Almiros Beach

Almiros Beach is located only a few minutes from the center of Agios Nikolaos (2 km) and 12 km from Elounda. It is a gorgeous beach, highly regarded by all visitors and one of the best options in the area, especially for visitors staying in Agios Nikolaos that don’t wish to travel far. With Mount Thrypti as the backdrop, this sandy beach lies at the mouth of the Almyros river. The river flows through high reed-beds forming a wetland where rare birds live. Because of the river’s presence, the sea waters are very cold in places, but always blue, clear and shallow.

The beach is well-organized with umbrellas, sunbeds, showers and changing rooms. There is also a lifeguard which in combination with the shallow and calm waters protected from the harsh winds, make this an ideal spot for small children. Near the beach bars, you will also find a playground. Due to its proximity to the city of Agios Nikolaos, you are guaranteed to find a variety of rooms, apartments, and hotels near the beach so you never have to walk far. Driving south, you will find more bays and the beaches of Ammoudara, Listi Spilios and Kritsas. North of Agios Nikolaos, we find the popular coastal resort of Elounda. Furthermore, don’t skip a visit to the island of Spinalonga, fortified since antiquity and famous as the last active leper colony between 1909 and 1957. Visitors will learn more about life on the island during those, particularly hard years, especially when under German Occupation and the emergence of a cure for Hansen’s disease (leprosy).

This is a great area to base yourself in, right on the coast, with various swimming spots and options for cultural attractions and other sites. At the same time, there are plenty of hiking routes, charming mountainous villages, and sites of archaeological importance. You can drive south for a visit to the ancient city of Lato, one of the most important Dorian city-states of Crete, and explore the village of Kritsa; this is a stunning drive towards the plateau of Katharo.

Heading south, on the coastal road you will come to the village of Istron.