Gorge walks
Hike the dramatic Kourtaliotiko and Kotsifos gorges, with waterfalls, springs and soaring cliffs.
Explore
Beyond the beach
Plakias is a springboard for some of South Crete's best walking, water and village experiences.
HikeKourtaliotiko gorge
SeaDiving · snorkelling
VillagesMyrthios · Spili
CulturePreveli · Frangokastello
Preveli
Visit the historic monastery and walk down to the palm-lined river and beach below.
Diving & snorkelling
Clear, calm coves like Schinaria make the south coast a hotspot for diving and snorkelling.
Climbing & cycling
Limestone crags and quiet mountain roads draw climbers and cyclists alike.
Myrthios & Spili
Sip a coffee in hillside Myrthios above Plakias, or explore fountain-filled Spili inland.
Castles & old towns
The seaside castle of Frangokastello and the Venetian old town of Rethymno are easy day trips.
Day trips
Venetian Rethymno
Lose an afternoon in Rethymno's Venetian old town — a harbour, a fortress and a maze of lanes about 30 minutes north.
Do everything — or nothing.