The city of Agios Nikolaos is the capital of Lassithi prefecture, with a population of 19 462 inhabitants. 
         
Agios Nikolaos is located in the norhern part of the island, at about 67 kilometres of Heraklion, in the bay of Mirambello.
         
During the last decades, tourism has developed a lot here and tourists can find all sorts of accommodation, from hotels, to studios and rooms to let.
         
Swimming is possible at the municipal beach, the beach at the small port (Kitroplatia), at Ammoudi, at Chavania, at Almyros, or Ammoudara. All of these are well-organised beaches, with clean sea and many facilities for the swimmer.
         
The town is connected with the three capital cities of the prefectures via the New National Road, departing from Aghios Nicolaos and ending up at Kissamos (Kastelli).
         
Agios Nikolaos does not have an airport, but it has a small port connected to Piraeus all year round.

Towns & villages situated North West of Lassithi Prefecture,following the route from Agios Nikolaos to West:
• Agios Nikolaos Town
• Elounda
• Neapolis
• Sissi
• Agios Konstantinos
• Tzermiado

Towns & villages situated North East of Lassithi Prefecture, following the route from Agios Nikolaos to East:
• Kalo Horio
• Pachia Ammos
• Mochlos
• Sitia Town
• Palekastro

Towns & villages situated South East of Lassithi Prefecture, following the route from East to West:
• Zakros
• Makrigialos
• Ferma
• Koutsounari

Towns & villages  situated South West of Lassithi Prefecture, following the route from East to West:
• Iarapetra
• Mirtos