Nestled on the picturesque southern coast of Crete lies the charming village of Plakias Located in the Rethymno regional unit, Plakias is just 21 kilometres south of the bustling city of Rethymno As part of the municipality Agios Vasileios and the municipal unit Foinikas, this village boasts breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains to the north and the crystal-clear waters of the Libyan Sea to the south The name Plakias originates from the Greek word “flat,” a reference to the town’s location on an alluvial fan that has formed from material carried down the Kotsifou gorge
Although Plakias was initially a simple fishing jetty and a few scattered houses, it has since blossomed into a popular tourist destination The first official mention of Plakias was in 1961, when it was recorded as the permanent home of six fishermen in a census However, the recorded history of the nearby mountain villages of Myrthios and Sellia dates back to the 10th century, when the Byzantine Emperor Nikephoros II Phokas built roads and bridges to connect these villages The remnants of a fortified area on a hilltop northeast of the main town serve as a testament to the village’s ancient roots It is believed that Plakias may have been inhabited since Minoan times due to its ideal geographical location and ample agricultural space
Plakias boasts a stunning 1300-metre-long sandy beach, with several other beautiful beaches located within walking distance, such as Souda, Damnoni, Ammoudi, and Skhinaria The southeastern end of the beach, near the Kakomouri headland, is a popular spot for nudists Unlike other busy Greek resorts, Plakias is not located on a major traffic route, resulting in minimal traffic and a quieter, less dusty atmosphere Parking along the main town road can be challenging during the high season, but there is a large free parking area just east of the main town Along the seafront, visitors can find a variety of dining options, with the largest concentration of tavernas located at the west end
For those looking to explore beyond the town, the historic monastery of Preveli is located just 8 kilometres to the east This monastery, which may have been founded as early as the 10th century, played a significant role in Cretan revolts against occupying forces such as the Nazis during World War II Nearby is the stunning Preveli Beach, accessible from the port of Plakias and boasting a beautiful forest with palm trees, a river, and a pristine beach
Plakias is also home to the “Youth Hostel Plakias,” a popular spot for international backpackers due to its location within olive groves and its reputation as the most southerly hostel in Europe Other popular hangouts in Plakias include the cafes “Nufaro” (known locally as “Joe’s bar”) and the bars “Ostraco” and “Cozy Backyard” Every September, the village celebrates “World International Tourism Day” with a lively evening festival in the main square, featuring a free buffet meal and traditional music, songs, and dancing performances
For adventure seekers, there are two spectacular gorges to explore: the Kotsifos Gorge to the north of Plakias and the Kourtaliotiko Gorge to the northeast A scenic coastal motor track also runs west beyond Souda, leading to Rodakino beach, Frangokastello, and Sfakiá The area offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, with the option to venture into the lush green countryside beyond the coastal mountain range Popular activities in Plakias include scuba diving, snorkeling, mountain biking, and cycle touring It is also worth mentioning that Plakias is located in the Rethymno region, 97 kilometers from Chania Airport with a driving time of 1 hour and 42 minutes, and 114 kilometers from Heraklion Airport with a driving time of 1 hour and 47 minutes
