Ayios Nikolaos

Áyios Nikólaos (“Ag Nik” as the British visitors love to call it) is the capital town of Lassithi. Here, the bottomless salt lake Voulisméni dominates the area. A narrow channel of water connects the lake with the sea, while an imposing backdrop of red rock and trees adds to the natural beauty of the scenery. A small pine tree park lies above the lake, and a stone path leads to its southern section to a cute small harbour for fishing boats. The city boasts interesting Archaeological, Folklore, and Natural History museums, Byzantine churches, a well-organised marina, bustling pedestrian streets (ideal for leisurely walks), and traditional squares with buzzing cafés and restaurants.

During your stay here, pay a visit to:
• The island of Ayioi Pantes that houses a breeding facility for the Cretan wild goat (kri kri).
• Almyrós wetland, a passage for migratory birds.
• Istro, 11 km S, is famous for its consecutive beaches at Karavostássi, Áyios Panteleimonas and Voúlisma (Hrissí Aktí).
• Kritsa, 11 km SW, is a picturesque village built on the feet of Mt. Kastellos with a marvellous view to Mirabello bay. Its traditional architectural features are impressively preserved through time. Here was actually shot in 1956 the famous Jules Dassin movie “Christ Recrucified”.
• Pachia Ammos, 20 km SE, is an old commercial port at the junction of Áyios Nikolaos-Sitía-Ierápetra.
• Explore the east part of Crete.