Weather Lowdown
The end of year means rapidly dropping temperatures, steady rain amounts, and dwindling daylight hours in Agios Nikolaos. The resort is part of the island of Crete and in the month of December it sees an average daily temperature of 7°C (about 45°F). Visiting during this time guarantees you'll get no crowds, but you'll also have to contend with cold weather. Still, it's probably still a better winter than you'll get in the UK or the rest of Europe.
The lows drop down to 3°C (about 37°F), making for some cold nights. The highs reach just into the double digits, with an average high temperature of 11°C (around 52°F). When packing for a trip to this resort at this time of the year, you'll want to be sure to bring along a heavy coat or jacket, warm sweaters, long-sleeve shirts, and pants. You may even want boots, gloves, and a hat, especially if you're heading inland to the mountains and higher elevations, where snow is possible.
During the day, the area gets only 5 hours of sunshine per day, so you'll want to plan accordingly and see any outdoor attractions during the middle of the day. Expect around 53 mm of rainfall this month as well, falling over 11 days. Unfortunately, December is the resort's second rainiest month behind November, so you'll want to be prepared with an umbrella or poncho.
The ocean water is chilly too this time of year, with an average sea temperature of 16°C (about 61°F). You probably won't be venturing into the water unless you're well-prepared with the right wet or dry suit and proper gear. Thankfully, the winds are light this time of year, after the Meltemi winds that blew through during the summer, and you don't have to worry about cold breezes.
Where to Stay
Built into the side of a hill and offering up panoramic views of the bay and town, the Manos Apartments have studios and apartments. The studios and standard apartments hold up to four people, while the superior apartments can accommodate up to five people. Hotel amenities include swimming pool for adults and one for kids, snack bar with breakfast, snacks, and cocktails.
The stark-white exterior of the Dimitra Apartments provide the perfect backdrop for your Cretan holiday away in December. The Mediterranean feel continues throughout the hotel to the sparkling swimming pool, lush greenery, and scenic views of the bay. The apartments have either two bedrooms with four twin beds or one double and two twin beds. All have a kitchenette, balconies, air conditioning, and maid service twice a week.
The Hotel Almiros Beach offers affordable rooms and a family-friendly setting. Along with beach access and a large swimming pool, the hotel also offers kids' activities and an outdoor play area for young guests. Other amenities include a terrace with bay views, restaurant and bar, air conditioning in all the rooms, free Wi-Fi, and free parking. You can also utilize the concierge services to plan your time on the island and help with sightseeing questions.
Things to Do
Head inside in the cold December air and get some Christmas shopping done at Chez Sonia, a shop located on the main drag in Agios Nikolaos near the port. The shop sells a variety of high-quality and handmade items like jewelry, textiles, and household goods. You can get hand-painted dishes, handwoven clothing, and wood-carved pieces. The shop owners speak English and can help you choose the right gift.
The Milatos Cave is located just outside the village of Milatos and its entrance faces the beautiful Milatos Bay. There is a parking lot at the cave for your convenience and you'll want to bring along your own flashlights to explore the depths of the cavern. Inside is a church, built in 1935 to honor the Cretan residents who lost their lives to the Turks during the invasion.
While the island slows down during the Christmas season in December, you can still find plenty of restaurants and bars open, serving up Christmas meals in a festive atmosphere. You'll see lots of Christmas decorations throughout the city and several local churches hold Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services.
Eating and Drinking Out
The Bar Bistro Obelix is one of the only restaurants in the Agios Nikolaos area to serve authentic British and English fare. From the burgers to the fish and chips, you'll find many of your favorite pub dishes. The bar also has a good beer selection so you can drink and hang out with friends while catching a football or rugby match on one of the televisions.
For a change of pace for lunch or dinner, Rice and Noodles has a menu of Chinese and Asian specialties. You can enjoy the restaurant's namesake rice and noodles, as well as ginger and spring onion, pork fried rice, and prawn crackers. The huge portions and low prices make it a popular choice, as does its convenient location near the center of Agios Nikolaos.
Ble Katsarolakia, found in the nearby village of Elounda, has several outdoor spaces to enjoy the amazing ocean views and breezes. From the colorful garden to the outdoor balcony, you'll be surrounded by vibrant colors in the landscaping, table settings, and décor. The menu includes Greek and Cretan meals, including appetizers, salads, entrees, and desserts.
