Plaka Village

General Information

Plaka is one of the most traditional villages of Crete and is situated 23 km from Chania. It is built at an altitude of about 70 meters over the coastal Almyrida and has a very healthy climate. Permanent residents do not exceed 300 but the summers are much more. It has many traditional buildings in recent years, many Europeans, buying and renovating old houses or take land and build permanent or summer houses. It is only 1km from the beach of Almyrida, which every year gets Blue Flag for its clear waters. The village to the west is facing the bay of Souda (the largest natural harbor in the Mediterranean), to the south is the White Mountains (winter, filled with snow), to the North Akrotiri Region (Chania International Airport) and to the east mountain Drapanokefala. It has beautiful sunsets, famous caves, where you can picnic and swim in the rocky beach. All around there are beautiful routes of 3-5-8 or 10 km ideal for those who love hiking.

Nearby Amenities

You may find a health center 8km away and at 4 km all kind of amenities (post office, banks etc.) The airport is located 25km away, and there is regular bus service to Chania, Rethymnon and the surrounding villages. In the village you will find traditional tavernas and cafes which are open also during winter. Plaka and the surrounding villages is the region where the legendary film ‘Zorbas the Greek’ was filmed, written by Nikos Kazantzakis, staring Anthony Quinn.

Calture and Fests

Every summer (late July) in honor of the great lyra player Mihalis Papadakis or Plakianos,is organized a two-day festival. Plaka is an ideal place for vacation, combining quiet stay, good climate, the nice people, easy access to sites and attractions, all located around it, like the castle of Aptera, Lake Kournas, the gorge of Samaria, the graves of Venizelos, the Venetian port of Chania, the Folklore Museum of Gavalohori, the blown glass unit in Kokkino Chorio village, the permanent exhibition of paintings, glass Ant. Santorinaki and more.