Weather Lowdown
Summer comes in full force in June in Agios Nikolaos with steadily rising temperatures and lower rain chances. You also get longer days to get outside and see the sites of the town and the surrounding areas like Istron and Kalo Chorio. The town expects an average daily temperature of 23°C (about 73°F), very pleasant for enjoying time on the beach or exploring local attractions.
During the evening and early morning hours, the lows drop down to 16°C (around 61°F), still warm enough to be outside, watching the sun set or relishing the sea breezes. During the heat of the day, the high temperatures get up to a steamy 29°C (about 84°F), definitely warm enough to get in the water and sunbathe on the beach.
Your suitcase can contain summer clothes like short-sleeved shirts, shorts, and capris. Some of the warmest days, you might even want tank tops or sundresses. You'll definitely want a swimsuit so you can get out on the beach, as well as sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen as the summer sun can be brutal on your skin. You'll get a whopping 12 hours of sunshine a day in which to enjoy the island.
The rainfall amounts this month are scant, with an average of 32 mm of rain falling over 6 days. With those chances, you probably won't need your umbrella, as any rain that occurs will be short-lived and light. It may even bring some relief from the hot sun.
The average sea temperature makes a huge jump from May to June, averaging 22°C (about 72°F) in June. The warm water is ideal for splashing around in the water or testing your skills with watersports like surfing, jet skiing, and stand-up paddleboarding. The Meltemi winds start up this month, creating windier days but also keeping the humidity down, making the conditions feel even better.
Where to Stay
The Minos Beach Art Hotel is the ideal getaway for couples wanting a private and scenic getaway in June. The five-star hotel has a waterfront location with views of the ocean and is surrounded by lush gardens and greenery. Other hotel amenities include restaurants, lounge bar, Aegeo Spa, daily activities, pool, and fitness center. Choose the double sea view room or garden view junior suite, or splurge on a seafront or waterfront bungalow.
Oozing class and opulence, the Daios Cove Resort and Luxury Villas provides guests with a true five-star experience. Along with impeccable service, you'll have access to a sea water infinity pool, private beach, watersports center, fitness facilities, tennis courts, daily and nightly entertainment, and excursion programs. The minimalist décor carries over to the rooms and suites with sea views and the private villas.
If you're looking for the amenities of a hotel with the privacy of a villa, Pleiades Villas fits the bill. Each of the nine private villas has its own personal pool and amazing views of Mirabello Bay. The villas come equipped with a full kitchen and you can arrange for free grocery delivery to stock it. Other amenities include daily cleaning services, airport transfers, car rentals, baby sitting services, and access to a chef and butler for breakfast or dinner in your villa.
Things to Do
Take advantage of the warm June temperatures and explore the waters around Agios Nikolaos on a Nostros Cruises day excursion. You can choose from the day tour that takes you to the island of Spinalonga, where you enjoy swimming and exploring. Nostros also has fishing charter trips that include swimming and a beach BBQ in Kolokitha Bay.
Head outside the city, to the east side of Crete and north of the Ditki mountain range to explore the Katharo Plain. While up there, you'll see snakes, lizards, hedgehogs, birds, and insects, as well as different flowers, shrubs, and trees. You can explore on your own, or sign up for a three-hour walking tour with a guide who can answer questions and provide facts about the area.
See the island towns and the surrounding area in a new way and rent an all-terrain vehicle from Crete Bike Rentals. Located in the town of Hersonissos, the company rents motorcycles, four-wheelers, dune buggies, dirt bikes, mini cars, and scooters. You can rent for the day or choose from the three and five-day rental packages to enjoy even more of the island.
Hit the Beach
One of the biggest beaches in Agios Nikolaos, Almyros Beach is only 2.5 km from the town center on the south side of town. The River Almyros ends at the beach, giving the beach its name. Thanks to the warm water temperatures that average 22°C (about 72°F) in June, it's popular with families. The shallow and calm waters also make it a perfect place for kids to swim. Other amenities include watersports facilities, canteen with snacks and drinks, and nearby restaurants and bars.
Also known as Municipal Beach, Kitroplateia Beach sits on the south side of the town, not far from the center of town. The sandy beach is great for sunbathing and swimming, and you can see the boats coming in and out of the nearby marina. You can rent umbrellas to protect yourself from the warm June sun and numerous restaurants and cafes are in the area for food options.
Eating and Drinking Out
Located west of the city, Gargadoros Taverna has an open and airy dining room where you can enjoy an authentic Greek and Mediterranean meal. Menu favorites include dolmades, which are stuffed vine leaves, seafood risotto, mussels, and antipasto plates. The restaurant's outdoor deck and patio overlooking the water also make it a good choice.
Toedeledokie Cafe Bar is a café during the daytime and at night a rocking music bar. The lunch menu features 15 different toasties ranging from feta to tuna to spicy curry. All the baguettes are made from a special recipe and the restaurant also has a whole-wheat version. If you just need a drink, the café serves beer all day, as well as coffees, sodas, wines, cocktails, and milkshakes.
With a courtyard full of lush greenery, beautiful trees and colorful blue and white décor with checkered tablecloths, Avli Taverna in Agios Nikolaos has a true Mediterranean feel. It's open for lunch and dinner and serves local Cretan dishes, as well as traditional Greek cuisine. It's located in the heart of the town, just north of the lake, convenient to many hotels.
