Plakias Beach

Plakias Beach is situated on the south coast, around 36 kilometers south of Rethymno City. It is one of the most highly rated and largest beaches on Crete, with a beachfront that starts near town and runs 1.3 kilometers all the way to Cape Mouri. The beach has cool green waters with tamarisk trees running along the back of the beach. As one of the islands go-to beaches there are no shortage of facilities and things to do; you can rent loungers and umbrellas, and find a range of water sports plus beach volleyball.

The eastern side of the beach is sandy, and it is located near the small resort’s hotels and restaurants. Here you can gaze look up at the sheer cliffs. It is well worth taking an evening stroll on the beach; first you will see the towering cliffs lit up red by the setting sun followed by luminous white as the moonlight reflects.

Duing the summer months you will want to head for the sea to cool off, whilst usually calm it can be a little choppy. If you are interested in snorkeling, you will need to go to the nearby Souda beach, just west of here where the water is clear and calm. Plakias is more suited for walking and watersports.

Plakias beach is truly a unique and wondrous sight. The cliffs are special because legend says that the epic hero, Digenis, kneeled there to drink from a local spring. Some people come to climb the cliffs, and others come just to take in the scenery and soak up the sun.