Platanias is now the biggest resort in western Crete it’s lively and has bags of village charm. Holidays in Platanias give you a glimpse of past and present – with modern buildings along the seafront and old village houses looking down from the hillside behind; but the best bit about holidays in Platanias is the beach, it caries the EU Blue Flag status and its over 3km long with strikingly blue waters.

The Blue Flag section by the village is a soft spread of sand with a good selection of water-sports, stroll westward and you'll come to stretches of sand and shingle and part pebble ... but you won't come to the end of the beach till you've walked about 4km by the water's edge. This is great news for people who are averse to busy beaches, parts of this long beach are not only deserted but are also gloriously backed by verdant green hills, citrus plantations and olive trees, in-fact this entire area is surrounded by fantastic hills and mountain scenery.

Platanias is buzzy and vibrant with plenty of facilities, good shopping, a big selection of bars, traditional tavernas and restaurants and a few clubs where you can boogie well into the night.

If you are looking for some authentic Cretan flavour to enhance your holiday, then Perched up on the hillside above Platanias beach resort is the original old village of Platanias with its traditional wood and stone architecture, here you will experience some oldie worldly Cretan charm with a small selection of shops, traditional cafes and tavernas.

JOURNEY TIME
Chania Airport to Platanias is approx 28kms (17miles) - 25mins by taxi