Hotels near Agios Nikolaos and Lake Voulismeni

Agios Nikolaos is the elegant capital of the Lasithi region, built around the small saltwater Lake Voulismeni which legend says was where the goddess Athena bathed. The 64 m deep lake is connected to the harbour by a short canal cut in 1870 and ringed by tavernas and cocktail bars that fill in the evenings. From the lake, a 1 km coastal path runs to Kitroplateia and Ammos beaches, both city beaches with calm water suitable for kids. The Folklore Museum on the harbour (3 EUR) is small but well done, and on Wednesdays the open-air market on Akti Atlantidos sells local olive oil and Cretan graviera cheese.

Pro Tip: Reserve a sunset table at Pelagos taverna on Stratigou Koraka Street for the best harbour view at golden hour.