Agios Nikolaos is the capital of the Lasithi Prefecture. Here, the bottomless salt lake Voulismeni dominates the city. A narrow channel of water connects the lake with the sea, while an imposing backdrop of red rock and trees adds to the natural beauty of the landscape. A small park with pine trees is located above the lake and a stone path leads to its southern section and a charming small harbor for fishing boats.

The city boasts fascinating Archaeological, Folklore, and Natural History museums, Byzantine churches, a well-organized marina, bustling pedestrian streets ideal for leisurely walks, and traditional squares with delightful cafés and restaurants.

During your stay, make sure to visit:

The island of Agioi Pantes that houses a breeding facility for the Cretan wild goat, the kri kri.

The Almyros wetland, a sanctuary for migratory birds.

Istro, 11 km (about 6.8 miles) south, is famous for its contiguous beaches at Karavostassi, Áyios Panteleimonas, and Voúlisma (Hrissí Aktí).

Kritsa, 11 km (about 6.8 miles) southwest, is a picturesque village built at the foot of Mount Kastellos with a marvelous view of Mirabello Bay. Its traditional architectural features are impressively preserved. The famous Jules Dassin movie ‘Christ Recrucified’ was actually filmed here in 1956.

Pachia Ammos, 20 km (12.4 miles) southeast, is an old commercial port at the junction of Agios Nikolaos-Sitia-Ierapetra.

At the northern entrance of Elounda Bay, at a key position for the control of the natural harbor, is the islet of Spinalonga. The island was fortified in antiquity, possibly in the Hellenistic period, with a large enclosure.

On the ruins of the ancient castle, the Venetians built a strong fortress. During Venetian rule, the fortress was used for military purposes. During the Cretan War (1645-1669), Spinalonga offered shelter to refugees and rebels who harassed the Turks, using the islet as their base.

After the island was occupied by the Ottomans in 1715, a purely Ottoman settlement gradually formed on Spinalonga. During the first two centuries of Ottoman rule, the fortress was repurposed and used as a place of exile and isolation. The situation changed, however, at the end of the 19th century. Its role was upgraded as it obtained an export trade permit. In the middle of the 19th century, a large number of inhabitants settled on the islet, mostly tradesmen and seamen, who exploited the seaways of the eastern Mediterranean and the advantage of a safe fortified settlement.

The life of this settlement was soon interrupted abruptly due to the political developments that took place in Crete during the last years of the 19th century. Most of the inhabitants of Spinalonga were forced to emigrate, as the revolutionary activity of the Christians spread insecurity among the Ottomans of Crete. From 1897, French military forces settled on the island and stayed there for about one year. The Cretan State established the isolation of the lepers in 1903 and decided to create a leper hospital on Spinalonga, in order for coordinated help to be available to patients suffering from Hansen’s disease (leprosy). The difficult lives of the patients, who resided on the island until 1957, marked the area as a place of martyrdom and heartbreaking memories. (Author: Georgia Moschovi, archeologist.)