Agios Nikolaos Beaches

Overview

Agios Nikolaos is an exceptional base for a beach-focused holiday in Crete, offering a wonderful variety of shores. The town itself is home to several convenient beaches, while also serving as a gateway to some of the island's most acclaimed coastal destinations. Situated within the protected Mirabello Bay, the area's waters are generally calm, providing a reliable setting for swimming and relaxation. Whether you prefer a quick dip near the town center or a day trip to a world-famous beach, Agios Nikolaos is an ideal starting point for any coastal adventure.

Among the editor's top picks, Voulisma Beach stands out with its breathtaking turquoise waters, earning it the nickname "the Cretan Caribbean". For a more spacious and family-friendly option, Beach Almyros is the most popular choice, celebrated for its vast sandy expanse and shallow, calm sea. In the heart of town, Paralia Kitroplatia offers the ultimate convenience for a swim followed by a meal at a seaside taverna, while nearby Ammoudi Beach is a lively hangout beloved by locals. Just a short distance further, you'll find the golden sands of Ammoudara Beach, another excellent and well-regarded option.

The beaches here cater to different moods and preferences. Those within the town have a vibrant, social atmosphere, seamlessly blending beach time with the lively energy of local cafes and shops. A short journey away reveals more dramatic landscapes and organized beaches perfect for a full day of sun and sea. From these popular spots to the quieter, hidden coves dotted along the coast, the region is rich with possibilities. For a comprehensive look at all the options, be sure to explore our longer list of the area's best beaches.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Is Agios Nikolaos a good base for a beach holiday in Crete?

Yes, Agios Nikolaos is an excellent base for a beach-focused holiday. The town itself has several small, pleasant beaches like Ammos, Kitroplatia, and Ammoudi, which are perfect for a quick swim and are close to cafes and restaurants. Moreover, it serves as a great starting point for exploring some of Crete's most famous beaches, such as the stunning Voulisma Beach and the family-friendly Almiros Beach, which are just a short drive or bus ride away.

Can you swim in Lake Voulismeni?

While it is a landmark of Agios Nikolaos and according to mythology, the goddess Athena bathed there, swimming in Lake Voulismeni is not a common practice for tourists or locals. The lake is connected to the sea by a channel and functions as a harbor for small fishing boats. The water quality is not ideal for swimming due to boat traffic and other factors. Instead, visitors enjoy the scenic walk around the lake and dine at the surrounding cafes and tavernas. For swimming, the town's beaches are the recommended choice.

Which is better for beaches, Agios Nikolaos or Elounda?

Both Agios Nikolaos and Elounda offer fantastic beach experiences, but they cater to different preferences. Agios Nikolaos is a larger, more vibrant town with several accessible beaches within walking distance and serves as a hub to reach many other famous beaches like Voulisma. Elounda, about 10km north, is known for its luxurious resorts, which often have their own private, well-maintained beaches. Elounda's public beaches are generally calm and sandy. Your choice depends on whether you prefer the lively atmosphere and variety of a town or the exclusive, resort-focused feel of Elounda.

Voulisma Beach

What are the best sandy beaches for families near Agios Nikolaos?

For families, Almiros Beach is a top recommendation. Located just 2.5 km south of the town, it's a long, sandy beach with very shallow, calm waters, making it ideal for small children. It's well-organized with sunbeds, a lifeguard, and even a small river that flows into the sea, providing a unique play area. Ammoudara Beach, a bit further south, is another excellent choice with golden sand and shallow turquoise water. Both are easily accessible by a short bus ride or car.

Beach Almyros

Ammoudara Beach

Are there hotels with private beaches in Agios Nikolaos?

While many hotels in Agios Nikolaos are located on the seafront with beautiful views, most beaches directly in the town are public. However, in the wider area, particularly on the road north towards Elounda, you will find several luxury resorts and hotels that offer private beach areas for their guests. These hotels provide exclusive access to sunbeds, umbrellas, and beach services on well-maintained stretches of coastline.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

How do you get to the best beaches like Voulisma from Agios Nikolaos?

Many of the best beaches near Agios Nikolaos are accessible via public transport. The local KTEL bus service runs regular routes from the main bus station in Agios Nikolaos to destinations south towards Ierapetra, stopping at or near beaches like Almiros, Ammoudara, and Voulisma. The bus ride to Voulisma takes around 15-20 minutes. For more flexibility and to explore more remote coves, renting a car is a popular option. Taxis are also available but will be more expensive.

Voulisma Beach

Beach Almyros

Ammoudara Beach

Are the beaches in Agios Nikolaos windy?

The beaches in and around Agios Nikolaos are situated within the large, protected Mirabello Bay, which generally shelters them from the strong northern winds (Meltemi) that can affect other parts of Crete. While some days can be breezy, the waters are typically calmer here than on the north or south coasts. Some beaches, like Voulisma, can get wavy and collect seaweed on very windy days, so it's always a good idea to check the local wind forecast.

Voulisma Beach

Are there any quiet, hidden beaches away from the crowds?

Yes, while Agios Nikolaos has popular, organized beaches, there are quieter spots for those willing to explore. Gargadoros Beach, just south of the town center, is a small pebble beach favored by locals. For a real sense of discovery, a tiny, unnamed beach is accessible via a ladder just north of Gargadoros. Another option is Karavostasi Beach, a pebble beach near Voulisma that is often less crowded. Exploring the coastline by car or boat can reveal many small, secluded coves.

Karavostasi Beach

People Also Ask

What is the water temperature like for swimming?

The sea temperature around Agios Nikolaos is comfortable for swimming from late May through October. During the peak summer months of July and August, the water is very warm, often reaching 25-28°C (77-82°F). In the shoulder seasons like June and September, the temperature is still pleasant, typically ranging from 22-24°C (72-75°F). The water is generally crystal clear, especially at beaches like Voulisma and Almiros.

Voulisma Beach

What's the vibe of the beaches in the town center?

The beaches within Agios Nikolaos town, like Kitroplatia and Ammos, have a unique 'town-center-by-the-sea' vibe. They are typically smaller, a mix of sand and shingle, and are lined with tavernas, cafes, and bars. The atmosphere is lively and convenient; you can easily go for a swim, then immediately sit down for lunch or a coffee with a view of the sea. They are less about sprawling nature and more about integrating a beach dip into the vibrant life of the town.

Paralia Kitroplatia

Voulisma or Almyros Beach: which one should I choose?

The choice between Voulisma and Almyros depends on your priorities. Voulisma, often called 'Golden Beach', is famous for its stunning, almost Caribbean-like turquoise water and white sand, making it incredibly photogenic. However, it's a narrow beach and can get very crowded. Almyros is much wider, with fine golden sand and exceptionally shallow, calm water, making it the superior choice for families with young children or those who want more space to relax. Both are beautiful, but Almyros is more practical for space and safety, while Voulisma offers more dramatic scenery.

Voulisma Beach

Beach Almyros

Are the beaches organized with sunbeds and umbrellas?

Most of the popular beaches in and around Agios Nikolaos are well-organized. Beaches like Ammos, Kitroplatia, Almyros, Ammoudara, and Voulisma all have sections with sunbeds and umbrellas available to rent for the day, typically run by a nearby beach bar or cafe. However, they also usually have free space where you can lay your own towel if you prefer. Some smaller, more remote coves may not have any facilities.