Villa Ramsar enjoys a gorgeous beachfront location. It is built on the hillside above Almyros Beach with a delightful path leading down to the beach and river. Almyros River empties onto the south part of the beach. Next to the beach, the protected wetlands are home to rare birds, towering eucalyptus trees, reeds and palms. The beach is beautiful with some organised watersports and loungers. Almyros is one of the favourite beaches of Agios Nikolaos which is 2.5km north. You can walk to Agios Nikolaos via Gargadoros Beach which is five minutes south of the town’s marina.
In addition to Almyros Beach, Agios Nikolaos boasts Ammos Beach which is within the city centre and offers swimming and watersports, Kitroplatia Beach which is surrounded by tavernas and restaurants in the heart of the city, Akti Themistokleous Beach which is next to the port, overlooking the island of Aghion Pandon, Gargadoros which is next to Ammos Beach and Havania Beach which is further along the coast.
Agios Nikolaos is a fabulous resort with plenty of entertainment. Its spot on Mirabello Bay is amazing with water on three sides. It centres around the beautiful Lake Voulismeni which is lined with boutiques, cafes, bars and restaurants. Visitors enjoy strolling along the waterfront, stopping for delicious cocktails and exquisite fine dining or some traditional food at one of the tavernas. Some legends suggest that the lake is bottomless and that the the goddesses Athena and Artemis used to bathe in the lake under the moonlight. Another myth is that the lake is connected to the volcano of Santorini through an underground passage. It is connected to the sea through a narrow channel and its red cliffs and numerous towering trees make it an enchanting spot. The harbour is very pretty with expensive yachts moored up alongside colourful fishing boats.
The upmarket resort of Elounda is north of the villa and Agios Nikolaos. You will find authentic Greek tavernas, trendy fine dining restaurants and gorgeous bars sitting around its lively harbour. It comes with a sandy beach that looks out to the intriguing Spinalonga Island. Elounda’s main beach is just north of the harbour, a beautiful stretch of golden sand. The quieter Driros Beach is a fifteen minute walk south along the coastal path. The pebble beach of Plaka is backed by tamarisk trees. If you go to the causeway which connects Elounda to the Spinalonga peninsula, you will see the only remains of the submerged city of Olous with its five huge stone windmills which were excavated and stand next to the bridge.
Some visitors staying at the villa visit the island of Spinalonga. It is known as the Island of the Lepers. Until 1957, all lepers from Crete and the rest of the country were quarantined on the island. Now, the old buildings have been restored. Another popular visit is to ancient Lato, one of the most important, well-preserved cities of the classical Hellenistic period. It is built between two hills and it is rumoured that its name come from Leto who was the mother of Apollo and Artemis. The city was destroyed around 200 BC.
