Agios Nikolaos is a unique picturesque fishing village of Messinian Mani mostly known for its location and natural beauty. It lies 49 kilometers southeast of Kalamata city. The graphic scenery has brought Agios Nikolaos amongst the top destinations for holidays in recent years. It is also popular within holidaymakers. Still is mostly active as a fishing harbour with a fish market most of the days. There are several tavernas, restaurants and “Kafeneia” around the harbour. Also there is an emergency medical center, a pharmacy, a post office, and several small grocery store, in order visitors to have their “first” needs close if something happens. Enjoy your stay to this graphic wonderful village!
The village was first inhabited during the period 1830-1840. Built right next to the beach, in one of the few lowland areas of the municipality, it has prompted its inhabitants to engage exclusively with fishing and trading afterwards by exchanging the fish they caught, with other products from the neighbouring villages. Firstly the village was called Selinitsa, meaning little Moon or little Helen. According to myth, Paris landed on the beach in this area grabbed the beautiful Helen and took her with him. Opposite the neighbouring village of Agios Dimitrios, there is the island of Pefnos, where, the Dioskuroi were born according to mythology.
Its products are worldwide well-known, while several believe it’s worth visiting only for its local delicacies. Mani, besides providing pictures of authentic Greek character and beauty, is additionally renowned for its wealthy and fertile land. The traditional Mani diet indeed, according to experts, is ideal in order to keep up a good physical health. This alone proves that Mani’s products and dishes are among those you must undoubtedly try even once in your life. Buy olives, olive oil, honey, the traditional cheese referred to as “touloumisio”, tasty spoon sweets, jams, herbs, oregano, tea and sage. Don’t miss the renowned “sigklino” and “koutalides”. Also try Mani’s pancakes, similarly as the popular “lalagia” that are perfectly combined with honey or cheese sfela from goats.
As in all Mani, Agios Nikolaos has taverns and restaurants that offer incredible dishes with local and traditional products for all visitors in the area!
The Katafygi Cave: In the area of Agios Nikolaos, on the road to Traxila village there is the unexplored Cave of Katafygi, which has exceptional natural beauty and every tourist visiting it stays impressed. According to experts, this is is one of the largest caves in Greece. In the past, an underground river crossed the cave, opening several canals in it. Where today is the magnificent entrance to the cave was back then the exit of this river. The interior decoration of the cave is spectacular, as it consists of impressive stalactites and stalagmites and the shape of some of them resembles bunch of grapes.
Captain’s Christodoulos Christeas Tower: In the neighboring village of Agios Dimitrios dominates the imposing tower of Captain Christodoulos Christeas, a great chieftain, who with his soldiers participated in the battle for the liberation of Kalamata city.
“Golden Lake“: It is a small lagoon that we find on the road to Traxila, and it has very warm waters!
Last but not least, don’t forget to visit the remarkable old churches of Agios Myronas and Agios Nikolaos, from which the village was named also. The three towers, built as machine gun emplacements and are scattered around the village are remaining with the largest one being about 20 meters or 66 feet high, dominates and is visible from the main road into the village.
Spring Breaks
Visitors who head to Agios Nikolaos between late March and May should expect to find clear skies and temperatures that hover between fifteen and twenty five degrees, making sightseeing pleasant and creating perfect walking conditions. It’s not uncommon for water temperatures to be warm enough for swimming throughout the early Spring also. The important Easter preparations that take place this time of year, where you see locals flooding the streets for the biggest celebration of Christianity. Next day is followed by music, dancing, eating and drinking as a tradition. By avoiding the summer rush, tourists should be able to find smart deals on flights and accommodation, making Spring a good season for budget travellers to visit Agios Nikolaos.
Summer Sun
Sunscreen and shades are essential for a Summer visit to Agios Nikolaos, and the dry heat, which is possible to exceed 40 degrees, can feel stifling. If you intend to visit Agios Nikolaos at this time, don’t attempt to pack too much clothes into your trip. Arrange several of lazy beach days and make sure your hotel room or apartment is air conditioned. Greek holidaymakers flock here during the summer months, so you should expect crowded beaches so book your lodgings earlier as well.
Autumn and Winter in Agios Nikolaos
As the temperatures drop, also do the tourist numbers, and the early Autumn is a very pleasant time to visit Agios Nikolaos. During September the waters are still warm enough for swimming, and you’ll have plenty of space for splashing into. Sightseeing becomes more comfortable as the heat becomes less oppressive, so October, November and forward are good times of the year to explore the mountains. During the Winter, there are fewer international flights to Kalamata, but it is always possible to fly in to Athens and take the transport through the beautiful newly created highway and inside the graphic villages along the way.
The village, known to English-speaking tourists as Agios Nikolaos lies about thirty kilometres south-east of Kalamata city, on the eastern shore of the Messinian Gulf, and about four kilometres south of Stoupa, a larger village. It is part of the municipal unit of West Mani in Messinia and also it’s a growing tourist destination that not many know of but whoever visits it always accumulate the best impressions.
From Agios Nikolaos as base you can male interesting excursions to the surrounding areas. Surround yourself by the magnificent shadow of Taygetos mountain, visit Stoupa the picturesque seaside village where Nikos Kazantzakis lived, inspired and wrote his work “Life and the State of Alexis Zorbas”, as well as traditional Kardamili village. Many options are available from there, the only thing you have to do is take information and start planning!
Driving: You’ll be able to drive from Athens to Agios Nikolaos in about three hours fourty minutes on the National Road. Its not a bad drive and you will pass some attention-grabbing countryside. After all it’s a lot more interesting for the passenger than it’s for the driver who should keep his eye on the road in order to be alert for all the crazy things Greek drivers do. However even that may be amusing and if you’re a good driver you will not have any issues. Rent a Car
By bus: Coach services are operated by KTEL between Athens, Mani.
The trip time depends on bus schedule. Ticket value depends on bus schedule also.
You don’t have to pre-book for a price ticket. You’ll pay at the terminal, before bus departure or on the bus. If you’re there half an hour before departure you must find a seat. Find a Bus
By taxi: You’ll be able to rent or hire a taxi transfer from Athens directly to Agios Nikolaos through the contact form and also you can arrange the price with the driver! This can be a simple solution if you don’t wish to drive all the way by yourself! Taxi Transfer
Agios Nikolaos is a unique picturesque fishing village of Messinian Mani mostly known for its location and natural beauty. It lies 49 kilometers southeast of Kalamata city. The graphic scenery has brought Agios Nikolaos amongst the top destinations for holidays in recent years. It is also popular within holidaymakers. Still is mostly active as a fishing harbour with a fish market most of the days. There are several tavernas, restaurants and “Kafeneia” around the harbour. Also there is an emergency medical center, a pharmacy, a post office, and several small grocery store, in order visitors to have their “first” needs close if something happens. Enjoy your stay to this graphic wonderful village!
The village was first inhabited during the period 1830-1840. Built right next to the beach, in one of the few lowland areas of the municipality, it has prompted its inhabitants to engage exclusively with fishing and trading afterwards by exchanging the fish they caught, with other products from the neighbouring villages. Firstly the village was called Selinitsa, meaning little Moon or little Helen. According to myth, Paris landed on the beach in this area grabbed the beautiful Helen and took her with him. Opposite the neighbouring village of Agios Dimitrios, there is the island of Pefnos, where, the Dioskuroi were born according to mythology.
Its products are worldwide well-known, while several believe it’s worth visiting only for its local delicacies. Mani, besides providing pictures of authentic Greek character and beauty, is additionally renowned for its wealthy and fertile land. The traditional Mani diet indeed, according to experts, is ideal in order to keep up a good physical health. This alone proves that Mani’s products and dishes are among those you must undoubtedly try even once in your life. Buy olives, olive oil, honey, the traditional cheese referred to as “touloumisio”, tasty spoon sweets, jams, herbs, oregano, tea and sage. Don’t miss the renowned “sigklino” and “koutalides”. Also try Mani’s pancakes, similarly as the popular “lalagia” that are perfectly combined with honey or cheese sfela from goats.
As in all Mani, Agios Nikolaos has taverns and restaurants that offer incredible dishes with local and traditional products for all visitors in the area!
The Katafygi Cave: In the area of Agios Nikolaos, on the road to Traxila village there is the unexplored Cave of Katafygi, which has exceptional natural beauty and every tourist visiting it stays impressed. According to experts, this is is one of the largest caves in Greece. In the past, an underground river crossed the cave, opening several canals in it. Where today is the magnificent entrance to the cave was back then the exit of this river. The interior decoration of the cave is spectacular, as it consists of impressive stalactites and stalagmites and the shape of some of them resembles bunch of grapes.
Captain’s Christodoulos Christeas Tower: In the neighboring village of Agios Dimitrios dominates the imposing tower of Captain Christodoulos Christeas, a great chieftain, who with his soldiers participated in the battle for the liberation of Kalamata city.
“Golden Lake“: It is a small lagoon that we find on the road to Traxila, and it has very warm waters!
Last but not least, don’t forget to visit the remarkable old churches of Agios Myronas and Agios Nikolaos, from which the village was named also. The three towers, built as machine gun emplacements and are scattered around the village are remaining with the largest one being about 20 meters or 66 feet high, dominates and is visible from the main road into the village.
Spring Breaks
Visitors who head to Agios Nikolaos between late March and May should expect to find clear skies and temperatures that hover between fifteen and twenty five degrees, making sightseeing pleasant and creating perfect walking conditions. It’s not uncommon for water temperatures to be warm enough for swimming throughout the early Spring also. The important Easter preparations that take place this time of year, where you see locals flooding the streets for the biggest celebration of Christianity. Next day is followed by music, dancing, eating and drinking as a tradition. By avoiding the summer rush, tourists should be able to find smart deals on flights and accommodation, making Spring a good season for budget travellers to visit Agios Nikolaos.
Summer Sun
Sunscreen and shades are essential for a Summer visit to Agios Nikolaos, and the dry heat, which is possible to exceed 40 degrees, can feel stifling. If you intend to visit Agios Nikolaos at this time, don’t attempt to pack too much clothes into your trip. Arrange several of lazy beach days and make sure your hotel room or apartment is air conditioned. Greek holidaymakers flock here during the summer months, so you should expect crowded beaches so book your lodgings earlier as well.
Autumn and Winter in Agios Nikolaos
As the temperatures drop, also do the tourist numbers, and the early Autumn is a very pleasant time to visit Agios Nikolaos. During September the waters are still warm enough for swimming, and you’ll have plenty of space for splashing into. Sightseeing becomes more comfortable as the heat becomes less oppressive, so October, November and forward are good times of the year to explore the mountains. During the Winter, there are fewer international flights to Kalamata, but it is always possible to fly in to Athens and take the transport through the beautiful newly created highway and inside the graphic villages along the way.
The village, known to English-speaking tourists as Agios Nikolaos lies about thirty kilometres south-east of Kalamata city, on the eastern shore of the Messinian Gulf, and about four kilometres south of Stoupa, a larger village. It is part of the municipal unit of West Mani in Messinia and also it’s a growing tourist destination that not many know of but whoever visits it always accumulate the best impressions.
From Agios Nikolaos as base you can male interesting excursions to the surrounding areas. Surround yourself by the magnificent shadow of Taygetos mountain, visit Stoupa the picturesque seaside village where Nikos Kazantzakis lived, inspired and wrote his work “Life and the State of Alexis Zorbas”, as well as traditional Kardamili village. Many options are available from there, the only thing you have to do is take information and start planning!
Driving: You’ll be able to drive from Athens to Agios Nikolaos in about three hours fourty minutes on the National Road. Its not a bad drive and you will pass some attention-grabbing countryside. After all it’s a lot more interesting for the passenger than it’s for the driver who should keep his eye on the road in order to be alert for all the crazy things Greek drivers do. However even that may be amusing and if you’re a good driver you will not have any issues. Rent a Car
By bus: Coach services are operated by KTEL between Athens, Mani.
The trip time depends on bus schedule. Ticket value depends on bus schedule also.
You don’t have to pre-book for a price ticket. You’ll pay at the terminal, before bus departure or on the bus. If you’re there half an hour before departure you must find a seat. Find a Bus
By taxi: You’ll be able to rent or hire a taxi transfer from Athens directly to Agios Nikolaos through the contact form and also you can arrange the price with the driver! This can be a simple solution if you don’t wish to drive all the way by yourself! Taxi Transfer