In Agios Nikolaos, East Crete possesses the islands best known resort. Though this is a pretty place, deserving its mild celebrity status, there is more to be found in eastern Crete. Compared to the Chania region, the east end of the island is almost gentle in its scenery, but it is still quite rugged and its villages often reflect and old and thoroughly Cretan lifestyle.

The enrty to east Crete, the prefecture of Lassithi, leaves the Dikte mountain range to the right. Then comes the Gulf of Mirabello with Agios Nikolaos on its nearer side along with much smaller but more up-market Elounda. The famous island of Spinalonga lies just off Eloundas coast. One of the great delights of Agios Nikolaos is the first glimpse of the feature that has made the town its fortune, the small deep water lake at its heart, enclosed by dramatic cliffs and linked to the sea. In this area there are an abundance of Apartments for sale.

The old road gives access to one or two seaside places like Sissi and Milatos which are still fairly out of the way but are popular places to purchase land. The attractive village of Kritsa is a substantial hill village and is frequented by day visitors as well as being home to a variety of different nationalities.

Past Agios Nikolaos and roughly following the north coast, one of the most beautiful of all the island’s roads leads to the sleepy town of Sitia, the last major town of Crete. It’s a relaxed town built around the harbour where one can stroll along the promenade or dine in one of its many tavernas. Like Agios Nikolaos, it has links with the mainland via ferry and even a domestic airport.