Agios Nikolaos, Crete
ΑΓΙΟΣ ΝΙΚΟΛΑΟΣ
Crete is the largest of the Greek islands and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean. Linking Asia, Africa, and Europe, it has served as cultural crossroads and a place that boasts of 4,000 years of uninterrupted habitation. Its cities have been home to centuries of historic change both in its terrain and its people. A proud exhibitor of archeological wonders, beautiful beaches, and gorgeous surroundings, visitors to Crete will find themselves encircled by luxury. Inhabited since 6500 B.C., Crete's Minoan history is evident in the archaeological remains that tourists still marvel at. The prehistoric Cretans art legacy, dating back to the Bronze Age, remains in museums and galleries throughout the island. Crete's four major cities are all distinct.
Agios Nikolaos, the capital of Crete’s Lasithi region, lies on the eastern side of Crete and is a popular resort town where visitors can enjoy shopping, dining, and at night, dancing at one of the many downtown nightclubs. It is a historic fishing town situated on hilly, rugged terrain overlooking the gorgeous Merabello Bay. While it is a popular tourist spot, the town still retains its familiar Cretan charm and is the perfect place to enjoy a taste of life on the largest of Greece’s beautiful islands. Built around a lake-like close gulf, against a backdrop of imposing red-rock cliffs and tall trees, Agios Nikolaos is one of Crete’s most picturesque towns. A vibrant ‘resort’ throughout the holiday season, the town attracts thousands of visitors every year thanks to its blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, interesting historic sites and fantastic beaches. Although Agios Nikolaos appears imposing, with its typically Greek whitewashed buildings, it is in fact very easy to explore on foot. Taking a stroll along the town’s tree-lined streets, alleys and boulevards in the Mediterranean sunshine is the best way to take in the attractions. Plenty of bars, shops and restaurants serving fine local cuisine, several charming Greek-Orthodox churches and interesting archaeological, folklore and national history museums all await discovery. The stunning marina and sandy beach of Ammos are well worth taking the short walk from the town center to discover too. 
Map of Crete. Agios Nikolaos on the upper right.
Highlights
Spinalonga Island
Lying just offshore from the seaside resort of Elounda, Spinalonga Island was once the home of a mighty 16th century Venetian fortress. The now-deserted island served as a leper colony until 1957. Plateau of Lassithi Rising over 2,700 feet, the plateau offers fertile valleys filled with orange groves, vineyards, and picturesque villages. But it's probably best known for the thousands of charming windmills that dot the lush landscape. Elounda This picturesque seaside resort boasts luxury hotels, quaint tavernas, stunning beaches and breathtaking sea views that stretch across Mirabello Bay. 
“Sunrise off Elunda - Crete” by seligmanwaite is licensed under CC BY 2.0
For the Travel Guide to the Greek Islands, 9th Edition, Mar. 2016, published by Lonely Planet click here!
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Crete, the largest Greek island, plays an important role in the Greek wine map. The combination of climate, topography, soil composition and producer effort make the island an ideal place for viticulture. The main "white wine" varieties of Crete are Vilana, Vidiano and Thrapsathiri. As for red, Greek varieties Kotsifali, Mandilaria and Liatiko stand out, while the Crete "terroir" is particularly suitable for the international variety Grenache Rouge. In this Tasting Pack, Greece and Grapes have also included an excellent tsikoudia, as well as a package of wild sea salt, which you can try with your salads and grilled meats and notice the difference from the common commercial salts. The pack includes one (1) bottle each of: Sitia Economou 2006, Nostos Grenache, Tsikoudia Manousakis, Ocean White Idaia, Terroir Wild Sea Salt, and Vidiano Ippodromos Lyrarakis.
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Map of Agios Nikolaos, Crete
 | Herbs, Olives and a Waterfall Adventure Tour 4x4 Excursion by Land Rover $84.77 This guided tour leads you along the coastline with its spectacular views. Olive trees, along with one of the oldest olive trees in the world, and wildlife are everywhere. We start our hiking walk near the coast, about a half hour later we reach the waterfall. Crystal clear cold water falls from an 18-meter high rock formation in a tiny small lake where you may have a refreshing bath. Lunch will be served near the beach. Returning to civilization we visit a herb farm where you will be introduced to the herb flora of the island. An amazing back-to-nature tour which will lead you through several different types of terrain which offers a display of wild herbs, olive groves, elusive wildlife and the pretty photogenic jungle at the waterfalls. |
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