Agios Nikolaos is the capital of Lasithi Municipality and it is located in the north coastline of Crete, in the west side of Meramvello bay.Its name comes from the Byzantine small church which is situated in Agios Nikolaos bay.Earlier, it was called Mantraki, as there were many yards with goats that overwintered.Another known naming that still use the residents of the village around is Gialos.

Among the most important sights of the island is Spinaloga.It is about a barricaded island which was used as a leprosy hospital.Now some of its buildings and houses are preserved as archeological places and there are tourist agencies that transfer tourists to the island by boat from Elouda, Plaka and Agios Nikolaos and there a guided tour at specific parts of the island where the access is permitted takes place.

At the most beautiful beaches of the area is unboudtedly Vai beach, known as Foinikodasos which lies 25 km east of Siteia and 94 km east of the town of Agios Nikolaos. Vai provides the biggest known palm forest in Europe, to an extent of 250 sq km consisting of 5.000 palm trees.The magic and the tropical images that compound this landscape, is the reason why the beach attracts hundreds of visitors.

One more popular beach of the area is that of Istros, which is located 12 km south of Agios Nikolaos town, on the way to Ierapetra. The azure waters, the white sand and the green slopes that surround it make a breathtaking landscape of natural beauty.Even though the beach is partially organized with deck chairs and canteens makes an ideal chilling destination.

The most popular beach of the area is the cosmopolitan Elounda which is 11 km north of Agios Nikolaos town. Elounda is one of the most popular tourist resort in Crete, though the landscape continues to keep its authentic beauty and its virgin character.

The visitor comes here only for nudism and seek privacy.Apart from the crystal waters and the golden sand, the visitor can find many places to eat or drink and water sports facilities.