Characteristics of Platanias

The bustling holiday resort of Platanias lies about 12 km west of the regional town of Chania, on the long Gulf of Chania. It is one of the largest and most visited resorts in the western part of Crete. The picturesque nature of the place is enhanced by the abundance of greenery that stretches all the way to the coast, which at least partially balances the sprawling development of local hotels and tavernas.

Originally a small village, Platanias has quickly responded to the development in tourism and is now a modern town with excellent tourist facilities. Over time and with new development, the area has been linked to the surrounding resorts of Agia Marina and Stalos and together they form the largest fun-filled holiday resort in the western part of Crete, where visitors can enjoy not only a lively social life but also a beautiful sandy beach and a host of water activities. Similarly, the Hersonissos - Stalida - Malia resort operates for the eastern part of Crete.

In Platanias we can find a variety of hotels, family villas and smaller apartments, surrounded by restaurants, tavernas and bars. Visitors to the resort can also count on a variety of shops, ATM, car rental, petrol station, pharmacy and other necessary services. Platanias even has its own police station, health centre and school. Nightlife is provided by several bars in the resort, but it is more lively in the neighboring village of Agia Marina or tourists go to the nearby town of Chania.

Platanias has good transport links, with the main road linking Chania and Kissamos/Kasteli passing directly through the resort.

The coastline around the resort and Platanias beach

The resort is bordered by the beautiful and long sandy beach of Platanias, which stretches for up to 4 km and naturally merges with the neighbouring beach of Agia Marina. The sandy shoreline around the resort slopes gently down into the sea, and the crystal clear waters have made it popular with families and couples. Like the resort itself, Platanias beach is busy and well organised.

Visitors can make use of the sunbeds and parasols on the beach, as well as the nearby tavernas and sports clubs. Thanks to its cleanliness and facilities, Platanias Beach is regularly awarded the EU Blue Flag. The coastline also offers a beautiful view of the small island of St. Theodore (Agioi Theodori), which lies nearby in the sea.

Tips for trips in the surroundings

Right in Platanias there is a memorial museum to the German occupation during World War II. Its main part consists of the preserved German tunnels, accompanied by period photographs and objects and a small gallery at the Agios Dimitrios Church, which are a reminder of the suffering of the local population during this difficult time. When the Germans occupied the island of Crete, they chose the town of Platanias because of its strategic location. The infantry and artillery settled here, barracks and officers' houses were built, and tunnels were dug in the ground to store ammunition and other supplies. The most important of the tunnels runs under the church of Agios Dimitrios and is still in good condition and open to the public today.

If you like the spirit of the old Greek villages, you'll have to venture into the interior of the island, away from the modern world. The nearby White Mountains (Lefka Ori) or the Samaria Gorge can also be a nice excursion tip.

Thanks to the town's good transport links, you'll be in one of the neighbouring resorts in no time, or visit the nearby picturesque historic town of Chania, which was the capital of Crete until 1972. You can rent a car in the resort and there is a reliable public bus service. If you want to lounge on another beach, we recommend Gramvousa, Balos, Falassarna or Elafonisi. Water lovers can also try the Limnoupolis water park near Chania.

Who is the centre suitable for?

The Platanias resort is suitable for those visitors who are looking for good tourist facilities and quality services on their holiday. However, with the many hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues, there is also a lively tourist trade and entertainment during the day and night. For nightlife, tourists tend to head to the neighbouring resort of Agia Marina, which is renowned for this.

The resort also boasts a beautiful sandy beach and green, mountainous surroundings. On the other hand, it lacks the traditional Greek buildings and atmosphere of the real Greek villages. For historical sights and traditional Greek way of life, we recommend going elsewhere, but it can serve very well as a starting point for travelling around the western part of Crete, for example.

More touristic destinations of Crete

Close resorts: Agia Marina, Gerani, Maleme, Stalos

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.