No beach in Crete enjoys a more spectacular setting than the beach in Plakias Bay, a large crescent bay sheltered by a ring of towering mountains in a rugged terrene, there's no thoroughfare here - the road stops at Plakias.  This wild beauty spot was originally home to a tiny farming and fishing community, today it's a steadily growing resort with a loyal following, but the madding crowds are still kept at distance by the location, it still retains certain simplicity and a feeling of remoteness.

This traditional and picturesque town is built alongside a single street, which runs by the beach and has a pretty little harbour (where you can catch a boat to several other beaches).  Small roads lead off the main street, with apartments, shops and tavernas, follow one of these small streets as far as you can, and you'll probably end up in an olive grove. There are tracks that lead up to the villages of Mirthios and Sellia nestling up in the hills.  Mirthios is really unspoilt, and there is an excellent taverna there which makes the walk worth the effort. (Take a torch if you are walking down again in the dark).

The Beach at Plakias is one long bay with golden sand and shingle and crystal clear waters, the further you walk along the beach east of the village the sandier and wider it gets, at the far end of the beach there are towering cliffs with a nice area for snorkelling.  Being the size that it is, the beach is rarely crowded, and you can always find a quiet spot somewhere. There are sun-beds and umbrellas for hire, and water-sports on the beach.

Everything you need is available in Plakias – shops, supermarkets and plenty of places to eat and drink, nightlife is low key and is centred round the local tavernas and bars, some beach side, although there are couple of discos for those seeking late-night activity.

JOURNEY TIME
Heraklion Airport to Plakias is approx 114Kms (71miles) - 1hr 30mins by taxi

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