Plakias is a well-known tourist resort located on the South coast of Crete around 37km from the city of Rethymnon. It grew in popularity because of its many excellent sandy beaches along the clear waters of the Libyan Sea.
Apart from the main long sandy beach where most hotels are located there are two more beaches to the West, Skinos beach and Souda beach. To the East and a short drive away you can get to the beach of Damnoni and beyond to Ammoudi and Schinaria.
Type of beaches: sand
Size of beach: Plakias beach 1.5 km, Damnoni beach 500 m, Ammoudi 100 m, Schinaria 100 m, Skinos beach 300 m, Souda beach 400 m.
Crowds: the mian beach being so long and wide never feels crowded. Some of the smaller bays can get quite packed.
Winds: Plakias main beach is often affected by strong north wind which can make things unpleasant on a sandy beach.
Sunbeds and umbrellas - on all these beaches
Changing room - yes on the main beach
Shower - yes
Safe for children - fairly shallow and not too many waves
Life guard - on Plakias main beach
Car parking - easy everywhere
Nude beach: the eastern end of Plakias beach is clothing optional.
A good road connects Plakias to the North coast. Public buses several times a day from Rethymnon
Plakias has many cafés, tavernas and a few bars. All the other beaches have a beach café/snack bar
Best places to stay near Plakias beaches