On the first Sunday of the new year (January 5, 2025), the Agios Nikolaos Mountaineering Club organized a leisurely urban hike through the beloved city of Agios Nikolaos. The aim? To uncover some lesser-known corners of this charming town.

The Journey Begins

With our guide, the veteran club member Leonidas Klontzas—who knows the city like the back of his hand—we started at the familiar meeting point outside the AB Supermarket. Heading southeast, we ascended Nomia Hill. The rain-soaked grass and puddles from the previous night’s downpour sparkled under the bright morning sun, creating a magical atmosphere. From this vantage point, we enjoyed stunning views of the Mirabello Bay and the mist-shrouded peaks of the Lasithi and Thripti mountains.

To our left, the marina lay quiet, its sailboats idle for the winter. Along the way, we discovered the first fragrant narcissi of the year and descended towards the beach of Gargadoros.

Hidden Gems and Surprises

Before reaching Almyros Beach, Leonidas surprised us with a detour to a hidden WWII bunker on the hillside. Though small, the circular structure offered breathtaking views of the Almyros coastline. Our next stop was the deserted Almyros Beach, now a serene wetland with reeds and a year-round stream flowing to its southern edge.

From there, we climbed Agios Charalambos Hill, a spot full of nostalgia for the local participants who remembered school excursions here. Named after its pine-shaded church, the hill provides a panoramic view of the city. At the summit, we explored an old water reservoir and caves dating back to World War II.

History Beneath Our Feet

Descending the western slope, we crossed the city’s perimeter, reaching the Agios Antonios area. Here, we searched for the “Barrier,” remnants of a wall erected during the Occupation to thwart tank movements. Nearby, we stumbled upon a doline—a sinkhole right in the city center! On one side, an impressive cave, excavated to reveal artifacts from the Bronze Age, piqued our curiosity. When asked about its name, Leonidas dryly replied, “Cave.” The site, as he noted, deserves cleaning, preservation, and proper management.

We continued past a former powder magazine and, as it was nearing noon, some of the group bid us farewell. Inspired by the suggestion of a quick visit to the newly renovated Archaeological Museum (free on the first Sunday of the month), we spent an hour exploring its treasures. This compact gem houses thematic exhibits on religion, trade, and burial practices, enriched with videos and interactive displays. Highlights included artifacts from Petsofas, Karfi, Roussolakkos, Azoria, Malia, and more—familiar sites from previous hikes.

Closing with Coastal Views and Local Icons

Though time was running short, we couldn’t deny our friends from Ierapetra and Sitia a brief tour of the beautiful Katholiko Bay. This northern outpost features a guard post with views of the protected islets of Agioi Pantes and the Lighthouse. Nearby lies the hidden Byzantine chapel of Agios Nikolaos (8th–9th century AD), the city’s namesake.

The day concluded at the cafés of Kitroplateia, after a quick stop at the city’s iconic sculptures: the statue of Europa riding a bull and the modern, abstract depiction of the Horn of Amalthea.

A New Chapter for Urban Adventures

This unique hike opened the door to exploring other towns in the region in a similar way. A heartfelt thank you to Leonidas Klontzas, who showed us places we never knew existed, and to our friends from Ierapetra and Sitia for traveling so far to experience our city!

For more details, visit the Club’s blog: Agios Nikolaos Mountaineering Club.