Platanias beach

One of the big attractions of the eponymous holiday resort of Platanias is the almost 4 km long sandy beach, well organized for tourists. Together with the neighbouring beaches of Agia Marina and Stalos, they form a long stretch of sandy coastline that is alive with tourist activity day and night and is considered the largest entertainment centre on the western half of Crete.

Platanias Beach is covered in fine sand and the coastline slopes gently into the sea, making the resort popular with families with children and non-swimmers alike. During periods of strong northerly winds, the waves can get bigger, but flags are displayed to warn visitors of this and a lifeguard is on hand to ensure their safety. On the eastern side of the local harbour (towards Agia Marina beach) you can also enjoy swimming in several small artificial bays. The sea in this area is azure clear and Platanias Beach is regularly awarded the EU Blue Flag.

The beach has very good tourist facilities - sunbeds with umbrellas, beach showers, refreshment stands and beach bars are commonplace. And while during the day the entertainment of tourists is mainly provided by instructors of water adrenaline sports, in the evening the local discos and dance bars come alive. There are also a number of tavernas and accommodation facilities near the beach.

St. Theodore's Island

Platanias beach offers a beautiful view of the small island of St. Theodore (Agioi Theodori), located nearby in the sea (about 400 m offshore). Legend has it that a large sea monster lived here and was about to swallow all the inhabitants of the small village of Agia Marina. But then Poseidon, the god of the seas, intervened and turned the sea monster into stone. And it still juts out of the sea today. It's also said that the golden colour of the sand in this area is the result of the flames shooting out of the monster's mouth.

Today, the island is a protected conservation area and the public is banned from entering. In recent years, however, a few boats have been granted exemptions, and a limited number of visitors can see the island. On the islet are the remains of the church of St. Theodore and the remains of an old Venetian fortress, built in 1574 to protect the area from Turkish raids. Otherwise, the island is home to the protected Cretan goat Kri-Kri.

More touristic destinations of Crete

Close beaches: Agia Marina Beach, Tavronitis Beach

Most favourite beaches of Crete: Amoudara Beach (Heraklion), Balos Beach, Elafonisi Beach, Falassarna Beach, Glyka Nera Beach (Sweet Water), Matala Beach, Platanias Beach, Preveli Beach, Stalis Beach, Stavros Beach, Vai Beach, Voulisma Beach, Xerokampos Beach

Resorts, beaches, sights or trips - clearly listed on the map of Crete.