Plakias Village | What to do in Plakias | Irida Plakias Hotel

PLAKIAS

Unique and Quiet

OUTSTANDING LOCATION

WELCOME TO PLAKIAS

Holidays resort

Almost 40 years ago, there were no more than 10 residences in the village. Perhaps, this is why the natural environment has managed to keep its original characteristics and diversity. Plakias is a holidays resort situated on the southwest coast of Crete at the shore of the Libyan Sea. The name in Greek means "flat" but the approach and coastline are quite mountainous and dramatic. The mountains and gorges surround the countryside area, which is predominated by a beautiful curved sandy beach. Plakias has a unique feel, which appeals to anyone who normally chooses to stay in a smaller and quieter place.

Discover the beauty of this place, the many faces of mother nature, the mystery of the Cretans.

Plakias. One place, many experiences.

To us, true experiences are the most important. The ones that free your mind and feed your soul. And with such extraordinary nature surrounding us, it deserves to be explored in extraordinary ways. So explore the magical beaches among the dunes, cruise the South Coast aboard a small boat or take a refreshing dip into the Cretan Sea. You can join us later at an amazing dinner before we reveal some of our favorite spots around Plakias. It’s time to embrace nature and share the moment..!

Plakias Attractions

The south coastline

Plakias Bay

Initially just a fishing jetty and a few houses, Plakias developed during the last few decades into a unique destination. The first official mention of Plakias was in 1961, when it was recorded in a census as the permanent home of six fishermen. The southern beaches of the district are called ‘‘Gialia’’. Enjoy the sunset views overlooking the bay!

The town

Plakias Town

The lovely little town of Plakias is built alongside a single street. With the sea on one side, and houses on the other, you never feel far from the beach. Small roads lead off the main street, with coffee shops and tavernas to catch your attention. Follow one of these small streets as far as you can, and you'll probably end up in an olive grove, leading up to the hills. During the night, explore the bars downtown for a cocktail or two…

The natural heritage

Preveli Beach & Palmgrove

Preveli with its riverside palm-groves is one of the most famous and beloved beaches in Crete. Its name – and that of the broader region – is taken from the historical monastery nearby, dedicated to St. John the Theologian.A walk on the bank or a pedalo up the river itself through the palms and oleanders and into the gorge is a quite unforgettable experience. At the mouth of the gorge, where the river Kourtaliotis ends in a delta, is the exquisite beach of Preveli. It has pale sands and a stony bottom to the crystalline water.

The landscape

Kourtaliotiko Gorge

The Kourtaliotiko Gorge is one of the most beautiful gorges of Crete. Magnificent vertical cliffs can be seen on both its sides, reaching as high as 300 metres at several places. It is 2,5 kilometres long and the elevation difference between the entrance point and the outlet is 150 metres. It is a nesting and foraging area for many rare bird species, mostly raptors, a fact that justifies its international importance as a bird habitat. A little picturesque chapel can be seen approximately in the middle of the route, on the western side of the gorge, inside a cave. The gorge is excellent choice for hiking.

The villages

Mirthios Village

Mirthios is a small village with a panoramic view over Plakias bay. The beautiful landscape and the atmosphere of the village is ideal for relaxing and enjoying yourself during your vacation. In the village of Mirthios you can find traditional tavernas with beautiful panoramic views, two cafeneios (traditional coffee places) with mini markets and shops selling souvenirs and jewellery as well as the old village houses.

THE LOCALS

This is your chance to meet the locals and experience their every-day life.

Yet, it’s not just the natural environment that makes Plakias one of the most popular resorts in Crete. In this land grows the most authentic form of Cretan Hospitality as well. The people of Plakias have not changed over time. They still keep the Cretan tradition alive. They also keep their doors open, for anyone who truly wants to get to know them.