Agios Nikolaos Beaches

Overview

Welcome to Agios Nikolaos, a premier beach destination nestled on Crete's stunning Mirabello Bay. The area is renowned for its calm, crystal-clear turquoise waters, making it ideal for swimming. Visitors will find a wonderful variety of beaches to explore. Many feature soft sand, while others offer a mix of sand and smooth pebbles, catering to every preference.

Our editor's picks showcase the region's diverse appeal. The famously beautiful Voulisma Beach draws crowds with its breathtaking white sand and Caribbean-like sea. For families, the shallow and calm waters of Beach Almyros make it the perfect choice. Right in the heart of town, you'll find the convenient Paralia Kitroplatia, while the charming, sheltered cove of Ammoudi Beach is a true local's favorite. Another popular spot right near the marina is the well-organized Ammos Beach.

While several great beaches are within walking distance, renting a car is highly recommended to reach the most spectacular shores in the area. Having a vehicle gives you the freedom to explore the stunning coastline at your own pace. The vibe here is more relaxed and cosmopolitan than a party scene, focusing on beautiful scenery and leisurely swims. For more ideas and hidden gems, be sure to check out our complete list of beaches in the guide.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Are the beaches in Agios Nikolaos sandy or pebbly?

Agios Nikolaos offers a variety of beaches to suit different preferences. You'll find several sandy beaches, such as the popular Almyros and the famously beautiful Voulisma, which is known for its soft, white sand. Other beaches, like Kitroplatia, are a mix of sand and shingle. Some smaller coves in the area can be pebbly, so it's a good idea to check the specifics of a beach if you have a strong preference.

Beach Almyros

Voulisma Beach

Paralia Kitroplatia

Is Agios Nikolaos a good destination for a family beach holiday?

Yes, Agios Nikolaos is considered very family-friendly. Many beaches, most notably Almyros Beach, are ideal for children due to their very shallow, calm waters and sandy shores. The town itself is welcoming to families, and many beaches are well-organized with amenities like sunbeds, umbrellas, and nearby snack bars. The waters in Mirabello Bay are generally calm, making it a safe environment for young swimmers.

Beach Almyros

Do I need a car to get to the best beaches from Agios Nikolaos?

While Agios Nikolaos has several pleasant town beaches you can walk to, such as Ammos and Kitroplatia, a car is highly recommended to reach the most spectacular beaches. For instance, Voulisma Beach (Golden Beach), often cited as one of the best, is about a 10-15 minute drive away. Renting a car gives you the flexibility to explore more remote coves and the stunning coastline of Mirabello Bay at your own pace. Public buses are an option for some popular beaches like Voulisma, but they are less frequent.

Voulisma Beach

Paralia Kitroplatia

What is the water like for swimming in Agios Nikolaos?

The sea in the Mirabello Bay around Agios Nikolaos is renowned for its crystal-clear, turquoise waters, which are generally calm and ideal for swimming. The swimming season typically runs from May to November, with water temperatures becoming very pleasant. In peak summer months like July and August, the sea can reach warm temperatures up to 28°C (82°F).

Are there hotels with private beaches in the Agios Nikolaos area?

While many hotels are located on or near the public beaches, the area most famous for luxury hotels with private beach access is nearby Elounda. Many of the 5-star resorts in Elounda offer exclusive, perfectly maintained beach areas for their guests. In Agios Nikolaos itself, some hotels are situated directly on public beaches like Gargadoros, offering immediate access, but truly private hotel-owned beaches are more characteristic of the Elounda resorts.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

Which is better for beaches, Agios Nikolaos or Elounda?

Both Agios Nikolaos and Elounda offer beautiful beach experiences on Mirabello Bay, but with different atmospheres. Agios Nikolaos is a larger, more vibrant town with several in-town beaches and serves as a great base for exploring famous beaches like Voulisma. Elounda, about 10km north, is known for its luxurious resorts, many with exclusive private beaches, and a more serene, upscale vibe. It has a main sandy beach (Schisma) and provides easy boat access to Spinalonga island and the secluded Kolokitha beach. The choice depends on whether you prefer the lively town atmosphere of Agios Nikolaos or the tranquil luxury of Elounda.

Voulisma Beach

Paralia Schisma Elountas

Kolokitha Beach

Are there any good beaches within walking distance of Agios Nikolaos town?

Yes, there are several convenient beaches right in or next to the town center. Kitroplatia is a sand and shingle beach located right in the heart of town, surrounded by tavernas. Ammos is a well-organized sandy beach near the marina. A short walk north of the center leads to Ammoudi, another charming and popular sandy beach. These are great options if you want to stay close to your accommodation and town amenities.

Paralia Kitroplatia

Ammoudi Beach

What is Voulisma Beach like and is it worth the trip?

Voulisma Beach, also known as Golden Beach, is widely considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Crete and is definitely worth the 15-minute drive from Agios Nikolaos. It is famous for its stunning turquoise, shallow waters and fine, almost white sand, giving it a Caribbean-like feel. The beach is well-organized with sunbeds and a canteen, but its beauty means it can get very crowded, especially in peak season. It's particularly beautiful when the sea is calm, as winds can sometimes bring debris ashore.

Voulisma Beach

Golden Beach

People Also Ask

Are the beaches around Agios Nikolaos affected by wind?

Like much of Crete, the beaches can be affected by wind, particularly the 'Meltemi' winds in summer. However, the beaches within Mirabello Bay, especially those with an easterly orientation, are generally more sheltered and calm compared to other parts of the island. Some beaches, like Voulisma, can get choppy and less clear on windy days. It's always a good idea to check the local wind forecast before heading out.

Voulisma Beach

Are there beach clubs or party beaches in Agios Nikolaos?

The beaches in and around Agios Nikolaos are generally known for a relaxed, family-friendly, or cosmopolitan vibe rather than being major party destinations. You will find stylish beach bars with music, cocktails, and a lively atmosphere, such as Amoodi Beach Bar, but not large-scale, loud party beaches. The nightlife is more centered around the chic bars and cafes around the lake and harbor in the evening.

Ammoudi Beach

Can you swim in Lake Voulismeni?

While according to mythology the goddess Athena bathed in Lake Voulismeni, it is not used for swimming today. The lake is connected to the sea and functions as a marina for small fishing boats. The water quality is not suitable for recreational swimming. The area around the lake is a beautiful hub of cafes and restaurants, but for swimming, you should head to one of the nearby town beaches like Ammos or Kitroplatia.

Paralia Kitroplatia

Are there any quiet, hidden beaches near Agios Nikolaos?

Yes, for those willing to explore, there are quieter spots. Near the popular Gargadoros beach, there is a tiny 'secret' beach accessible only by a ladder. For a more adventurous trip, you can hire a small boat to discover isolated coves along the coastline that are not accessible by car. Beaches on the south coast, like those near Agia Fotia, are also often less crowded than the most famous northern ones.

Agia Fotia Beach

What's the best beach for families with small children?

Almyros beach, located just 2km south of the town, is widely considered the best choice for families with young children. It features a long stretch of fine sand and the water is exceptionally shallow and calm, making it very safe for toddlers and kids to play. The beach is well-organized with all necessary facilities, and a small river flows into the sea at one end, which is a protected wetland area that adds to its charm.

Beach Almyros