Resort Plaka - characteristics and facilities

Formerly a small fishing village, today the medium-sized holiday resort of Plaka is situated in one of the most beautiful places on the island of Crete - in the northwestern part of Mirabello Bay, on a coastline covered with large white pebbles and with an islet with a dark past just opposite. The resort of Plaka is just 4km north of the popular and luxurious tourist resort of Elounda and is a de facto suburb of the resort, interconnected by a bus line and a small, romantic excursion train.

Less than 16 km south along the coast is another popular and lively tourist resort, Agios Nikolaos. The resort of Plaka is the smallest and arguably the quietest of these, although it has probably seen the fastest development in recent years. A large and very comfortable hotel complex has been built south of the centre of Plaka, and new tavernas and shops have subsequently sprung up in the surrounding area.

Today, Plaka is one of the most popular resorts even among the most demanding clients. In addition to smaller guesthouses and apartments, there are also larger hotels, including the new luxury hotel Blue Palace. The resort is especially famous for its excellent fish taverns, which are supplied with fresh sea catches by local fishermen. There are also a number of restaurants, bars, shops selling a variety of goods, as well as a pharmacy, ATM and car rental.a

Beaches in Plaka

In addition to excellent tourist facilities, Plaka is also popular among visitors for its beautiful and unique beaches, covered with both sand and pebbles. The sea here stands out for its cleanliness, so it is not surprising to find snorkelling and diving enthusiasts. The small harbour on the shoreline is anchored mostly by fishing boats and dinghies, but you'll also find smaller cruise boats that will take you to the nearby islet with the remains of the Spinalonga fortress.

At the northern end of the resort is the eponymous Plaka beach - a long, organised beach, equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas and covered with large white pebbles. There's a nice taverna and beach bar right on the beach, with other refreshment options nearby towards the centre. Visitors to the beach particularly enjoy swimming in the calm waters and the spectacular view of the nearby islet of "little Spinalonga". Small tamarisk trees provide pleasant and natural shade.

In the southern part of the resort, close to the local harbour and directly below the large hotel complex, is the spacious, organised beach of Agia Marina. The beach takes its name from the nearby Byzantine church and cemetery. It is the path around the cemetery that takes tourists who are not clients of the hotel to the beach. The beach is covered with large white pebbles and the sea is rather deeper in this area.

Nearby Plaka and tips for trips

There are actually two formations in the northwestern part of Mirabello Bay. Firstly, there is a larger peninsula, the 'Great Spinalonga', sometimes called Kolokytha, which is connected to the mainland at the town of Elounda by a narrow causeway. To the north of this, directly opposite the resort of Plaka, is a small island, 'little Spinalonga', officially the island of Kalydon, on which stands the old Venetian fortress of Spinalonga and which can only be reached by boat.

The ruins of the ancient fortress of Spinalonga are a popular tourist destination and history and sightseers from near and far head here. Organised excursions are mainly made from the resorts of Elounda and Agios Nikolaos, but you can also hire a small boat to take you to the islet in Plaka. The fortifications of Spinalonga were primarily used to defend the local port of Elounda, but in the early 20th century it was also used as a place to take people infected with leprosy.

Take advantage of the proximity to the larger seaside resorts and head to the neighbouring town of Elounda, where you can see the remains of old Venetian buildings, including windmills and salt pans, or the beautiful harbour resort of Agios Nikolaos with its famous coastal promenade.

Popular tourist destinations include the archaeological site of Knossos and, of course, the historic town of Heraklion, the capital of Crete. Heraklion is dominated by the massive Venetian fortress with its old harbour, and is also home to several beautiful churches and the extensive collection of the Kretikon Museion archaeological museum.

Who is the centre suitable for?

Plaka is a beautiful resort with quality accommodation and tourist facilities. We would recommend it to those tourists who want to enjoy peace, comfort and excellent food on their holiday. They will be well taken care of here.

More touristic destinations of Crete

Close resorts: Elounda

Most favourite resorts of Crete: Adelianos Kampos, Agia Marina, Agios Nikolaos, Heraklion (Iraklion), Hersonissos, Chania, Ierapetra, Kalamaki (Matala), Malia, Platanias (Chania), Rethymno, Stalis

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