Once just a small fishing village, Plakias has developed into one of the most popular seaside resorts on the south coast of Crete. It’s surrounded by olive groves and idyllic swimming coves while it’s also on the doorstep of the 10th-century Preveli Monastery.
Kick back beneath a beach umbrella on the sands of Plakias Beach, which stretches for 1.5 kilometres along the seafront. A short drive south is popular Damnoni Beach and the tiny cove of Skinaria with its deep blue bay. After your swim, you can dine on authentic Greek fare at Skinaria’s beachfront taverna.
Watching over the village of Plakias are the remains of a small fort that was built by the Turks in the 19th century. It offers magnificent views across the Libyan Sea and can be accessed along a short walking trail that leads through the surrounding olive groves. Coastal panoramas are also on offer from the rocky headland south of Plakias.
Getting there
Plakias is around 1.5 hours’ drive from Chania and Chania International Airport Ioannis Daskalogiannis, which has seasonal flights to destinations across Europe. Buses connect from Rethimno to Plakias and the village is small enough to explore on foot.