Weather Lowdown
Spring is finally starting to arrive in the resort town of Agios Nikolaos, part of the island of Crete, when April rolls around. The temperatures are rising quickly, the rainfall chances are falling, and the ocean waters are getting warmer. The average daily temperature goes above double digits, hitting 13°C (about 55°F), making it warm enough to get out and explore nearby areas like Ellinika.
The lows still drop down to 7°C (about 45°F), but typically it only gets that cold at night; during the day it's nice enough to get outside and see the sights. The high goes up to a pleasant 19°C (around 66°F), starting to really feel like spring, especially when compared to the temperatures in the UK. On the warmest days, you can get away with wearing a light jacket and maybe even shorts. For the other days, you'll want long-sleeve shirts and pants.
This month, you get an extra hour of sunshine each day from March, with an average of 9 hours of sunlight each day. You'll want to pack some sunscreen and sunglasses to protect your skin and eyes from the sun's rays. The rainfall chances start falling, with an average rainfall of 36 mm in the month. That amount of rain falls over 10 days in the month, so you can expect more dry days than rainy days.
The ocean temperatures continue to rise this month, averaging 15°C (about 59°F), still too chilly for swimming. You can definitely take a stroll down the beach and enjoy the longer days and warming temperatures.
Where to Stay
Offering family-friendly accommodations, the intimate Paradise Primavera Apartments sit in a beautiful setting of olive trees overlooking the ocean. You can choose the one, two, or three-bedroom option with bath, shower, wash closet, telephone, and kitchenette with fridge and cooktop. The rooms also have either a balcony or shared terrace. Hotel amenities include swimming pool, sun terrace, lounge chairs, and maid service.
The Creta Beach Hotel and Bungalows is set in a garden complete with palm trees and it offers high-end accommodations for your April holiday away. The quaint stone bungalows include access to beach and pool towels, cable and satellite television, maid service, en suite bathroom, air conditioning, mini bar, private balcony or terrace, and refrigerator. With the all-inclusive option, you get three daily meals, snacks, and drinks, as well as activities.
The family-run and family-owned Naiades Almiros River Hotel has a quiet location on the Almiros River and comfortable rooms. Along with being only 2 km from the center of town, the hotel is near Almiros Beach. Room options include twin, double, triple, and quadruple bedded rooms, as well as larger family suites. For meals, choose the bed and breakfast, half board, or full board options.
Things to Do
Once the sun has gone down, head out to the beach with the ONE Group, who brings you The Sky at Night event. During this time, you use powerful telescopes and charts of the stars and planets to view the beautiful night sky. The guides help you understand what you're seeing and explain many of the Greek myths and legends told about the stars and constellations.
Explore the waters in the bay on a semi-submarine ride during the warming April days. The Semi-Submarine Boat takes you on an hour and 20-minute adventure to view the underwater life from submerged windows. The air-conditioned viewing area is comfortable and allows you to see sea creatures, as well as the underwater landscapes all over Mirabello Bay.
Wander down to the Porto, or port area of Agios Nikolaos, and watch the ships and yachts coming in and out of the harbor. The crystal blue water provides a beautiful backdrop to stroll along the water. You can stop in for a quick bite or drink at one of the numerous cafes that line the shore.
Eating and Drinking Out
Tucked away in the center of town, Archontiko is a laid-back café serving up Greek favorites. The menu includes dishes like cheese pastries, moussaka, Greek salad, pork souvlaki, and gyros. It's a popular spot for locals to stop in and enjoy a cup of coffee and a game of chess or backgammon. With outdoor and indoor seating, you can enjoy your snack or meal year-round.
The Kri Kri Taverna has a menu full of European cuisines and sits in a quiet part north of the town of Agios Nikolaos. Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late night, the restaurant has a full bar and the friendly owners make sure you feel at home during your meal. The restaurant accepts reservations and also has free Wi-Fi if you need to connect with the outside world.
With beautiful blue decor and airy atmosphere, Maistrali provides a great place to enjoy a date night out. The restaurant has indoor seating, as well as an outdoor deck across the street to enjoy light snacks and drinks. After your Greek meal, follow it up with the free dessert like yogurt with cherries, apple tart, or pastry or another glass of red or white wine.
