Spinalonga Island
Spinalonga is a small island located in the Gulf of Elounda in Crete, Greece. It can be accessed by boat from the port of Plaka and Elounda which takes less than 10 minutes or from Agios Nikolaos as a day trip.
Spinalonga is known across the world as the host of the leper community, and as one of the last active leper colonies in Europe, reaching a number of nearly 400 inhabitants during the outbreak of the illness. Tourists began to discover Spinalonga when boats started making the short crossing there in the 1980s and it went on to gain international recognition as the setting for Victoria Hislop’s best-selling novel, The Island, in 2005, which went on to become a popular local TV dramatisation.
The island has a historical significance as a leper colony, where people with leprosy were isolated from the rest of society, however, what you see from the coast are the remains of a 16th-century Venetian fortress. Spinalonga was originally settled by the Venetians in the 16th century and was fortified to protect against Ottoman invasions.
Taking a boat trip to the island is a must for the visitors of the area.
For more information, contact the reception desk.
The Archaeological Museum Of Agios Nikolaos
The Archaeological Museum of Agios Nikolaos was inaugurated in 1969 and is considered one of the most significant in Crete. It houses collections of very important archaeological findings from the entire region of eastern Crete, extending from Malia to the distant Zakros. Findings are exhibited in chronological order from the Neolithic period until the end of Roman times. Its showcases include more than 1,500 pots, as well as the oldest gold and bronze findings in Crete. Due to maintenance, the museum currently houses periodic exhibitions only.
Location: 41, Konstantinou Palaiologou Street
Tel. +30 28410 24943
Website: https://www.agiosnikolaoscrete.com
Lake Voulismeni
A small, freshwater lake, connected to the sea, located at the heart of the city of Agios Nikolaos. It is a charming feature, surrounded by trees. The town’s jewel is also known for its many legends, according to one of which, Athena and Artemis are bathing in its waters. The lake becomes one with the sea through a narrow canal and is surrounded by red rock formations. Connected to the sea directly through a channel, Agios Nikolaos Lake is considered the town landmark and is extremely popular with tourists.
Museum of Kritsotopoula, at Kritsa Village
Τhe Kritsotopoula museum is dedicated to preserving the memory of Kritsa’s most revered daughter, Rhodanthe, nick named “Kritsotopoula” (girl of Kritsa) who has become a symbol of the Cretan people’s struggle for independence and a source of inspiration for generations. Her story has been celebrated in poems, songs, and plays, and her name is remembered with pride in Kritsa and beyond, synonymous with the courage and determination of the Cretan people in the face of adversity. Her legacy continues to inspire and unite them today.
Location: 168 Kritsotopoula Street, Kritsa 72051, Crete
Tel: +302841051545
Website: https://www.kritsotopoula.com/
Rodanthi Museum Of Rare And Endemic Plants, at Kritsa Village
The collection of the Rodanthi Museum in Kritsa village, 15min drive from Agios Nikolaos, features various groups of plants which include some of the rarest plants of Crete that have been used for thousands of years in the Cretan diet. Moreover, those plants have been serving medicinal and other everyday purposes. Among the exhibits we find marine fossils of large mammals and plants which provide a timeline of the natural history of Crete which dates back millions of years.
Location: Ioannou Klontzia street,
Kritsa Agios Nikolaos
Tel. +30 28410 52031
Website: https://www.rodanthi.org
Knossos Palace, Heraklion
In Crete, lies the great remnants of Knossos Palace, home of King Minos and the legendary Minotaur.
Situated 5 km south of Heraklion, the majestic Knossos Palace is a top-tier attraction for travellers in Crete. Accessibility by car or bus.
Location: Knossos, Heraklion
Tel. +30 2810 231940
Website: https://knossos-palace.gr
Heraklion Archaeological Museum
The Archaeological Museum of Heraklion brings to life more than 5,500 years of history, from Neolithic times to the Minoans and beyond. It is one of the largest museums in Greece and the best in the world for Minoan art, as it contains by far the most important and complete collection of artefacts of the Minoan civilization of Crete.
Location: 2 Xanthoudidou Str., 71202 Heraklion
Tel: + 302810279000
Website : https://www.heraklionmuseum.gr/en/
The Natural History Museum of Crete
The Natural History Museum of Crete of the University of Crete was founded and has been operating since 1980, within the School of Sciences and Engineering (S.S.E.) of the University of Crete.
The NHMC is organized into 7 Divisions i) Botany ii) Geodiversity iii) Paleontology iv) Vertebrates v) Invertebrates (except Arthropods) vi) Arthropods and vii) Genomics and Genetic Resources, it has two Laboratory units: i) Education ii) Ecology – Management. It owns and maintains a permanent exhibition-educational space on Sofoklis Venizelou Avenue (Dermata Bay) on the beach front of the city of Heraklion.
Location: Sofoklis Venizelou Avenue, P.C. 71202, Heraklion Crete
Tel.: +302810282740
Website : https://www.nhmc.uoc.gr/en/
Cretaquarium
Crete Aquarium is located in Gournes, just a few kilometers before the city of Heraklion and a great place to visit during your stay in Crete. This is the largest aquarium in the Mediterranean founded in 2005. The Cretan Sea has always been known for the huge diversity of marine life and the beautiful rock formation.
Location: Gournes
Tel. +30 281 033 7788
Website: https://www.cretaquarium.gr/
The Natural History Museum of Crete
The Natural History Museum of Crete of the University of Crete was founded and has been operating since 1980, within the School of Sciences and Engineering (S.S.E.) of the University of Crete.
The NHMC is organized into 7 Divisions i) Botany ii) Geodiversity iii) Paleontology iv) Vertebrates v) Invertebrates (except Arthropods) vi) Arthropods and vii) Genomics and Genetic Resources, it has two Laboratory units: i) Education ii) Ecology – Management. It owns and maintains a permanent exhibition-educational space on Sofoklis Venizelou Avenue (Dermata Bay) on the beach front of the city of Heraklion.
Location: Sofoklis Venizelou Avenue, P.C. 71202, Heraklion Crete
Tel.: +302810282740
Website : https://www.nhmc.uoc.gr/en/
Churches & Monasteries
The island of Crete has a long religious history, which explains the high density of monasteries, churches and chapels. Some of the most visited and known are below:
St. Nikolas church, Agios Nikolaos
Agia Triada church, Agios Nikolaos
Monastery of Panagia Faneromeni, 24km south of Agios Nikolaos
Toplou monastery and winery, Sitia ( https://www.ktimatoplou.gr/en/ )
The Byzantine church of Panagia Kera, Kritsa
Holy monastery of Koufi Petra, Neapoli
Holy Monastery of Kroustallenia, Lassithi Plateau
St. Georgios Monastery, Selinari
For more information about activities email us at info@ariadnecrete.gr
