Gorge walks
Hike the dramatic Kourtaliotiko and Kotsifos gorges, with waterfalls, springs and soaring cliffs.
Things to do in Plakias & South Crete
Beyond the beach.Gorges, villages and adventures.
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.
Distances from the villa
| km | |
|---|---|
| Plakias beach | 0.5 |
| Plakias village (shops, tavernas, bakery) | 0.75 |
| Souda beach | ~3 |
| Ammoudi & Ammoudaki | ~4 |
| Damnoni beach | ~5 |
| Schinaria (snorkelling) | ~7 |
| Kourtaliotiko gorge waterfall | 9.5 |
| Preveli (monastery & palm beach) | ~11.5 |
| Rethymno old town | 33.5 |
| Chania airport (CHQ) | ~95 |
| Heraklion airport (HER) | ~113 |
Day trips
Venetian Rethymno
Lose an afternoon in Rethymno's Venetian old town — a harbour, a fortress and a maze of lanes about 33 km north.
Good to know
How far is Preveli from Plakias?
Preveli, with its historic monastery and the palm-lined river beach below, is about 11.5 km from The Infinisea.
Where can I snorkel near Plakias?
Schinaria, about 7 km from the villa, is known as an "aquarium" for snorkelling. The clear, sheltered coves of the south coast are popular for diving and snorkelling.
How far is the Kourtaliotiko gorge?
The waterfall in the Kourtaliotiko gorge is about 9.5 km from the villa. If you drive from the north coast, the road to Plakias runs right through the gorge.
Do I need a car in Plakias?
Plakias beach (500 m) and the village shops, tavernas and bakery (750 m) are within walking distance. For the gorges, Preveli and day trips we recommend a hire car; the villa has two private parking spaces.
Your base in Plakias
The Infinisea: private infinity pool, sea views and room for 6 — just 500 m from Plakias beach.
Check availabilityDo everything — or nothing.