Approximately a 65 minute drive from Heraklion Airport, pick up a rental car and explore the wonders of this seaside town on the coast of Crete.
Enjoy Agios Nikolaos
Take a stroll around the lake’s perimeter and admire the beautiful combination of red rock and lush trees that frame the waters’ edge.
Head to the shops where you’ll find no end of treasures and souvenirs to take home with you. Traditional Cretan art and handmade jewellery are just a sample of what you can find amongst the kiosks and market stalls.
If you’re feeling peckish, never fear! Take your pick of pavement cafés, tavernas, and restaurants all offering an inexhaustible assortment of snacks and specialities of Greek and Cretan cooking. Wash it all down with a glass or two of the local wine or a shot of the Cretan spirit ‘Raki’.
Explore the Area in Your Hire Car
Why not take a boat trip to Barbarossa's Cave or explore the island of Spinalonga? Once the site of a leper colony, Spinalonga Island makes for an interesting day trip. Wander round the abandoned streets and visit the old hospital.
You could simply relax on Almyros Beach with its wondrous golden sand. Whilst it may be the city’s most popular beach there’s plenty of room for everyone. Escape the heat by taking a dip in the cooling fresh water stream.
Travel to Ierapetra and wander to the Old Town, also known as Kato Mera. Packed with narrow alleys, discover the former mosque and the house of Napoleon along with the Aghios Georgios Metropolitan Church.
Alternatively, head beyond Ierapetra to Ha Ravine and Sarakina Gorge. Whilst Ha Ravine offers a spectacularly rugged landscape with plenty of native flora and fauna to discover, Sarakina Gorge is a place of rare beauty. Wander beneath the pine trees and around the waterfalls. Look out for rare species of Cretan wild flowers.
