Voulisma beach
The 10 Best Beaches Near Agios Nikolaos, Crete
Discover the beautiful beaches of Agios Nikolaos and Mirabello Bay, from small sandy coves close to the town centre to turquoise-water bays, peaceful coastal escapes and picturesque beaches overlooking Spinalonga.
Agios Nikolaos is one of the best destinations in Eastern Crete for visitors who want to combine beautiful beaches with culture, gastronomy and exploration. Situated along the shores of Mirabello Bay, the town is surrounded by an impressive coastline featuring sandy beaches, small secluded coves, clear turquoise waters and organised seaside destinations.
One of the advantages of staying in Agios Nikolaos is that you do not have to travel far to find a beautiful place for swimming. Some beaches are within walking distance of the town centre, while others can be reached with a short drive along the northern or southern coastline.
Whether you prefer an organised beach with sunbeds and restaurants, a quiet place to relax by the sea or a beautiful bay with crystal-clear waters, the wider area offers plenty of choices.
From the popular Voulisma Beach in Istron to the picturesque coastline of Plaka and the peaceful surroundings of Kolokytha, here are ten of the best beaches to discover during your stay in Agios Nikolaos.
1. Kitroplatia Beach – A Beach in the Heart of Agios Nikolaos
Kitroplatia is one of the most central beaches in Agios Nikolaos and an excellent choice for visitors who want to enjoy a swim without leaving the town centre.
Located just a short walk from Lake Voulismeni and the harbour, this small urban beach combines the convenience of a central location with beautiful views across Mirabello Bay.
The beach is surrounded by restaurants, cafés and hotels, making it easy to combine swimming with lunch, coffee or an evening walk along the waterfront.
Although relatively small, Kitroplatia is a popular choice for both visitors and locals. Its location makes it particularly convenient for travellers who are staying in the town and do not have a car.
It is an ideal place for a refreshing swim between exploring the attractions of Agios Nikolaos.
2. Ammoudi Beach – A Convenient Beach North of the Town
Ammoudi Beach is located north of the centre of Agios Nikolaos and is another popular choice for visitors looking for an easily accessible swimming spot.
The beach is situated in a sheltered coastal area and offers a pleasant setting for relaxing by the sea. Its convenient location, nearby hotels and surrounding cafés and restaurants make it a good option for families and travellers staying in the northern part of the town.
Ammoudi is also suitable for visitors who want to enjoy a beach day without travelling far from the main attractions of Agios Nikolaos.
The surrounding area offers opportunities for a pleasant coastal walk, while the town centre is easily accessible by car or on foot.
3. Gargadoros Beach – A Small Coastal Escape Near the Centre
Gargadoros is a small beach located south of the centre of Agios Nikolaos, offering a more intimate seaside atmosphere.
Known for its picturesque setting and clear waters, it is a pleasant alternative for visitors who prefer smaller beaches rather than larger organised coastal areas.
The beach is particularly appreciated by locals and offers a relaxing environment for swimming. Nearby cafés and restaurants provide convenient options for refreshments and food.
One of the interesting features of Gargadoros is the small coastal landscape around the beach, where visitors can enjoy views of the surrounding sea and coastline.
If you are staying in Agios Nikolaos and want to discover a smaller beach away from the busiest central spots, Gargadoros is worth visiting.
4. Almyros Beach – Sandy Shores and Natural Surroundings
Almyros Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the Agios Nikolaos area and a particularly good choice for families.
Located approximately 2–3 kilometres south of the town centre, it features a long sandy coastline and relatively shallow waters, making it suitable for swimming and relaxing.
One of the distinctive characteristics of Almyros is its natural environment. The Almyros River reaches the sea near the beach, creating a wetland area with reeds and vegetation that contrasts with the surrounding coastal landscape.
The beach is organised with facilities for visitors, including sunbeds, umbrellas and options for refreshments. Water sports are also available during the tourist season.
Almyros is an excellent destination for spending several hours by the sea, especially for families with children and travellers who prefer sandy beaches with convenient facilities.
Its combination of natural surroundings, accessible location and organised beach facilities makes it one of the best swimming destinations close to Agios Nikolaos.
5. Ammoudara Beach – A Beautiful Sandy Beach South of Agios Nikolaos
Ammoudara Beach is located south of Agios Nikolaos, a short drive from the town centre.
It is a popular sandy beach known for its clear waters and relaxed seaside atmosphere. The coastline offers a pleasant setting for swimming, sunbathing and enjoying the Cretan summer.
The beach has organised sections with sunbeds and umbrellas, as well as nearby tavernas and cafés where visitors can enjoy refreshments and traditional food.
Its relatively easy access makes Ammoudara a convenient choice for travellers staying in Agios Nikolaos who want to explore beaches outside the town centre.
The surrounding coastline also offers opportunities to discover other nearby swimming spots, making it possible to combine different beaches during the same day.
6. Havania Beach – A Relaxing Beach North of Agios Nikolaos
Havania Beach is situated north of Agios Nikolaos, along the coastal road leading towards Elounda.
Compared with the central beaches of the town, Havania offers a quieter atmosphere and is a good choice for visitors looking for a more relaxed place to spend time by the sea.
The beach has clear waters and organised facilities during the tourist season, while the surrounding coastline provides pleasant views across Mirabello Bay.
Its location makes it convenient for travellers exploring the northern side of Agios Nikolaos or planning a trip towards Elounda and Plaka.
Havania is a good alternative for those who want to enjoy the sea without travelling too far from the town.
7. Voulisma Beach – The Famous Golden Beach of Istron
Voulisma Beach, also known as Golden Beach, is one of the most beautiful and recognisable beaches in the wider Agios Nikolaos area.
Located near the village of Istron, approximately 12 kilometres southeast of Agios Nikolaos, the beach is famous for its light-coloured sand and striking turquoise waters.
The natural beauty of the bay creates an impressive setting, with the clear sea contrasting against the surrounding green hills and coastal landscape.
Voulisma is an organised beach with sunbeds, umbrellas and facilities for visitors. Water sports are also available, making it a popular destination for families, couples and travellers looking for an enjoyable beach day.
During July and August, the beach can become particularly busy, so arriving earlier in the day is a good idea if you prefer a more relaxed experience.
Voulisma is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the coastline south of Agios Nikolaos and a beach worth including in your holiday itinerary.
8. Karavostasi Beach – A Beautiful Coastal Spot Near Istron
Karavostasi Beach is another attractive coastal destination located near Istron, southeast of Agios Nikolaos.
Surrounded by natural scenery, it offers a different atmosphere from the more central beaches of the town. The area is particularly appealing to visitors who enjoy clear waters, coastal landscapes and outdoor activities.
Karavostasi is also known as a popular area for windsurfing and other water activities when weather conditions are suitable.
The surrounding coastline features beautiful views and several interesting swimming spots, making it a worthwhile destination for exploring the beaches around Istron.
Its location makes it easy to combine a visit to Karavostasi with Voulisma Beach and the surrounding villages.
For travellers who want to discover more of the coastline beyond Agios Nikolaos itself, Karavostasi is an excellent option.
9. Plaka Beach – Beautiful Views of Spinalonga
Plaka is a picturesque seaside village located north of Elounda, directly opposite the historic island of Spinalonga.
Its beach offers beautiful views across the water towards the Venetian fortress, creating one of the most distinctive coastal settings in the Agios Nikolaos region.
Plaka Beach has a combination of pebbles and clear blue waters, while the surrounding waterfront is lined with traditional tavernas and small businesses.
One of the main attractions of visiting Plaka is the opportunity to combine a beach day with a boat excursion to Spinalonga. Boats operate from the village, allowing visitors to explore the island and discover its fascinating history.
The village itself has maintained much of its traditional fishing-community character, making it a pleasant place to enjoy fresh seafood and experience the coastal atmosphere of Eastern Crete.
Plaka is an excellent destination for visitors who want to combine swimming, history and traditional Cretan gastronomy in one excursion.
10. Kolokytha Beach – Turquoise Waters and Natural Beauty
Kolokytha Beach is one of the most beautiful coastal destinations near Elounda and a particularly attractive choice for visitors looking for clear turquoise waters and a more natural setting.
Located on the Kolokytha Peninsula, near the Elounda area, the beach is famous for its shallow waters and impressive coastal scenery.
Unlike the organised beaches closer to Agios Nikolaos, Kolokytha has a more natural character and limited facilities. Visitors should therefore plan ahead and bring water, food and other essentials, especially during the warmer months.
The surrounding landscape is particularly interesting, with old stone structures, former salt-production areas and the small chapel of Agios Loukas adding historical character to the area.
Kolokytha can be reached by road and a short walk, while boat excursions from nearby coastal locations also provide access to the area.
Its beautiful waters make it an excellent destination for swimming and snorkelling, especially for visitors who enjoy exploring natural coastal landscapes.
Kolokytha is one of the beaches that truly demonstrates the beauty of Mirabello Bay.
Practical Tips for Visiting the Beaches of Agios Nikolaos
Before exploring the beaches around Agios Nikolaos, it is useful to consider a few practical details.
Which beaches are closest to the town centre?
Kitroplatia, Ammoudi and Gargadoros are among the most convenient beaches for visitors staying in central Agios Nikolaos. They can be reached without travelling far and are suitable for a quick swim between sightseeing activities.
Which beaches are best for families?
Almyros and Voulisma are particularly popular with families because of their sandy shores and relatively shallow waters. However, sea conditions can change, so always check the conditions before swimming with children.
Where can you find the clearest turquoise waters?
Voulisma and Kolokytha are especially famous for their beautiful turquoise waters. Both are excellent choices for visitors looking for impressive coastal scenery.
Do you need a car to explore the beaches?
The central beaches of Agios Nikolaos can be reached on foot. However, renting a car is recommended if you want to explore Voulisma, Karavostasi, Plaka and Kolokytha comfortably.
When is the best time to visit?
The beach season in Eastern Crete generally extends from May until October. June and September are particularly attractive months for visitors who prefer warm weather and a more relaxed atmosphere. July and August offer the hottest summer conditions but are also the busiest months.
Discover More Beaches in Eastern Crete
The coastline around Agios Nikolaos and Mirabello Bay offers an excellent variety of beaches, from small urban swimming spots to beautiful sandy bays and more secluded natural destinations.
However, the beauty of Eastern Crete extends much further beyond Agios Nikolaos. Travelling towards Ierapetra and Sitia, visitors can discover even more impressive beaches, including the coastal landscapes of Makry Gialos, the beaches of Xerokampos, the famous Vai Palm Forest and the beautiful bays around Kouremenos and Itanos.
Whether you prefer organised beaches with facilities or quiet places surrounded by nature, Eastern Crete offers countless opportunities to enjoy the sea.
Explore our detailed beach guides at Agios Nikolaos Travel Guide and discover more of the coastline, hidden bays and beautiful seaside destinations across the region.
If you want to discover the coastline from a different perspective, explore our local tours and experiences and make your holiday in Eastern Crete even more memorable.