Holidays in Aghios Nikolaos, Crete

Agios Nikolaos lies on the north coast of the Greek island of Crete, on the Cretan Sea, 65km (41 miles) east of Heraklion, home to the nearest large ferry port, and 61km (38 miles) east of Heraklion airport. The resort overlooks the sheltered blue waters of Mirabello Bay and is backed by the arid mountains leading up to the Lasithi Plateau.

There are several small sandy beaches close to the centre, the best being Kitriplatia, a five-minute walk south of Lake Voulismeni, and Ammoudi, a 10-minute walk north of the lake. However, the best bathing option is Almiros Beach, in front of the three-star Almiros Beach Hotel (2km/1 mile from the centre, on the road to Kalo Horio). This long, sandy beach lies in a sheltered bay, is open to non-residents, and has sunbeds and umbrellas for hire, a snack bar, beach volleyball and watersports facilities. Alternatively, regular taxi boats depart from Agios Nikolaos harbour, transporting bathers to numerous beaches in small coves along the coast, some of which can only be accessed from the water.