Eating
One of our favorite parts of St. Nicolas Bay is the food! The hotel has an incredible array of fruits, classic Greek cuisine, and treats.
With 5 different restaurants and 3 bars, room service, cafes, and sitting or relaxing areas to choose from - the spacious estate of the hotel provides choices of food, mood, and style according to just how you feel, just what you want at that moment.
Culinary options are great with these five superb restaurants to choose from different cuisine from Greek, Cretan, Mediterranean, French, Sushi Japanese, Asian, and International.
Breakfast is served at the Club House by the pool and is American Buffet style. If you would like, room-service breakfast is available, served on your private terrace.
Breakfast is served on a beautiful terrace overlooking the pool and bay, so you can enjoy your morning with the sea breeze and warm sun shining on you.
St. Nicolas Bay Resort Hotel & Villas follows an Eco-Friendly culinary philosophy and practices as from Summer Season 2012. It uses its private BIO Vegetables Garden for selected seasonal products in its plot within the Hotel grounds. Special Menu exclusively with BIO Products at the Kafenion restaurant daily.
Kitchen Lab: weekly Cooking Courses by hotel's Executive Chef with authentic recipes of selected Greek Food to prepare them at home and surprise your guests.
- Club House Breakfast Restaurant :
Breakfast served on the Club House terrace offers a sumptuous American buffet featuring hot dishes, freshly baked bread, pastries, cheeses, local fruits, and vegetables as well as a corner featuring authentic Cretan products and specialties.
Enjoy a serene start to your day as you savor the freshness of the sea breeze, the charm of the flowers, and the entrancing view of Mirabello Bay.
Indoor and outdoor service at the spacious Garden Terrace. Open kitchen for hot breakfast prepared in order as you like it. Beautifully decorated lounge and a spacious terrace overlooking the pool and the sea at Mirabello Gulf.
Opening/Closing Times: 07.45 – 11.00 hrs
Child Restrictions: No
Table Reservations: Not required.
- Blue Bay Restaurant :
Here you can enjoy excellent Mediterranean and Asian dishes overlooking Mirabello Bay. An all-day menu includes healthy salads, snacks, vegetarian dishes, and other daily specials perfect for a light lunch. Cocktails, drinks, sandwiches, ice creams, fresh fruit juices are served all day around the pool and on the beach.
In the evening Blue Bay and its new jetty music - bar extension at the water’s edge, is transformed into a vibrant cocktail bar with a relaxed ambiance created by chandeliers, cool martinis, tropical cocktails, and sparkling champagne.
Opening/Closing Times: 11.00 – 19.00 hrs
Child Restrictions: No
Table Reservations: Not required
- Labyrinthos Restaurant & Elies :
As the sun sets, the chef recommends a deluxe buffet of hor d’oeuvres, fresh salads, starters, and main courses. Enjoy local and international cuisine in addition to a selection of specialties from the open–kitchen corner plus an extensive array of desserts and seasonal fruit.
The new Labyrinthos restaurant veranda offers excellent views of the pool and surroundings.
Children’s menus are available every day at “baby” prices.
Opening/Closing Times: 19.45 – 22.00
Child Restrictions: No
Table Reservations: Not required
- The Greek Kafenion :
Enjoy the delights of an outdoor BBQ kitchen, various authentic Cretan dishes with virgin Olive Oil, and excellent seafood from the Mirabello Bay at The Greek Kafenion on the beach.
Genuine local hospitality and live music create a charming Greek atmosphere just a few steps from the beach.
Opening/Closing Times: 20.00 – 22.30
Child Restrictions: No
Table Reservations: Required
- Minotaure Restaurant :
The “Minotaure” next to the Pool is an exclusive place for the intimate candlelight dinner under the stars. Asian and International innovative cuisine plus a rich selection from the Worldwide Cellar.
Cuisine & Information: Fine a la Carte Dining with the very best of Fresh Local Produce and Fresh Fish in a superb blend of Mediterranean Fine Cuisine with Temporary Influences, Japanese Sushi Menu plus an extensive Wine List from Greek & International Vineyards.
Opening/Closing Times: 20.00 – 22.30
Child Restrictions: No
Table Reservations: Required
- The Astra Bar :
The Astra Bar Terrace is overlooking the Minotaure Lagoon Pool and the blinking lights of Aghios Nikolaos's old fishing port.
The ideal place to socialize, enjoy glorious sunsets, and your favorite drinks while listening to soft Piano music.
Open daily from 17.00 hrs – 01.00 hrs.
- The Blue Bay Beach & Pool Bar :
Enjoy excellent Mediterranean and Asian dishes overlooking Mirabello Bay. An all-day menu includes healthy salads, snacks, vegetarian dishes, and other daily specials perfect for a light lunch. Cocktails, drinks, sandwiches, ice creams, fresh fruit juices are served all day around the pool and on the beach.
In the evening Blue Bay and its new jetty music - bar extension at the water’s edge, is transformed into a vibrant cocktail bar with a relaxed ambiance created by chandeliers, cool martinis, tropical cocktails, and sparkling champagne.
Open daily from 11.00 hrs – 19.00 hrs.
- Bonaccia Jetty Beach Bar :
When the Sun is setting down enjoy unusual Cocktails and trendy musical hits at the water’s edge.
Open daily from 11.00 hrs – 24.00 hrs for Cool Drinks, Coffee & Unusual Cocktails.
Dress code in all Restaurants: Enjoy the experience of elegant dining ambiance and choose to dress elegantly when dining in restaurants. Jacket & tie are not mandatory and are welcome casual and chic attire such as the tailor-fit Bermudas but shorts or beachwear are not permitted for dinner.
Kids
Kids of all ages are welcome at St. Nicolas Bay Resort Hotel & Villas.
St. Nicolas Bay Resort Hotel & Villas welcomes Kids at the Hotel's Mini Club every day from 10.00 in the morning up to 18.00 in the evening. The complimentary Kids program is available for children from 4 to 11 years old under the supervision of dedicated and fully certified staff.
Babies less than four years old are welcome but must attend with a parent or guardian.
Baby sitters can be provided by the resort at a fee (advanced booking required)
At home cinema lounge shows twice every day (afternoon and early evening) well-known movies for children and adults
The Games Room includes table tennis and Play Station.
Children’s menus and high chairs provided in all restaurants, except “Minotaure” restaurant by the pool
Room service for kids early dining and special baby food is available upon request
Complimentary baby cots.
Interconnecting rooms and family suites, club suites, and villas with private pool for families up to 6 persons.
The St. Nicolas Bay Resort Hotel fully serviced private beach has been distinguished with an EU Blue Flag rating. The protected sandy cove is ideal for kids and their parents alike.
Children can enjoy a seawater paddling pool next to the large outdoor swimming pool just a few steps from the sea.
Activities
What's around when you wish to see the sights?
- At the Hotel’s Art Gallery “Argonaftis” a permanent exhibition of a wide range of paintings and sculptures and art crafts of well-known Greek artists. Also, every summer the St. Nicolas Bay Hotel management organizes a theme exhibition inviting more than one artist to show their latest work.
- St. Nicolas Bay, presents the history and tradition of Crete at its “Cretan Museum” through a rich selection of colorful rugs, pottery, and old-style handcrafts.
- Hotel's Water Sports Center offers guests a variety of watersports including scuba diving, water skiing (by certified professionals), water skiing lessons, windsurfing, canoes, banana, jet ski.
- Feeling active, enjoy two different routes across the magnificent peninsula and the St. Nicolas Bay coast.
- Agios Nikolaos itself provides all the shops from clothes and gifts to news, book and paraphernalia shops to cafes, attractive bars above and around the "lake" and harbor to a range of restaurants covering many tastes.
- Enjoy an amazing cruise and explore every bit of the Kolokytha’s gulfs. You will dive into the crystal clear water of Mirabello Bay, rest in the golden beach, visit Spinalonga Island and swim to the unique pebbled seashore of the picturesque village of Plaka.
- Or an alternative option could be a Sea Kayak exploration of this unique, great place.
- Explore and you can visit villages on the road to Sitia - one of the most scenic coastal roads anywhere. The fine monastery of Toplou beyond Sitia merits a visit....perhaps with a pause in Sitia itself. In the other direction pass through Elounda and carry on to Plaka for fresh fish at the water's edge, with the Pasolini-esque view of Spinalonga island opposite.
- Explore the traditional Cretan villages of Kritza and Mochlos and enjoy a lovely lunch as both are famous for this. At Kritsa Village a worth visit is the archaeological site of the ancient city of Lato one of Crete's few non-Minoan ancient sties. And why not ... here at Kritsa Village, you can order a pair of Cretan boots for postal delivery at Detorakis one of the best shoemakers.
- From Kritsa it is a 16km climb up to the spectacular Katharo Plateau, which is cultivated by people from Kritsa, some of whom have homes here.
- The area around Elounda offers excellent diving ... or Snorkeling in some ruins of the sunken ancient city of Olous, remaining in the sea.
- A list of Top 10 Must-See Attractions:
1. Archaeological Museum of Aghios Nikolaos
With beautiful antiquities from the Minoan Civilization and the Palace of Zarkos east Crete.
2. Byzantine Church of Aghios Nikolaos
The oldest Byzantine Church in Crete 7th century with beautiful frescoes at the entrance of the Hotel.
3. Village of Kritsa and “Panagia Kera”
Byzantine church. A very beautiful untouched village only 10 km from Aghios Nikolaos. The famous church of the Virgin Mary with unique architecture and beautiful frescoes and old icons.
4. The Plateau of Lassithi
The mountain of Lassithi and the Plateau of the Wind Mills with the cave “Diktaion Andron” where Zeus, King of Olympic Gods, was born.
5. Spinaloga island with the Venetian Castle
A beautiful excursion by boat in Mirabello Bay.
6. Kri – Kri Island
Just across the bay 2 miles from the Hotel. A natural reserve of the rare wild Cretan goat Kri – Kri.
7. The ruins of the Minoan Palace of Malia
The ruins of the Minoan Palace of Malia and the excavation site.
8. The Byzantine Monastery of Toplou
The Byzantine Monastery of Toplou nearby Sitia Town with a famous icon collection unique in the world. Producer of excellent wine, Virgin Olive Oil, and Cretan Raki.
9. The Knossos Palace
Home of the legendary King Minos with the Labyrinth and the King’s treasures at the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion. A unique collection of frescoes, paintings, jewelry of the Minoan civilization 2000b.c.
10. The Beaches of Vai (palm beach) and Palaikastro
Both awarded by the European Union among the 100 best beaches in the world.
About 3km north of Vai is the ancient Minoan site of Itanos, It may appear fairly desolate today, but this was an important site.
More uplifting activities in East Crete!
House Rules
- Check-in: 14.00 pm
- Check out: 12.00 pm
- Minimum Stay: 2-3 nights, depending on the season
- Payment Policy: Please check here
- Cancellation Policy: Please check here
MHTE: 1040K015A0069100
How To Get There
St. Nicolas Bay Resort Hotel & Villas is ideally situated in a privileged setting - overlooking the Mirabello Bay, at Agios Nikolaos, Crete.
- By Air
From April through October there are direct charter and scheduled flights to Heraklion airport (61km). Tickets can be bought in advance for almost all flights via our partner website.
- By Sea
The journey is the thing". A superb way of enjoying the journey to Crete is to fly to Athens and take the ferry from Piraeus (Pireas) - the port serving Athens. A still-romantic way to travel by the overnight ferry from Piraeus to Heraklion Port (62km from the Hotel). Tickets can be bought in advance for all ferries via our partner website.
- By Car
If you want to explore the region while you're here, we recommend that you rent a car, other means of transport are limited and/or infrequent. We suggest our sister website Crete-Car-Rental.com, which offers competitive prices and you can collect your car at either airport.
- By Taxi
Book your taxi transfer online easily and safely from the airport or port to any location via our partner website.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through creteTravel.com
Facilities
- Dining: With 5 different restaurants and 3 bars, cafes, and sitting or relaxing areas to choose from - the spacious estate of the hotel provides choices of food, mood, and style according to just how you feel, just what you want at that moment
- Breakfast is served at the Club House by the pool and is American Buffet style. If you would like, room-service breakfast is available, served on your private terrace
- Recreational: Absolute Private Beach fully serviced and fully operational Water Sports Centre and Scuba Diving School plus Sailing Yacht to hire for private sea cruises
- Internet Access: Free WiFi throughout
- Swimming Pool: Two outdoor seawater pools, plus a separate children's pool. And one indoor freshwater pool, heated in April, May & October
- Spa Treatments: Indoor pool, a health club offering a variety of spa treatments with world-famous Elemi products, a fully equipped gym, sauna, jacuzzi, steam bath. If you would like information and prices for the available spa "packages", please let us know.
- Home Cinema: with complimentary movies
- Art Gallery: Every summer Hotel’s management organizes art exhibitions with some of the most well-known young Greek artists
- Complimentary Services: Beach towels, sunshades and sun loungers at the private Sandy beach and swimming pools, Games room with Table Tennis, Mini foot table, Play Station
- Water Sports center at the beach for water – ski, sailing, windsurfing, canoes, Scuba Diving School and boats to hire for private sea excursions
- Secretarial services (computer, fax, printer, copy machine) and Internet WiFi throughout
- Laundry, dry cleaning, and pressing services available with the same day delivery
- Shops: Boutique, Kiosk, and Gift shop open daily. Internet Café Lounge
- Concierge desk for car hire, excursions, exchange, flowers shop and all kind of business and social arrangements
- Children’s Club: Professionally supervised Mini Club for children 4 - 11 (daily except Sundays), Baby Sitting
- Disabled Access: Not suitable
- Pets: Pet’s accepted (Restrictions apply)
- Languages Spoken: Greek, English, German
- Parking: Complimentary parking and valet service
- Meetings/Functions: Receptions, Cocktails, Gala Dinners, Corporate Meetings up to 180 persons. The experienced professional team of St. Nicolas Bay Resort Hotel & Villas will take care of your function and every tailor-made request. Please let us know if you would like more information
- Weddings: arranged to perfection is a specialty of the St. Nicolas Bay Resort Hotel & Villas for many years. The idyllic beachfront location of the Hotel, the intimate and private atmosphere, and the beautiful gardens and natural surroundings are making the St. Nicolas Bay Resort Hotel & Villas the ideal spot for weddings. The Civil Wedding Ceremony can take place in the Courtyard of our Private Chapel at the Beachfront fully decorated. The hotel's wedding coordinator will arrange to perfect the wedding ceremony and all additional services needed like wedding cocktail and Wedding Dinner in private rooms or private lounge or restaurant exclusive for the wedding reception. Exciting Honeymoon Packages are offered with different options of Honeymoon Suites.