Weather Lowdown
The weather in March in Agios Nikolaos, Crete stays pretty steady from the previous couple of months, with cool temperatures. Thankfully, the rain amounts start decreasing, so even though it's chilly, you get drier days. The average daily temperature during the month is 9°C (about 48°F), not too chilly but not warm by any means. The low will still hit in the single digits, with an average of 4°C (around 39°F). During this time you'll experience highs that reach up to 14°C (about 57°F).
As your packing for your trip, bring along a heavier coat or jacket, as well as long-sleeved shirts, pants, and warm shoes. If you'll be exploring the inlands and the mountains, you'll also want a good pair of snow boots and warm gloves and a hat. Snow is still possible this month in the higher elevations.
Just like nearby Kritsa, the resort area gets 8 hours of sunshine a day, plenty of time to get outside and explore the town. The full day of sunlight allows you plenty of time to see the sights of the island. The rainfall amounts stay steady at 46 mm, falling over 9 days in the month. You'll probably want to bring along an umbrella just in case one or more of those days fall during your visit and check the forecast. Overall though, you'll have a good chance of having mostly dry days.
It's still not warm enough to swim in the ocean this time of the year, with average sea temperatures of 14°C (around 57°F). On some of the warmer days at the end of the month, it may be nice enough to at least explore the beach, but unless you're suited up in wet gear, you'll want to avoid the water. Fortunately, the winds this time of year have died down and so you won't have to deal with breezy days.
Where to Stay
The Blue Marine Resort and Spa Hotel offers five-star, all-inclusive accommodations with double rooms, family rooms, and suites with ocean or mountain views. The resort has two swimming pools, including one whimsical fish-shaped one, kids' pool, and private beach with bar, swimming platform, sunbeds, umbrellas, and beach massages. You can dine at the main restaurant, a la carte restaurant, or one of the four bars.
With amazing views of the bay and a convenient location between Agios Nikolaos and Elounda, Kalithea Apartments offer spacious accommodations for your March vacation. For even more convenience, the bus route stops right in front of the hotel complex. The 30 studio apartments have room for one to five people and all have telephone, bathroom and shower, kitchenette, and balcony or veranda. Some also come with air conditioning for those warmer days.
With 34 apartments and studio rooms, the Alantha Apartments are great for guests wanting some extra space and privacy or those traveling with a group. All rooms come with open kitchen that's fully equipped, satellite television, private bathroom, and large balcony with table and chairs. Hotel amenities include maid service, roof-top swimming pool, terrace bar, Wi-Fi, game rooms with billiards and table tennis, and taxi transfers.
Things to Do
Toward the end of March, the temperatures finally start to head upward and welcome in spring. Take advantage of the warmer and longer days and head down to the Agios Nikolaos Marina and watch the various watercraft come in and out of the city. If you're lucky enough to own a boat, you can keep it in the marina for anywhere from a few hours to a few months.
A highlight for tourists, the Cretan Olive Oil Farm allows you to see the process of creating olive oil, which has been done on the island for hundreds of years. The tour of the farm includes a look at the traditional wine press, Raki distillery, sun-dried tomatoes station, and olive farm. Along with growing olives, the farm also produced medicinal herbs and has a ceramics shop and farm animals.
You can catch the latest new releases and movies at the Rex Theater and Cinema near the center of Agios Nikolaos. Along with movies and films, the theater also plays host to stage shows, concerts, and other events. It's conveniently located close to the lake and numerous restaurants and bars to enjoy a bite to eat and drinks before or after a show.
Eating and Drinking Out
The Patriko Taverna is a good choice for families and those on a budget with its varied menu and affordable prices. Located on Anoudi Beach with great views of the sea, the restaurant has high chairs available, free Wi-Fi, full bar, and outdoor seating. Many of the dishes are freshly prepared on a grill and the cuisine ranges from Mediterranean to Greek to seafood.
One of the most popular restaurants in Agios Nikolaos, Piato has a menu full of Mediterranean and Greek dishes. While there, you not only get to enjoy amazing food, you get incredible views of the Cretan sea from the restaurant's indoor and outdoor seating. Open for late lunch, dinner, and for late night, you can also find a wide selection of wines, beers, and cocktails from the full bar.
With oven-fired pizzas and authentic Italian pasta dishes, Sirocco offers a different cuisine from the Greek dishes served all over the town of Agios Nikolaos. Another must-eat on the menu is the olive bread and fresh salads, all made-to-order for you to enjoy. While there, you'll enjoy views of the marina and a beautiful garden setting, with flowers starting to bloom in the spring.
