Greece - Korina Miller [406]
Information
Anna Karteri Bookshop ( 28410 22272; Koundourou 5) Sells foreign-language maps and guidebooks.
Cafe Du Lac ( 28410 26837; 28 Oktovriou 17) At Du Lac Hotel. Offers free wi-fi and (pay) internet-equipped computers.
General Hospital ( 28410 66000; Knosou 3)
Municipal Tourist Office ( 28410 22357; www.agiosnikolaos.gr; 8am-9pm Apr-Nov) Provides info, changes money and assists with accommodation.
National Bank of Greece (Nikolaou Plastira)
PK’s Internet Cafe ( 28410 28004; Akti Koundourou 1; per hr €2; 9am-2am)
Post office ( 28410 22062; 28 Oktovriou 9; 7.30am-2pm Mon-Fri)
Tourist police ( 28410 91408; Erythrou Stavrou 47; 7.30am-2.30pm Mon-Fri)
Sights & Activities
The Archaeological Museum ( 28410 24943; Paleologou Konstantinou 74; admission €4; 8.30am-3pm Tue-Sun) has Crete’s second-most-significant Minoan collection, including clay coffins, ceramic musical instruments and gold from Mohlos. The chronologically organised exhibits run from the Neolithic finds on Mt Tragistalos, north of Kato Zakros, and early Minoan finds from Agia Fotia to finds from Malia and Mohlos. The highlight, the Goddess of Myrtos (2500 BC), is a clay jug found near Myrtos.
The folk museum ( 28410 25093; Paleologou Konstantinou 4; admission €3; 10am-2pm Tue-Sun), besides the tourist office, exhibits traditional handicrafts and costumes.
Within town, Ammos Beach and Kytroplatia Beach are small and crowded, though convenient for a quick dip. Almyros Beach (1km south), is also busy but much longer, with better sands. A taxi here costs €6, or walk (20 to 30 minutes) via a coastal path starting at Kitroplateia, passing the marina and then the stadium.
Ammoudara Beach, 1.5km further south on the road towards Ierapetra, has tavernas and overpriced accommodation, but nothing else. Further towards Sitia, Golden Beach (Voulisma Beach) and Istron Bay boast long stretches of sand.
Agios Nikolaos’ Summer Cultural Festival has almost daily events ranging from traditional Cretan music and theatre to literary readings, art exhibits and rock concerts. Some hotels and cafes have programs, while events are also advertised throughout town.
Tours
Minotours Hellas ( 28410 23222; www.minotours.gr; 28 Oktovriou 6) runs numerous tours, including to the Lasithi Plateau (€40) and Knossos (€40).
Nostos Tours ( 28410 22819; nostos@agn.forthnet.gr; Roussou Koundourou 30; 8am-noon & 5-9pm) specialises in boat excursions, one being the four-hour boat trip to Spinalonga (€20), which includes a 30-minute swim on the Kolokytha Peninsula, and an on-board bar and restaurant. Nostos’ full-day trip to Spinalonga (€25) includes a barbecue and two hours for swimming and sunbathing. Nostos also does full-day fishing trips in the Gulf of Mirabello (adult/child €30/20).
Sleeping
Depending on how locals think the season is going, bargaining is sometimes possible.
BUDGET & MIDRANGE
Pension Mary ( 28410 23760; Evans 13; s/d/tr €20/25/30; ) This friendly budget place has basic but clean rooms, most with private bathrooms, fridge and balconies with sea views. The upper room is cramped, though it has a terrace with barbecue. There’s also a communal kitchen.
Pergola Hotel ( /fax 28410 28152; Sarolidi 20; r with view €35-40; ) This little place has simple, comfortable rooms with fridges. The pleasant veranda is good for a relaxed breakfast. Front rooms have balconies and sea views. The kindly old owners can do bus-station pick-ups and, though they’re not sure what exactly it is, plan to have internet soon.
Mylos Pension ( 28410 23783; Sarolidi 24; d €40; ) This quaint pension is an extension of the friendly elderly owner’s home. The small but clean rooms are basic, though the front ones have nice water views. All have fridge and TV. Air conditioning is €2 extra.
Du Lac Hotel ( 28410 22711; www.dulachotel.gr; 28 Oktovriou 17; s/d/studio €40/60/80; ) Well positioned beside the lake, this nice place has standard rooms and