Weather Lowdown
The weather for February in Agios Nikolaos, a part of Greece, improves slightly over the weather in January, but not by much. The average daily temperature reaches up to 7°C (about 45°F), warm enough to be outside if you're properly dressed, but definitely not warm enough to spend too much time near the water. The lows still drop to 2°C (about 36°C), just above freezing, and the highs reach to 11°C (around 52°F).
Those lower temperatures mean that the inland areas in the mountains can still get snow, so if you plan on venturing off the resort and in that direction, come prepared. You'll want a heavy jacket, boots, warm gloves, and a hat. If you're staying in and around the town, a coat or jacket will suffice. You'll also want long-sleeved shirts, sweaters, pants, and warm socks. At night, after the sun goes down, it gets a little chilly, so you might want extra clothes if you'll be out and about during those times.
You get one more hour of sunshine each day from January, with an average of 6 hours a day. Plan on taking advantage of the museums, churches, and other indoor activities when visiting this time of the year. It's also a good time to hop from café to café, enjoying the amazing Greek food many serve.
The rainfall chances stay steady with 40 mm of rain falling on average over 7 days in the month. The chance for a windy day stays at 20 percent, so even though it's cool, you won't have to worry too much about cold winds. You'll probably want to stay out of the water though, as the average sea temperature only reaches 14°C (about 57°F). Pretty chilly unless you're extra brave and have the right cold-water gear to get into the water.
Where to Stay
Found on the coast of Mirobella Bay, the Coral Hotel has a location near the town of Agios Nikolaos. You can choose from a double or twin guest room with either ocean, atrium, or town view. The rooms come with satellite television, air conditioning, mini fridge, wireless internet, and a balcony. Guests also enjoy a rooftop pool, terrace bar, laundry services, library, fitness center, dive center, and organized excursions. There are also several on-site bars and restaurants to enjoy.
The Angeliki's Apartments is a good choice for budget-minded travelers looking for comfortable rooms with basic amenities. The rooms come with a private bathroom, television, air conditioning, fridge, and safe. The common living room has satellite television for all the guests to enjoy. The beautiful Mediterranean setting with stucco siding, flowering vines, and sweeping views, provides the perfect backdrop for your holiday in February.
Outside the town of Agios Nikolaos, in the village of Istron, Elpida Village was built in the sloping hills, giving you amazing views of Mirabello Bay. The resort has a central square and luscious gardens. Room choices include twin, family, single, and superior rooms, as well as one and two-bedroom family apartments. You'll appreciate the hotel's amenities like free beach shuttles, on-site restaurant and bar, laundry services, game room, and swimming pool.
Things to Do
A new addition to the town, the Cornucopia Statue sits right on the coast overlooking Mirobella Bay. The statue honors Greek mythology and features large horns made from metal frames and green glass. According to Greek mythology, Crete was a goat that received milk from the god Zeus. The statue honors the goat, called Amalhteia, and the myth of the island.
The Gournia archeological site allows you to explore ancient ruins and get a taste of what early life was like on the island of Crete. Located outside the city, the site has a bus stop only minutes from the entrance, or you can get there by car. While there, you'll see 50 well-preserved houses, cobbled streets, central court, palace, and cemetery, all from the Late Bronze Age.
Right on the coastline of the town, The Olive Tree and Cretan Flavor shops sell a wide variety of Cretan goods and souvenirs. At both places you can find homemade goods, food products, artwork, and island specialties like herbs and olive oil. Both shop owners are helpful and friendly, and can help you find just the right item to take home to remember your trip.
Eating and Drinking Out
Open for lunch and dinner, The Sailor sits right on the shore and serves up Mediterranean and seafood dishes that bring guests back again and again. Enjoy the view from the outside seating while you sip on a cool drink. Guests with special culinary needs will appreciate the vegan and vegetarian options and flexibility of the cook to modify dishes.
Found around the lake in the center of town, Karnagio has a menu full of Greek and Mediterranean favorites like gyros and meze to satisfy your cravings. Other menu choices range from appetizers to entrees and include crab salad, liver, chicken kebabs, fried cheese, mussels, and fried courgettes. The portions are huge and the prices affordable, making it popular with tourists and locals.
With a colorful and comfortable atmosphere, L'Indien Restaurant comes to Crete directly from Paris, bringing along authentic Indian food to the island's residents and visitors. The restaurant overlooks the water, providing a scenic backdrop for enjoying traditional Indian dishes like samosas, homemade Naan bread, tandoori, basmati rice, and chicken, lamb, and seafood curry.
