Weather Lowdown
By this time of the year, the temperatures in Agios Nikolaos have dropped considerably, with an average daily temperature of 16°C (about 61°F). The weather in October for this resort on the island of Crete, sees lower temperatures, more rainfall, and less sunlight each day. But, don't count it out as a place to visit; the crowds from the summer have died down and the weather is still pleasant compared to autumn in the UK.
When visiting this time of year, you'll see lows that drop down to 11°C (about 52°F), chilly but fortunately it typically only gets that low at night and in the early morning hours. The highs still reach up to 21°C (around 70°F), an ideal temperature for exploring the island and trying some more active endeavors like hiking and mountain biking.
With autumn in full swing on the island, you'll want to pack accordingly, bringing a light jacket or sweater. During the day, you'll probably want to wear long pants and light-weight long-sleeve shirts, although on some of the warmer days, you can still wear shorts and short-sleeved shirts. Even though this month only sees about 7 hours of sunshine each day, you'll still want to bring along the sunscreen to protect your skin.
Like the nearby resort of Ellinika, Agios Nikolaos gets about 41 mm of rainfall this month, an increase from the drier summer months. The average number of rainfall days is 8, so you'll at least have a good chance of having more dry days than rainy ones. Bring along the umbrella just in case though, to make sure you're prepared.
Even though the outside air temperatures are starting to drop, the sea temperatures are staying steady. The average sea temperature for this month is 21°C (about 70°F), which will feel pretty good when you're in the water. When you get out however, it'll feel pretty chilly, as the water temperature and air temperature are nearly the same.
Where to Stay
Sister property to the Alantha Apartments, the Alantha Villa provides even more space and privacy for your October getaway. The two-story home has three double bedrooms, two bathrooms, living room with fireplace, veranda, and swimming pool. The full kitchen has a dishwasher, microwave, oven, fridge, and freezer. You also have access to a whirlpool, lounge chairs, Wi-Fi, garage, maid service, satellite television, and washing machine.
Located in the heart of Agios Nikolaos, Santa Marina Hotel offers convenience and affordable rooms. The hotel sits only 600 m from Voulismeni Lake and only 50 m from the beach. The 198 rooms have private bathrooms, balconies, air conditioning, mini fridges, and satellite TV. Guests are also treated to a swimming pool, free Wi-Fi, sunbeds and umbrellas around the pool, and bottled water when they arrive.
The Du Lac Hotel sits right on the shore of the Voulismeni Lake and is open year-round. The rooms and studios have sliding doors leading out to a balcony and scenic views of the lake and the town. You also get a private bathroom, kitchenette, telephone, Wi-Fi, and safe deposit box. The Du Lac Café and Du Lac Restaurant are both located on-site, serving up breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Things to Do
The weather in October is still warm enough to wander around the Panagia Kera Byzantine Church, located on the outskirts of the village of Kritsa, not far from Agios Nikolaos. The caretaker of the church is usually on site to answer any questions you have and provide you with interesting bits of history of the church, which dates back to the 12th century.
The island of Crete is known for producing a plethora of herbs, both medicinal and for cooking. You can check out the Votania Herb Farm, located east of Agios Nikolaos, and see the herb cultivation process. The all-natural farm doesn't use any chemicals or pesticides and grows herbs both outdoors and indoors in the greenhouses. At the visitor's center, you can even taste some of the herbs and purchase some to take home.
Another family favorite activity, Amazonas Park houses rescued endangered animals and is run by three Luxembourg friends. Once the animals are back to full health, the caretakers release them back into the wild. While there, you'll see mostly birds including macaws, parrots, and parakeets. The park is just northwest of Agios Nikolaos, in the scenic hills of Kourounes.
Eating and Drinking Out
Gioma Meze is open for dinner and late night and is great for a meal or just drinks and appetizers. The Greek and Mediterranean menu features meze, or small plate, courses, as well as entrees, appetizers, and desserts. You can dine indoors or on the outdoor terrace, underneath the stars and the old trees that are strung up with soft lights, creating a romantic atmosphere.
The Creta Embassy restaurant has a menu full of fresh seafood, fish, and meat, all prepared over an open barbeque to give a wood-fired taste. Dine outside under the lush arbor created by local trees or enjoy a nightcap at the restaurant's fun bar. The colorful décor and friendly staff, along with the amazing Greek food, give you a true taste of Cretan hospitality.
Right on Lake Voulismeni, Dionysos has a beautiful outdoor terrace where you can watch the world go by and see the boats and ducks on the lake. The Greek menu includes classics and traditional dishes like baklava, seafood, fish, moussaka, and dolmades. The restaurant also offers a Greek plate, where you can get a sampling of a different Cretan and Greek foods.
