Characteristics of Plakias

Originally a small fishing village, Plakias has gradually grown into a pleasant and popular holiday resort with quality tourist services, but still remains a rather quiet town in the south of Crete. The resort lies in the eponymous elongated bay of Plakias, surrounded by steep hills, about 35 km south of the regional town of Rethymno. The beautiful sandy beach of Plakias and the interesting natural sights in the surrounding area are the main attractions of the resort.

Plakias is a rather modern resort, which has only been built since the 1970s, so there are no old buildings with narrow streets and old churches. The central part of the resort consists of a small harbour and a long coastal promenade with lots of tavernas, cafes and various shops. There is also an ATM, a pharmacy, a post office and several car rental shops. As far as accommodation is concerned, there are mainly smaller hotels or family apartments, promoting the peaceful atmosphere of the place. There are also several bars and discos near the promenade, which provide the local nightlife. But if you want to enjoy some real nightlife, the bustling town of Rethymno is not far away.

Beaches around Plakias

The beautiful sandy beach of Plakias stretches along the entire length of the resort, with a gradual entrance to the water and azure clear sea. Small tamarisk trees grow along the beach providing pleasant shade. The beach is organised and well equipped, and in addition to sun loungers and umbrellas, there are also several tavernas and beach bars in the vicinity with a wonderful view of the sea. Visitors can also choose from a wide range of water adrenaline sports.

If you want to enjoy some peace and privacy, head to the outer edges of the large bay, where smaller beaches are hidden in the rocks, sometimes used by nudists. These spots are also good for snorkelling and diving, as the seabed drops off quickly and interesting rock formations are often hidden beneath the surface.

Sometimes the central part of the beach is known as Gialia Beach. The eastern end of the beach is known as Paligremnos beach, which is characterised by almost vertical cliffs rising to great heights. The cliffs stand very close to the beach and attract the attention of climbers. Not far from Paligremnos, towards the south, you can see tunnels carved into the rocks, which were once used to transport coal to cargo ships. On the other hand, in the western part, the Kotsifos River flows into the sea and the sea temperature here is noticeably lower.

Interesting tips for trips in the vicinity

On the hill above the village stands one of the many Turkish towers (called koules) that are scattered all over the island and were built by the Turks during their rule. The tower can be found in the south-eastern part of the resort, surrounded by the remains of an old Venetian fortress. The fortification is reached by a beaten path around a high and steep cliff and finally by a tunnel carved into the rock. You can also take a beautiful walk along the path north of the village, which leads past three ruined windmills.

You can also follow the coastline eastwards to the neighbouring village of Dammoni (about 3 km). During the main tourist season, a small tourist train runs between the two resorts. On the other hand, to the west of Plakias lies the beautiful Souda Bay (about a 45-minute walk).

If you rent a car, the unique palm beach of Preveli (there is also a boat from Plakias), located about 10 km to the east, is definitely a nice stop. You can also combine a visit to the beach with a hike to the Preveli Monastery or a walk inside the Kourtaliotiko Gorge. The Kourtaliotiko Gorge is the road leading north to the town of Rethymno. Less than 30 km in the opposite direction stands the imposing 14th century Venetian fortress of Frangokastello.

Who is the centre suitable for?

We would recommend Plakias resort to those who want to enjoy quality tourist facilities during their stay by the sea, but at the same time do not desire large hotel resorts and crowded streets. On the contrary, they want to enjoy a peaceful holiday with opportunities for walks and excursions in the surrounding area. In addition to the beautiful and long beach, there are several natural attractions to explore. Plakias can also be used as a good starting point for exploring the southern part of Crete.

More touristic destinations of Crete

Close resorts: Damnoni

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.