Agios Nicolaos is the capital of the governmental district of Lassithi which obtains its name from the high plateau in its West. The same district also includes the two townships of Ierapetra on the south coast and Sitia in the East of the north coast.
The town center is located on a small peninsula which spreads eastward into the Mirambelou Bay. By the southern edge there is a small fishing port and marina.
The true port of ▶ Agios 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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Slide show | Agios Nicolaos: By the port |
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The 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.
Inside the town there are several smaller hotels and apartment houses with a rather private atmosphere.
Road distance: 146 km