Ágios Nikólaos

Agios Nicolaos (pronounced Agios Nicolos) is quite a new city. There is no venetian harbor, no  "old town". Two hundred years ago it was just a small scattering of fishermans houses. 60% of the current population, so I was told, originally come from Kritsa, the large village that nestles against the cliffs a 10 minute drive from Agios Nicolaos. 



Walking along the seafront you pass several small beaches, one of which is the original minoan harbor. Statues have been erected where the land juts out into the sea. 

The statue below is at the Ferry port and could be seen from my hotel window.

Statue of Europa

The town is mostly situated on higher ground, well above sea level, and steps lead upward from the sea front. Below are a couple of examples:

Continuing along the seafront past the ferryport, you come to a lagoon which is connected to the sea by a narrow channel, spanned by a bridge. One can walk partway around it. The western side though is edged by steep cliffs. 

Entering the walkway around the lagoon, you can see the chapel in the distance. 

the walkway with steps leading upwards at the furthest end of the lagoon.

chapel built into the cliff face at the end of the lagoon.

the west wall is sheer, only houses for ducks and gees are set at waterlevel. 

Continuing along the seafront you eventually come to a peninsula on which stands the basilica of Agios Nicolaus, which has given the town it's name.

Seafront walk

6th or 7th century byzantine church

Past the church a path leads to a lookout point, built as a shelter into the cliff face

A path brings you around the back to the entrance. 

...and a wonderful view!