Why I Think Agios Nikolaos Is One of the Best Towns in Crete

Many people come to Crete and look only for very small villages. Quiet places, old stone houses, goats on the road and no people around. And yes… this is beautiful too. I live in a small village myself in eastern Crete. But maybe village life is not for everybody.
If you like something a little bigger, with more restaurants, more things to do and still a very relaxed Greek feeling, then I think Agios Nikolaos can be a very good choice.
Agios Nikolaos is one of the most beautiful towns in Crete. It is next to the sea, has a lovely marina, many small cafés, tavernas and little streets where you can walk for hours. In the middle of the town there is the famous lake called Voulismeni. Many people sit there at night for drinks, food and sunset. The nice thing is that Agios is not too crazy and not too big. You still feel the Cretan lifestyle, but you also have more comfort compared to a tiny mountain village. Good restaurants, beach bars, shops, boat trips and beautiful beaches are all close.
For people who visit eastern Crete, I think it is a very good base. From here you can explore places like Mochlos, Sitia and many traditional villages in the mountains. So you can still enjoy authentic Crete during the day and come back to a lively town in the evening. And if you love food, Agios Nikolaos is also a very good place. Fresh fish, Greek meze, local wine and of course good olive oil from Crete. Many tavernas use local products from this region. I always tell people: if small villages are too quiet for you, but you also don’t want huge tourist cities, then Agios Nikolaos might be the perfect middle ground.