Beaches to visit in Agios Nikolaos
The magnificent coastline of Agios Nikolaos offers its guests a variety of beautiful beaches. Enjoy swimming in the cool and crystal clear waters of
the Aegean or the Libyan Sea and sunbathing in Europe’s sunniest area. You can choose between the shallow, warm but often crowded and windy beaches of
the northern part, and the cool, deep and more isolated beaches of the southern part of Lassithi.
Plaka
This beach is located by the villaga of Plaka and is mainly covered by pebbles. Many tamarisk trees create beautiful shadow which is crucial during the
summer and enjoy the view of the Spinaloga Island. The northern beach of Plaka village is crowded, while the southern is practically deserted.
Driros
Located between Plaka and Elounda this beach ia mainly covered with sand, shingle and tamarisk trees and offers all kinds of facilities.
Elounda
This beach resort is situated 11km north of Agios Nikolaos. The coastline is rocky, yet the beaches sandy. The most luxurious hotel resorts can be
found here. The beaches north of the port are more shallow and popular and mainly preferred by families, while those south of the port are smaller and
quieter.
Kitroplateia and Ammos
Two crowded sandy beaches near the center of Agios Nikolaos city, offering many amenities.
Ammoudara
Ammoudara is considered as one of the most beautiful beaches of the area and is located just some kilometers south of Agios Nikolaos. Ammoudara is an
excellent sandy beach close to the city and with various facilities. It can be easily accessed by the main road, but can be very crowded.
Gournia Camping Beach
This is a small pebble beach protected by rocks from the summer winds forming a small bay.
Tholos beach
Located in Kavousi village, this beach is covered by pebbles offers shadow to its visitors due to the existence of the tamarisk trees. Sometimes it can
get windy.
Sitia
70 kilometers east of Agios Nikolaos, on the road from Sitia to Vai lies the main beach of Sitia which is a very long and sandy beach and mainly
attracts local residents.
Erimoupolis or Itanos
A small sandy beach with crystal clear waters and no facilities, located where the ancient town of Itanos used to be. It is very idyllic and highly
recommended.
Vai
This is a sandy beach of exceptional beauty, located 25km east of Sitia. It is situated next to the famous Vai palm-tree forest. During summer is is
usually crowded, but it never gets windy. This beach is very popular and one of the most famous of the island.
Xerokambos
This is a sandy, unspoilt beach 55km southeast of Sitia (9km from Kato Zakros away). Indulge yourself in the turquoise waters and relish the relaxation
this isolated beach offers.
Ierapetra
In this sandy beach you have the opportunity to swim in the southernmost part of Europe, in the Libyan Sea.
Agia Fotia
13.5 km east of Ierapetra lies this beautiful with tranquil waters beach. The place is sandy and full of olive and pine trees and offers a perfect
sunset!
Paleokastro and Kato Zakros
Two marvelous beaches 35 and 46.5km east of Sitia respectively. Here you can combine relaxation with a beautiful and interesting archaeological
sightseeing.
Hrissi or Gaidouronissi
This is a deserted small island located a few miles south of Ierapetra. It is one of the most amazing places you can visit in Lassithi prefecture.
Apart from swimming in emerald waters, sunbathing at the golden beach (the name of the islet means golden) and relaxing under a lush cedar forest, you
can also scuba dive to admire the marvelous sea bottom and enjoy fresh fish in a small tavern. In order to get to Hrissi you have to take a boat at 10
am from Ierapetra. Boats return on 5 pm. Don’t miss the chance to visit this amazing location!