Ag. Nikolaos 1/Saint Nicolas Bay
Region of Crete, Greece: Excellent water quality
Ag. Nikolaos 1/Saint Nicolas Bay is a beach on the Greece coastline. It holds a Blue Flag award for environmental standards, water quality, and visitor safety. The official season runs from July 1 to October 31. Entry is free. On-site kiosks are available. September is…
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Ag. Nikolaos 1/Saint Nicolas Bay
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Ag. Nikolaos 1/Saint Nicolas Bay?
Ag. Nikolaos 1/Saint Nicolas Bay is a beach on the Greece coastline. It holds a Blue Flag award for environmental standards, water quality, and visitor safety. The official season runs from July 1 to October 31. Entry is free. On-site kiosks are available. September is the best time to visit. Check local safety arrangements before your trip. The beach meets the rigorous standards of the Foundation for Environmental Education's Blue Flag programme.
It sits alongside Blue Flag beaches in Region of Crete, part of a broader network of Blue Flag certified beaches across Greece certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Ag. Nikolaos 1/Saint Nicolas Bay faces east toward Mediterranean Sea. The best light for photography and swimming is typically in September. Direct sun hours follow that facing.
Planning
When to Go: Month by Month
| Month | Air Temp | Water Temp | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 12°C | 13°C | Low |
| Feb | 13°C | 14°C | Low |
| Mar | 15°C | 15°C | Low |
| Apr | 18°C | 18°C | Low |
| May | 22°C | 20°C | Low |
| Jun | 26°C | 24°C | Low |
| Jul | 28°C | 26°C | Med |
| Aug | 28°C | 27°C | High |
| Sep | 26°C | 24°C | High |
| Oct | 21°C | 22°C | Med |
| Nov | 18°C | 18°C | Low |
| Dec | 14°C | 15°C | Low |
The best time to visit Ag. Nikolaos 1/Saint Nicolas Bay is September. Air temperatures peak around 27.8°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 26.3°C in July.
How crowded does Ag. Nikolaos 1/Saint Nicolas Bay get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in Greece, Ag. Nikolaos 1/Saint Nicolas Bay sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Ag. Nikolaos 1/Saint Nicolas Bay open year-round?The beach itself is accessible year-round, though staffed facilities including lifeguards typically operate only during the official season (01-07 – 31-10). The Blue Flag is displayed during the certification period only.
The Water
Swimming and Beach Life at Ag. Nikolaos 1/Saint Nicolas Bay
Is Ag. Nikolaos 1/Saint Nicolas Bay safe to swim?Ag. Nikolaos 1/Saint Nicolas Bay is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict bathing water standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. Water quality is rated Excellent. The beach does not have lifeguards stationed on the beach. Swim with appropriate caution.
What is the water temperature at Ag. Nikolaos 1/Saint Nicolas Bay?Peak water temperature at Ag. Nikolaos 1/Saint Nicolas Bay reaches around 26.3°C in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 12.3°C.
What is the beach like at Ag. Nikolaos 1/Saint Nicolas Bay?Ag. Nikolaos 1/Saint Nicolas Bay is a sandy beach on the Region of Crete coast of Greece. It meets all Blue Flag criteria for environmental management, water quality, safety, and facilities.
Does Ag. Nikolaos 1/Saint Nicolas Bay have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Ag. Nikolaos 1/Saint Nicolas Bay meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services. Parking is available nearby.
Ag. Nikolaos 1/Saint Nicolas Bay sits on the Mediterranean Sea: explore all Blue Flag beaches on the Mediterranean.
Planning a trip to Greece? How Greece earns the most Blue Flags , our editorial guide to certified beaches across the country.
Transport
Getting to Ag. Nikolaos 1/Saint Nicolas Bay
How do I get to Ag. Nikolaos 1/Saint Nicolas Bay by car?Ag. Nikolaos 1/Saint Nicolas Bay is approximately 9.25 km from Agios Nikolaos Municipal Unit. Follow local road signs to the beach. Check Google Maps or a local map for the most current directions.
What is the nearest airport to Ag. Nikolaos 1/Saint Nicolas Bay?The nearest airport is Heraklion International "Nikos Kazantzakis" Airport (HER), approximately 50.9 km away.
Can I get to Ag. Nikolaos 1/Saint Nicolas Bay by public transport?Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Agios Nikolaos Municipal Unit. The nearest recorded bus stop is 294 m from the beach.
Nearby
Near Ag. Nikolaos 1/Saint Nicolas Bay
Mapped toilets, bus stops, cafés, parking, and shops within about 500 m of Ag. Nikolaos 1/Saint Nicolas Bay. Distances are walking-line estimates from the beach pin.
Map loads when you ask. Tiles stay off the first paint.
Map: OpenStreetMap (ODbL)
Bus near Ag. Nikolaos 1/Saint Nicolas Bay
- Bus stop Bus stop 271 m
- Bus stop Bus stop 294 m
- Bus stop Bus stop 359 m
- Bus stop Bus stop 373 m
Cafés near Ag. Nikolaos 1/Saint Nicolas Bay
- κρικρι Restaurant 44 m
- The Minotaure Restaurant 209 m
- Labyrinthos Restaurant 214 m
- Restaurant Restaurant 224 m
- drop COFFEE Café 230 m
Parking near Ag. Nikolaos 1/Saint Nicolas Bay
- Parking Parking 206 m
- Parking Parking 285 m
- Parking Parking 419 m
- Parking Parking 465 m
- Parking Parking 498 m
Source: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Names and positions come from mapped OSM features. Confirm on site.
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Entry | Free: no charge to access the beach |
|---|---|
| Lifeguards | ✗ |
| Disabled Access | ✗ No dedicated disabled access listed |
| Showers | ✗ |
| Toilets | ✗ |
| Official Season | 01 Jul – 31 Oct |
| Beach Type | Sandy beach |
| Parking | ✓ Available nearby (surface parking) |
| Nearest supermarket | 700 m from the beach |
| Nearest bus stop | 294 m from the beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 35.2028°N, 25.7156°E |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Greece |
Frequently Asked Questions
Ag. Nikolaos 1/Saint Nicolas Bay FAQ
Is Ag. Nikolaos 1/Saint Nicolas Bay suitable for children?
Ag. Nikolaos 1/Saint Nicolas Bay has a child-friendly score of 3/10. Facilities include parking. It is Blue Flag certified in Greece.
Is Ag. Nikolaos 1/Saint Nicolas Bay free to access?
Access to Ag. Nikolaos 1/Saint Nicolas Bay is free. There are no entry fees to enter the beach. It is a Blue Flag certified beach in Region of Crete, Greece, recognised for meeting international standards for water quality and environmental management.
When is the best time to visit Ag. Nikolaos 1/Saint Nicolas Bay?
The best time to visit Ag. Nikolaos 1/Saint Nicolas Bay is September. The peak season typically runs High season: July, August, when weather conditions and facilities are at their best. Peak water temperature reaches around 26.3°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at Ag. Nikolaos 1/Saint Nicolas Bay?
Ag. Nikolaos 1/Saint Nicolas Bay is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict EU Bathing Water Directive standards. Water quality is rated Excellent. Blue Flag certification is awarded and reviewed annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Beaches must pass water quality tests throughout the season to retain their status.
How do I get to Ag. Nikolaos 1/Saint Nicolas Bay?
Ag. Nikolaos 1/Saint Nicolas Bay is located in Region of Crete, Greece. It is approximately 9.25 km from Agios Nikolaos Municipal Unit. The nearest airport is Heraklion International "Nikos Kazantzakis" Airport (HER), 50.9 km away. By car is the most flexible option. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules to the area.
Is there a bus near Ag. Nikolaos 1/Saint Nicolas Bay?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps a public-transport stop 271 m from Ag. Nikolaos 1/Saint Nicolas Bay (Bus stop), plus 3 more within about 500 m. Check current timetables before you travel. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Are there cafés near Ag. Nikolaos 1/Saint Nicolas Bay?
Yes. OpenStreetMap lists 5 cafés or restaurants near Ag. Nikolaos 1/Saint Nicolas Bay, including κρικρι (44 m), The Minotaure (209 m), Labyrinthos (214 m), and 224 m away. Hours and seasonal opening are not verified here. Check on the day. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there parking near Ag. Nikolaos 1/Saint Nicolas Bay?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps parking 206 m from Ag. Nikolaos 1/Saint Nicolas Bay, with 5 lots or spaces inside about 500 m. Charges and time limits are not recorded here. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Explore More
Nearby Blue Flag Beaches
Editorial
From the Zeach Blog
Everything you need to know about what makes a beach qualify for Blue Flag status, from water quality to environmental education.
Read moreOur editorial team's pick of the standout Blue Flag beaches in Greece, rated for family friendliness, scenery, and facilities.
Explore GreeceWhat the flag actually means, how certification works, and why a Blue Flag is a genuinely reliable signal, not just a marketing tool.
Read moreSources
- Foundation for Environmental Education: Blue Flag programme
- FEE site listing for Ag. Nikolaos 1/Saint Nicolas Bay
- Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (EEPF)
- European Environment Agency: bathing water quality
Last verified September 2026. National operator pages and FEE listings are the primary certification sources.