| Plakias hotels have increased dramatically in and | | | | enjoying traditional Greek food, sightseeing, |
| around the charismatic little village of Plakias, | | | | leisurely walks, mountain hiking, scuba diving, |
| gently nestled along the southern coast of the | | | | snorkeling, swimming and sunbathing. |
| island of Crete. Considered Greece's largest and | | | | What Plakias hotels have in common is their |
| most popular tourist island, the area has retained | | | | superior quality of hospitality and service, designs |
| the island's original character of peacefulness, | | | | that match the area's aesthetic culture, view of |
| serenity, and tranquility. The beautiful Cretan | | | | the beautiful Cretan mountains as a backdrop, the |
| swallows of Plakias add to the atmosphere by | | | | nearby shores of the sea with each having a |
| choosing to stay in this exotic wonderland all year | | | | sandy beach, and affordable prices. Another thing |
| long, with hotel pre-bookings necessary in the high | | | | is the exquisite Greek cuisine in a large variety of |
| seasons of July and August. | | | | food dishes - food starters called "mezedes" are |
| Historically, Crete was the center of the ancient | | | | followed by a meat or fish main dish with chips. |
| Minoan civilization, with Plakias on the Minoan ruins | | | | Vegans and vegetarians enjoy the Greek food as |
| of Lamon ("Plakias Agiou Vasileiou") and nearby | | | | it follows their diet with vegetables and lots of |
| Knossos was the site of one of the main Neolithic | | | | fruit. For those who are not concerned with diets, |
| and Minoan sites. The early Minoan was the first | | | | the Greek desserts and sweets are more than |
| culture which became the primary advanced | | | | worth the wait, followed by a carafe of delicious |
| civilization which began in Europe. Later on in | | | | house wine. |
| history, a small group of fisherman built the tiny | | | | A leisurely walk from the Plakias hotels through |
| settlement of Plakias which consisted of | | | | the village of Plakias provides access to what the |
| approximately ten establishments. This was the | | | | area has to offer. Popular spots are the beach |
| first of the Plakias "hotels" which welcomed | | | | front cafes for an invigorating drink or |
| seafaring travelers into the area, offering them | | | | refreshment, pharmacy, car rentals, bike rentals, |
| food and shelter. Crete is now recognized as one | | | | supermarket, a Greek jewelry shop, a center for |
| of the most popular holiday destinations of | | | | those who are ill or need attending, boutique, |
| Europe. | | | | Greek shops, a couple of fun taverns, and the |
| The magical world of southern Plakias hotels has | | | | Police Department. |
| become a model blend of contemporary | | | | The region is famous for its many sightseeing |
| modernization along with the island's ancient | | | | activities that are close to the Plakias hotels, |
| history and its beautiful surroundings. Since 1970, | | | | popular for a wide variety of visitors - elderly and |
| this has developed a strong following of loyal | | | | middle aged guests, young people, families with |
| visitors and guests due to the peaceful | | | | children, and those who are here for the |
| atmosphere and environment of the resort area. | | | | enjoyment of the cultural and historical attractions. |
| Visitors regularly visit this quiet location because it | | | | Kourtaliotiko Gorge for superior photographs |
| is surrounded by the crystal clear turquoise-blue | | | | The ancient Rethymnon castle and knight |
| waters of nearby seas, majestic mountain ranges, | | | | ghosts of Frangokastello |
| rocky gorges, and numerous sand and pebble | | | | The 45-hair pin bends on the road to Chora |
| beaches that gently hug the crescent-shaped | | | | Sfakion (also traveled by inquisitive goats) |
| Plakias Bay. Throughout the year, the charming | | | | The bridge at Eligia Gorge |
| appeal of Plakias attracts tourists who wish to | | | | A Turkish bazaar |
| relax in this quiet part of the world yet are free | | | | The archaeological sites of Matala. |
| to do lots of fun things - meeting new friends, | | | | |