The Best Hotels in Agios Nikolaos, Crete
Agios Nikolaos is a lively and quite large town on the East side of Crete, that has a picturesque harbor full of restaurants, and a plethora of luxurious hotels. But there are some budget options too. All of them will be reviewed in this blog. But before we delve into the best hotels of Agios Nikolaos, Crete, let’s address a common question: How do you best get to this coastal paradise?
Remember to check out my other Crete blogs as well! For instance:
How to get to Agios Nikolaos? Nearest (air)port to Agios Nikolaos.
- By plane: If you’re flying into Crete, the nearest airport to Agios Nikolaos is Heraklion Airport. It is conveniently located approximately 60 kilometers west of Agios Nikolaos in the direction of Agios Nikolaos and right next to the highway.
- By boat: The nearest, large port that has ferry connections to Athens, the Cyclades and Dodecanese island also is Heraklion port. Which is on walking distance from the city center. You can easily search and find ferry routes routes on the search engine of Ferryhopper and easily find a date and time of your convenience. Or check my elaborate blogs on ferry travel in Greece for in-depth info.
- Getting to Agios Nikolaos from the (air)port: You can of course rent a car and opt for a scenic drive along the coastline, which takes roughly an hour. Alternatively, upon the arrival of every plane and large ferry, there will be taxi’s waiting at the (air)port for you. Lastly, you can take a bus from the airport or walk from the port to the central bus station of Heraklion, where frequent buses to Agios Nikolaos depart. Check the timetable here. This is of course the cheapest option.
Now, let’s dive into the best hotels of Agios Nikolaos:
Karma Minoan
A luxurious retreat belonging to the Karma Group. Their ‘Karma Experience’ means that in every of their hotels all around the world the service is EXCEPTIONALLY GOOD. I can confirm it. Karma Minoan is not a newly built, sleek hotel but a place that offers a blend of traditional Cretan architecture with modern amenities. Overlooking the stunning sea, it provides a serene escape for travelers. The hotel has a restaurant with very good food, outside gym, often complimentary yoga sessions on the rooftop, pool, sundeck and amazing Greek nights once per week. It is on walking distance from the nearest beach and a 15-minute drive to downtown Heraklion (a bus also passes by).
The Sand Suites
Located right on the fabulous Almyros beach, where a river flows into the sea, making the side of the beach look exotic as if it was Thailand. The Sand Suites offers brand new spacious accommodations with contemporary design. The suites overlook the beach and have a private swimming pool or jacuzzi. Almyros beach is organized, with water sports even. The center of Agios Nikolaos is only a 5-minute drive away.
Casa de Lago
Casa de Lago is a fantastic and affordable apartment in the heart of Agios Nikolaos town. Within minutes, you can walk to the harbor and the seafront. It is fully renovated, has a small balcony and even in July 2024 it is just € 83 per night. It sleeps 3!
Elounda Olithos Apartments
On a 20-minute drive north of Agios Nikolaos you can find Elounda Olithos Apartments. Elounda is a smaller seaside town and has everything you need, from restaurants to beach, on walking distance from Olithos. While it is still so close to Agios Nikolaos. The Elounda Olithos Apartments are renovated, basic but fully equipped and spacious (they sleep maximum 4). Plus: incredibly cheap, starting at € 42 per night (at the time of writing) in July and August 2024 even! So this is a perfect accommodation for travelers seeking a home away from home.
Angelique Luxury Apartment
If you like staying on a walking distance from town, but outside of the hustle and the bustle, Angelique Luxury Apartment might be the place for you. It sleeps 3 and its terrace with jacuzzi offers a panoramic viewof Agios Nikolaos town and the sea. Prices are around € 200 per night.
Indigo Luxury Apartment
Indigo Luxury Apartment is almost a dupe of the previous mentioned hotel, Angelique Luxury Apartment. Also, they are in the same area. Walking distance from the town, terrace with a view and jacuzzi. The only difference is that the furniture of Indigo Luxury Aparment is a bit more modern. Lastly, this 2-bedroom apartment can sleep up to 5(!) people, making it affordable that way at roughly € 50 p.p. per night.
Ammos Luxury Apartments
Ammos Luxury Apartments consists of 3 suites with private pool & sea view and fully equipped kitchen. They are located on the edge of Agios Nikolaos town, so within a few minutes you are in the heart of town.
Aelia Suites
Aelia Suites is, I believe, big value for money. You can have a suite with private pool and beach view from just € 128 per night! Closely are Istron and Voulisma (not on walking distance), 2 of the beaches with the most beautiful waters in the whole are. Agios Nikolaos also is just a 16-minute drive away. A steal really, new and therefore not yet super discovered. Go for it!
Daios Cove
Daios Cove is the most exclusive and luxurious resort in the near area of Agios Nikolaos (15-minute drive away). It has a beautiful private beach. The resort is situated above it, so the views from the extremely large infinity pool are also stunning. Most rooms have a little private pool as well, and breakfast and dinner are included in the price. Obviously with prices starting at € 400 a night the resort is not cheap. But if you’re looking for a luxury resort around Agios Nikolaos you should definitely consider this as the services are 10/10.
The Island Concept Crete
The Island Concept is a VERY aesthetically pleasing hotel right on the side of Almyros beach, on a 15-minute drive from Agios Nikolaos. All-white, not too big and with a fish restaurant (so half-board is possible), this place is all you need for a luxurious holiday close to Agios Nikolaos town. Prices start at above € 200 per night.
Beach Walk Luxury Suites
Located just a few steps from Ammoudara beach, the new Beach Walk Luxury Suites offer AFFORDABLE luxury. For € 130 per night you can have a suite with private jacuzzi, and of course you can use the shared pool as well. Other suites are a bit larger and can fit up to 4 people. The prices start at around € 100 per night.
Lazar Lux Suites
Lazar Lux Suites is in fact a boutique hotel near Ammoudara beach, on a 10-minute drive of Agios Nikolaos. The modern one- or two-bedroom suites have a fully equipped kitchen for self-caterers. The hotel also boasts a beautiful garden with its distinctive palm trees (makes it feel exotic), a pool and lounge area.
Beachfront Salty Sea Luxury Suite 2
Beachfront Salty Sea Luxury Suite 2 offers the best of Agios Nikolaos. Because it is located on the seafront overlooking the bay of the town. It is super modern and when sitting on your own little balcony you will feel like you are sitting at one of the seafront restaurants.
Villa Olga
Those who like a small-scale accommodation that still has that family business touch, look no further. Villa Olga is a serene oasis located on just a 12-minute drive from Agios Nikolaos. It is a bunch of studios and apartments (called villas) with one or multiple bedrooms, surrounded by green plants. Guests can relax in the beautiful garden or take a dip in the outdoor pool, all while enjoying panoramic views of the sea. It is PERFECT for families. Prices start at € 85 per night.
MOD 15 City Centre
Situated right in the city center, MOD 15 offers modern 2-bedroom apartments for an affordable price (from € 75 per night in summer). Its prime location allows guests to explore the vibrant streets of Agios Nikolaos with ease.
Thanks for reading this blog on The Best Hotels in Agios Nikolaos, Crete. I hope you will have a wonderful time on the beautiful island of Crete.
Disclosure: some of the above may be affiliate links. This means that if you click on a link and make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for the support to my travel tips service for Greece!
Did you like it? Then pin it! ↓
