Where to stay in Plakias

Plakias is a small place: a village along a curved bay, a few smaller settlements on the hills and coves around it, and a lot of open coastline. You will never be far from anything. But the areas feel different, and choosing the right one saves you a lot of driving, climbing or waiting for a table.

The short version

• Want to walk everywhere? Stay in Plakias village, near the seafront.
• Want quiet and a view? Stay in Myrthios, on the hill above the bay.
• Want the beach on your doorstep? Look at Damnoni or Ammoudi, and hire a car.
• Want the calm end of the bay? Look towards Souda, west of the village.
• Want village life and lower-key stays? Lefkogia, inland, with a car.

Plakias village and the seafront

The village runs along the bay behind a long beach, with tavernas, cafés, small supermarkets, bakeries and car hire within a few minutes' walk. It is the easiest base for most people, and the only one where you can realistically manage without a car for a few days.

Staying close to the seafront means you can swim before breakfast and walk to dinner. The trade-off is that the village is where most visitors are, so in July and August it is livelier in the evenings. Rooms a street or two back from the water are often quieter and still only a short walk away.

The town beach is long, sandy and easy, a good choice for families and casual swimmers. See the beaches around Plakias for how it compares with the rest.

The Souda end

West of the village, the road follows the bay towards Souda, a small beach at the far end. Staying along this stretch puts you a short walk or drive from the centre while feeling a bit more relaxed, with the sea on one side and the hills close behind.

Our partner Freedive Crete rents rooms along this stretch, between Souda Bay and Plakias village; you can see them on their accommodation page.

Myrthios, above the bay

Myrthios is a village on the hillside above Plakias, with some of the best views over the bay. Staying here means quieter nights, village tavernas and balconies that look down over the whole coast at sunset.

The catch is the hill. Walking down to Plakias is pleasant; walking back up in summer heat is hard work. Most people who stay in Myrthios have a car. Read more in our guide to Myrthios.

Damnoni and Ammoudi, east of Plakias

Over the headland east of the village are Damnoni and, beside it, Ammoudi. Both are beach-first places: you stay there to have sand and clear water within a few steps of your door.

They are good for families who plan to spend most days on one beach, and for anyone who wants a sunbed more than a village evening. You will want a car to reach Plakias for dinner or to explore further. See our guides to Damnoni Beach and Ammoudi Beach.

Lefkogia, inland

Lefkogia is a village a short drive inland from the coast, on the road towards Preveli. It is more everyday Crete than resort, with fewer visitors. It suits people who like village life, are happy to drive to the beach each day, and want to be well placed for Schinaria and Preveli to the east.

What to look for when you book

A few things matter more here than in a big resort:

• Parking. If you are hiring a car, check there is somewhere to leave it, especially in the village centre in high season.
• Air conditioning. July and August are hot. Most places have it, but check.
• The walk to the beach. "Close to the sea" can mean across the road or up a steep hill. Look at the map.
• Kitchen or not. Self-catering is common and useful for early starts, beach lunches and families.
• Which way the balcony faces. Sea views are the classic choice; a shaded balcony can be the more comfortable one in August.
• When you are coming. In July and August, book early. Towards the end of October, check that the place is still open on your dates.

For weather by month, and what it means for beach days, see Plakias weather by month.

If you are coming to dive or snorkel

Everything around Plakias is close, so you do not need to choose a base around the water. The village and the Souda end are the easiest if you would rather not drive every morning; Damnoni suits anyone who wants to be on the beach between trips. Tell us where you are staying when you message, and we will tell you how that fits with snorkelling or a try dive, and what the non-divers in your group can do nearby. The page on travelling with non-divers covers the rest.

Getting around from your base

Wherever you stay, plan for the fact that the best days out need a car: Preveli Beach, the Kourtaliotiko Gorge and Schinaria are all a drive away. The roads into Plakias are mountain roads with bends, so allow more time than the map suggests.

For everything else about the area, start with our Plakias guide.