Nearby Beaches
Crete's south coast is blessed with some of the finest beaches in the Mediterranean and many of these are just a short drive or even walking distance from Plakias village.
Crete's south coast is blessed with some of the finest beaches in the Mediterranean and many of these are just a short drive or even walking distance from Plakias village.
The Blue Flag awarded beach of Plakias is one of the most famous and at the same time one of the longest beaches in Crete (1.3 km length). Every year thousands of visitors enjoy its turquoise, crystal-clear, cool waters and sandy coastline. It is a well-organized beach with many comforts (sunbeds, umbrellas), while, at the same time, it is perfect for scuba diving activities (scuba diving tours, scuba diving lessons), windsurfing and much more. The road along the beach is ideal for walking or cycling.
Beach of Preveli, also known as Lake Preveli, is located at the exit of the imposing Kourtaliotis gorge, where the Great River (Megas Potamos) flows. It is certainly the most famous beach in south Crete, accepting thousands of visitors every summer. On the banks of the Grand River there is a large colony of palm trees, which give the region a sense of a tropical landscape. The river, forming a small lake, 500m long, before emptying into the sea, has water all year round. You can walk along the river, under the shade of palm trees and other trees, and start ascending in the beautiful canyon. You can swim in the cold ponds formed in the gorge.
Damnoni Beach is located 5 km east of Plakias. It has turquoise waters and white sand and it is surrounded by high mountains. Damnoni is a well-organized beach, offering a number of water sports, such as sailing, windsurfing, banana and ring inflatable, water skiing, wakeboarding, water polo, canoeing, rowing and pedalo. The east side of Damnoni beach connects to Ammoudaki beach via a short dirt road. At the west side of the beach you can find small sandy coves.
Ammoudi beach is located 7 km east of Plakias (10 minutes on foot from Damnoni beach). The beach has white sand and deep green waters. It is ideal for scuba diving or snorkeling.
Shinaria beach is located 3 km west of Lefkogia Village. It is an amazing place with impressive natural characteristics above and under the sea. You will notice the light blue colour of the sea and the sculpture-like marble rocks. The beach has thin grey-beige sand and pebbles, with deep and clear waters, while its seabed is very rocky. Nowhere in Crete will you encounter such rich marine life. The water clarity here is really impressive out to 40m. This is why Shoinaria beach is considered one of the best scuba diving destinations in Crete.
Souda beach is located 2 km west of Plakias beach. It is an organized sandy beach with crystal clear cold waters crossed by Foinikas river. On both ends of the beach there are rocks ideal for fishing or scuba diving.