get there from Heraklion

Agios Nikolaos is about sixty-five kilometers from Heraklion, a comfortable drive of about an hour via the new road, with the sea accompanying you for most of it. Elounda is a few minutes further on.

With a vehicle at your disposal, you can easily combine both in one day, stop wherever you want to swim at the beaches along the way and don't wait for itineraries to return.

What to see and do

Take a tour of Lake Voulismeni and enjoy a coffee by the water. Walk along the picturesque harbor and the alleys with shops. In Elounda, spend time in the lagoon and book a boat to Spinalonga. For swimming, the beaches in the area, from Ammouda to the hidden coves, have clear waters and nice options.

Good to know

The area is popular, so in the summer months, opt for an early morning trip to Spinalonga and comfortable parking in Agios Nikolaos. Park near Lake Voulismeni and walk through the town's alleys.