Aghios Nicolaos, Messinia, Mani Greece - "Still Alive! - Romantic and Peaceful Greek Fishing Village"

Aghios Nicolaos (also spelt Agios Nikolaos) in Messinian Mani is perfect for couples and families alike. The beach of Pantazi is a flat 1km walk - there are bicycles to hire if you prefer or take the Beach Bus which travels through the village and around to nearby beaches and villages all day during the season. Beaches are anything from stony through to silky sand. Pantazi is gritty sand. One can also swim from the village itself from Vesuvios Taverna via a ladder. You don't need to partake of anything at the village restaurant, but after a swim, it is hard to resist! There are at least 6 other tavernas in the village, so you can have a change every evening. There is nothing much to do here except eat and watch the world go by.

Aghios is a living Greek village - its harbour full of fishing and pleasure boats. You can be sure of a good fish meal any evening. An internet cafe - if you need to keep in touch and a cafe with free Wireless Internet connection if you bring your laptop. There are two small shops for general provisions and a butcher has just opened up, too. With the vast Taigetos Mountains falling down to the crystal clear and unbelievably blue waters below; it really is like a picture postcard. It's the kind of place you thought no longer existed but here it is - magical!

Written by Bee Waghorn - Owner of Property 57992 in Agios Nikolaos, Greece

Make a holiday rental home or villa in Agios Nikolaos, Greece your home away from home

Agios Nikolaos is an attractive tourist town on the Greek island of Crete. Capital of the Lasithi province, the town serves as an important hub for the surrounding villages within the province. Despite a recent influx of foreign visitors, the town retains its traditional charm, and offers a great getaway with some fun activities and excellent holiday rental accommodation.

Things to do in Agios Nikolaos, Greece

Agios Nikolaos has become a well-developed tourist town in recent years, and a large draw for visitors is the many small sandy beaches around town and the clean sea. Those who prefer something a bit more active than lying on an Agios Nikolaos beach can pick up some gifts from shops in the pedestrianised area, walk around the port and admire the views, or enjoy a day trip on the tiny islands of Agioi Pantes.

There are also several interesting landmarks that are worth a look. The picturesque lagoon at Lake Voulismeni is in the middle of the city centre, and is surrounded by many delightful cafes and restaurants, where you can meet with friends or simply relax with a drink. Agios Nikolaos is also home to an impressive Archaeological Museum, an Art Museum, an amphitheatre, a Folklore Museum and a number of churches.

Summer is a busy time in terms of events, with numerous fairs, exhibitions, theatrical performances, cultural events, and floral exhibitions taking place from July to September. Naval Week is held every July, and water-skiing, windsurfing and artistic swimming contests and a firework display are just some of the activities organised as part of this. By matching the timing your holiday in Agios Nikolaos to that of a festival you will get added enjoyment from your vacation.

Places to visit on holiday in Agios Nikolaos, Greece

Crete is the largest of the Greek islands, and you should make every effort to explore the whole island whilst in Agios Nikolaos. Chania has both an historic old town and modern city facilities, Lassithi is a great beach resort, Heraklion is one of Greece’s largest cities, and Rethymno is rich in ancient history. Agios Nikolaos is also a great place from which to do a spot of Greek island hopping, as daily ferries connect the town to the Aegean islands of Kos, Rhodes, Santorini, Milos and Kassos.

Weather in Agios Nikolaos, Greece

Agios Nikolaos has a temperate climate, with hot summers that average 29C over the summer months and mild winters that average 15C. June, July and August are not only the hottest and busiest months, but also the lowest when it comes to rainfall. Humidity is also low in Agios Nikolaos, which is unique for a town in this part of the world.

Flights to Agios Nikolaos, Greece

Your holiday accommodation in Agios Nikolaos, Crete can be reached by firstly flying to Nikos Kazantzakis Airport in Heraklion (HER), then making the remaining 55km by hire car or public transport. Jet2, Thomas Cook and Easyjet are just some of the many airlines that fly direct to Heraklion from the UK.