Agios Nikolaos

Lasithi’s capital, Agios Nikolaos has an enviable location on hilly terrain overlooking the sensuously curving Bay of Mirabello. There’s a strong local character to Agios Nikolaos that imbues it with charismatic, low-key flair. A narrow channel separates the small harbour from the circular Voulismeni Lake, whose shore is lined with cafes and restaurants.

In the daytime the city beaches, while not particularly large or pretty, lend themselves to a few hours of relaxing and taking a dip in the sea. There's also some decent shopping in the pedestrianised lane above the lake.

Agios Nikolaos truly comes into its own at night, when a lively ambience descends on the lake, harbour and beaches and lounge-bars fill with stylish young Greeks and holidaymakers from the nearby resorts.

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Agios Nikolaos.

  • Statue

    Abduction of Europa Statue

    The myth of the Phoenician princess Europa being abducted by Zeus in the guise of a bull finds expression in a monumental statue at the end of a ho-hum car park near the port, off Akti Themistokleous.

  • Public Art

    Minotaur Mural

    Walking along the waterfront on Akti Koundourou, keep an eye out for a superb perspective mural depicting the Minotaur on a zigzagging staircase (next to Manolis bike hire). It's a 2018 work by Athens-born artist Manolis Anastasakos, whose fascination with mythology often finds expression in his work.

  • Museum

    Folk Museum

    This modest museum near the lake houses a well-curated collection of traditional handicrafts (especially textiles, costumes and embroidery), alongside photographs, rugs, books, manuscripts and other bits and bobs from the past.

  • Church

    Agia Triada Church

    Right in the town centre, Agios Nikolaos' main church is a three-aisled Byzantine construction dedicated to the Holy Trinity. The mosaic above the main portal was added in 2001.