Agios Nikolaos: Day Trips and Tours from Heraklion

Sitting pretty on the Gulf of Mirabello, the city of Agios Nikolaos makes a popular destination for visitors to Crete. It’s the jumping-off point for boat trips to Spinalonga Island too, so the two places are often combined.

On your day trip to Agios Nikolaos from Heraklion, expect everything from mysterious lakes and olive farms to historic streets and enchanting islands. This is the best of Crete, wrapped up in a single day of adventure.

Here's all you need to know about Agios Nikolaos, one of the most exciting day trips in Heraklion.

How to get to Heraklion from Agios Nikolaos?

You’ll find Agios Nikolaos on the northeastern coast of Crete. It’s about an hour’s drive from Heraklion and is an easy choice for a day trip.

From Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos by car

To journey to Agios Nikolaos from Heraklion by car, you should head east along the number 90 coastal highway. Allow around an hour for your 63-kilometer drive.

There are paid public car parks as well as free on-street parking.

From Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos by bus

If you’re keeping an eye on your budget and prefer to use public transport, direct buses run between Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos. A one-way ticket costs around €9 per person.

The trip takes 1 hour and 50 minutes, with regular departures from Heraklion’s Central Bus Station throughout the day. Bear in mind that the journey can be a little longer in summer when the roads are busier.

Guided tour to Agios Nikolaos from Heraklion

Cut out the hassle of dealing with transport logistics by booking a day tour to Agios Nikolaos. You’ll be collected from your hotel in Heraklion and dropped off again in the evening for seamless transfers.

Guided excursions to Agios Nikolaos last around 8 hours and often include other stops along the way. This really is the easiest way to explore!

What is the typical itinerary?

On a day trip to Agios Nikolaos from Heraklion you’ll probably enjoy a few bonus stops so be prepared for a long but fun-packed experience. You will be collected from your hotel after breakfast and driven along the scenic northern coast road.

The first stop is usually a local olive farm for a tour and tasting of authentic Greek olive oil. Then you’ll continue to Agios Nikolaos where you’ll see the legendary Lake Voulismeni and explore the pretty city streets at leisure. Relax in a café or visit the shops – it’s your choice.

Next up on your jaunt in Agios Nikolaos is a viewpoint overlooking the vast Elounda Lagoon. From here, you can take in the scenery and snap photos of Spinalonga and Kolokitha islands. This is one of the best panoramas in Crete!

Many excursions then offer a visit to Spinalonga, which is reached by a 10-minute boat ride from the coastal village of Plaka. You’ll learn about the history of this former leper colony and the stories of those who lived here. After you have visited the iconic sights, you can enjoy a refreshing swim before returning to mainland Crete.

The final stop of the day is Elounda. This former fishing village is now a glitzy holiday resort with some of Greece’s top hotels. Here, you’ll have to time wander around the harbor and grab a coffee before returning to Heraklion.

What kind of tours are available to go to Agios Nikolaos?

You have a couple of different options for day tours to Agios Nikolaos from Heraklion. Group trips are the cheapest while private excursions offer more exclusivity.

Here’s what you can expect from each type of Agios Nikolaos day tour:

Guided tours to Agios Nikolaos plus Spinalonga, Plaka and Elounda from Heraklion

Most Agios Nikolaos day trips from Heraklion are group experiences, which is a companionable way to travel. There is usually a maximum of 50 passengers on these excursions. Bus transport and a guide make the day run without a hitch, so you can just sit back and enjoy the ride.

Shared tours are the best way to keep an eye on your budget too – exploring Agios Nikolaos doesn’t have to break the bank.

Private day trips to Agios Nikolaos plus Spinalonga from Heraklion

If you want a truly luxurious experience, then a private Agios Nikolaos day tour is the way to go. The vehicle and guide will be at your disposal throughout the trip, exclusively for just you and your group.

Timings can be a little more flexible on these excursions to Agios Nikolaos, so you can make the day your own. Private experiences do cost more, but the personal attention makes it worth the price.

How much does a day trip to Agios Nikolaos from Heraklion cost?

For a day trip to Agios Nikolaos from Heraklion, prices start at €40 per person. This is for a group experience with up to 50 participants and usually includes stops at multiple locations. Transfers, hotel pickups and an experienced local guide are provided in the tour package.

Private Agios Nikolaos excursions cost €660 for a group of up to three people. This covers luxury round-trip transfers, hotel pickups and drop-offs, a personal guide and snacks. There will also be Wi-Fi and USB sockets in the vehicle so you can upload your vacation photos.

A complimentary olive oil tour and tastings are included on most trips. You will, however, have to pay separately for other attractions.

If you are visiting Spinalonga, the boat ticket costs €10 for adults and €5 for children (aged 4 to 12 years). Entry to the island itself is €8 for adults, while children up to 18 years are free.

What will you see and do?

Agios Nikolaos is a typical seaside city in northern Crete. It’s a great place for an urban stroll, to soak up the atmosphere and see the sights. Situated on Mirabello Bay, the town boasts an enviable location, where culture and nature both vie for your attention.

On your Agios Nikolaos day trip you’ll have some free time to explore on your own, so here’s what you shouldn’t miss:

Historic center of Agios Nikolaos

The highlight of your Agios Nikolaos day tour from Heraklion will be wandering through the historic city streets. Many of them are lined with trees and lead down to the sea and past Lake Voulismeni in the center of town.

This area is the place to go for souvenir shops and bars. There are plenty of quaint cafés where you can do a bit of people-watching while enjoying some lunch too.

Cathedral of Agia Triada

Standing proudly in the center of Agios Nikolaos, the city’s Byzantine cathedral is known for its colorful frescoes. The white domes can be seen from far away, and there’s a splendid mosaic on the façade which was added in 2001.

Church of Agios Nikolaos

Did you know that the city got its name from a church? The tiny chapel of Saint Nicholas overlooks the Bay of Ormos and is thought to be Byzantine in origin.

It’s a humble stone building with a single nave and is dedicated to the patron saint of Greek sailors. This is one of Crete’s oldest churches and is worth a look if you’re into history and architecture.

Beaches in Agios Nikolaos

If you prefer the sea to the city, you can head down to the beaches of Agios Nikolaos and chill out on the promenade.

Kitroplateia is the main municipal beach and is lined with tavernas and bars to keep you fed and watered. Ammos Beach is a decent option too and boasts a sandy shoreline and clear water.

When is the best time to visit Agios Nikolaos?

The island of Crete enjoys a mild climate all year round, so you can visit Agios Nikolaos at any time. However, if you want to stroll around the city in the sun, plan your day trip to Agios Nikolaos between April and October.

July and August are the busiest months, so avoid these if you think you’d prefer a quieter experience. As with many European destinations, spring and fall offer a great balance of smaller crowds and lovely weather.

Are there any tours to Agios Nikolaos from other cities in Crete?

Yes, there are other tours departing from another city in Crete:

• Agios Nikolaos day trips from Rethymno

Travel tips

• Book your day trip to Agios Nikolaos from Heraklion well in advance, especially if you’re visiting in the summer. This is a popular tour and places can sell out in the peak season.
• Take some cash to pay for any entrance fees not included in the excursion package.
• Some providers ask to see your passport or ID so check to see if this is required at the time of booking.
• Pack a towel and swimwear if your Agios Nikolaos adventure includes time for a dip in the sea on Spinalonga Island.