Just a short drive from Milatos, Agios Nikolaos is one of the most charming coastal towns in eastern Crete. Built around the beautiful Lake Voulismeni and overlooking Mirabello Bay, the town combines seaside walks, cafés, traditional tavernas, small beaches, shopping and a rich connection to the history of eastern Crete.
If you are staying at Milatos Garden Villas, Agios Nikolaos is an easy destination to include in your holiday — whether you want to spend a few hours exploring the town, enjoy lunch by the water or stay until the evening for dinner and a walk along the waterfront.
Here are some of the best things to see and do.
1. Walk Around Lake Voulismeni
The heart of Agios Nikolaos is Lake Voulismeni, a small lagoon connected to the sea by a narrow canal. The lake is surrounded by cafés, restaurants and pedestrian streets, making it one of the most atmospheric places in the town.
It is also one of Agios Nikolaos' most recognisable landmarks. Local legends have given the lake an almost mythical character, while today it is simply a beautiful place to sit, have a coffee and watch the life of the town unfold around you.
A walk around the lake is especially enjoyable in the late afternoon, when the light begins to change and the town becomes more lively.
2. Explore the Waterfront and Harbour
From the lake, continue towards the harbour and the seafront.
Agios Nikolaos has a distinctly maritime character, with boats coming and going throughout the day and the coastline opening towards Mirabello Bay. The waterfront is ideal for a relaxed walk, with plenty of opportunities to stop for coffee, lunch or an evening drink.
The town's combination of sea views, narrow streets, cafés and open public spaces is part of what makes it different from a purely beach-focused destination.
3. Spend Some Time by the Sea
Agios Nikolaos has several small beaches close to the town centre, making it easy to combine sightseeing with a swim.
Kitroplatia Beach is particularly convenient because it sits close to the centre, while Ammoudi Beach offers another option near the town.
You don't necessarily need to dedicate an entire day to the beach. One of the advantages of visiting Agios Nikolaos from Milatos is that you can combine a swim with a walk through town, lunch by the waterfront and some sightseeing.
4. Discover the History of Eastern Crete
Agios Nikolaos is not only a seaside town. It is also a useful starting point for understanding the history of the wider region.
The Archaeological Museum of Agios Nikolaos contains finds from across eastern Crete, covering a long period from the Neolithic era through the Minoan period and later historical periods. Its collections include important discoveries from sites across the region.
For visitors interested in the history of Crete, it is a worthwhile addition to a day in town.
The museum can also be combined with other archaeological destinations around eastern Crete, including Ancient Lato, which we explore in our dedicated guide.
5. Wander Through the Town
One of the nicest things to do in Agios Nikolaos is simply to walk.
Move away from the main waterfront and explore the streets around the centre. You'll find local shops, small boutiques, cafés, restaurants and places selling traditional products and handmade items.
Agios Nikolaos has a more lively and cosmopolitan atmosphere than Milatos, but it still retains the relaxed rhythm of a Cretan coastal town.
This contrast is part of what makes the two places work so well together: Milatos gives you the quiet village experience, while Agios Nikolaos gives you a livelier taste of eastern Crete.
6. Enjoy a Long Cretan Lunch
A visit to Agios Nikolaos is a good opportunity to slow down over lunch.
Look for traditional Cretan dishes, seasonal vegetables, local cheeses, fresh fish and seafood, accompanied by local wine or a glass of raki.
Rather than rushing from one sight to another, give yourself time to sit by the water and enjoy the atmosphere. Food is an important part of experiencing Crete, and some of the best memories of a day in Agios Nikolaos may come from a long meal rather than a particular attraction.
7. Take a Boat Trip
Agios Nikolaos is also connected to the sea through a range of boat excursions.
Depending on the season and the available excursions, visitors can explore the coastline and nearby destinations from the water. Boat trips to Spinalonga are among the region's best-known experiences, with boats departing from Agios Nikolaos as well as other points around the Mirabello Bay area.
If Spinalonga is on your list, you can combine it with Agios Nikolaos or dedicate a separate day to the island.
For more information, see our guide:
A Spinalonga Day Trip from Milatos: Boats, Tickets and What to Expect
8. Enjoy Agios Nikolaos in the Evening
Agios Nikolaos changes character as the day goes on.
The waterfront becomes livelier, restaurants begin to fill and the area around Lake Voulismeni becomes particularly atmospheric after sunset.
For guests staying in Milatos, an evening visit can be a great alternative to spending every night at the villa. Have dinner beside the water, walk around the lake and enjoy the atmosphere before returning to the quieter surroundings of Milatos.
9. Combine Agios Nikolaos with Another Destination
You don't necessarily have to spend an entire day only in Agios Nikolaos.
Its location makes it easy to combine with other places in eastern Crete. You could visit the town in the morning and continue towards Kritsa, Ancient Lato or another nearby destination before returning to Milatos.
For history and culture, Ancient Lato is particularly interesting. The archaeological site is one of the best-preserved Classical-era cities in Crete and offers impressive views over the surrounding landscape.
For a more relaxed day, you could simply combine Agios Nikolaos with a beach stop and a long lunch.
How Far Is Agios Nikolaos from Milatos?
Agios Nikolaos is approximately 20 minutes by car from Milatos, making it one of the easiest larger towns to visit during your stay.
This is one of the advantages of staying in Milatos.
You can wake up in a peaceful traditional village, spend the morning by your private pool, head to Agios Nikolaos for lunch and sightseeing, and return to your villa without having to stay in the middle of a busy resort town.
A Simple Day in Agios Nikolaos from Milatos
If you don't want to over-plan your day, this is an easy itinerary:
Morning
Drive from Milatos to Agios Nikolaos and begin with a walk around Lake Voulismeni.
Late morning
Explore the waterfront and town centre, or visit the Archaeological Museum.
Lunch
Take your time over a Cretan meal near the waterfront.
Afternoon
Enjoy a swim at one of the nearby beaches or continue exploring the town.
Evening
Return to the waterfront for dinner or a drink around the lake before heading back to Milatos.
You can make the day as active or as relaxed as you like.
Why Stay in Milatos?
Agios Nikolaos is one of the places that makes eastern Crete so appealing, but it doesn't necessarily mean you need to stay in the town itself.
At Milatos Garden Villas, you have a quieter base in a traditional Cretan village, while Agios Nikolaos is close enough to visit whenever you want a livelier day by the sea.
After exploring the town, you can return to your own private villa, garden and pool in Milatos — and enjoy a completely different pace.
Discover Agios Nikolaos. Explore eastern Crete. Then come back to your own place in Milatos.
