Weather Lowdown
As the hottest month of the year, July welcomes visitors with hot, steamy temperatures and low rainfall chances. Guests also get longer days to get outside and see the sights of Agios Nikolaos or head down to the beach for a day in the sun. Part of Greece, the resort town sees an average daily temperature of 25°C (about 77°F), plenty warm for outdoor and water activities.
The low temperature only drops to 18°C (around 64°F) and that temperature typically occurs in the overnight and early morning hours. During the day, the highs get up to a very warm 31°C (about 88°F), steamy and hot, but thanks to the breezes that blow across the island, the humidity stays low. Check out the local forecast before you head out to know for sure what to expect.
You'll definitely want to pack your short-sleeve shirts, shorts, and capris, as well as your tank tops and swimsuits. The sun beats down in the heat of the afternoon, so you'll also want to bring along sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Like June, July gets 12 hours of sunshine a day, allowing you plenty of time to get out and check out the town and the surrounding areas.
Don't worry about bringing your umbrella when you visit this month. The rainfall during July only amounts to 26 mm and only falls over an average of 5 days. Even if it does rain during your visit, the rainfall typically won't last long or be very heavy.
Feel free to enjoy the beautiful waters in Mirabello Bay that wash up to the beaches of the town. The average sea temperature during this month reaches a very warm 24°C (about 75°F). Splash around in the warm waters and then lay out on the warm sandy beaches of volcanic sand. It's also a great time to try some water sports such as scuba diving, snorkeling, and surfing.
Where to Stay
For a comfortable and affordable stay in Agios Nikolaos in Juy, check out the Mirabella Apartments. You'll get extra space with the studio rooms and apartments, as well as views of Mirabello Bay. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, push bikes, swimming pool, Jacuzzi, free parking, and pool bar serving breakfast, lunch, and snacks. The rooms all have air conditioning, a balcony or courtyard, kitchenette, and private bathroom.
The ultimate in luxury accommodations in Agios Nikolaos, St. Nicholas Bay Resort Hotel and Villas includes a wide variety of room choices and high-end amenities. The rooms include family and deluxe rooms, executive and two-bedroom suites, and private villas. All of the rooms come with a garden or sea view, and some have private pools. You'll also have access to seven bars and restaurants, the Poseidon Spa, fitness center, and open-air cinema.
Combining luxury accommodations with a family-friendly setting, Candia Park mimics a Cretan village with a central clock square. Accommodations include sea front suites, sea view suites, and family apartments. All of the rooms sleep up to four people, except for the superior family apartment, which sleeps six. Hotel amenities include on-site restaurants and bars, water activities, excursions, kids' club, and spa.
Things to Do
If you want to take seeing the underwater sites to a new level, go on a dive tour with Pelagos Dive Center. The dive center is located at the Minos Beach Hotel and takes divers of all experience levels to various dive sites that include wrecks, slopes, reefs, and caverns. If you need to brush up on your skills, the center also offers different classes, from beginners to advanced.
With the July sun shining bright, it's a great time to explore the calm waters of Mirobella Bay on a jet ski, riding the crisp, clear, and blue waters. Several of the town's beaches, like Ammoudi Beach, have jet-ski rentals by the hour or day. Some of the resorts that sit right on the coast of Agios Nikolaos also have jet-ski rental facilities for guests to enjoy some time on the water.
July and August also welcome the Lato Cultural Festival in Agios Nikolaos. During the events, you'll experience live music, folk dancing, theater, rhyming couplet contests, and art exhibitions. The town brings in performers, artists, and musicians from the all over the island, as well as all over the world, to entertain festival goers.
Hit the Beach
Part of the Greek National Tourism Organization, the EOT Muncipal Beach is a pebbly beach found south of the town. The beach is surrounded by green grass and many large trees to provide shade in the heat of a July day. With warm water temperatures, averaging 24°C (about 75°F), it's a good place to swim. If you get bored laying out and swimming, the beach also has mini golf to help you pass the time.
Just past Almyros Beach, Ammoudara Beach is another popular option, especially in July and August. You can rent umbrellas and lounge chairs here and if you need a bite to eat, several taverns are located nearby. Directly across the street you'll find a supermarket to get supplies for a picnic lunch, dinner, or snack on the beach.
Eating and Drinking Out
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.
Walking up to the front of the Stavrakakis Restaurant in Agios Nikolaos, you're greeted with beautiful pink flowering vines covering a traditional Cretan building. It's located outside the city in the tiny village of Exo Lakkonia and serves up local favorites. Your meal starts with fresh bread and breadsticks and olives and continues with dishes like dolmades, stewed pumpkin, Cretan sausage, and yogurt with stewed quinces.
Set up high in the hills overlooking Agios Nikolaos, Rousapidia has several private balconies that give you sweeping views of the island. The balconies are also great for families or larger groups to have some privacy. The restaurant is a great stop when heading into or out of the city to explore the island and has a menu with American and Greek dishes.
