Travel guide Plakias
Flying to Crete and driving to Plakias
When flying to
Crete, there are two possible destination airports, both in the northern part of the island:
Heraklion or
Chania. Upon landing at either of these airports, you will need to cross the island to reach your affordable vacation home in Plakias, which is located in the southern part of the island. From Heraklion, the journey is approximately 115 kilometers, and from Chania, it is around 100 kilometers. Buses run regularly from the airports to the popular tourist destination of Plakias. However, it is worthwhile to rent a car and drive to your private vacation home, as it provides the flexibility to explore the scenic surrounding area in the
Rethymno region.
Summer vacation in Plakias from June to October
The climate in Plakias is heavily influenced by the Mediterranean Sea, ensuring that temperatures rarely drop below 10 degrees Celsius in winter. In summer, the average maximum temperature is over 25 degrees Celsius from June onwards, and during the summer months, it rarely cools down at night, allowing you to enjoy long, balmy evenings under the stars. Ideally, find an affordable vacation home with a lovely terrace. This beautiful summer climate lasts until October, offering a perfect getaway for those looking to escape the often dreary autumn weather in Germany. In Plakias, you will be greeted by temperatures well above 20 degrees Celsius and water temperatures in the sea reaching 25 degrees Celsius.
The taste of Crete – healthy and life-prolonging
In the 1960s, researchers began to notice the above-average life expectancy of Crete's inhabitants. The Cretan diet was identified as the cause of this longevity, and since then, many local, traditional ingredients have gained worldwide popularity. However, they still taste the best and most authentic on site. Mouratolia olives are used to make typical Cretan olive oil. Although these small olives yield less oil and are therefore not very productive, they are of high quality. Traditionally, fish was the main staple in Cretan cuisine, with meat being relatively rare. However, dishes like souvlaki or gyros have introduced heavier meat options, with lamb or mutton now regularly found on Cretan menus. Yet, the quality of local swordfish or tuna should not be missed, accompanied by Mediterranean herbs such as thyme and rosemary, and vegetables like peppers, tomatoes, eggplant, and green salad. With all this healthy food, it's only right to enjoy a glass of red wine.
The Mediterranean right at your doorstep
For children, the highlight of Plakias is undoubtedly the sea and beach. Your private vacation home is just a stone's throw away from the Mediterranean coast. Along the 1.5-kilometer-long beach, children can build sandcastles, splash in the saltwater, and play. Older children can take an introductory course in scuba diving or learn how to snorkel in one of Plakias' diving schools, discovering the exciting underwater world off the coast of Crete. A
family vacation in Crete offers everything from relaxation to adventure, catering to the holiday desires of both young and old.
Swim in coves and hike through gorges
With its beautiful sand and crystal-clear waters, Plakias beach invites you to jump right in. Surrounded by impressive rock formations, the beach provides a stunning backdrop for holiday photos and postcards. The limestone cliffs are a popular challenge for free climbers and climbers alike. A stream leads from the beach into the picturesque Kotsifou Gorge, which can be driven through or used for a hiking excursion. The nearby Kourtaliotiko Gorge, typically passed through when traveling from the north to Plakias, is also worth a visit.
From Plakias, you can visit several dreamy coves that will make your
beach vacation in Crete unforgettable and varied. By boat from the small harbor in Plakias, you can reach the palm-fringed beach of Preveli, located near the famous monastery of the same name. The Caribbean-like atmosphere of the Preveli bay or the bay of
Triopetra is a must-see.
