Agios Nikolaos Municipality

Agios Nikolaos Municipality essentials

Agios Nikolaos centers on Lake Voulismeni, a former freshwater basin now linked to the Aegean Sea. This region features the Venetian fortress of Spinalonga, which served as a leper colony until 1957. Archaeological highlights include the Dorian city-state of Lato and the well-preserved Minoan town of Gournia. Natural landmarks range from the turquoise waters of Vulisma Beach to the rugged hiking trails of Kritsa Gorge. The area also preserves significant religious art within the 13th-century Panagia Kera and the historical Milatos Cave.

Agios Nikolaos Essentials — Map

fs / CC-BY-SA-3.0

A

Lake Voulismeni

Lake Voulismeni is a small, formerly freshwater lake, later connected to the sea, located at the centre of the town of Agios Nikolaos on…

Trolez Stephanie / CC-BY-SA

B

Spinalonga

A 16th-century Venetian fortress that later served as one of Europe's last active leper colonies from 1903 to 1957.

James Preston / CC BY 2.0

C

Lato

Lato was an ancient city of Crete, the ruins of which are located approximately 3 km from the village of Kritsa.

Prekario / CC-BY-SA-3.0

D

Plaka

Plaka is a village located in the Apokoronas region of the northwest coast of the island of Crete, Greece.

E

Vulisma Beach

A beautiful beach boasting a blue flag. Hidden in a bay surrounded by rocky cliffs it offers turquoise water and golden sand.

F

Panagia Kera

A triple-naved Byzantine church from the 13th century, famous for its detailed and well-preserved frescoes representing the Palaiologan Renaissance.

George Groutas / CC BY 2.0

G

Elounda Lagoon

A breath-taking lagoon which is said to be the home of a mermaid. A popular diving spot because of the ancient ruins in the sea.

H

Anticnaa gimniceskij;Antique Gurnia

The ruins of a Late Minoan town, offering a rare look at a non-palatial settlement with its original street plan, houses, and central courtyard.

Daria Panina / CC-BY-SA

I

Cretan Olive Oil Farm

A great chance to learn all about various Cretan crafts in a refreshing environment - and perhaps even take some home.

J

Abduction of Europe

A contemporary bronze sculpture at the harbor entrance created by Nikos Koundouros and Theodoros Papagiannis, illustrating the Greek myth of Zeus and Europe.

Schuppi / CC BY-SA 3.0

K

Milatos Cave

A historical cavern featuring eight entrances and a small chapel. It is known for the 1823 events where local residents sought refuge during the Ottoman occupation.

L

Kritsa Gorge

A narrow gorge offering a challenging yet rewarding hike with many stunning natural sites along the way.

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