10 Things to Do in Plakias, Crete

Plakias is a seaside city and laid-back vacation resort on the southwest coast of Crete, nearly immediately south of Rethymno. It lies in a big crescent bay between the dramatic rocky headlands of  Kako Mouri and “Dragon.” 

Set towards a backdrop of olive groves and rolling mountains, Plakias couldn’t be extra picturesque. The encircling hillsides are spangled with white-washed villages like Sellia and Myrthios, the place pleasant family-run tavernas provide scrumptious house cooked meals in an genuine setting. 

We spent three weeks in Plakias in March and had been captivated by the luxurious inexperienced landscapes, panoramic views of the bay, and the various close by points of interest—pristine seashores, dramatic gorges, and hilltop church buildings.

What we beloved most was the real native vibe. Plakias isn’t only a place individuals go to—it’s a spot individuals name house, filled with pleasant faces and a welcoming sense of group. At the same time as short-term guests, we felt an actual sense of connection to the place and the individuals who stay there. 

And like every tight-knit group, visitors strikes at its personal tempo—drivers pause to talk by means of open home windows, unabashedly holding up the road and not using a care on the earth. 

Right here’s a take a look at all the pieces we beloved and uncovered throughout our winter solar escape to Plakias.

1. Stroll alongside the Plakias Promenade

The heartbeat of Plakias pulses alongside the seafront promenade that strains its most important seashore. You’ll discover essentially the most eating choices alongside the northern finish of the promenade, beginning with the atmospheric Taverna Sirocco Plakias (Google Maps), a energetic taverna with terraced seating, nice meals, and attentive service. 

On the opposite facet of the Plakias Pier, there’s a gradual procession of seafront souflaki eateries, cafés, bars, and tavernas. 

For goat-milk ice cream and wonderful espresso, go to Candia café (Google Maps). Additional down, Blu Café (Google Maps) serves nice espresso and snacks.

Following the walkway additional south within the path of the Kako Mouri headland, you’ll go a number of seashore bars and lodging, the very best of that are Paligremnos Infinity and NERĒA Boutique Resort.

2. Uncover the Finest Seashores round Plakias

The shoreline round Plakias is dotted with seashores of all types—lengthy, open stretches good for sunbathing, secluded coves for quiet swims, pebbly bays with crystal-clear water, and even a number of spots the place clothes is elective.

Through the vacation season, all seashores provide sunbeds and umbrellas for a price. 

East to west, the very best seashores round Plakias are Shinaria Seashore (Skinaria), Ammoudi Seashore, Ammoudaki Seashore (Ammoydaki), Damnoni Seashore, Plakias Seashore, and Souda Seashore.

3. Hike the Kako Mouri Headland Circuit Path

This coastal loop path begins on the japanese finish of Plakias Seashore and wraps across the rugged Kako Mouri headland, providing panoramic views of the bay, surrounding mountains, and the Libyan Sea. 

From Plakias Bay Resort, comply with a rocky path marked with blue waypoints southwest throughout sharp, veined metamorphic rock formations.

The path curves dramatically round cliffs earlier than descending towards Kalypso Cretan Village Resort, badly in want of renovation. Go by means of an unpleasant slate-gray arch and proceed alongside a paved highway to Kalypso Seashore automotive park. 

Climb the dramatic cliffside stairs and comply with the coastal path to Damnoni Bay, passing a lonesome sheep station en route. If open, the seashore tavernas at Damnoni make an incredible lunch cease. 

Proceed inland alongside a highway between resorts, and on the many-forked junction, head roughly straight. After 270 meters, flip left, then proper, following indicators again to Plakias Seashore.

The route winds by means of olive groves and fields, ultimately reconnecting with the unique path to finish the loop at Plakias Bay Resort.

For a extra detailed description, learn our Crete climbing information.

Trailhead: Plakias Seashore (Google Maps) | Distance: 5.4 km circuit | Time Wanted: 2 hours | Elevation Achieve/Loss: 141 meters | Issue: Simple – Average

4. Climb As much as Agios Paisios Church

Standing on a rocky summit, Agios Paisios Church instructions magnificent views of the Damnoni, Ammoudaki, and Ammoudi seashores and the various peaks that encircle Plakias.

This whimsical stone church was constructed to commemorate the lifetime of a younger boy who misplaced his life far too early.

From the east-end of Damnoni Seashore, we hiked the flower-lined path as much as the church. The views are marvelous, however the path is considerably overgrown. 

To find the path, stroll (or park) on the east-end of Damnoni seashore. Proceed east on the highway. You’ll be able to already see the hilltop church. 

If you intersect with the highway resulting in Ammoudaki Seashore (by no means drive this highway btw), flip left. You’ll go a gated property in your proper. The highway quickly curves to the precise after which a rocky path steeply ascends the hillside. 

With elevation achieve, you’ll be rewarded with enchanting views of this stone church. Its rocky perch, mixed with its whimsical design, lends the church a magical, fairytale attraction.

When the trail plateaus, you’re practically there. Proceed straight for a number of meters after which flip proper and ascend the graceful stairway path as much as the church.

Trailhead: Damnoni Seashore (Google Maps) | Distance: 2 km out-and-back | Time Wanted: 45 minutes | Elevation Achieve/Loss: 100 meters | Issue: Simple

Driving Entry | If you wish to drive, comply with indicators to Ammoudi Seashore from the Lefkogeia-Plakias Highway (9310). After driving within the path of the coast for about 800 meters, flip proper right here. This gravel highway results in the automotive park slightly below the church. Since we didn’t drive, I can’t communicate to the highway circumstances of the church entry highway. 

5. Eat Lunch in Sellia Village

Sellia is a small mountainside village overlooking Plakias Bay. You’ll be able to take within the extraordinary sea views from this roadside viewpoint (Google Maps). For the very best view of the village, proceed west on the excessive highway (Google Maps).

The primary purpose to courageous the slender windy highway as much as the village is to eat at Koueno Taverna (Google Maps), run by Irene and Nikos. 

Count on a heat welcome and scrumptious meals, together with quite a few vegetarian dishes and grilled meats. We beloved the vegetarian cabbage rolls (lahanodolmades), stuffed peppers (yemista), native white cheese with peppers and tomato, and hen within the oven.

6. Kourtaliotiko Gorge

There are two routes to succeed in Plakias from the north coast: one takes you thru the Kourtaliotiko Gorge, and the opposite by means of the Kotsifou Gorge.

Though each gorges are spectacular, Kourtaliotiko Gorge is breathtaking. The drive by means of the gorge alone will depart you awestruck. 

Thankfully, guests can attain the gorge waterfall viewpoint and the hidden Church of  Saint Nicholas through a well-maintained stone-paved footpath. 

Outdoors the excessive season, it’s simple to park on the small roadside lot (Google Maps), just some meters south of the stone arch that marks the doorway to the Church of Saint Nicholas.

After passing by means of the archway, descend the graceful steps all the best way right down to the picturesque church and additional to the lookout level of the Kourtaliotiko waterfalls.

This quick and candy 0.8 km stroll takes half-hour out-and-back. 

In excessive season, it’s possible you’ll have to park on the official automotive park (Google Maps), simply off the primary highway beneath the hilltop church break. There are quite a few indicators directing visitors so far. In earlier years, guests have parked immediately on the highway, inflicting visitors jams and congestion. Authorities have put in orange cones alongside the highway to forestall illegal roadside parking. 

From this official municipal automotive park, stroll right down to the primary highway and cautiously cross the road. Stroll south within the path of Plakias for 140 meters after which make a pointy left on the gravel highway to the waterfall. 

When the trail divides, proceed straight within the path of Church Of Saint Nicholas and Kourtaliotiko Waterfall, signed Entrance B. 

For extra images and knowledge, learn our information to Kourtaliotiko Gorge.

7. Hike to Preveli Seashore and thru the Palm Forest

Preveli Seashore is situated east of Plakias alongside the southwest coast. This secluded seashore is located on the south-end of the Preveli gorge (Kourtaliotiko Gorge), the place the palm-lined Preveli River (Kissano Faraggi) empties into the ocean.

There are a number of methods to entry Preveli Seashore and its indigenous palm forest: the west automotive park (Google Maps) and the east automotive park (Google Maps). From each automotive parks, you will need to hike to the seashore. The consensus is that the western method is way extra scenic, but in addition tougher. 

When driving to the west automotive park, you’ll be able to drive through Gianniou village and Preveli Monastery, or through Preveli Bridge. The highway by means of Gianniou village could be very slender, however one-way fortunately. 

We walked down from the west automotive park in climbing boots (not sandals) on a breezy 20°C afternoon, and we didn’t discover it troublesome. It’s only a rocky and uneven staircase path.

From the automotive park, the path leads south. After about 5 minutes, the path divides. The left path detours to the well-known viewpoint overlooking the Preveli river gorge. Return to the primary path and proceed descending to the seashore. Shortly earlier than arriving, go by means of the gate and stroll to the seashore. You’ll see a taverna in your left (open seasonally). 

When you attain the seashore, you’ll be able to prolong your stroll by means of the palm forest alongside the financial institution of the river. Although there are riverside paths on either side of the river, the left financial institution (or west financial institution) is longer.

There are a number of indicators directing guests to the Preveli palm forest path; it’s inconceivable to overlook. Flip left and comply with the shady path on the left facet of the river. It’s an oasis of craggy gorge partitions towering over date palms and a river evocative of the Mekong Delta. 

8. Drive the Coastal Highway from Plakias to Rodakino 

A spectacular coastal highway connects Plakias with Rodakino. Heading west alongside Plakias bay, the highway wraps round Souda Seashore, ascends to the roadside Foinikias Kantina (Google Maps), after which winds by means of dramatic rock formations. 

Subsequent, the scenic coastal highway results in Korakas and Polyrizos Seashores. From Korakas, the best way to Chora Sfakion (Skafia) turns inland and joins the excessive highway from Sellia. 

In case you’re planning a day journey to Chora Sfakion, learn our guides to Aradena Gorge and Loutro – Candy Water Seashore.

9. Hike as much as Timios Stavros Church  

A white chapel crowns the summit of Timios Stavros. Like several mountaintop, you’ll be able to count on far-reaching panoramic views and a little bit of an journey. 

To get right here, initially comply with the highway from Lefkogia to Shinaria Seashore. When the highway divides, bear left. The suitable highway results in the coast. When the highway splits once more, bear left on the gravel highway. Drive a number of meters and park at this location: Google Maps. 

Stroll up the hairpin gravel highway for 20-25 minutes. When the broad gravel highway ends, a stone paver pathway begins. After about 5 minutes, the pathway provides method to a rocky path marked with blue dots. Hike up one other 5 minutes to succeed in the summit church.

10. Discover a Distinctive Place to Keep

Plakias Lodging

In case you keep in an house, or villa, we advocate shopping for produce and Zoumberakis wine at this small grocery store (Google Maps), native goat-milk yogurt from Farma Sellia at SM Peristeraki Tremendous Market (Google Maps), and cheese at Τυροκομείο Τζουρμπάκη (Google Maps). 

Finances – Midrange | AELIA gives seafront flats in a wonderful location and at an inexpensive worth. 

Midrange – Luxurious | Prime-rated Belvedere Luxurious Residences & Spa enjoys a town-center location close to Plakias Seashore. In case you’re within the temper for somewhat further pampering, you’ll love having breakfast delivered to your room every morning, enjoyable by the outside pool (open seasonally), and unwinding on the spa (therapies obtainable).

Midrange – Luxurious | KYMĀNI Boutique Resort & Suites is a small boutique resort with impeccably-designed rooms, an outside swimming pool, and a tasty breakfast delivered to your private terrace. The resort is strolling distance to the Plakias Promenade and Seashore. 

Luxurious | AMÉNTE Conscious Keep is a classy, design-forward luxurious resort providing a serene escape with simply 10 stunning rooms. Company can take pleasure in an outside pool, a health room, and an elective breakfast, all in a relaxing, minimalist setting designed for aware rest. The resort is situated on the primary highway main into Plakias—only a bit exterior the city heart, but nonetheless inside strolling distance to the seashore.

In case you’d like to remain near Plakias Seashore, contemplate Paligremnos Infinity and NERĒA Boutique Resort. 

Nemesis Villas gives 3-bedroom, fully-equipped villas, good for households with kids. 

Damnoni Lodging

Kakomouri Headland separates Plakias Bay from Damnoni Bay. Damnoni boasts a full sweep of beachfront tavernas and a sequence of hidden seashores like Ammoydaki and Ammoudi. 

Finances-friendly Mythos Residences gives spotless and sensible lodging at an unbeatable worth close to Damnoni Seashore. 

Myrthios Lodging

Situated above Plakias, the small mountain village of Myrthios (additionally spelled Mirthios) is an possibility for these touring with a automotive. Although solely a 6-minute drive away from Plakias Seashore, pretty Myrthios feels worlds away. 

Overlooking Plakias Bay, lodging in Myrthios typically provide seaview rooms and flats. The most effective locations to remain are: STELLA within the village (finances), Chrisanthi Studios & Residences (finances), Fedra Suites Myrthios (midrange-luxury), and Mirthea Suites (midrange). 

For meals, eat at Taverna Dionyssos (Google Maps) for an genuine style of Cretan delicacies in a heat, welcoming setting. Step into the kitchen to pick out the freshly ready dishes of the day, similar to an area.

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