Agios Nikolaos- a city located in the eastern region of Crete - Lassithi, and at the same time being its capital. It is located approximately 62 km east of Heraklion in the western part of the Gulf of Mirabello. Agios Nikolaos is a very picturesque town that attracts with its architecture, cozy streets with endless stairs going straight “to the sky” and the special atmosphere of eastern Crete.
For its color and uniqueness, Agios Nikolaos is called the Cretan St. Tropez. The city's population is mainly engaged in tourism and agriculture, and one of the main attractions is Lake Vulizmeni, 64 meters deep, located almost in the center of the city. Not so long ago, the lake was considered bottomless. And during Turkish rule in the period 1867-1871. a canal was dug connecting Vulizmeni to the sea.
Lake Vulizmeni
But despite this, the lake remains freshwater. There is an assumption that the water does not mix with sea water due to the fact that Vulizmeni is fed by underground springs.
There is literally everything to spend an unforgettable vacation at sea: large hotels and cozy apartments; several city beaches that annually receive the Blue Flag award for high quality services and cleanliness coastline and water; a wide range of tourist services, shops, cafes, bars and restaurants; Interesting attractions nearby.
Agios Nikolaos promenade
Great pleasure will come from a walk along the promenade with stunning views of Mirabello Bay or simply spending time in a cafe on the shore of Lake Vulizmeni.
We love walking along this embankment in the morning, when the air is filled with the unique aroma of the sea playing with the brightest colors when the sun still casts long shadows from the tamarisk trees. We love even more to walk along the Agios Nikolaos embankment in the evening, after busy trips around the island, when everything here really comes to life, when locals and guests of the city go for the Volta - an evening walk, and the city is filled with a special and indescribable atmosphere of relaxation. In fact, all these sensations are simply impossible to convey in words!
Speaking of exploring the island, Agios Nikolaos is considered an excellent starting point for exploring the eastern and central parts island of Crete Famous nearby resort Elounda and Spinalonga island with the fortress are located just 8 km north in the Gulf of Mirabello. To the east is a very picturesque seaside town Sitia.
Agios Nikolaos promenade
In the very east of the island is the famous palm beach Vai. South of Agios Nikolaos is the most Southern City Europe - Ierapetra. To the west you can visit the Lassithi plateau. These are not all the attractions that are located a short distance from the city of Agios Nikolaos. In addition, many attractions are accessible when traveling from Agios Nikolaos by bus. Fortunately, the bus network on the island of Crete is very well developed.
Agios Nikolaos Bus Station
The most interesting and romantic excursions can be made from the small seaport of Agios Nikolaos, located immediately after the artificial canal from Lake Voulizmeni on the Koundourou embankment. From here, pleasure boats depart for excursions around Mirabello Bay with its attractions. In the evening, ships depart from the port for a night cruise. They host parties with music and dancing on board. The views from the ship of Agios Nikolaos, Elounda and Mirabello Bay at night are mesmerizing and will forever remain in your memory.
Excursions from Agios Nikolaos
History of Agios Nikolaos
Agios Nikolaos was built on the site of two cities: Lato Getera - once the largest city of the Hellenistic period and its port Lato Pros Kamara, which in the 3rd century. united. During the period of Roman rule, the city of Lato Pros Camara flourished, as evidenced by a variety of finds, including statues and rich funerary gifts, as well as the city's own coins, which were printed by the city. In the VI century. the city becomes the center of the bishopric of Camara. And Agios Nikolaos received its name in the 9th century. from the single-nave church of St. Nicholas, built here by the Venetians. In 1206, the Genoese built the Mirabello fortress (Castel Mirabello - Fortress with a beautiful view). At the same time, in fact, the name of the bay itself was given for its “beautiful view” - Mirabello. It is assumed that the fortress was built under Enric Pescatore. Under the Venetians, the fortress was reconstructed. Later, the Mirabello fortress was attacked by Turkish invaders and was eventually destroyed by earthquakes and by the Venetians themselves, who tried to regain the territories captured by the Turks. From that time on, the city began to decline.
Only in 1870, with the help of the inhabitants of Crete, who fled from Turkish persecution to the east of the island, the revival of the city of Agios Nikolaos began. At the same time, the modern appearance of the city is gradually born, which we have the opportunity to admire.
The population of Agios Nikolaos gradually increases, and in 1905 it becomes the center of the Lasithi region. In the 60s of the 20th century, it was Agios Nikolaos that became the city in which Cretan tourism was born, which later spread throughout the island. Interestingly, the tourism boom began after Walt Disney, Jules Dassin and other celebrities visited the city.
Modern Agios Nikolaos
It has again acquired the status of the most important port city for the island of Crete, from where sea communications with major cities Greece. Live in seaport doesn't stop for a minute. Ferries, yachts and even large cruise ships, and on the embankment fishermen repair their gear and transfer their catch.
Modern Agios Nikolaos is also unique in that it has more than one tourist centre, as often happens, but two.
The first such center is located around Lake Vulismeni, and the second favorite place for tourists is the city embankment, where there are also numerous cafes and taverns.
But in order to get to know the city and its beauty better, it’s worth taking a walk along the local streets. One of the most beautiful streets is considered to be st. October 28th.
Here and on the parallel Russu Kundur street, the largest number of shops are concentrated, where you can buy both simple souvenirs to remember your vacation and goods from famous world brands.
Every season, Agios Nikolaos hosts festivals, concerts, theatrical performances and exhibitions. And the evening Agios Nikolaos comes to life with renewed vigor. Nightclubs, bars, restaurants and discos open here. The fun continues until the morning. Thus, life in Agios Nikolaos does not stop for a minute.
Among the attractions of Agios Nikolaos, it is worth visiting the Ethnographic Museum, which displays national Cretan costumes and tools. Of particular interest is Archaeological Museum, which has one of the most significant collections of finds on the island. The museum displays exhibits dating from the Neolithic to Late Roman periods. Among the exhibits, the following stand out: an early Minoan figurine of a phallic shape, funeral gifts from early Minoan cities, a vase with the name “Goddess Myrtos”, a figurine of a believer from Myrsini, a vessel in the form of a bird from Agia Fotia, figurines dating back to the 7th BC. But the most impressive exhibit of the archaeological museum is a skull with a golden wreath of olive leaves, found in a Roman cemetery nearby. A silver coin from Polyrhinia, which dates back to the 1st century, was found in the deceased’s mouth. AD It is assumed that this coin, according to Roman belief, was intended as payment to the boatman who was supposed to transport the deceased across the River Styx to the underworld. In room No. 5 there is a clay head, which conceals the famous archaic smile. Plates with Linear A are also on display. Most of the exhibits were found on the territory of Lasithi. Entrance to the Archaeological Museum is paid. It is better to check the work schedule in advance. In Agios Nikolaos there is also Maritime Museum, which features exhibits telling the history of Cretan navigation.
Beaches of Agios Nikolaos
The beaches in the area of Agios Nikolaos are well equipped, offering all types of water activities - from scuba diving to water skiing. There is a beach with a children's pool and playground. All beaches of Agios Nikolaos are surrounded by cafes, restaurants and hotels, which is very convenient for comfortable rest: I had breakfast, no need to go anywhere special, left the hotel and went straight to the beach to sunbathe.
In general, these places are famous not only for their wonderful beaches and entertainment. It is believed that the resorts of eastern Crete are visited by people with excellent taste.
Everything you need is here unforgettable holiday, but the main thing is the atmosphere that reigns here.
Every year, thousands of people return again and again to Agios Nikolaos - a city that gives stunning views to photographers, inspiration to artists and poets, a city where history and modernity coexist perfectly, where the tranquility of the streets is closely intertwined with the rhythm of a modern resort town. Agios Nikolaos is a city that is definitely worth a visit, to get acquainted with local customs, friendly people and the incomparable charm of eastern Crete.
reference Information
- Where is? The town of Agios Nikolaos is located on the northern coast of Crete, 65 km east of Heraklion, 30 km north of Ierapetra and 67 km west of Sitia.
- Agios Nikolaos city coordinates: DD 35.192533
Vunena- a village in Thessaly, the historical region of northeastern Greece. There is a temple here, where the resting place of the saint is located. Nicholas New. And the honest relics, the head of the martyr, reside on the island of Andros in the monastery of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. 
Nowadays, in Wunen, at the site of the execution of St. Nicholas the New, a miracle is happening, the like of which is not found anywhere else on earth. As it is written in the life, Nicholas They scourged him in this place until the ground turned purple with blood, and then they tied the martyr to a tree and threw arrows and spears at him until he bled to death. And every year, on the day of the saint’s martyrdom, the trees “bleed” here, exuding a dark liquid that has healing properties.
Famous in Greece, but little known in Russia Venerable Martyr Nicholas the New lived at the turn of the 7th – 8th centuries. He possessed great physical strength, indestructible will and courage, thanks to which he made a brilliant military career. Christian by birth and upbringing, Nikolay Having become a military leader, he taught his subordinates not only the art of war, but also faith in God and hope in Him. Therefore, his warriors, although they won many victories, never offended the vanquished or caused harm to anyone.
Military actions led Nicholas with his army to Larisa, in the vicinity of which is located Vunena. Larisa at that time was a majestic fortress, guarded by a well-trained army. The courageous defenders of the city fought so bravely that the army Nicholas could not take the city. Many warriors were killed in the fierce battle.
The senseless death of the people entrusted to him forced Nicholas think deeply about the meaning of life. A burning desire was born in his soul to end his days in prayer and repentance. 
Nikolay I found out that not far from Larisa, in Vunene, in the forests on the mountain, hermits live in desert cells. Nikolay settled with them to learn spiritual life. He was so successful in virtue that he aroused the admiration of even his mentors, the desert fathers.
Saint Nikolay lived in Vunensky skete together with the monks, whose names have been preserved. These were Gregory, John, Demetrius, Michael, Akindinus, Theodore, Pankratius, Christopher, Panteley, Emilian and Navudius. One day, when they were all praying together, an Angel from God appeared: “Be prepared,” he said, “and stand firm, for in a few days you will suffer a martyr’s death, in order to receive rewards and crowns of ascetics and inherit the Kingdom of Heaven.”
A few days later in Vunenu pagan barbarians came and wanted to force the monks to renounce Christ. Now the time has come Nicholas show your courage as a soldier of Christ. “Let us not be afraid, brothers, of temporary death, and let us not be at all afraid, for the hour has come to show courage,” with these words the saint strengthened Nikolay New Vunensky ascetics.
The bestial barbarians subjected the monks to terrible torture. They especially tormented the saint Nicholas, who firmly and boldly defended his faith in Christ. The martyr shed so much blood on Vunenskaya the earth that trees are still bleeding here. As a result, the torturers cut off the saint's head. This happened on May 9, which is now revered as the day of remembrance of the saint. Nicholas New.
The saint's body was thrown at the place of execution and remained there for many years. Until one rich man, suffering from leprosy, received the revelation of a saint in a dream. Nicholas. The martyr promised that when this man finds in the town Vunena his incorruptible body is at the source, he will be healed of leprosy. And so it happened.
In gratitude for the healing, a man cleared of leprosy built a Vunene at the saint’s resting place there is a church in which many miracles still occur to this day.
For example, in 2011, Georgia Feoharopoulou from Caesariani testified that she was cured of a severe, inoperable form of cancer. Fluid was found in her lungs, and her heart muscle was affected. Georgia had to undergo chemotherapy, for which she had to undergo examination. The sufferer prayed to Saint Nicholas the New and was anointed with the “blood” exuded by the tree. By “accident,” the examination was scheduled for May 9, the day of remembrance of St. Nicholas. And to the great surprise of the doctors, Georgia turned out to be healthy. 
Konstantin Papathanasios from Athens describes the miracle of the flow of holy “blood,” which he witnessed on May 9, 2011: “The first time I heard about the miracle of Nicholas the New was from a deeply religious friend, who, through the prayers of the saint through the anointing with “blood,” was healed of cancer. It was he who told me about the miracle that happened on the day of St. Nicholas, May 9. I began to pray to become a participant in this wonderful event. And Saint Nicholas made my wish come true. As part of a small group of pilgrims, I arrived at the site of the saint’s martyrdom, which is located in Vounen, in Thessaly. We prayed during Matins and the Divine Liturgy in the church, and then headed to the trees nearby. We performed a prayer service, and when we sang the troparion, to my great surprise, I saw “blood” coming out of the tree. What I experienced is impossible to describe, I was speechless. Wonderful are Your works, O Lord! Despite my sins, the Lord allowed me to experience a miracle. It is noteworthy that when many glass bottles (small and large - up to a liter) that we took with us were filled with “blood”, it stopped flowing. No more, no less".
The miracle of the flow of the “blood” of St. Nicholas the New took place this year, 2013. Glory to the Merciful Lord, wondrous in His saints!
Agios Nikolaos – administrative center Cretan nome Lasithi, conveniently located in the picturesque Mirabello Bay. This city can be given the status of the most “non-Cretan” due to the bustle of the resort and the dominance of modern buildings in the architecture. But despite the apparent shortcomings, Agios Nikolaos has its own special charm. Just look at the embankment of the freshwater lake Vulismeni, along which there are numerous cafes and restaurants, where life never stops day or night.
The city of Agios Nikolaos owes its name to the Christian saint - Saint Nicholas, in whose honor a church in the Byzantine style was built in the 9th century. It was in this city that the first tourists appeared in the 60s of the last century. Modern city St. Nicholas is often called the Cretan Saint-Tropez and today it is considered one of the most comfortable Greek resorts.
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Attractions of Agios Nikolaos
Mirabello Bay
Finding yourself in Agios Nikolaos and not visiting Mirabello Bay is a big mistake. For many centuries, this place with its untouched natural beauty has delighted the eyes of every traveler, tourist and local resident. From the shore of the bay you can endlessly admire the picturesque combination of sea and city landscapes.
Lake Vulismeni
It is around this circular lake that the city is built. As legend has it, the supreme deities of Greek mythology, Athena and Artemis, often liked to swim in the lake.
Interesting facts about Lake Vulismeni:
- Until 1867, the lake was isolated from the sea. And only during the Turkish rule of Crete, by order of Adosid Pasha, the lake was connected to the sea by a small canal. But despite the fact that sea water fell into the lake, many underground springs prevent the water from becoming completely salty.
- After Crete was liberated from the Nazi invaders, local population drowned a large amount of enemy equipment in the waters of the lake, which still rests at the bottom.
- The depth of the lake is 64 meters, diameter is 137 meters.
- Prices in cafes and restaurants on the lake shore are on average 30% higher than in the old city.
Archaeological Museum
The Archaeological Museum of Agios Nikolaos houses the second largest exhibition of objects from the Minoan period in Crete.
- Museum address: Paleologou Konstantinou 74
- Price entrance ticket: 4 euros
- Opening hours: Tue.-Sun., 8:30-15:00
Ethnographical museum
The collection of the Ethnographic Museum contains unique works cultural heritage Krita.
- Museum address: Paleologou Konstantinou 4
- Entrance ticket price: 3 euros
- Opening hours: Tue.-Sun., 10:00-14:00
Church of St. Nicholas
The church is located on a small hill in the northern part of the city. In the church you can see unique ancient icons and frescoes.
Elounda
12 kilometers from Agios Nikolaos there is a small resort town– Elounda, which is a cluster luxury hotels located in numerous bays. At one time, Bono from U2, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Lady Gaga stayed here.
Spinaloga Island
Village Kritsa
The mountain village of Kritsa, located 11 kilometers from Agios Nikolaos, is notable for the fact that local residents have preserved the life and traditions of “old” Crete. Unfortunately, Kritsa is very popular among tourists. As a result, the streets of the village turn into souvenir shopping arcades from early morning.
Beaches of Agios Nikolaos
As already mentioned, this resort is very popular among tourists. Therefore in summer season The city and nearby beaches are always crowded. We recommend driving further away from the city and finding secluded small beaches and coves.
If we talk about the city beaches of Agios Nikolaos, then it is worth noting the excellent organization of recreation and entertainment areas for both adults and children. Unfortunately, the main municipal beach of the city has a paid entrance.
- Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas 5*
- Nicholas Bay Resort Hotel & Villas
- Minos Beach Art hotel 5*
- Sensimar Minos Palace 5*
- Candia Park Village 4*
- Dessole Mirabello Beach & Village 5*
- Dessole Hermes 4*
- Blue Marine Resort & Spa 5*
- Miramare Resort & Spa 4*
- Santa Marina Hotel 3*
It is located in the western part of the Gulf of Mirabello, 62 kilometers from Heraklion.
In the 3rd century BC. e. large flourished here market town Lato, evidence of whose prosperity was the coin minted here.
The city received its modern name thanks to a small Byzantine church built in the 9th century in honor of St. Nicholas, although it began to be actively developed only in 1870.
In the 60s of the 20th century, it was here that the traditions of Cretan tourism were born, which gradually covered the entire island.
In summer the city hosts festival "Lato". Exhibitions and performances of Greek and European pop stars and folk ensembles are organized.
Beautiful beaches, most of which are awarded Blue Flag, panoramic views The beautiful Mirabello Bay, natural and cultural monuments have allowed Agios Nikolaos to become a resort of world importance.
How to get there?
From Heraklion airport ( helpful information about the city) a regular, air-conditioned bus leaves for Agios Nikolaos every hour. The trip will take one and a half hours and will cost 7.20 euro per person.
The cost of a taxi ride will be approx. 100 euro. It can be ordered in advance online.
The most in a convenient way getting around Crete is rented car. Pre-selected, it can be picked up at the airport or hotel.
The cost of a Toyota Corolla class car will be approximately 540 euros during the week.
The price of gasoline in Greece is 1.7 euros, and diesel fuel is 1.37 euros per liter.
Attractions
Lake Vulismeni
Agios Nikolaos is called Cretan Saint-Tropez, to a greater extent this is due to the fact that the city is located around the freshwater lake Vulismeni, the depth of which reaches 64 meters.
According to legend, the goddesses Athena and Artemis loved to swim in its waters.
Until the mid-19th century, the lake was not connected to the sea, but in 1867, by order of the Turkish ruler of Crete, Adosid Pasha, construction of a connecting canal began.
However, in the lower layers the water remains fresh, thanks to the numerous underground springs that feed the lake.
As a sign of the liberation of Crete from the fascist invaders, local residents dumped a large amount of German equipment at the bottom of Vulismeni, where it is still located.
Today, an exceptionally romantic atmosphere has been created around the lake; numerous restaurants invite you to relax.
It's good to have a cup of coffee or a glass of cold juice here. It is better to have lunch and dinner in the old town. A meal on the shore will cost about 20-30% more.
Church of St. Nicholas
Located in the northern part of Agios Nikolaos on a small hill.
This Byzantine church, which gave the city its name, was built at the beginning 9th century.
Inside there are remains of paintings dating back to the 14th century.
On December 6, when St. Nicholas Day is celebrated in Greece, she receives increased attention local residents.
Archaeological Museum
Located north of the lake on Paleologou Street 74.
Eight halls of the museum, founded in 1970, present a rich exhibition archaeological finds from the eastern region of Crete, belonging to the Neolithic, Minoan and Roman civilizations.
An entire hall is dedicated to exhibits found in the largest in Crete Minoan burial in Agia Fotia.
Among the finds: 1,600 ceramic vessels made without the use of a potter's wheel, obsidian tools, bronze knives.
The most famous sculpture in the next room is the image goddess Myrta. This is an impressive ceramic vessel in the shape of a female figure with a disproportionately small head, elongated neck and bell-shaped body. In her hands the goddess holds a small jug for sacrificial libations.
The most interesting exhibit of the museum It is believed that the skull of a young male athlete was found on the ruins of a Roman burial.
His head is crowned with a golden laurel wreath, and a silver coin is hidden in his mouth, which, according to ancient tradition, served as payment to Charon for delivering the dead to the underworld.
The museum's doors are open during the summer months for visits every day from 8.00 to 15.00, except Mondays. Entrance fee 3 euros.
Phone: +30 841 24943.
Ethnographical museum
Located in the lower floor of the Port Authority at 2 Paleologou Street.
The museum is quite small, consisting of three rooms..
Presented here National costumes, samples of fabrics and embroideries, local household items.
You can see the model of a traditional Greek manor.
The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 12.00 to 14.00.
Entrance – 1 euro.
Ruins of the city of Lato
They are located 3 kilometers from the village of Kritsa and 15 from Agios Nikolaos.
Dorian Lato city was one of the most important settlements on the island.
Built in the 7th century BC. e., it had a large trading port and minted its own coin with the image of the goddess Ilithyia.
Lato was the birthplace of Nearchus, the closest friend and ally of Alexander the Great.
Although the city itself was destroyed in 200 BC. e., its harbor was actively used by the Romans, then by the Byzantines and Venetians, until modern Agios Nikolaos grew up in its place.
Systematic excavations ancient city began in 1899 under the leadership of French archaeologists. The remains of the city gate and steps of the staircase to the Agora, where the sanctuary was located, were discovered.
According to the surviving remains of stone buildings scientists managed to restore city plan.
Today we know where he was main temple, ancient theater, residential buildings, craft workshops.
Entrance to the territory archaeological site open from 8.30 to 14.30. Ticket price is 2 euros.
Church of Panagia Kera in Kritsa
Is one of the most famous monuments Byzantine architecture in Crete.
It is located 20 kilometers from Agios Nikolaos in an olive grove at the entrance to the village of Kritsa.
The three-nave church was founded in XIII century and dedicated to the Dormition of the Virgin Mary.
Here you can see authentic, unusually colorful frescoes from the 13th-14th centuries depicting biblical scenes.
The images are quite well preserved Gregory the Victorious And Francis of Assisi, whose presence on the murals Orthodox Church marvelous.
Numerous pilgrims come here to say words of prayer before miraculous icon of the Mother of God, according to numerous testimonies, healing from bodily ailments.
The church is open from 8.30 to 15.00. Entrance – 3 euros.
You can get there for 1.60 euros from Agios Nikolaos to regular bus
, which runs every two hours to Kritsa. Last return flight at 20.15.
Spinalonga Island
The Spinalonga Peninsula emerged after an earthquake that led to the destruction of the ancient city of Olus.
Ruins of an ancient city at the bottom of Mirabello Bay(read all about the bay) perfectly visible through clear waters.
This place attracts many divers from all over the world.
In the 15th century, the Venetians discovered on Spinalonga salt deposits and began to actively develop them.
To protect against pirates, and later from the Turks, in 1526 the Venetians built a canal and erected a fortress on the resulting island.
According to the myth, Kronos, not wanting to be overthrown from Olympus by his own son, ate his children.
But one day his wife Rhea decided to deceive Kronos and gave him a stone to swallow instead of his son, and she hid in a cave on the slope mountain range Dikti, where Zeus was born.
It consists of five halls, stalactites hang from the ceilings, in one of the halls there is a lake, you can go down to it along special walkways.
Archaeological excavations started here by the British in 1900 indicate that this cave really had enormous cult significance during the era of Minoan culture, more than two thousand years before the new era.
The cave is located two kilometers from the village of Psychro in the southwestern part of Lassithi.
A winding road runs west from the village highway, which runs into a paid parking lot. Parking costs 2 euros per hour.
Further up there is a walking trail, 800 meters long, to the entrance to the cave.
The ascent on foot takes from 15 minutes to half an hour; there are benches to rest along the way.
You can use the help of donkeys. The cost of lifting on this type of Cretan transport is 15 euros.
Before visiting, you need to take care of comfortable shoes and a warm jacket, as it is cool in the cave.
Opening hours: 10.00 –15.30. Entrance – 4 euros, free for children. You can take pictures without flash.
Town of Agios Nikolaos located 2 kilometers from the hotel Mirabello Beach & Village 5. Previously the city was called Mandraki. The day after arriving at Crete we went to this beautiful town. Our path lay along the embankment Mirabello Bay. The unusually beautiful landscapes were a delight to the eye. There are shops and taverns all along the embankment, and if you go there you will definitely be persuaded to buy something.
Tavern where you can eat fresh fish
Ficuses grow on the embankment
On the streets of Agios Nikolaos there are many flowers of unusual beauty.
All sellers more or less speak Russian. It turns out that many attend Russian language courses in the winter.
The main attraction is Lake Vulizmeni, located in the city center. This lake is mentioned in many myths because people allegedly swam in it two goddesses Athena and Artemis.
Myths say that the lake was formed after a volcanic eruption on Santorini island and connected to it by an underwater current.
Church on the shore of Lake Vulizmeni
The lake has the shape of a circle with a diameter of about 137 meters. The lake is connected to the sea by a canal built in the 19th century. The lake is salty only to a depth of 30-35 meters, and below that the water is fresh. They say that at the bottom of the lake there is military equipment of German troops who left the island after World War II. I don’t know how everything really is, but the lake is very beautiful.
Along the coast there are cafes, restaurants, and taverns. You can eat deliciously, each client is dear, and is invited individually. Such hospitality is sometimes burdensome.
Cafe on the shore of Lake Vulizmeni
They sell handicrafts here and make a living here. I paid 1 euro for this grandmother’s photo, my grandmother politely hinted to me.
There are many small pleasure boats moored here. There are many travel agencies here that offer excursions at very reasonable prices.
Pleasure boat on the pier
The city is located on hills so there are a lot of stairs in the city. Many of them are of architectural value, as they were built by famous architects.
The city is a network of narrow streets where the best souvenir shops and fur coat boutiques, bars, clubs and dance floors are located.
These funny advertisements are posted on the streets of the city, inviting tourists to fur shops.
The city is called Cretan Saint-Tropez. In this city you can meet a celebrity walking along the embankment.
The city has a small beach located in a square called Kitroplatia.
The city beach has been awarded the Blue Flag, which is a certificate of quality established by the European Commission. The flag is awarded based on analyzes of the cleanliness of the water and the shore.
From Kitroplatia Square a long path lined with stone begins. The path ends at the Marina of Agios Nikolaos. In the last century, a brisk trade in citrus fruits took place in this area, which were supplied by merchant ships from other countries.
The city has Archaeological Museum And Ethnographical museum. The museums have a lot of ancient Greek exhibits found during archaeological excavations.
In the center of the city there is a monument to those who fell during various wars.
The famous sculpture of the city is the sculpture "Cornucopia".
Sculpture "Cornucopia"
"Cornucopia" - a sculpture created by sculptors brothers Sotiriadis. The statue resembles a large horn made of green glass and metal.
The history of sculpture is also taken from myth. The monument is dedicated goat Amalthea, who fed god Zeus, whom the mother goddess hid on the island of Crete from her husband god Kron who ate his children. The myth says that when a goat died, Zeus' mother kept its horn as a sign of respect and gratitude.
There is also a sculpture on the embankment "The Rape of Europa".
Sculpture “The Rape of Europa”
The author of the project for this sculpture is the Greek director Nikos Koundouros. He imagined Europe as a young woman sitting on a large bull. The animal personifies the god Zeus. The woman holds a herald's staff in her hands. This attribute has the property of trying on warring parties. Also, it is considered the key between light and darkness, death and life, evil and good.
On central square located Church of Elfetherios Venizelos, painted in Byzantine style in 1980. The facade of the church is painted with mosaics. Anyone can come into the church and pray.
Not far from the city, on the territory of one hotel, there is another famous landmark of the city, this Church of St. Nicholas, built in the 8th century.
The church enjoys increased attention from local residents. It is named after this church.
Iconostasis in the Church of St. Nicholas
Anyone can visit the church. To do this, at the hotel reception you need to take the key to the church and open the church yourself. This church is the oldest on the island. It is one of the first buildings in this area of Crete. In Agios Nikolaos, the houses amaze with their original architecture and layout.
Ordinary Greeks live in very simple houses.
We visited more than once and each time we learned something new about this city. Here we bought a lot of souvenirs and gifts. I want to return to this city again, but that’s for another time.
There is a lot of interesting things ahead about holidays on the island of Crete. Do not miss! Subscribe to blog news.
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