"The largest and liveliest of the western Crete resorts, Platanias combines busy nightlife with bags of village charm."
Set slap bang in the middle of the big bay of Chania, and about 10km from the fascinating city itself, Platanias marks the start of a long beach that stretches from here to Kolymvari. Its sandy Blue Flag area by the village gives way to patches of shingle or pebble shores as it winds its way, unbroken, along the coast. Perfect for spending peaceful days stretching out and simply drenching yourself in sunshine. The road runs parallel - through bamboo-like reed beds and sun-dappled orange groves. And offshore, there's an island, a protected sanctuary for the wild 'kri-kri' chamois. Shaped like a sea monster, mythology has it that, when it threatened to swallow Crete, it was turned to stone by Zeus. View it from the west and it seems its mouth its still agape - mid-bite. Back on shore at Platanias, there's a feast of eateries to get stuck in to, as well as atmospheric bars and a few disco's. Platanias is also well placed for keen walkers who can hike the gorgeous Samaria Gorge. An 18km chasm from the mountains to the sea, it's wonderfully scenic experience - but no walk in the park!
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Recommended Platanias hotels and apartments
Platanias hotels and apartments
Our hotels and apartments in Platanias include Afrodite Villa, Hotel Apladas Beach, Hotel Minoa Palace Resort, Mythos Apartments, Platanias Mare Hotel And Studios, Porto Platanias Beach Resort and Sofia Beach Studios And Apartments.
More Crete holiday destinations
Looking for holidays in Crete? Our Crete holiday destinations include Aghia Marina, Crete, Agios Nikolaos, Akrotiri, Almeritha, Apokaronas, Chania, Elounda, Gerani, Gouves, Gulf Of Mirabello, Hersonissos, Horafakia, Istron And Kalo Chorio, Kalives, Kamilari, Kamisiana, Kolymbari, Koutouloufari, Livadia, Lyttos Beach, Maheri, Maleme, Malia, Nea Kydonia, Palekastro, Panos Stalos, Piskopiano Village, Platanias, Prina, Rethymnon, Stalis, Veni and Vrouchas.
Beaches
Platanias is not just a fishing village, it is also home to some of Crete's most stunning sandy beaches. The main beach is only a short stroll from the village, and it boasts a long stretch of sand with a few pebbles. Only a short walk away you will find Mikro beach, another long stretch of sand and azure waters.
Eating out
There are lots of restaurants catering for all tastes and budgets. Pleasant evenings can be spent in the waterside tavernas which serve, amongst other choices, a wonderful selection of the day's catch. The food is fresh, simple and often delicious.
Nightlife
With the good food and local hospitality, early evenings can be spent dining at your leisure in a taverna and watching the sun set. There are a multitude of bars to choose from when you want to make a night of it and also a few discos to burn that midnight oil.
Shopping
There are plenty of shops to choose from in Platanias, offering a range of holiday essentials, souvenirs, local handicrafts, tourist and luxury items. If you want a more commercial resort to shop in, catch the ferry to Skiathos.
Local information
For a livelier pace, head into Chania, 10 kilometres away. With a modern, cosmopolitan feel, Chania retains its history and traditions with a maze of old Venetian houses and an impressive market in the old town. The harbour area offers nightlife for all tastes and the old town has more traditional - and cheaper fare.
Location
60 km west of Rethymnon
Transfer time
30 minutes from Chania airport
Recommended
Luxury
