Agios Nikolaos (or Aghios Nikolaos) is a coastal town on the Greek island of Crete . It is east of the island's capital Heraklion , north of the town of Ierapetra and west of the town of Sitia. In the year 2000 the Municipality of Agios Nikolaos which includes part of the surrounding villages counted about 19,000 inhabitants. Agios Nikolaos is the capital of the nomos (province) of Lasithi. The name Agios Nikolaos means Saint Nikolas . The stress lies on the third syllable of the word "Nikolaos". Note that Agios Nikolaos or Ayios Nikolaos (alternative transliterations of the Greek  Άγιος Νικόλαος) is a common place name in Greece and Cyprus since Saint Nicholas is the patron saint of sailors and of all of Greece.

Agios Nikolaos is probably best known as a tourist town that serves as a hub to the twenty or so small villages and farms that make up that part of Lassithi. Tourist attractions include the small lagoon Lake Voulismeni , small beaches in the town, the tiny island Agioi Pantes, the archaeological museum, the local flora exhibition “Iris” and numerous fairs.
Tourism is mainly west european with Greek tourism concentrating in mid August. The lagoon features a small park with a trail, traditional fishing boats, ducks, pigeons, an amphitheatre and many cafes . Agios Nikolaos is accessible from the mainland and the whole of Europe through Nikos Kazantzakis airport and many daily ferry services in Heraklion .
Two ships connect Aghios Nikolaos daily with the ports of Piraeus and Dodecanese. Recently the town became host of a department of a Technological Educational Institute (TEI) with tourism related courses

Agios Nikolaos lake is its most charming feature. Legend suggests that Athena and Armetis bathed in its waters. This lake is connected to the sea by a straight channel, while its natural surroundings of red rock and trees attract the visitor magnetically. At a small open-air theatre by the lake, locals and visitors alike can enjoy interesting artistic and cultural presentations. A walk around the shops of Agios Nikolaos is an enjoyable experience. In the many stores the visitor can find a wide selection of traditional Cretan artwork, copies of pieces from different archaeological museums, jewelry, and embroidery. There are also many examples of woven goods and Byzantine icons. There are bustling cafeterias, charming coffeehouses and taverns serving traditional Cretan “mesedes” or tidbits of local food.

You can find innumerable opportunities for night-time entertainment at a variety of bars and discos. Visit the outdoor summer cinema ”Christina” where the surrounding walls are covered by honeysuckle, or find other places of entertainment where genuine Cretan feasts are always accompanied by local wine or strong raki. A high quality and range of athletic facilities provides professional athletes and sports fans, and local and visiting amateur athletes with the opportunity to get involved in any sports. There is a football pitch, tennis, volleyball and basketball courts, beach volley facilities, mini-golf and swimming pools, all providing the opportunity for exercise and fun