A green paradise at the southcoast of Europe
Plakias at the south coast of Crete.
A bay with one kilometer of sandy beach next to the village
A green landscape with mountains is surrounding the village in the back inviting for hiking
Hike to incredibly beautiful beaches close by like Preveli - one of two palm beaches ob Crete
Enjoy magic sunsets at our "Sleeping Dragon" in the Plakas Bay
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Plakias, a quiet backwater away from the hectic north coast of Crete. Not a beautiful town but the splendid beaches in the area, the mountains and gorge as a backdrop and the tranquility of the surrounding olive groves more than compensate. Small enough to be very friendly but large enough to have most of the facilities for the visitor. There is a great night life which goes on all night every night until the sun comes up.
Some people stay for the wonderful walks in the area. It is still possible to wander off to a lonely beach and see nobody all day. The mountains are for the more energetic. Then there are special places known only to the hostel where you can swim in freshwater pools and shower under waterfalls. Some people stay for the beach and the nightlife.
How to get to Plakias
If you arrive at Iraklio (Heraklion) Airport you can take a taxi to the bus station for about 10.00 Euro or take the blue and white bus no. 1 or 12 just beyond the car park. As you come out of the airport, you will find a row of package tour providers straight in front of you. The taxi stop is to the left of that. To get to the bus stop, walk past the taxi ranks across the car park behind them until you reach the road. You should already see the sign for the bus stop from the car park. Buy a ticket at the little wooden hut or the ticket machine by the bus stop for 1.20 Euro (Zone Orange). It is best to ask the bus driver to let you know where to get off for the Central Bus Station (Bus Station A). As you get off the bus, walk back a few steps past a large modern bank (Pancretan Coop Bank) and turn left at the corner (the road you turn into is called Efessou). You will pass some sports fields on your left followed by some of the old town wall. The back of the Central Bus Station is just opposite the old wall (about 250 m from where you got off the first bus).
If you arrive at Iraklio port walk out of the main gates, turn right and the bus station is about 300m walk on the opposite side of the road.
For the "Greek latest" on the bus timetable visit Bus Service Crete
Go into the bus station office and buy a ticket to Rethymno for 8.30 Euro. Luggage goes under the bus and it is best to sit on the opposite side from the driver to keep out of the sun and for sea views. Travel all the way though to Rethymno bus station, about one and a half hours.
If you arrive at Chania airport take the bus to the central bus station in Chania Town. The luggage goes under the bus. Tickets for 2.30 Euro can be bought from the conductor in the bus. The bus schedule is connected to the flight schedule, so there should be a bus soon after your arrival. The journey to Chania town takes about 30 min.
At the big bus stop in Chania town find the bus to Rethymno. There is one every hour. The price for the ticket is 6.70 Euro. It´s recommended to sit on the left side for the sea view.
In Rethymno go into the bus station office and buy a ticket to Plakias (pronounced Plakya) for 5.00 Euro. Listen carefully for the bus to be called and note the number of the bus (there is also a destination board you can consult). Again luggage goes under the bus and it is best to sit on the same side as the driver for gorge and sea views.
If you have a long time to wait for the next bus you can leave your bags in a store room corner located to the right of the main bus station building (towards the road and back a bit) and go off sightseeing in the old town. If you miss the last bus of the day then you have two options, either take a taxi to Plakias for about 45.00 Euro (or 40.00 Euro with a Plakias taxi driver - to arrange the transport call our taxi driver Zacharias: +30 693 2281995) or stay a night at the north coast.
There are hostels in Chania (chaniahostel.gr and cocooncityhostel.com), Rethymno (yhrethymno.com) and Heraklio. In Heraklio we can also recommend Manos Studios at Ammoudara Beach.
The bus journey to Plakias takes about 50 minutes depending upon which route the bus takes. Get off at Plakias sea front and cross the square.
Walk on the road between the "Forum" and the river (there is a yellow postbox and a YH sign) for about 100 meters, turn left when you see "Porto Plakias" about 30 meters in the distance and follow the yellow triangular signs, you will be home in less than 10 minutes.