What is interesting in Agios Nikolaos. Open the left menu of Agios Nikolaos. Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Naples

Agios Nikolaos. Crete

At the end of the 19th century. From a miniature fishing village has grown the charming seaside town of Agios Nikolaos. It is the capital of the easternmost region of Crete - the Lasithi region and is located in the most beautiful bay - Mirabello.

A walk along the embankment will bring true pleasure to connoisseurs beautiful marine species , a particularly stunning sight appears at sunset. And the lovers sea travel Boats and yachts are waiting for you, which will take you around the picturesque bay, nearby towns and to the famous Spinalonga fortress.

Attractions of Agios Nikolaos

In prehistoric times of the legendary Minoan civilization, there was a port on the site of Agios Nikolaos ancient settlement of Lato. Lato, located nearby, is one of the most interesting ancient cities of Crete.

There are not so many architectural and historical attractions in Agios Nikolaos itself, but there is something here that which is not found in any of the cities of Crete...an amazingly beautiful lake...

Situated on the shores of a stunning Lake Vulismeni, Agios Nikolaos is famous for its picturesque views. On one side the lake is surrounded by steep reddish rocks, and on the other there are taverns and restaurants, from where all its amazing beauty is visible.

Like all the sights of Crete, Voulismeni is surrounded by ancient legends. According to them, Aphrodite herself bathed in it. Either she shared her beauty with the lake, or the lake with her. In a word, the lake is credited with healing and rejuvenating properties.

And the ancient people considered it bottomless. Indeed, the depth of Vulismeni is 68 m with a diameter of only 140 m.

The most beautiful view of the lake opens from the cliff adjacent to the west. A cool bottomless pit, toy houses, and a bridge spanning a canal connecting the lake to the sea. This canal was dug by the Turks in the 19th century, pursuing some defensive purposes. Despite this, it is believed that the fresh water of Vulismeni does not mix with sea water.

One of the advantages of Crete is its relatively small size, so while relaxing in any city, you can easily visit any of the attractions of Crete.

Entertainment Agios Nikolaos. Crete

During the day the town sleeps peacefully, enjoying the coolness of the bottomless lake, and in the evening it comes to life, flashing with colorful lights, turning into one of nightlife centers of Crete.

Everything is here! Clubs, discos, bars, restaurants and traditional taverns. Lights, music and an intoxicating feeling of never-ending celebration! The city is seething until the morning, leaving no chance to get bored...

Traditionally, Crete is famous for its unique cuisine, which has kept its traditions unchanged for hundreds of years. Agios Nikolaos is no exception. Chic restaurants and cozy taverns are always open for gourmets, read more about the cuisine of Crete...

Holidays in Agios Nikolaos

Agios Nikolaos is one of the most popular places for a holiday in Crete. Therefore, at the height of the season there is nothing to even dream about spending time alone.

Hotels in the city a great variety, from luxury hotels and villas to cozy houses and private guesthouses.

For a more relaxing holiday you can choose one of the nearby villages, which, like Agios Nikolaos, belong to the province of Lasithi. This area is famous for its large selection of hotels, great beaches and amazing sights.

Beaches of Agios Nikolaos

The beaches of Agios Nikolaos are mostly sandy with a gently sloping bottom and excellent equipment. There are excellent beach areas for relaxing with little tourists, where there are playgrounds and children's pools. Children's holidays in Crete are always given special attention.

Situated in the beautiful Gulf of Mriabello, many of the beaches are very picturesque. Surrounded by tall trees, reed and reed thickets, they are wonderful secluded corners for a relaxing holiday. The central beaches of the city are quite crowded.

The surrounding villages also have excellent beach areas, very comfortable and beautiful. And very close to Agios Nikolaos is one of best beaches Krita.

Where is it located?

Agios Nikolaos is the capital of the easternmost district of Crete, Lassithi. It is located on the northern coast of the island 60 km from the airport of the capital - the city of Heraklion.

Photos of Agios Nikolaos	Agios Nikolaos town on the map
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Ancient Gournia.An ancient legacy belonging to the mysterious and powerful Minoan civilization. The approximate date of its foundation is 1960 BC. Thanks to excavations in this city, we now have a rough idea of how artisans lived in those distant times. Houses and workshops, tools and products of ancient craftsmen have been preserved here.
Village of Kritsa.A charming village running down the mountain like a picturesque amphitheater. It's like she lives in the Middle Ages. Ancient houses with balconies covered with vines, courtyards filled with clay vases with bright flowers. The panoramas from the main streets of the city are breathtaking. Such magnificent laces and carpets self made, embroidery and unique handwritten icons cannot be found anywhere else.
Monastery of Kera Kardiotissa.Here is one of the most famous icons of the Mother of God, with which amazing legends are associated. According to them, they tried to steal the icon several times, but each time it magically ended up in its place. A walk through this Cretan monastery will bring a lot of pleasure. Beauty and extraordinary peace reign here.
Dicteyskaya and Ideiskaya caves.According to ancient legend, in the Diktean cave, the beautiful goddess Rhea, secretly from her husband, gave birth to a long-awaited son, Zeus. His altar has stood here since time immemorial. Going down the thousand-year-old stone steps, you will find yourself in the hall where the great God was born. There, in the depths, an underground lake sparkles, where a mother washed her newborn child. Bizarre stalactites and stalagmites scattered throughout the cave give this place some extraordinary unearthly beauty.

Tatiana Solomatina

Paradise resort of Agios Nikolaos on the island of Crete

Hello, dear readers!

One of the most popular resorts in Greece has long been the picturesque corner of Agios Nikolaos (Crete). Its history began with tragic events that forced the Greeks to flee from the Ottoman invaders. And so the city was founded, gripped by fear in those distant days. After many centuries, it became the Cretan capital of joy and fun!

In the article I will tell you how to get to the resort, about its features, infrastructure, beaches and attractions. Perhaps this is where you want to spend your vacation.

You can get to Agios Nikolaos from Heraklion, where most of the Russian tourists. From the largest island airport you'll have to drive for an hour or an hour and a half. All along the way you will admire picturesque mountains with monasteries perched on the peaks and vast olive plantations. Transfer from Chania airport will take much longer. Therefore, if you have the opportunity to choose a flight, it is better to focus on the first option.

Agios Nikolaos - infrastructure

Agios Nikolaos would never popular resort, if there were not many hotels here. On the coast there are both luxurious fives and more modest threes and fours. All of them are comfortable and cozy. Most of the buildings are designed in a typical Greek style, which means low-rise construction with a predominance of blue and white colors in the design of facades and rooms.

There are many all-inclusive hotels in Agios Nikolaos. Animation is present almost everywhere. Russian-speaking animators are becoming more and more common, since the demand for tours to this city among travelers from Russia is very high.

Most local hotels cannot boast of such huge territories as Turkish or Egyptian hotels, but this is not necessary here. Walking around the city is very pleasant and completely safe; there is no point in sitting on the premises. Even the smallest hostels will delight you with the level of service. Greece is Europe, that is, literally everything is provided here, even in triplets it is difficult to “run into” something terrible.

Lovers of active holidays are very attracted to Crete. Agios Nikolaos is famous for its nightlife. If during the day it is quite quiet here, then in the evenings numerous cafes, restaurants and clubs begin to open. Tourists of any age will be able to find leisure activities at this resort to suit their taste and budget. The restaurant's menu offers traditional salads and seafood dishes. There is no doubt that they will all be heavily flavored with olive oil produced in these places.

There are many shops along the central pedestrian streets of the resort. Here they offer to buy both souvenirs and useful, sometimes even very valuable things. There are branded boutiques and tiny shops where they sell exclusively magnets, keychains and simple jewelry. Local sellers will not chase you across the street to persuade you to buy goods. Bargaining is not appropriate here, all prices are fixed and indicated in advance.

Agios Nikolaos - city beaches

The entire coast of Greece is considered the property of the state, so hotels cannot boast of personal beaches. But there are exceptions to every rule. Some hotels in Agios Nikolaos, mostly five, have such a good location that no one will specifically get to their beaches. They are located near the slopes of rocks or in small coves, and not in the city center, where tourists and local residents. This circumstance can be either a plus for those who love silence and solitude, or a minus for party-goers.

The beaches at the resort are necessarily equipped with sun loungers and umbrellas. But you have to pay separately for the pleasure. Showers and toilets are everywhere. Most large beach areas have small children's playgrounds with swings, sandboxes and other children's delights.

Not far from the sea you can find tennis courts, volleyball nets and ping-pong tables. Widely represented aquatic species sports in Crete. Agios Nikolaos is one of the best diving spots in Greece. In its vicinity there are quite a few species of fish, which tourists who do not want to scuba dive can see by taking a ride on the seven-submarine that departs from the city port several times a day.

Agios Nikolaos - attractions

The main attraction of the town is Lake Vulizmeni, which has a volcanic formation. In this regard, it is very deep, especially considering the small diameter. The reservoir is located right in the city center. On one side of it there is a picturesque rock, and on the other three, the natural attraction is surrounded by cafes, restaurants and clubs.

There are numerous boats along the water's edge. The view is romantic, especially in dark time days. There is only one “but” that makes parents of small children tense. Entry into the “bottomless” reservoir is not limited in any way, and the embankment pavement is an inclined surface. As a result, you will have to watch the kids very carefully!

Having chosen Agios Nikolaos for your holiday in Crete, you should definitely visit another local attraction - Archaeological Museum, considered the second largest on the island. Here you can see antique jewelry, vases and bowls. The most unique exhibit is considered to be a real skull with a gold coin in its mouth and a laurel wreath on the top of its head.

Of course, every tourist who finds himself in these parts should see the numerous pedestrian neighborhoods in the center, stroll along the streets of Joseph Koundouros and 25 March, get to the pier where charming yachts with snow-white sails are parked, visit the port, from where you can really go on a boat trip.

From year to year, tourists increasingly go to Crete. Agios Nikolaos can easily be called an ideal resort located on the island. People who decide to spend their holidays in this picturesque corner beautiful Greece, will never forget the positivity and friendliness with which guests from all over the world are greeted here!

I recently reviewed several hotels, perhaps this information will interest you: Rhodes - and, Kassandra -. I wrote about the beaches of the island of Corfu.

Opened a new section “Readers' Travels”. I have a proposal for you. Write an interesting story, review or response, send it to me by email, I will definitely publish it. Many readers before a new trip collect information based on the opinions of ordinary people, and not information portals. Your publication will help others choose the best place recreation. Detailed information about cooperation, read.

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With this I say goodbye.

Tatiana Solomatina

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. Extraordinary beautiful landscapes pleasing 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 winter period, attend Russian language courses.

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 Sotiriadis brothers. 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.

Located in the central square 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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Agios Nikolaos is the capital of Lasithi, located on the eastern part of the island of Crete. It occupies the western zone of the Gulf of Mirabello, 62 kilometers from Heraklion. In the 3rd century BC. e. this city was a major trading point, the prosperity of which was evidenced by the coins produced here (own money indicated great wealth). The name of the city is associated with the Byzantine church, which was built in the 9th century in honor of St. Nicholas. But it began to be actively developed only in 1870.

The beginnings of tourism arose in the 60s of the 20th century, quickly covering all cities. Over time, tourists began to come here from all over the world. IN summer time The city hosts the Lato festival. You can watch various exhibitions, performances by artists from Greece and Europe, as well as folk ensembles.

Agios Nikolaos Krista Baltroka

Sights of the city of Agios Nikolaos in Crete, clean beaches(many received awards Blue Flag), landscape views of the amazingly beautiful Mirabello Bay allowed it to gain fame resort town on a global scale.

Regular buses run from Heraklion local airport to Agios Nikolaos. The journey takes about one and a half hours. You can also use taxi services. For a convenient transfer around Crete, you can rent a car, which can be pre-selected or taken upon arrival.

Admiring the sights of the town of Agios Nikolaos in Crete

The city is jokingly called Saint-Tropez by the locals. This is mainly due to its location near Lake Vulismeni with fresh water and a depth of 64 meters. Legend says that Athena and Artemis themselves took baths here.

Until the middle of the 19th century, the lake was not connected to the sea. In 1867, the Turkish ruler issued an order to build a canal that was supposed to connect them. But even so, the lower layers still remained freshwater due to the large number of underground streams that feed the lake. And the upper approximately 30 meters became salty.

Lake Vulismeni ArtemiyPavlov

After the liberation of Crete from the Nazis, local residents dumped a lot of German equipment at the bottom of Vulismeni, which remains there to this day. Today the lake is shrouded in an amazing atmosphere of romance; a large number of restaurants offer complete relaxation. Here you can enjoy a delicious drink. It’s better to dine at local restaurants, where a full meal will cost 20 percent less.

Photos and descriptions of the sights of Agios Nikolaos in Crete are impressive. But it’s better to see and appreciate all the charms of the town with your own eyes. List of most visited places:

The Church of St. Nicholas in the north of the town is built on a small hill. The church of the Byzantine period, which gave the name to the city, was erected in the 9th century. Ancient paintings have been preserved inside. On St. Nicholas Day, December 6th, she especially attracts attention;

Church of St. Nicholas in Agios Nikolaos Dimitris Kamaras

The ethnographic museum occupies the first floor of the port office. It consists of only three rooms. The exhibits consist of national costumes, samples of materials and embroidery, and household items. Museum opening days: all week except Monday. You have to pay to enter;

Athlete's skull with coin for Charon Zde

archaeological museum north of the lake. There are only eight exhibition halls with a rich exhibition of archaeological excavations from the east of Crete. The finds belong to the Neolithic period, a civilization of the Roman and Minoan periods. In a separate room, exhibits from the Minoan burial in Agia Fotia (numerous ceramic vessels, bronze knives, obsidian tools) are exhibited. The face of the goddess Myrta is a sculpture for which this museum has become famous. A large ceramic vessel has a female figure with a too small head, an elongated neck, and a bell-shaped body. The goddess holds a vessel for sacrificial libations. The most impressive element of the museum remains the skull of a young athlete, which was discovered in the ruins of a Roman burial. He has a laurel wreath made of gold on his head, and a silver coin in his mouth (according to ancient tradition, it is needed to pay for the transition to the kingdom of the dead). In summer, the museum can be visited any day except Monday. Paid entrance;

Church of Panagia Kera

The church of Panagia Kera in Kritsa is the most popular monument of Byzantine architectural monuments in Crete. Located in an olive grove at the entrance to the Kritsa settlement. Authentic, extraordinarily beautiful frescoes depict biblical scenes, including George. Victorious and Francis of Assisi. The miraculous icon of the Mother of God attracts numerous pilgrims who believe in its healing properties. You have to pay to enter the church. They go here to the church minibuses;

Eastern room of the Prytaneion in Lato Bernard Gagnon

the ruins of the city of Lato, three kilometers from the village of Kritsa and 15 km from Agios Nikolaos. Old City was a very important village on the entire island. It was previously the largest trading port and produced coins that depicted the goddess Ilithyia. The city was destroyed, but the Romans continued to actively use the harbor, later the Byzantines and Venetians, until it became a full-fledged modern Agios Nikolaos. After excavations, the remains of the city gate and steps of the stairs to the Agora to the sanctuary were discovered. What was discovered allowed scientists to reconstruct the citywide plan with the placement of the main temple, the ancient theater, residential buildings, and various workshops. You can admire the archaeological site until 14:30, entrance fee;

Windmills on the Lasithi plateau Nikater

Lasithi Plateau, which occupies a large area on the eastern part of the island at an altitude of 900 meters. In eighteen villages located on the plateau, the ancient way of life is still preserved. There is a lot on the plateau windmills, working continuously. mountain range Dikti with the Cave of Zeus is especially attractive for tourists;

Spinalonga Island Guérin Nicolas

the island of Spinalonga, which arose after an earthquake when it was destroyed ancient city Olus. Sunken ruins can be seen through the clear waters. This place is especially attractive to divers from all over the world. In the 15th century, the Venetians discovered salt deposits, which began to be actively developed. Today, you can visit a church and a museum on the island. You can get to Spinalonga by excursion boat. The tour lasts four hours with a stop for swimming. A walk around the island lasts an hour and a half; you can walk alone along the paths you like or join a guided tour;

Candles in the Cave Monastery Christine McIntosh

the monastery of the Mother of God of Faneromeni is not very widespread tourist place because it is located high in the mountains. You need to be especially careful on the road, but the local landscapes are truly amazing. Inside, everything is arranged like a traditional Cretan village. The main cathedral was carved into the rock; nearby there were small white cell houses, staircases made of stone and numerous flower balconies. The Mother of God gives a woman a child, which is why people flock here on August 15 great amount pilgrims from all over the world;

Dictey Cave Own work

The Dictaean Cave of Zeus is known to all locals and visitors. It has five halls, one of which has an underwater lake; people go down to it via special bridges. Here you can use the famous Cretan transport - donkeys to transfer things. You need to take comfortable shoes and a warm jacket with you. Only adults have to pay to enter. It is allowed to take photos without flash.

Photos of the sights of Agios Nikolaos on Crete do not allow one to fully appreciate the beauty of the area. People of all ages like to relax here: whether leisure or a relaxing and romantic trip. Even children will have an interesting time if they organize their leisure time correctly.

Beach in Agios Nikolaos MatthewJCarter

Every year, crowds of tourists come here to enjoy the amazing gifts of nature and appreciate cultural and natural monuments. Thanks to the constantly running regular buses, you can for a short time explore not only the city, but also the surrounding areas. It is worth familiarizing yourself with the pricing policy in advance and thinking through possible sightseeing tours. With proper planning, you can spend a minimum of time admiring nature and appreciating local attractions. Read also about and get inspired for your further travel to Greece.

TOURISTS' ANSWERS:

Agios Nikolaos is an international cosmopolitan resort on the island of Crete. Very picturesque city, where it’s great not only to come for beach holiday, but also to see the oldest local attractions.

Agios Nikolaos promenade

This long embankment is a picturesque and lively part of the city. The embankment is replete with restaurants, clubs, shops, street musicians perform here all day long, and festivals are held here.

Sculpture "Cornucopia"

This is a completely new monument, which was erected here in 2012. The statue resembles a large horn, and the statue is made of metal and green glass. It was not by chance that this sculpture appeared here. In Greek mythology, there is a legend that the mother of Zeus was worried that the god Cronus, the father of Zeus, would decide to kill his own son, who could lay claim to power and who could easily overthrow his father from the throne. To avoid tragedy, Zeus's mother decided to hide young Zeus with the nymphs. Those were tasked with looking after him, and the goat Amalthea, who lived in Crete, fed the god with milk. When the goat died of old age, Zeus's mother kept its horn as a sign of respect and gratitude. They say that it can be found somewhere in the mountains of the island. Well, while they are looking for the horn, the architects the Sotiriadis brothers created a copy of it, which they put on public display.

How to find: near the port of the city on the shores of Mirabello Bay

Church of St. Nicholas

This small size the cathedral on a hill in the north of the city and a striking example of early Byzantine architecture. Actually, thanks to this basilica the city got its name. The church was built in the 8th century, during the period of Arab influence on architecture and art. These trends can be seen in both the interior and exterior decoration of the church. Inside the temple, elements of painting of a non-canonical nature have been preserved on the walls. The church is especially visited on December 6th, when the country celebrates the day of St. Nicholas, the patron saint of Agios Nikolaos.

Address: Konstantinou Paleologou 41

Cretan olive oil farm

At this farm you can learn about all the secrets and technologies of making Cretan olive oil. Here you can see an ancient press (it is already more than 130 years old), massive clay pots that can hold up to 200 kg of olives. In addition to butter, the same farm produces wine and the local drink rakia. You can also learn about the production process of these alcoholic drinks here. Also of interest is the hall for the production of pottery, the great pride of the island since time immemorial. Of course, you can buy all the products you are interested in at the farm. The farm is located in the Havania area, 4 km north along the coast from the center of Agios Nikolaos.

Sculpture "The Rape of Europa"

The sculpture was installed here recently, about 2 years ago. I think everyone has heard about the legend of Europe. But I'll tell you again. Europa, the daughter of the Phoenician king Agenor, was a girl of incredible beauty, and the god Zeus fell madly in love with her. He appeared to a girl who was walking on the seashore, in the form of a bull. The girls began to decorate the animal’s horns with flower wreaths, and then Europe jumped on the back of the bull Zeus, who immediately rushed into the sea and took the beauty to Crete, where they got married and Europe gave birth to Zeus three hero sons. So, the statue represents this very legend: a girl sits on a powerful bull, holding in her hand the caduceus of Hermes or the rod of heralds, as it is also called, an object that opens the limit between light and darkness, death and life, evil and good. The ten-meter statue is made of concrete and sits on a base of gray stone. By the way, the statue was created by the Greek director Nikos Koundouros. It turned out professional!

Address: port of Agios Nikolaos

Cave of Milatos

This cave is located near the village of Milatos, 25 km from the city. The beauty of the cave is in it natural formations, stalactites and stalagmites. True, there are not very many of them there, but, nevertheless, the cave is extremely beautiful. The openings in the front of the cave form a kind of window and door. The cave is quite deep, 75 meters, width is about 45 meters, and the most deep point- 12 meters below the entrance. It is interesting that in the depths of the cave traces of an ancient altar and burial were found - this means that rituals were once held here. Also, the cave is known for its tragic events. In 1823, the Turkish general Hasan Pasha attacked and plundered the Greek settlements on the Lassithi plateau, and then went to the Mirabello area for further profit. Local residents, having heard about the upcoming looting, hid in nearby caves. One of the residents reported to Hassan Pasha about this shelter, and soldiers were immediately sent there and forced people to leave the caves. Of course, the Greeks fought, but the forces were unequal - 150 Greeks to 5,000 Turks. The caves were shelled for several days, and then the entrance to the cave was set on fire, and the Cretans had to leave. Women were sent to the general's harem, old men were trampled to death by horses, some had their heads cut off, babies were killed, 18 people were burned alive, and before the massacre, three fingers with which they crossed themselves were cut off. As a result, about 1000 people were injured. After this horror, in 1935, a small church was erected in the cave in memory of the Greek New Martyrs with the bones of the dead. Every year on St. Thomas's Day a memorial service is held here for residents who fought for their lives.

Monument to Roussos Koundouros

The monument is dedicated to an outstanding political figure of the city, one of the leaders of the resistance, who died at the hands of the German fascists in 1944. The full-length sculpture of the politician attracts many tourists, and local residents regularly place fresh flowers at the base of the monument as a sign of respect and veneration for the national hero.

Address: 28is Oktovriou 24-4

Folklore Museum

This museum was opened about 10 years ago, and the museum’s collections are constantly growing and replenished. Looking through the museum exhibits, you can get a fairly complete impression of how the Greeks lived in different periods - here and National costumes, and dishes, and photographs, and paintings, and household items. The museum building is also beautiful. The museum is located on the right side at the beginning of the city pier. A monument to lawyer Joseph Kundurus was erected next to the museum.

Address: Konstantinou Paleologou, 4

Is the answer helpful?

Agios (or Agios) - Nikolaos is small town on the island of Crete, which is the capital of one of its regions. It is located in the northern part of the island.

Above all, Agios Nikolaos attracts tourists the clearest sea and magnificent beaches. However, some travelers are concerned about the question - what can you see in this or that place? Won't you have to limit yourself to just a beach holiday?

I will immediately assure everyone who has asked this question - Agios Nikolaos is just the place where you can not only lie on the sand, but also get acquainted with the culture of Crete and discover new sights.

Firstly, some museums are located directly in the city, so you don’t even have to go anywhere, secondly, other interestingplaces are located near this area, making Agios Nikolaos a convenient starting point for your trips.

I'll start, perhaps, with the attractions located right in the city.

Old city

First of all, anyone who loves old streets and would like to enjoy walks among old houses should take a stroll through the Old Town. It's not very big, but quite nice.

Agios - Nikolaos is located in a mountainous area, so when walking around the Old Town, you will constantly have to go up or down - therefore, elderly people, children, and also not very hardy people should be careful and not overestimate their strength. Actually, in the Old Town incredible amount staircases - some of them were even designed by famous architects.

Lake Vulismeni

One of the unique attractions that you will not find at other resorts is freshwater lake which is located in the city. It is connected to the sea by a canal, but, oddly enough, the water does not mix and the water in the lake continues to remain fresh.

For lovers beautiful views For walks, I recommend taking a walk along the lake embankment.

Ethnographical museum

Those who love museums and those who are interested in foreign cultures should recommend the Ethnographic Museum. There you can see the national clothes of the Cretans and the tools they used in agriculture. In addition, in the museum you will admire old black and white photographs of the city and be able to understand what it looked like before.

Useful information for tourists

Address

Odos Paleologou, 2

The museum is open to visitors from Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 to 14:00, admission ticket will cost you three euros.

Archaeological Museum

Those who are interested in history and excavations can be advised to visit the Archaeological Museum, especially since it houses one of the largest collections of archaeological treasures found in Crete. The exhibits located in the museum belong to a variety of periods - from the Neolithic era to the late Roman era.

The most interesting exhibits are funeral gifts, a vessel in the shape of a bird, as well as a skull with a golden olive wreath, which, by the way, was found next to Agios Nikolaos. Interesting fact- in the mouth of the deceased there was a silver coin that was minted at the beginning of our era. Scientists suggest that this coin was supposed to serve as payment to a boatman who (according to the beliefs of the ancient Greeks) transported the dead across the River Styx.

Useful information for tourists:

The museum is located near the city center, so it can be easily reached on foot.

Address

Odos Paleologou, 74, Agios - Nikolaos

Schedule and entrance ticket prices:

The museum is open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday from 8:30 to 15:00, entry is very inexpensive - only three euros.

Spinalonga

Not far from Agios Nikolaos there is an island called Spinalonga.

Its main attraction is the fortress, built in the 16th century by the Venetians, who wanted to control the entrance to the bay.

A fact that may scare some tourists is that in the 20th century, or more precisely from 1903 to 1955, lepers lived on the island (that is, there was a leper colony there). Unfortunately, patients often lived in poor conditions, which is very sad. In any case, the leper colony was closed in the mid-20th century. This fact frightens some tourists because they are afraid of getting sick. According to doctors, a trip to the island cannot pose any danger to tourists, the likelihood of getting sick is zero, so there is absolutely nothing to fear.

As mentioned above, the main attraction of the island is the fortress. There is an entrance fee - about two euros per person. Tourists can also see the church preserved on the island. In addition, with observation deck Spinalonga offers magnificent views of the sea and the surrounding area, where you can take excellent photographs of the landscapes around you.

Useful information for tourists!

Spinalonga has some features that it is better to know about in advance - firstly, you cannot swim there. Secondly, there are no shops, cafes or restaurants on the island itself, so be sure to bring water and (if necessary) food with you. There is a small cafe on the pier, but the prices there are very high (which is understandable - there is no competition at all). And finally, thirdly, take care of comfortable shoes and a hat - after all, the sun burns mercilessly.

City of Gournia

Just 20 kilometers from Agios Nikolaos you can plunge into the atmosphere of antiquity - there is the city of Gournia, which is believed to have been built in the second century BC. Of course, at the moment you can see rather the ruins of the city, but some things have still been preserved. Only the first floors of the buildings have survived to this day, but objects have also been found that can be used to reconstruct the life of people of that era. In the center of the city there was a palace, of which, unfortunately, almost nothing remains.

In general, if you love ancient history- visit Gournia, but it seems to me that it is worth visiting it with a guide so that he can tell you about it or at least read some information before the trip, otherwise you will only be able to see incomprehensible ruins, which is not very interesting.

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