Agios Nikolaos Maps

Agios Nikolaos is a coastal town in eastern Crete, serving as the capital of the Lasithi regional unit. With a population of approximately 22,000, it is one of the island's major tourist destinations, known for its picturesque harbor and lakeside setting.

The town's most distinctive feature is Lake Voulismeni, a small, circular lake connected to the sea by a narrow channel. According to local legend, the goddess Athena bathed in the lake. The lake is surrounded by cafes and restaurants built into the red cliffs. The depth reaches 64 meters, and folklore claims the lake is bottomless.

The Archaeological Museum of Agios Nikolaos contains significant finds from eastern Crete, including artifacts from the Minoan civilization, particularly from nearby Gournia, one of the best-preserved Minoan town sites. The museum displays the Goddess of Myrtos, a ceramic libation vessel dating to approximately 2500 BCE.

The town serves as a base for exploring nearby archaeological sites and beaches. The former island of Spinalonga, located just offshore, functioned as a Venetian fortress and later as one of Europe's last active leper colonies until 1957. Today it is one of Crete's most visited historical sites, accessible by boat from Agios Nikolaos. The town's marina accommodates yachts and fishing boats, contributing to its role as a maritime center.