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Travel Destination Guide - Plakias
Plakias (Crete, Greece) 
Plakias Information
Slideshow of Photos
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Plakias is a superb resort situated on the southwest coast of the Cretan island. Mountains surround the area, which is predominated by a curved sandy beach. At the end of this beach is the village of Plakias which includes a small harbour, traditional Greek restaurants, bars and few nightclubs.
In the surrounding area you will find a few other beaches with special characteristics, there are no less then six, including one of the most famous attractions in Greece, Preveli. Nearby, scattered on the mountain slopes and in the valley there are six other Greek villages. Of these Myrthios provides a splendid panoramic view of the area.
Thirty years ago Plakias was a couple of houses with a tiny harbour, just enough for the local fishermen to nest their vessels. Occasionally the place had a visitor, whether it was to enjoy the tranquillity or to sit and have a drink with the locals. (Some of these locals still live there today).
As word spread about the beauty of the area, the number of visitors increased. Photos of the area used to promote not only the local place but also Greece in general. Other world-wide tourist agencies also promote Plakias as a top destination.
Locality:
Plakias is on the west half of the South coast of Crete (20 mls S of Rethymnon. 70 mls SW of Heraklion and its airport. 60 mls SE of Chania and its airport). It is situated on the east side of a sweeping bay, backed by high mountains.
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Plakias is suitable for couples, families, walkers and nature-lovers, the middle and budget-conscious market. It is not really suitable as a touring base or for those seeking energetic nightlife.
The accommodation here is limited to a small number of average hotels and apartments. Rooms in private houses, youth hostel, and camping site.
There is a good stretch of sand and pebble in front of the village, stretching S for around ¾ ml; some small, sandy bays within walking distance to the E.
There are food stores and supermarkets, the local village shops providing craft wares, tourist souvenirs and beach requisites, post office, money exchange, bakery, car hire and cash point.
During the daytime there are beach and water-based activities such as windsurfing, sailing, snorkelling, jet-skiing, canoeing, pedalloes and scuba diving. Other activities include cycling, walking, including nature trails, bird-watching, and exploring nearby archaeological sites.
The nightlife offers some bars (including music bars) and 2 discos but entertainment is mainly found at the hotels.
There is around 25 restaurants and tavernas, offering mainly traditional Greek cuisine as well as grills and fish.
Plakias Suitability ProfileSun Snow Beaches History/Culture Romance Peace & Quiet Hustle & Bustle | Activity & Adventure Famous Landmarks Water Sports Natural Beauty Art & Architecture Family Entertainment Good Nightlife | Safari Plenty of Restaurants All Inclusive Hotels Luxury Accommodation Plenty of Shops |
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Population: 10.668.400
Languages: Greek 99% (official), English, French
Currency: euro
Currency code: EUR
Local Times:
Greece - Athens
Country Dialling Code: +30
Voltage: 220V 50Hz
Electrical plugs:
   
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Greece appeals to different types of tourist, and very few could fail to find somewhere to suit their taste. From bustling Athens to blindingly bright islands, ancient fragments abound - the belly button of the cosmos at Delphi, fallen columns galore on the sacred island of Delos, frescoed Minoan palaces on Crete and even, quite possibly, the remnants of Atlantis at Santorini. Greeks are fierce guardians of tradition, but that doesn't mean they don't know how to have fun. In addition, hot sun and limpid seas conspire to make Greece a perfect place to relax. Whether you're supping in a beachside taverna , sipping coffee in a shady plateia or disco-dancing till dawn.
The Olympic Games were spawned in ancient classical Greece, along with democracy and the fundamentals of philosophy, science and mathematics. Modern Greece is better known as a great place to vacation rather than a centre of learning and culture. Today the country attracts by offering simple pleasures: delicious food at reasonable prices, local wine, beautiful beaches, sunshine, quaint villages, a seemingly endless lacework of coastline and little islands full of scenic surprises.
The country exudes traditional charm, particularly on its ever-popular islands, which cling to their stereotypical architecture and way of life despite being often over-run by tourists. Black-clad women still deliver vegetables to island tavernas on panniered donkeys, while bronzed, lined fishermen sit in the sun, drink thick coffee, and play dominoes or dice. The tourist infrastructure has intruded in many respects, but the timeless aspect of whitewashed buildings clustered on hillsides around narrow pebbled alleys has been retained. The myriad islands in the Aegean Sea are easily accessible from Piraeus, the historic harbour of Greece's mainland capital, Athens, by ferry or hydrofoil, offering a unique chance for 'island-hopping'. Many of the larger islands also have airports with connections to Athens or seasonally with major European cities.
On the mainland the city of Athens in the south is sprawling, overcrowded and polluted but nevertheless enthralls visitors, while Thessaloniki in the north is vibrant and modern with a Byzantine flavour. Athens is dominated by its major landmark, the Parthenon: the remains of other wonders of the ancient Greek classical world are to be found mainly on the Peloponnese Peninsula, south of Corinth, the gateway to a veritable treasure trove of history.
Greece and Greeks welcome with open arms the thousands of visitors that flock to admire their national assets every year - no-one leaves without having been warmed, both by the sun and the hospitality. |
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Local Area Weather
Heraklion, GREECE |
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20°C
Feels like: 20°C |
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