Nearby Destinations
Lenika (Ellinika)
Settlement of Agios Nikolaos Municipality.
It is built in the western side of Mirabello gulf, in the highest point that connects Agios Nikolaos and Elounda. It is a borderline point, like it used to be thousand of years ago, between Lato and Elounda. In this area there was a big twin church- some of its ruins are also there today-, in which people were worshiping God Aris and God Afroditi 2.500 years ago. It is a place that carries this majesty, calmness and vibe.
Elounda
Elounda is bulit in the southern coast of the ancient city Olous, from which took its name. It is a world known tourist resort, in the northern side of Agios Nikolaos and it has scenic seashores, leeward sand beaches, crystal clear waters and a calm environment. The visitor can enjoy the sea in these beautiful beaches. Some of the most unique beaches are Schisma, Chiona, Kolokytha, Dianiskari and Alykes.
Spinalonga
The Spinalonga island is considered to be one of the most important cretan sights. It was one of the greatest Venetian castles in Crete. It is also known as the “Island of the Lepers”, because the lepers from Crete and from all over Greece were isolated there until 1957.
Due to the great interest of the outnumbered tourists they started the systematic renovation and reparation of the old buildings, the fortified venetian walls, the old houses and the roads.
Ancient City
Lato
One of the most important Dorian cities-states in Crete, that was considered though the most preserved one during the classical- hellenistic period. It was built on the col of two hills, in a very strategical location because of the defensive coverage that was providing in the whole town. Rumors were saying that its name came from Lito ( Dorian type of “Lato”), who was the mother of Apollon And Artemis and it is referred in signs of Linear B as RA-TO. The main godess of the city was Ilithyia, who was shown in coins as well. The city was destroyed around 200 BC.
Agios Nikolaos
Lake
The lake, the most beautiful spot of town, having thousands of legends that are making her even more majestic,looms in the centre of Agios Nikolaos. A lake where the legends wants her to have no bottom, while Godess Athina and Artemis were washing their hair under the moonlight, wanting to stay away from the indiscreet eyes of the mortals. Others say that this lake is connected underground with Santorini’s volcano. After the end of Second World War, german army threw in the lake cannons and armours when they left the island.
The mysteries stay unsolved but her beauty is surely magical. She is connected with a narrow canal, while her natural surrounding with the red rocks and the trees makes her so attractive for the visitors.
Panagia Kera
In the southern side and about 500 meters away from Kritsa village stands the three-aisled temple of
Panagia Kera, one of the most important monuments of Crete. It is remarkably known for the preserved byzantine murals from 14th century. Architectionally, it a is three-aisled vaulted temple with dome. The central transept in dedicated to the Assumption, the southern transept to Saint Anna and the northern one to Saint Anthony.
According to the local tradition, in the temple there was an icon of Holy Mary, which had miraculous properties. During the Iconoclasm period, it was moved in Instanbul but afterwards it was brought back to the temple. In 1498, during the Venetian occupation in Crete, a greek trader stole the icon , which was later found in the temple of San Alfonso in Esquiline Hill in Rome. Panagia Kera was renovated by Managaris family in 1722 and in 1732 the icon of Holy Mary was drawn again in the temple by an unkown artist.
In the southern wing of the Old Gymnasium of Neapolis ( built in 1882), is housed the Folklore Museum ( built in 1979), while in the northern wing there is the Archeological Collection (Museum) of Neapolis (built in 1935).
The area around is full of monasteries and churches. A great historical monuments is the Franciscan monastery in the “Fraro” area, while 2km away exists the ancient city of “Driros” (1200-200 BC).
Neapolis
Neapolis is a historical home of the Municipality and it is located in the northwestern side of Lasithi Perfecture in the centre of Kilada ( Skafi). Around it sprawls the so called Apano Merambello and it is 14km away from Agios Nikolaos. It is the home of the Holy Metropolis of Petra and Cherronisos and of the First Instance Court of Lasithi.
Neapolis has many temples built from the 17th until the 20th century, old mansions, quaint alleys kai well preserved Ottoman fountains. The Central square with the Municipal Garden and the neo-classical buildings that are around but also with the majestic Cathedral temple create a fine and especially pleasant and welcoming town centre.
Neapolis and the wider area are known for the cultural and athletic events that are organised there all year. Especially known and popular are the events that take place in the Central Square of Neapolis, culminating the festive events of the Assumption.