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Aghios Nicolaos
is the capital of the governmental district of Lassithi which obtains it's name from the high plateau in the district's West, and also covers the two townships of
 Ierapetra
on the south coast and
Sitia
in the east of the north coast.
Counting some 11,000 inhabitants, it is
Crete's
fifth biggest town after Iraklion,
Hania,
Rethymnon
and Ierapetra.
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The town's name traces back to the church of St. Nicolaos which was raised on a spit of land north of the town in the 10th century, and today ranks as one of the oldest churches in Greece which are still in use.
The town center is located on a small peninsula which spreads into the Mirambelou bay in eastward direction.
At the southern edge there is a small fishing port and marina.
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The true port of Aghios Nicolaos is however located by the peninsula's northern edge.
From here, ferry boats travel to Piraeus, Rhodes, Iraklion and Sitia several times per week.
The excursion boats which head towards the former lepers' island of Spinalonga several times per day moor here as well.
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Voulismeni lake which is a small sweetwater lake is located at the side behind the port, and connected to the harbour basin via a channel.
It is used as a berth for many small fishing boats.
Around the port and the lake, numerous restaurants, tavernas, kafenions and souvenir shops line up.
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The larger hotel resorts are located outside the town both in northward and southward directions, by the beaches there.
Inside the town there are several smaller hotels and apartment houses with a rather private atmosphere.
North of the port there are a short pebble beach, and a longer sandy beach which is roofed by shady plane-trees.
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Aghios Nicolaos perfectly suits for relaxed holidays as things here run less hectically and noisy than in most of the other Cretan tourism centers.
The inhabitants managed to preserve the original Mediterranean lifestyle, which mainly determines the character of the tavernas and kafenions around lake Voulismeni.
Even being a visitor, one can sit and watch for hours how time goes by.
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Furthermore, the geographic location makes the town a perfect base for exploring the island's eastern half.
The Lassithi high plateau which is most scenic, as well as the picturesque towns of Sitia and Ierapetra each are less than a one hour's drive away.
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Text & photos by
Ingo H. Dietrich
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Recommend this site to a friend
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Recommendations:
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Candia Park Village: Comfortable holiday resort near Aghios Nicolaos |
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| The holiday resort in the style of a Cretan village includes 222 holiday apartments in small two-storey buildings, several restaurants and tavernas, a supermarket and a swimming pool landscape. It lies immediately on the sandy beach of the Mirambelou Bay near Aghios Nicolaos. All holiday flats have separate bedrooms, air conditioning and kitchenettes. |
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Hotel Apollon at Aghios Nicolaos in Crete with swimming pool and a/c |
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| The Apollon Hotel is a well-kept house by the fringe of the town, 70 meters away from the sandy beach and the marina. It has a swimming pool, a hotel bar and a games room with billards. All rooms have air conditioning and refrigerators. |
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Villa Glan y Mor: Luxury holiday home at Elounda in the East of Crete |
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| The luxurious two-storey holiday villa in peaceful surroundings above the bay of Elounda includes 3 bedrooms for 6 persons. It has air conditioning, central heating, an open fireplace, satellite color TV, gardens, a barbecue and a private swimming pool, and provides extremely complete furnishing and equipment. |
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| Latest News |
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| Wed, 1st February, 2012: |
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CIC Lecture on Crete and Cyprus on February 22nd |
| Tue, 31st January, 2012: |
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Private apartment and studios above the south coast |
| Mon, 30th January, 2012: |
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FAR web site now with photo album |
| Sun, 29th January, 2012: |
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DEZ carnival party on February 19th |
| Thu, 19th January, 2012: |
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CIC Annual General Assembly on February 9th |
| Wed, 18th January, 2012: |
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Oriseum Café re-opens |
| Wed, 11th January, 2012: |
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Knossos Tutorial from February 1st to 4th |
| Wed, 4th January, 2012: |
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CIC Times January issue released |
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