Agios Nikolaos Church Georgioupolis: The Cretan Gem You Want to See

The Agios Nikolaos Church Georgioupolis, in Greek Άγιος Νικόλαος, is one of Crete’s most precious religious icons – a postcard-pretty sea-kissed temple on a tiny islet on the northern coast of Crete and somehow, a symbol of Georgioupolis.

Agios Nikolaos Church Georgioupolis for Photographs That Take Your Breath Away

The small Agios Nikolaos Church Georgioupolis, as this chapel is known to tourists, is a favorite choice for weddings and wedding photography. Sunsets are as beautiful as the legendary Santorini surreal expressions of rubies, amber, and honey.

The interiors of the Agios Nikolaos Church Georgioupolis are plain and unassuming. The chapel, which is dedicated to St. Nicholas, the patron of sailors is just off Georgioupolis Beach, and free to visit, yet not so easily accessible as the walkway is wet and slippery, and you need proper footwear to reach it. There’s no access for wheelchairs.

The Agios Nikolaos Church Georgioupolis is considered to be among the most beautiful religious monuments of Crete and Grece for its scenic location but also due to its particular architectural traits and heritage value. Unfortunately, no one knows the name of the architect or builder, although the simplicity of the church suggests laic talent, the chapel was erected about a century ago by a sailor. Even viewed from the back the Agios Nikolaos Church Georgioupolis is stunning.

On the day of Agios Nikolaos, or St. Nicholas, celebrated on December 6, the church holds a lovely religious service – the only occasion to experience this site like a local. Other than that, if you visit this place, you can see wedding parties, an occasional musician performing, and tourists struggling on the causeway to reach the church wearing flip-flops. The Agios Nikolaos Church Georgioupolis is free to visit, but donations are appreciated. Give as much as you feel, then light a candle and say a prayer for the dead or your loved ones.