Distance from Heraklion: 114 km
Distance from Chania: 92 km
Activities: Water sports, diving, gorge exploration, hiking, horseback riding
Information: Shallow, calm waters, nudist beach, turtle shelter
Amenities: Accommodation, food, water, organized beach
Plakias is a seaside resort in the prefecture of Rethymnon in southern Crete. It is an area that has been famous since ancient times, as it is considered to have been the ancient city of Lamon. There are two versions of how it got its name: the first one states that a large necropolis was found in the region of Zoodochos Pigi [Spring of Life]. There were no tombstones in the necropolis; when they were later found scattered on the slope they gave the name to the area [Plakias = slab]. According to the second version, the name comes from the fact that it was built on a large slope. In 1960 the beach of Plakias was a very popular destination for hippies, which experienced a significant tourist development in 1970.
The main beach of Plakias, located at the mouth of Kotsifos river, covers an area of 1.5 km up to Cape Mouri or Psarelas. It is a well-organized sandy beach, with shallow waters, ideal for families with children, while along the beach there are taverns and small hotels. The area is one of the windiest on Crete, since due to its huge surface the beach is pretty exposed, yet the panoramic view it offers can take you to places. Many say that the sunset in Plakias may truly enchant you. There are a lot of beaches besides the big one, while two of them are beaches for nudists.
Its clear crystal waters have led to the development of the area in the last 50 years, as activities in Plakias are numerous, all year round: underwater exploration, diving, windsurfing, kitesurfing, hiking, horseback riding, cave and gorge exploration and daily boat trips to the enchanting beach of Preveli, to Chora Sfakion, to Loutro and to the entrance of the gorge of Samaria, Agia Roumeli.
