Last Updated: January 3, 2024
Plaka Crete has remained for years a hidden gem, known only to locals and a few vacationers who seek solitude away from the crowds of Agios Nikolaos but they want to avoid the hefty prices of Elounda. It is located only an hour from Heraklion airport and 30 minutes from Agios Nikolaos and it has one of the most picturesque locations on the entire island. In recent years, it has gained in popularity partly because it served as a setting for a successful Greek tv series. Also, Plaka, Crete was the inspiration for Victoria Hislop’s book “The Island”.
Plaka, Crete, depicts accurately the Cretan lifestyle. Here you feel as if time has stood still and the people, the lifestyle, and traditions have remained intact with the passing of time.
Continue reading to find out everything you need to know about the beautiful seaside village of Plaka, Crete; where to stay, what to do, and where to eat.
HOW TO GET TO PLAKA CRETE
Plaka, Crete is located an hour away from Heraklion N. Kazantzakis airport and you can reach it either by car or by bus. Getting around in Crete by bus is cheap and reliable. With that said, we’d highly recommend that you rent a car as there are a few unique locations in Crete where buses don’t go.
BUS TO PLAKA, CRETE
You can catch the bus directly from the airport to Agios Nikolaos. You can purchase your ticket from the ticket kiosk located outside the airport, by the main street. Then, from Ag. Nikolaos, you’ll need to take a taxi to Plaka. The buses are in good condition, they have A/C and they’re quite comfortable. They’re rarely fully booked, so you don’t have to worry about booking in advance. You can find all the information you need plus the timetable here.
RENT A CAR IN CRETE, GREECE
The best way to get around Crete island is by car and thankfully the island has many rental companies you can choose from; international brands and local. Having been raised in Crete, I knew very well that local rental car companies are very reliable and cheap.
We rented our car from Monza Rent A Car, for the full 3 weeks that we spent in Crete and we honestly can’t recommend them enough. We wanted to reserve our car in advance so we emailed them to have that arranged and they replied to our email after just a couple of hours, answering promptly to all our inquiries. They have a large fleet of cars, so you’re sure to find the one that you feel the most comfortable driving. What’s best, they are located all across the island so you can pick up your car either from Chania airport or Heraklion airport, or any other location strategically located in the major cities of Crete.
BEST THINGS TO DO IN PLAKA, CRETE
Plaka, Crete is a quaint seaside village, with imposing mountains as a backdrop, and from its beach, you can enjoy striking views of Spinalonga island. It is a small village but that’s what we loved most about it; the serenity that we felt the moment we arrived. If you’re looking to escape to a quiet place for a couple of days and completely unwind, then Plaka, Crete is undoubtedly for you.
READ ALSO: Arolithos Village: A Must-Visit Destination in Crete for Authentic Culture
That’s not to say, however, that there are no things to do in Plaka, Crete. You can spend a day relaxing in this beautiful village or you can base yourself here for a few days, while you explore the surrounding areas.
Here are a few things to do in Plaka, Crete that are fun and which you don’t wanna miss out on.
VISIT SPINALONGA ISLAND
The history of Spinalonga island dates back to 1579 when the Venetians built a castle on it and occupied it for 50 years. Turkey then occupied it and it was a municipality of its own with Turkish residents until 1903. From that time and until 1957 Spinalonga had its “darkest” days as the Cretans used the island to quarantine those who suffered from leprosy; the history of the island is quite overwhelming. A visit to Spinalonga island is one of the top must-do things in Plaka, Crete.
EAT YOUR WAY THROUGH THE VILLAGE
We all know how amazing Greek food is but what you probably don’t know is that Cretan cuisine is considered one of the healthiest in the world. So you can enjoy all the delicious Cretan food without having to wave your diet goodbye. Cretan food is focused a lot on healthy ingredients such as pulses, greens, vegetables, and fresh fish. Plaka, Crete offers plenty of remarkable restaurants where you can eat to your heart’s content. Here are a few of our favorite places to eat in Plaka, Crete
- Taverna Spinalonga – great taverna by the sea. You can have lunch here or simply a drink (ouzo & raki come with complimentary mezes).
- Giorgos Plaka Restaurant – this is possibly one of the most popular tavernas in Plaka, Crete as it has been featured several times in the Greek TV series “To Nisi”. It certainly lives up to the hype, serving excellent Greek food and exceptional service.
- Maria’s Taverna – although it doesn’t have a sea view, this makes for an excellent place if you want a quick and cheap lunch.
- Carob Tree – we loved their salads and the decor. They have plenty of tables outdoors, under a massive carob tree.
- To Pefko (The Pine Tree) – fantastic kafeneio where you can enjoy local ouzo, raki, and other spirits. They serve complimentary meze with your drinks and they’re absolutely delicious!
ENJOY THE BEACH
Plaka beach is the perfect place to spend a few hours or even an entire day relaxing. The landscape surrounding the beach is extraordinary and so this is truly the best spot in the village to unwind. Although the beach is pebbly, there are umbrellas and sunbeds dotted along the beach where you can lay comfortably. Be sure to bring swimming shoes as the pebbles extend all the way inside the sea.
READ ALSO: ZAROS, CRETE: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW AND THINGS TO DO
GO HIKING
Hiking is a great way to explore locations that are off-the-beaten-path. Although some of the trails are not very well maintained, most of them are easy hikes and will offer you the opportunity to see a different side of Plaka. Some of the most popular ones are:
- Havgas Gorge – an easy 4 km long hike. Parts of the hike are along the Xenikos river and at the end of the trail, you’ll see the beautiful Neraidokolimpos lake. It’s an 8-minute drive from Plaka, just put on your google maps the name of the Gorge and it’ll guide you to its entrance.
- The lighthouse of Cape Agios Ioannis trail – this is a medium to difficult hike. The hike starts easy but as you get closer to the lighthouse, it becomes steeper and at parts, you’ll have to walk at the edge of the cliff. If you bite the bullet and hike it to the end, you’ll be rewarded with dazzling views of the Cretan landscape and the Mediterranean sea.
- Loumas – Vrouchas Trail – this is also an easy hike, where you’re passing through a few churches, monasteries, and a few (almost) abandoned villages.
Most trails in Plaka, Crete are remote and as such, you won’t find a place to buy water or food. Therefore, be sure to have enough water with you, and wear hiking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. The heat in Greece can be very uncomfortable so if you’re visiting during the summer months, we would recommend that you go during the sunrise.
TAKE A BOAT TOUR
Crete has many remarkable hidden beaches that are only accessible by boat. There are many boat tours that start from Plaka, Elounda, and Agios Nikolaos. Some of them offer half-day tours, full-day or just short one-hour tours. You can either join a group or treat yourself to a private tour which usually comes with inclusive food and beverages. You can combine a visit to Spinalonga with the nearby beaches. One of the most popular ones is Kolokytha beach; a stunning beach with milky turquoise water!
READ ALSO: 8 Underrated Greek Islands you Must Visit This Year
WHERE TO STAY IN PLAKA, CRETE
Plaka is a small village but it offers plenty of options for accommodation. From charming AirBnBs to luxury hotels, here are our recommendations for the best places to stay in Plaka, Crete:
1) Cayo Resort & Spa – This stunning hotel is located on the hill and because of its unique location, all the rooms are facing the sea. Each Villa comes with a pool and striking views over the Mediterranean and Spinalonga island.
2) Blue Palace, Elounda – Although Blue Palace is not technically located in Plaka, Crete, we thought it deserved a place on this list because it’s one of the most renowned and luxurious hotels in the area. No better place to treat yourself to a luxury stay than Blue Palace Elounda.
3) Nama SeaSide Suites – This is a boutique hotel with just a few rooms. It is an excellent option if you’re looking for quiet, low-key accommodation; only 1’ away from the beach.
IS PLAKA, CRETE WORTH VISITING?
We had an amazing time in Plaka, Crete and we honestly can’t recommend it enough. It is perfect if you’re looking for a relaxing location to slow down and unwind. A fantastic place to base yourself and explore the nearby areas of Elounda, Agios Nikolaos, and Kritsa village to name a few. In our opinion, Plaka, Crete is one of the top must-see locations on the island and we truly believe that once you visit, you’ll totally agree with us.
