Plakias - South Crete

Plakias is one of the most picturesque seaside villages of Crete´s South coast surrounded by fantastic small hidden bays. Located around 114 km from Heraklion Airport and 93 km from Chania and 39 km from Rethymnon. Coming from Rethymnon past the impressive Kourtaliotiko Gorge, the Plakias Bay opens up. Because of the fantastic sandy beaches this region becomes more and more popular. Tavernas are dotted close together at the small harbour from where boats go to the palm beach of Preveli. The main beach of Plakias is a gently sloping sandy beach. This 1.5 km long sandy beach is surrounded by small tavernas and cafes.

The Souda Bay of Plakias is at the West End of Plakias about 1,5 km from the the village Plakias. This little resort “Souda” consists of a few small tavernas and a gorgeous, uncrowded sandy beach. At the end is a small palm grove. Three of our top- self-catering apartment-houses are loctated here in Souda-Plakias.
On the top of Plakias is a small mountain village "Myrthios" with two tavernas offering guests a stunning view over the bay of Plakias. The cuisine of both taverns is just as exquisite as the breathtaking panoramic sea views.
Because of its easy accessibility from the town of Rethymnon (39 km away) Plakias has many day-trippers coming from the north coast. It is a popular destination with individualists.
From the south coast village Plakias to the north coast town Rethymnon only 45 minutes drive. The road from Plakias to Rethymnon leads through the impressive gorge Kourtaliotiko. The surroundings of Plakias offer many small hidden beaches. The beach highlights around Plakias are:
1.The sandy beach of Souda Bay with impressive mountain panorama,
2.the sandy beach of Damnoni bay lined with tamarisk trees,
3.the beach of Triopetra
4. and of course the greatest attraction Preveli beach with it´s gorge, one of the beautiful beaches of Crete. You can reach the Palm Bay Preveli beach very easily by boat.

At the port of Plakias boats offer day trips to the Palm Beach Preveli. This day trip is an event not just for the kids. For those who make Crete holidays with children should not do without this tour! The disembarkation takes place on the beach of Preveli, from where you can hike up through the palm canyon parallel to the river mouth. While hiking along the river you will see some catch basins (such as small tubs), inviting for a refreshment.
The church of the monastery "Moni Preveli Piso" is a well known pilgrimage destination. The 250-year-old golden cross is said to have healing powers for eye diseases. The "old" Moni Preveli 1821 has organized the uprising against the Turks and support the resistance fighters. In the Ottoman period it was destroyed by the Turks, but was rebuilt again and again. Also in World War II the Monastery played a major role, allied soldiers found refuge here.

As a cultural highlight of the region of Plakias, we can also recommend the mountain village Spili with its lion fountain. In the village square you will see an old fountain with 19 lions' heads from which fresh water flows. The biggest cultural highlight of this region to the north of Plakias towards Rethymnon is the Necropolis of Armeni. It is one of the largest grave chamber of Crete. The richly painted tombs can be seen in the Museum of Chania and Rethymnon. A hiking highlight around Plakias is the water hike through the “Kotsifos River” to Myrthios. Even in the summertime you can walk trought this river, because it is nice and cool in the stream bed. It is a circular walk where you can see an abandoned mill, and an old bridge. This hike is not suitable for children because the level is high.

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