Crete is the largest of the Greek isles and the furthest south of any major land mass under the Greek flag. The island has been inhabited since 6,500 BC and was passed from the Minoans to the Mycenaeans, Romans, Venetians, Turks and finally in 1913, the Greeks. The island is a popular destination for Greeks and tourists from around the world due to its beaches, caves, mountains, and many ancient sites.
Plakias sits at the southeast end of the island of Crete in a small bay on the eastern Mediterranean Sea. Plakias Beach is a long crescent-shaped patch of sand backing on flat shrubbery to the west and a dramatic sheer cliff-side to the east. The easternmost portion of the beach is reserved for nudist bathers. The town of Plakias is geared for tourism, with markets, hotels, informal restaurants and limited entertainment. One important thing to note is the lack of a bank or ATM machine in the town. Make sure to bring the credit cards and cash you'll need for your entire stay.
The Hotel Plakias Beach is a typically Greek whitewashed structure with colorful windows and doors and an isolated setting on the barren looking beach at the easternmost end of Plakias, about 600 yards from the town center. The hotel provides a relaxed setting for travelers to enjoy the beauty of Crete and its coastline. Besides the beach just outside your door, outdoor types can explore the local climbing, water sports, SCUBA diving and biking attractions, or make a trek to any of the nearby gorges. The hotel has a few unique touches like the TV room, where nightly football matches are viewed, and the music corner, where instruments are placed for guest use. Breakfast is the only meal served at the hotel restaurant, which has indoor seating in front of a fireplace or outdoor seating on a terrace covered in grapevines. The 28 guestrooms are a mixture of traditional Greek design and simple modern furnishings with platform bed, sitting area, veranda or balcony, en-suite bathroom and air-conditioning. Rates for a double start around 60Euro (about $80) as of January 2011.
The Horizon Beach Hotel is located about 1/4 mile from the center of Plakias along a stretch of Blue Flag beach, with hillside villages to its rear and panoramic bay views to its front. The hotel was renovated in 2010, so it has a fresh and colorful exterior framed by greenery. There are plenty of options for active travelers, including walking, biking, jogging, jeep safaris, SCUBA diving, water sports, horseback riding or just exploring the area on foot. The hotel offers free parking, elevator, salon and buffet breakfast. The guestrooms all face the sea and have balconies or terraces, polished stone floors, Wi-Fi Internet, paid air-conditioning, and coffee-making materials. Dining options include the hotel restaurant and bar, as well as local eateries within easy walking distance. Rates for a double start around 120Euro (about $160) as of January 2011.
The Creta Mare is a small standard class hotel tucked into a hillside along the waterfront in Plakias Bay. The town center is a five-minute walk and the Souda Bay beach, marina and fishing areas are right outside your door. The hotel was built in 1997 and completely renovated in 2007. The Creta Mare features free parking, two large private verandas, snack bar, wide- screen SAT TV viewing areas, computer for guest use and Wi-Fi Internet throughout. The 18 guestrooms are decorated in the traditional whitewashed Greek style with simple wood furnishings, private outdoor balconies and patios, en-suite facilities and TVs. Rooms are available in double, studio and family layouts. Rates for a double start around 78Euro (about $105) as of January 2011.
