Plakias is a small village, ideal for a beach holiday and because of its location with beautiful surroundings it is also appreciated by nature lovers.

Although Plakias is quite a popular tourist destination, it has a pleasant atmosphere and is still far away from mass-tourism. It is not too large, and so retains the traditional Cretan friendliness, filoxenia. Filoxenia literally means "love of strangers." It is a generosity of spirit and attitude towards strangers in which Greeks take great pride as a defining attribute.

At the same time Plakias is big enough to have a good range of accommodations, tavernas, shops and bars. There is free parking in the entire village. Parking lots can be found in the side streets of the main boulevard.

Traditional Cretan cooking is considered one of the healthiest diets in the world. Along the main boulevard and in its side streets you will find several tavernas where local dishes are served. The food is delicious and affordable.

Tasomanolis  – best fresh fish in town
Medousa – high quality local food in a good atmosphere
Antonis' Place – good, authentic and affordable
Kri Kri – ideal place to eat pizza or to take it away
Sifis – quick pita gyros and other meat dishes
Pints & bites - For take-away 

If you have a car:
Elia in Sellia - wonderful high quality restaurant with exquisite local food
Taverna Mariou in Mariou – delicious local food and very friendly staff
Dionissos in Mirthios - Choose from the pots in the kitchen like in the old times

The beach in Plakias is a long bay and behind the harbour you find a small, shallow rocky bay that is ideal for snorkelling. You can use sunbeds and umbrellas at reasonable prices and there are several beach showers to rinse off the salt. The beach is rarely crowded and has a gentle slope into the sea. The sea is safe for swimming – usually there are no currents or strong surf.

Although you can comfortably lie on the sand, there are many places where you have to cross some pebbles and small rocks to get into the water. You may want to bring water shoes or buy them here in one of the shops. 

The conditions for diving on the south coast of Crete are great. We have different bays in the area that each offer beautiful diving. The water is crystal clear and of good temperature. But most importantly, the underwater world is amazing! There are lots of rock formations, gorges and drop offs where plenty of underwater life can be found.