The charming resort of Aghios Nikolaos is built around a picturesque harbour and is one of Crete's most favoured holiday spots.
Flights: UK - Heraklion - UK
Accommodation as per hotel details
Meals as per hotel details
Local representative in resort
Transfers between the overseas airport and hotels
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Crete is the largest of the Greek islands and has a charm of its own, enhanced by sweeping sand beaches, crystal clear waters and incredible scenery. This Aegean jewel has all the ingredients for a wonderful holiday.
AGHIOS NIKOLAOS
Set on a small, hilly peninsula overlooking a picturebook harbour and shimmering Lake Voulismeni, the charming town of Aghios Nikolaos is one of Crete's most popular and picturesque resorts. The harbourside and waterfront are edged by a superb array of restaurants, tavernas and cafés, which light up at dusk to create a ribbon of soft, twinkling lights reflected by the water. The town centre is home to a small archaeological museum, a lagoon-side amphitheatre, and some great shopping opportunities.
Transfer time from Heraklion to Aghios Nikolaos: 1hr 30 mins approximately.
Elounda and Spinalonga
Dotted with white-washed sugar-cube houses, colourful Cretan gardens and captivating sea views, the tranquil town of Elounda sits on a picturesque gulf overlooking Mirabello Bay and offers a small, shingle beach and a good selection of shops, bars and restaurants. At just 10km from Aghios Nikolaos, Elounda is easily reached by taxi or local bus services. Enjoy a relaxing boat trip across the bay to the tiny island of Kalydon, to visit the honey-coloured Venetian fortress of Spinalonga. Constructed in the 16th century to defend the island from invasion, idyllic Spinalonga currently houses a fortress museum and several small beaches.
Lassithi Plateau and Dikte Cave
A popular day trip from Aghios Nikolaos usually includes a picturesque drive up the mountain to Panagia Kera, a Byzantine church laden with ornate paintings and frescoes, before continuing to the scenic plateau of Lassithi Plain. Once home to thousands of white-sailed windmills, the plateau provides fantastic views over the surrounding landscapes and villages. Before returning to Aghios Nikolaos, visit the nearby Dikte Cave, reputed to be the birthplace of the great Greek god Zeus, and take a stroll around the deep, cool cavern to admire the extraordinary rock formations and unusual stalagmites and stalactites.
Knossos
A must-see for anyone who visits Crete. This incredible Minoan archaeological site lies in the north of the island near Heraklion and is said to be the palace of the legendary King Minos, who lived 4,000 years ago. Discovered by archaeologists in 1878, the ruins include remnants of the main Royal Palace, with its labyrinthine rooms and corridors, where the Minotaur of Greek Legend, a man-eating monster that was half bull, half man, was reputed to have been imprisoned. Here you can see the original six-foot tall storage jars used in the palace, as well as fascinating ancient chambers, courtyards and stairways lined with copies of frescoes that once adorned the palace walls.
Hersonissos, Stalis and Malia
Other towns along the north-east coast include Hersonissos, Stalis and Malia, each home to some vibrant nightlife and popular sandy beaches. Hersonissos is a bustling, cosmopolitan resort with a beach offering watersports such as paragliding, water-skiing and windsurfing. The harbour area is packed with shops, bars, tavernas, restaurants and several nightclubs. Stalis is a quieter but fast-growing resort with a fantastic golden-sand beach ideal for a refreshing sun and surf holiday. Malia is lively both day and night. Designed specifically for tourism, Malia is a hub of buzzing shops, restaurants, bars and nightspots and is also home to a fabulous 2km expanse of golden sands.
Nightlife
Many resorts on the island offer a good selection of bars and nightlife to suit a wide range of tastes. Aghios Nikolaos has a sophisticated nightlife and is home to trendy bars and a casino. However, for a more lively evening, you may wish to visit Malia, Stalis or Hersonissos, which offer a good selection of bars and clubs.
Aghios Nikolaos is known for its wealth of jewellers and there are many quality jewellery shops along the promenade to tempt you. In addition to jewellery, Chania is home to the famous Leather Lane where you can pick up some great leather buys. Also, the old town of Rethymnon is known for its silver and locally produced handmade lace.
Along with many of the Greek Islands, the best way to appreciate the great variety of Greek specialities is by ordering a meze which will consist of small plates of dips as well as local fish and meat dishes. Tavernas and restaurants offer a wide selection of local and international cuisine for you to enjoy.
Crete offers a wide selection of beaches from sheltered sandy coves to livelier resort beaches, where a variety of watersports are available.
Language: Greek.
Currency: Euro.
Time Difference: + 2 hours (GMT).
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