Plakias Village

description

Plakias Village, on the south coast - directly south of Rethymno about 30 km south of Rethimno small town. It is part of the municipal unit Foinikas.

Plakias Village, a big crescent bay holding a fine beach.

This is quite a busy tourist destination but has a unique feel, which appeals to some who normally choose to stay in smaller, quieter places. The beautiful surrounding countryside, fine walks, and gorges. 

A big crescent bay holding a fine beach between two immense wind tunnels, the gorges of Selia and Kourtaliiotiko.

This is quite a busy tourist destination but has a unique feel, which appeals to some who normally choose to stay in smaller, quieter places. The beautiful surrounding countryside, fine walks, and gorges. 

Plakias is surrounded by mountains to the north and the Libyan Sea to the south. The name in Greek means "flat" but the approach and coastline are quite mountainous and dramatic.

Small hotels and many beachfront restaurants & cafes. The large crescent bay of sandy beach and the harbor provide a varied and yet not too busy destination.

Frangokastello and Sfakia is a pleasant twisting and scenic short drive. Above Plakias, Myrthios affords gorgeous views of the bay, coastline, and sea.

The gorges of Prevelli (and the monastery), Kourtaliotis, and Kotsifos are easily visited. In addition visit the mountain village of Spili, Preveli Monastery, and Preveli beach and the wonderful villages in the hills on the road to Sfakia.

The name in Greek means "flat" because the town stands on an alluvial fan of material that has washed down the Kotsifou gorge directly to the north.

This material has formed along the sea's edge into a long, fine, gold-hued sand beach, which shelves very gradually out into the bay, making it quite safe for swimming and hence, for family holidays.

The history 

Initially just a fishing jetty and a few houses, Plakias developed during the last few decades into a tourist resort. The first official mention of Plakias was in 1961 when it was recorded in a census as the permanent home of six fishermen.

The recorded history of surrounding mountain villages like Myrthios and Sellia goes back to the 10th century when the Byzantine Emperor Nikephoros II Phokas (961 AD) built roads and bridges in order to link those villages, and there are some fragments of wall remaining from a fortified area on a hilltop just northeast of the present main town.

The local area is geographically suitable for a settlement, having plenty of agricultural space, and there may well have been a settlement there since Minoan times. 

How to get there 

- Chania has an international airport with scheduled flights year-round and abundant charter flights serving much of Europe during the season - April to October. Or alternatively you could fly to Heraklion Airport (more scheduled flights). Flight tickets can be bought in advance for almost all flights via our partner website.

- Ferries sail to and from Athens (Pireas) daily to Chania - Souda Port or Heraklion Port. Ferry tickets can be bought in advance for all ferries via our partner website.

- You could book your taxi transfer online easily and safely from the airport or port to any location via our partner website.

- In summer there are buses every day from Rethymno. Have a look at Buses timetable.  Some of these buses go via Preveli Monastery. The Plakias bus stop is on the seafront taxi rank.

- We recommend that you should rent a car in order to discover better this most exciting area.

Where to stay 

Fantastic sea views and comfort "Thalassa House" Apartments. Three apartments in the perfect location at one end of Plakias, with uninterrupted sea views. Modern, efficient, and pleasing apartments for 2 to 4 people. Thalassa House is a separate "wing" of one of Plakias' small hotels. Balconies are of good size, tasteful and peaceful. 

What to see & do 

- Enjoy relaxing and swimming. The beach of Plakias extends east from the village. It is one of the biggest beaches in Crete, offering a sense of space and comfort to suit every taste - the east end is mainly used by naturists.

- If it's windy during your stay in Plakias and the northern wind whips you with flying sand, head west to Souda Beach. It is more sheltered, with small hotels and a few tavernas.

- There are other lovely beaches near Plakias at Damnoni, Amoudi and Mikro Amoudi, which is also a naturist's beach. A little further away are Lefkogia and Schinaria, the preferred beach of scuba divers.

Nature lovers. The herbs in the area are worldwide known for their variety and their healing power. Plants like the Cretan Tulip, the Cretan Saffron, and many more are part of a unique ecosystem in this area. 

- Villages. Visit the small postcard-pretty villages draped across the hillside above Plakias, one of them is Mirthios with a couple of excellent tavernas, both with bay-view terraces.

- The Beach of Preveli is also excellent. The date palm forest and the lake, this is one of the most famous sights in Crete and an area of outstanding natural beauty. The date palms stand along the bank of the river which flows down through the Kourtaliotis gorge (you have to drive up the gorge to get to Plakias), creating an exotic scene. Wander along the paths in the palm forest, relax in the shade of the trees, and swim in the river. Don't miss to visit the nearby Moni Preveli (Preveli Monastery), from this site you have to walk down a lot of steps to reach the beach. Monastery of Preveli, which may have been founded as early as the 10th century CE. Due to its isolated position, it has played an important role in Cretan revolts against occupying forces such as the Nazis in World War II. Plakias is home to the "Youth Hostel Plakias", set in olive groves behind the town, and which is famous among international backpackers as the 'most southerly hostel' in Europe.

- The beach of Frangokastello is divided into the west part and the east part. The sandy beach in front of the Frangokastello castle. The sea is very shallow and it is ideal for little children. The pebbly beach to the west offers a rocky seabed, excellent for snorkeling. The "Orthi Ammos" sandy beach is 10 min on foot east of the castle. An excellent beach with big sand-dunes and crystal-clear water. Since you will have to walk on the sand dunes to get to the beach, it is wise to remember that sand gets burning hot afternoon. Proper shoes are required. The eastern part of this long beach is clothing optional occasionally.

- For those of you, who enjoy scuba diving, there is a diving center at the Hotel Calypso near Plakias.

- Hiking. Preveli Gorge, the lower part of the Kourtaliotis Gorge. Here the river Megapotamos flows between the high banks of the gorge and through the palm-forest to the beautiful Limni beach.

- Enjoy the great variety of birds, bird watching.

- Kourtaliotis Gorge, take a stroll down the stairway to the church and cataract springs of St. Nicholas. These springs never fail to provide water all year round to the Megapotamos.

- Kotsifas Gorge, wild and imposing, and also the entrance to the area from ancient times.

- Mesa Gorge, unexplored and mystical it is surrounded by many old churches, monasteries, and ruined villages.

- Patsos Gorge, impressive vegetation and caves mark out this particular ravine.

- Field of Lous, this plateau is dedicated to the nymph-goddess of the rising sun. Towards its eastern end, near the village of Gerakari, is a forest of cherry trees.

- Nearby Mountain Peaks such as Krioneritis (1312m), Kouroupa (984m), Timios Stavros (433m), and Xiro Oroi (904m), offer the more energetic traveler unrivaled views and a serene, almost sacred atmosphere. 

- There are vertical rocks at Plakias which are suitable for both experienced climbers and beginners. There are rock climbing rings to help anchor yourself and climb the rope. Best climbing sites are these form Paligremnos and Agii Saranta.

- Find more activities in Rethimno Area.

Where to eat & drink

- Everything you need is available in Plakias – shops, supermarkets, plenty of places to eat and drink. 

- There are a great number and variety of Taverns where could enjoy Cretan food or maybe local fish. Corali Tavern is a traditional fish taverna on the western end of the beach and is run by a keen fisherman.

- There are plenty of bars and cafes where you can carry on after you have eaten. A great option could be the beach bar on the eastern side of the beach with good music and drinks.

- If you prefer dinner with a panoramic view of the Plakias bay from above, head up to Mirthios, a small village clinging to the cliffs above Plakias with a wonderful view of the harbour. Selia, another small village near Plakias, also offers a panoramic view.

- At the beautiful small village of Kanevos on the road from Rethimno to Plakias, a little before the imposing gorge of Kotsifos you will find Iliomanolis tavern. Mrs. Maria an experienced cook, will offer you her best specialties made with fresh pure Cretan products.

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