Plakias

By road, several buses daily from Rethimno and Ayia Galini, one in high season from Sfakia.

Walk; bicycles, cars & scooters for hire; taxis available; local bus service.

Plakias has a stunning, long, gently shelving largely sandy beach. The eastern end is backed by dunes and is largely naturist.

• A number of other beaches including the nearby coves at Mikro Amoudi (or Amoudaki) are easily reached. Strong swimmers can pass between the two coves by swimming through the under water arch or round the pinnacle that divides them.
• The sunset from Panarama taverna in the village of Mirthios on the hill above Plakias.

• Preveli Monastery

• Preveli beach, surrounded by one of the few natural palm tree groves in Greece.
• Karavos beach, also known as the “Pirates' fjord”, a small cove surrounded by breathtaking 200 m high rocks. It is a good option when there are strong winds in the area, since it is protected from the north side.

• Walk in the surrounding countryside. Local bookshops have walking guides. One of the best is the series from Marengo Publications
• Swim, snorkel & sunbathe, getting an all over tan if you wish. Plakias has one of the best nudist beaches in the world, with an easy-going atmosphere, loungers, umbrellas, and a doughnut seller who wanders up and down the beach.
• Scuba Dive with Dive Together Crete dive school
• Visit the southern most lending library in Europe which is behind the village towards the Youth Hostel.
• Kalypso Rock's Palace dive centre, Karavos beach (in the premises of Kalypso Cretan Village Resort & Spa hotel), +30 6940517120 (office in Rethymno: Sof. Venizelou 4a, ), www.kalypsodivecenter.com. Su-F 09:00-17:00, night dives on demand. Offers guided scuba dives for certified and non certified divers, night dives, guided snorkeling and PADI certified courses. Children older than 8 years old are allowed to dive. You can rent the equipment. Free pickup and transport service from all tourist areas of Rethymno prefecture. Single dive: €30 (check the website for more pricing information).

• Siroko Taverna

  phone: +30 28320 32055
  Try the lamb in egg-lemon sauce and shrimps saganaki. Ask for the daily extras or for your preferable choice.

• Gioma Taverna

  phone: +30 28320 31261
  address: Sea Front

The Youth Hostel is the southern most in Europe and is well recommended. Plakias has no shortage of rooms and hotels. It is featured in a number of package holiday brochures.
If you want to avoid crowds, just five minutes away by car in the town of Myrthios on the hill-side, you will find some family-run apartments and tavernas.

• Village Apartments

  phone: +30 2832031835
  address: Mirthios
  Located in the mountain village of Mirthios. There are 7 apartments, and each can accommodate 2 – 6 persons, and has separate bedrooms consisting of double or single beds, bathroom and a fully equipped kitchen.

• On The Rocks

  phone: +30 2832031023
  On the way to Souda is Hotel On The Rocks. Located on the beach-road. Consists of 4 double and 2 triple rooms. All rooms have air conditioning and fridge.