The old Cretan fishing village of Plakias with its little harbour, lies in a particularly beautiful landscape between the blue Libyan Sea and vast majestic mountains that edge down to one of the loveliest bays on the south coast. Plakias is about one and a half hour’s drive from Chania or Heraklion. Many years ago, there were only a few houses, but today, because of its delightful setting, the village has spread to cater for the growing numbers of tourists, who have told each other of this special place that they have found. Everything you need is available in Plakias, shops, supermarkets, a wide variety of places to eat and drink, nightclubs, travel & estate agents. The beautiful south facing curved bay in which it sits is ideal for swimming, recreation, relaxing & sunbathing. The surrounding hills provide wonderful walks, on trails through the olive groves and beyond. Plakias is about 25 km away from the town and port of Rethymno about 20 minutes by car, taxi, etc).

However, Plakias still retains its particular Cretan character and has kept its laid back charm. The bay has a long sand and shingle beach between headlands that gets sandier the farther you go from the village. Not far from the old harbour are tiny bays and small coves where you can find quiet spots to sun bathe and swim. Boats sail daily to a variety of beaches, some of which have a good selection of water sports and the whole area is ideal for swimming, and sun bathing in a blissfully uncrowded setting. There is a variety of amenities for visitors and surrounding mountainous countryside. For short trips with minimum effort there is Preveli, the Venetian fortress at Frangokastello and the Minoan site at Phaistos are all well worth a visit. Further afield to the east you may like to visit the cliff caves of Matala and the ancient Roman capital of Gortys, or to the west the picturesque old town of Rethymno and the atmospheric old Monastery of Arkadi.

The beach in Plakias is rarely crowded, and you can always find a fairly quiet spot somewhere. There are several showers along the way, which is a nice way of getting the salt off before getting back to the serious business of sunbathingBut beware, the gentle breeze tends to make you underestimate how strong the sun is. Plakias beach gets better as you walk along, and there is a lot more sand. At the far end, the cliffs provide a nice area for snorkelling too.
Within a few minutes walk or drive away from Plakias, you can find many traditional Cretan villages. If you follow one of the many small, country roads you will probably end up in an olive grove, a vineyard or to one of the nearby villages of Myrthios, Sellia, Gianniou & Mariou, nestling in the hills. Most of them are really unspoilt, and there can be found excellent tavernas, traditional cafe' & shops. The people are quite friendly, hospitable and will assist you in any way they can.