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Excursions
From Koutsounari, the entire East of ▶ Crete reveals itself for exploration.
About a one hour boat trip South of ▶ Ierapetra there is Chrisi island which is Europe's southernmost nature preserve. White sands, colorful volcanic rocks, and a cedar forest make the island's tropical character.
Some 15 kms North of Ierapetra by the Mirambelou bay, there is the excavation site of Gournia.
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The best preserved of all Minoan settlements dates from 1,600 to 1,400 B.C. and presents a network of lanes and stairways as well as a small palace.
One should also not miss to visit the town of ▶ Sitia on the north coast (55 kms) and it's port. The promenade that flanks the port was re-designed some years ago, and today ranks as one of Crete's most beautiful ones. Whenever a ship to Rhodes or other islands leaves from here, the sirens' echos resound from all the mountains which frame the bay of Sitia.
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Agios Nicolaos
is the capital of the governmental district of Lassithi which obtains it's name from the high plateau in the district's west, and also includes the two townships of Ierapetra on the south coast and Sitia in the East of the north coast.
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The town center is located on a small peninsula which spreads eastward into the Mirambelou bay. By the southern edge there is a small fishing port and marina.
The true port of Agios Nicolaos is however located by the peninsula's northern edge. From here, ferry boats travel to Piraeus, Rhodes, Iraklion and Sitia several times per week.
The excursion boats which head towards the former lepers' island of Spinalonga several times per day moor here as well.
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Voulismeni lake which is a small sweetwater lake is located at the side behind the port, and connected to the harbour basin via a channel. It is used as a berth for many small fishing boats.
Around the port and the lake, numerous restaurants, tavernas, kafenions and souvenir shops line up.
Inside the town there are several smaller hotels and apartment houses with a rather private atmosphere.
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Road distance: 43 kms *)
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*) Shortest road distance from Koutsounari
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