Holidays to Plakias

from £124 per person

Flight + Hotel
Hotels

Departure airport

Any airport

When

Any Date

How long

Room(s)

1 Room

2 Adults

1 Room

2 Adults

UTC+02:00

Greek (modern)

EUR: Euro

Introducing holidays to Plakias 2021

A huge sandy bay lapped by crystal clear water and various natural beauty spots make Plakias holidays particularly alluring.

With its crescent-shaped beach and abundance of amenities, it’s no surprise that package holidays to Plakias are so popular. The resort on Crete’s south coast is famed for its nearby natural treasures, from the dramatic Kourtaliotiko Gorge to the palm-fringed Preveli Beach. Keen to break up beach time with some sightseeing? History-packed Rethymnon is less than an hour away.

Active adventures in Plakias

Love to spend your free time outdoors? Plakias breaks are ideal! The resort is close to several gorgeous hiking spots, including caves created during the island’s German occupation in WWII. You could also trek to waterfalls or meander down to a tropical hidden beach.

Things to do
Places to stay

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Your guide to Plakias holidays

Food & Drink

Eating out

Mouth watering Mediterranean cuisine is definitely on the menu when you book cheap holidays to Plakias.

Plakias Beach is dotted with rustic restaurants where you can enjoy delicious grub and uninterrupted ocean vistas. Most are at the northern end of the beach, close to the harbour.
Speaking of Plakias harbour, it’s an excellent place to sample freshly caught seafood and other local delights. The promenade connecting the port with Skinos Beach is lined with eateries, including Taverna Sirocco.
For an even more authentic Cretan dining experience, drive up into the villages above Plakias. Both Myrthios and Sellia house charming tavernas serving traditional island dishes.
Did you know Crete has a thriving wine industry? Order up a bottle of local vino at any taverna to go with your meal. There’s also the option of visiting a vineyard like Kourkoulou Winery for a tasting session.
Fancy a break from Greek food? Day trips to Rethymnon give you access to various international eateries. Bite into tasty burgers, share a cheesy pizza or indulge in a spicy curry.

Traditional dishes and drinks to try in Plakias

Enjoy a true taste of Crete on Plakias breaks by sampling delicious dishes and drinks which are unique to the island.

Dakos is one of the most famous meze dishes in Crete. It’s made by soaking rusks in water or olive oil and then topping them with tomatoes, cheese and herbs.
Love rice dishes? Gamopilafo is very similar to Italian risotto. Featuring rice that’s been cooked in a rich meat broth, it’s then garnished with lemon juice and butter.
Kalitsounia is the perfect snack to enjoy in between meals! It’s basically a pocket of pastry stuffed with cheese and spinach. Sweet versions with cinnamon and rosewater are also available.
A more unusual dish to try in Crete is fried snails! Known as chochlios boubouristi, the small molluscs are tossed in flour, fried in olive oil and then drizzled with wine.
If wine isn’t your drink of choice, why not try another local beverage? Raki is a type of brandy made from grape skins. Sometimes called tsikoudia in Crete, it’s the ideal after dinner tipple.

Holiday types

Family holidays

Laid back family holidays in Plakias are made possible thanks to the region’s incredible beaches and bevy of child-friendly hotels.

Whether you’re travelling with tots or teens, you’ll find the majority of the beaches around Plakias are safe for swimming. Plakias Beach in particular is a great family spot thanks to its space, sand and clear sea.
There’s no shortage of fantastic hotels for families in Plakias! Most are positioned along or just back from the beach. Find one with a huge swimming pool or kids’ club.
Delve into the Aegean Sea on a family snorkelling trip. Hire masks and swim directly off the beach or set out on an organised snorkelling group tour with a guide.
Need a day out of the sun? Hop in your hire car and head across the island to Rethymnon. The ancient city is home to numerous landmarks and museums which will interest kids of all ages.
Even the fussiest of eaters will find something delicious to eat in Plakias. Share numerous meze dishes or let the kids browse vast menus of Greek classics like souvlaki and moussaka.

Couples holidays

Not just an attractive spot for family getaways, Plakias’ beautiful beaches and exciting nearby attractions makes it a great shout for romantic breaks, too.

If quiet coves free from crowds are what you’re craving, Plakias holidays won’t disappoint. The resort’s main beach boasts plenty of space to stretch out, plus there’s myriad more secluded bays within a short drive.
Sit down for a romantic dinner at sunset at any one of the restaurants on the seafront. You’ll also find several cocktail bars perfect for sundowners and snacks.
More adventurous couples will be spoilt for choice by breathtaking hiking trails near Plakias. Preveli Gorge is a picture-perfect paradise, while Boutsinas waterfall sits within the rugged Kotsifou canyon.
Go off the beaten track by hiring a boat for the day. You’ll be able to explore hard to reach coves either side of Plakias at your own pace.
When it comes to places to snooze after a day on the beach, Plakias has plenty of amazing accommodation. Stay in holiday apartments with spas or book a hotel room with beach views.

Time to explore

Top 5 things to do in Plakias

Whether you want to completely switch off or you’re keen to do some sightseeing, there’s no shortage of activities to place on your Plakias holiday itinerary.

Plakias in Crete is a prime destination for sun, sea and surf thanks to its beautiful beaches. As well as the huge sandy beach named after the resort, you’ll spot several smaller coves along the coast.
Admire amazing ocean views from Akra Mokumouri Wanderweg. The viewpoint sits on the cliffs at the southern end of Plakias Beach. While the walk is tricky in places, you’ll be rewarded with uninterrupted vistas.
Plakias is not home to many historic relics, but one that’s worth seeing is Koules Fortress. The structure is entirely in ruins, although its lofty position makes it an ideal spot to soak up the scenery.
If you’re travelling to or from Plakias from Crete’s north coast, you’ll have to pass through one of two gorges. Kourtaliotiko Gorge boasts breathtaking views and is home to the tiny Agia Kiriaki church that’s built into the rock.
Rethymnon is a must-see on Plakias holidays! The third largest city in Crete, it’s also its most historic. Explore the enchanting Old Town, have lunch in the pretty Venetian Port and tour Fortezza Castle.

Outdoor attractions in Plakias

From stunning sandy stretches to breathtaking hiking spots, there’s plenty of ways to enjoy the great outdoors on holidays to Plakias.

Walk to the southern end of Plakias Beach and follow the pathway along the cliffs. At the end, you’ll find Gonatas Caves. Originally mine shafts, they were dug out during WWII and used to store supplies for German submarines.
Head down the coast from Plakias and you’ll come across lush Preveli Gorge. Park up at Gefyra Taverna and follow the river south. At the end, you’ll discover an idyllic beach with a palm-fringed lagoon.
For a walking trail a little closer to Plakias, head north towards the village of Myrthios. Nearby you’ll find the ruins of the Old Watermill and a crystal clear stream.
Like being out on the water? Venture down to Plakias’ small harbour. There, you’ll be able to set off on fishing tours and snorkelling trips.
Animal lovers with a more adventurous streak might want to explore the area around Plakias on horseback. Drive to a local stables and hack through the countryside or down to the beach.

Beaches

Beaches in Plakias

Vast sandy beaches and clear blue waters are what’s in store when you book a relaxing holiday to Plakias.

Plakias Beach is the town’s main beach and it stretches out along the entire length of the seafront. Due to its size, it’s never too busy. Note that the far southern end is popular with naturists.
Stroll just north of Plakias harbour and you’ll stumble across a small sandy cove. Known as Skinos Beach, it’s a lovely spot to spend the day. There’s also a handful of charming tavernas overlooking the sand.
Less than ten minutes west by road is where you’ll find Souda Beach. It’s situated in the small coastal village of the same name and fringed by Cretan date palms and seafood restaurants.
Damnoni Beach is the first major beach you reach if you drive south of Plakias. Set within a sheltered bay, it’s blessed by calm waters and golden sand. One end is dotted with hotels and tavernas, while the other is blissfully untouched.
Famous for being a Byzantine pirate refuge, Kalypso Beach is a narrow cove 10 minutes from Plakias. Part of a hotel, you’ll need to pay to use the sunbeds. It’s well-worth it, though, to swim in turquoise waters.

Farther flung beaches in Plakias

Renting a car on your Plakias break? There are myriad magical beaches within 30 minutes of the peaceful resort.

Nestled around the corner from Damnoni, Mikro Ammoudi Beach is smaller and features some of the clearest sea water you’ll ever see. Due to its secluded location, it’s a popular nudist beach.
Skinaria Beach lies a little further south of Mikro Ammoudi Beach and is one of the most tranquil coves on Crete’s south coast. Lay down on fine pebbles and enjoy swimming in balmy water.
You might have to clamber down the rocks to reach charming Kleisedi Beach, but it’s very likely you’ll have it entirely to yourself! Find it next door to Mikro Ammoudi Beach.
You’d be forgiven for thinking you’d stepped foot in the Caribbean at Preveli Beach! The palm-fringed paradise features a natural lagoon and a single taverna where you can grab snacks and drinks. Reach it through Preveli Gorge or descend the steep steps from the carpark above.
If you’re hoping to explore west of Plakias, make Korakas Beach your first stop. It’s one of the coastline's wilder beaches, with few buildings nearby and decent waves for jumping.

Plakias weather

Jan

14°C

Avg. Dry Days 16

Feb

15°C

Avg. Dry Days 16

Mar

16°C

Avg. Dry Days 21

Apr

18°C

Avg. Dry Days 23

Nov

19°C

Avg. Dry Days 17

Dec

16°C

Avg. Dry Days 14

Your Plakias questions answered

When is the best time to visit Plakias?

The best time to book Plakias holidays if you’re after sunshine and balmy temperatures is summer. Due to Crete’s temperate climate though, you’ll also be able to enjoy beach holidays in spring and autumn.

What type of holiday does Plakias offer?

How do I get from the airport to Plakias?

When is the cheapest time to visit Plakias?

Is Plakias family-friendly?

Top Plakias hotels

Not sure which hotel to go to? Check out our top hotels:

4 Star Hotels

Kalypso Cretan Village Resort & Spa

3 Star Hotels

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Prices last checked at 19:21 19 January 2021