AGHIOS NIKOLAOS
Area: Crete
Country: Greece


Location:
On the NE coast, 6 miles S of the village of Elounda. 40 miles E of Heraklion airport.

Telephone code from UK:
30 28410

Position:
Situated in the E half of the island, at the beautiful Gulf of Mirabello, the town is centred around and between the harbour and the so called "bottomless" lake. With the coastal road and impressive rugged mountains rising up behind, and olive groves carving a passage through to the S coast it is unforgettable.

Description:
Probably Crete's best known and longest established tourist resort, made famous by the media. Still a working port for fishing and shipping with ferries and yachts, it remains quite beautiful. The lakeside, joined to the harbour by a small bridge, is surrounded with cafes and eating terraces and is always a hive of activity.

Suitability:
Not a quiet resort, but for those seeking a busy holiday, with an abundance of restaurants and nightlife.

Accommodation:
Very good choice of hotels in all classes, also some holiday complexes on route to Elounda. Many self-catering establishments throughout town.

Shopping:
Shoppers will enjoy the many boutiques and other establishments selling local handicrafts and souvenirs such as leather goods, ceramics and jewellery. Weekly market.

Beach:
Nothing to write home about here, two small and fairly uninspiring town beach areas of grey sand and pebbles. The best bet is at the village and beach of Kalo Horio 8 miles E, although there is a small and busy beach 2 miles E at Amoudara.

Entertainments:
Daytime: walking, sunbathing or visiting the beach areas. Nightlife: the harbour is the fulcrum after dark, and there is more than enough choice. Lively bars and discos provide entertainment throughout the night.

Eating:
Almost limitless choice of places to eat, whether you dine in the tavernas on local specialities or International cuisine at romantic waterside restaurants or hotels. Even Indian and Chinese restaurants can be found.

Public-transport:
A regular bus service to the village of Elounda 6 miles away, and regular services to most other parts of the island from the bus station area.

Local-excursions:
The Venetian Fortress at Spinalonga, one time leper colony, is local. Minoan sites, Knossos Palace and Heraklion museum, day trips to Hania, Rethymnon, the plateau of Lassithi, Phaestos and Gortys Roman City. The fishing town of Sitia and the palm tree beach at Vai in the E; boat trips to Elounda.