Plaka, located on the northern coast of Crete, is a picturesque village known for its charming atmosphere, traditional architecture, and stunning views of the sea and surrounding landscape.

Places of interest and activities you can enjoy when going on a villa holiday in Plaka:

Spinalonga Island: This is undoubtedly the quintessential experience when staying in Plaka.

History: A former Venetian fortress, then an Ottoman settlement, and famously the last leper colony in Europe until 1957. Its poignant history has been immortalised in books like Victoria Hislop’s “The Island.”

Activities: Take one of the frequent short boat trips from Plaka’s pier directly to the island. Explore the well-preserved fortifications, walk through the “streets” of the former leper colony, see the church, and absorb the moving atmosphere. The views back towards Plaka and Mirabello Bay are breathtaking.

Plaka Village Charm: The village itself is a key part of the appeal.

Activities: Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the picturesque waterfront and through the narrow, flower-filled streets. Admire the traditional stone houses and whitewashed buildings. Browse the small local shops selling souvenirs, Cretan olive oil, herbs, and handmade crafts. Soak in the relaxed, authentic fishing village atmosphere.

Nearby Places of Interest & Activities (within a short drive, typically 5-20 minutes):

Elounda (Approx. 5-10 minutes drive south): A more upscale and developed resort town.

Activities: Offers more extensive sandy beaches (Elounda Main Beach), a wider array of high-end restaurants (including resort dining that’s often open to non-guests), luxurious spa facilities (some may offer day passes), and numerous water sports centers for jet skiing, parasailing, paddleboarding, etc. You can also arrange private yacht charters from Elounda.

Kolokitha Peninsula & Beach:

Activities: This beautiful peninsula forms the eastern arm of Mirabello Bay. You can enjoy pleasant walks along its trails, offering fantastic views of the bay and passing ancient salt pans. Kolokitha Beach, on the peninsula’s eastern side, is a truly stunning, secluded sandy beach with turquoise waters, often a stop for boat tours.

Agios Nikolaos (Approx. 15-20 minutes drive south): The charming and lively capital of the Lasithi regional unit.

Attractions: Famous for its unique “bottomless” Voulismeni Lake, which is connected to the sea by a narrow canal. The lake is surrounded by cafes and restaurants, creating a vibrant hub.

Activities: Explore the shops, cafes, and restaurants around the lake and along the harbor. Take boat trips from the port, go shopping for souvenirs and local products, or enjoy the town’s more bustling atmosphere.

Olous (Sunken City – Near Elounda/Plaka):

History/Activities: The remnants of the ancient Minoan and Roman city of Olous lie beneath the shallow waters connecting Elounda to the Kolokitha peninsula. On calm days, you can see visible ruins just below the surface, especially from glass-bottom boat tours or by snorkeling in the area. Ancient salt pans from the city are also still visible.

Broader Activities & Day Trips (Accessible from Plaka):

Hiking & Nature Exploration: The wider Lasithi region offers beautiful landscapes. You can enjoy pleasant walks through the olive groves surrounding Plaka. For more adventurous hikers, the Richtis Gorge (further east, requires a longer drive) is a significant natural attraction with lush vegetation, old watermills, and a beautiful waterfall.

Olive Oil & Wine Tastings: Lasithi is a major olive oil producing region. Look for local olive oil farms or wineries that offer tours and tastings, allowing you to learn about the production process and sample local products.

Scuba Diving & Snorkeling: The clear, calm waters of Mirabello Bay provide excellent conditions for exploring the underwater world. Certified diving centres are available in Elounda and Agios Nikolaos, offering courses and guided dives.

Day Trip to Knossos Palace & Heraklion (Approx. 1 hour drive):

Knossos Palace: The magnificent centre of the Minoan civilization, a must-see archaeological site.

Heraklion Archaeological Museum: Houses the vast majority of artifacts found at Knossos and other Minoan sites, essential for understanding the Minoan civilization.

Lasithi Plateau (Approx. 1 hour drive inland): Explore this unique, fertile plateau known for its traditional white-sailed windmills (though fewer now than in the past) and charming villages.

Restaurants which are worth a visit:

Plaka Village:

Taverna Spinalonga:

Specialties: Located directly opposite Spinalonga Island, offering breathtaking views. Known for delicious seafood and pasta dishes, as well as traditional Cretan starters. Excellent fresh fish and seafood. Try their seafood platter.

Captain Nicolas Fish Taverna:

Specialties: A long-established taverna in Plaka, known for its fresh fish and seafood, prepared simply and expertly. The location right on the water adds to the experience.

Dolphin Taverna:

Specialties: Another highly-rated taverna in Plaka, offering a mix of traditional Greek and Cretan dishes alongside fresh seafood. Known for its friendly service and waterfront location.

In Elounda (Approx. 5-10 minutes drive from Plaka):

Lotus Eaters:

Specialties: A highly-regarded restaurant right on the seafront. Known for its quality Greek and Mediterranean dishes using locally sourced products. Highlights include slow-roasted organic lamb and fresh grilled fish.

Kanali (Fish Taverna):

Specialties: Located right by the sea, near the sunken city of Olous. Specialises in fresh fish and seafood. Their seafood platter for two is often highlighted.

The Olondi:

Specialties: A traditional restaurant established in 1990, located just steps from the sea. Known for its sumptuous fish platters and a blend of Greek and Mediterranean cuisine.

Ōkeanís Bistro:

Specialties: A popular restaurant known for serving traditional Cretan food with a modern twist. Their beef stifado is highly recommended, as are their pasta dishes and tender grilled octopus. Classic moussaka is also a staple.

The Old Mill (Elounda Mare Hotel):

Specialties: A fine dining restaurant set in beautiful gardens. Awarded for its “Contemporary Greek Cuisine,” it offers a refined degustation and à la carte menu with an ingenious blend of bold flavours and creative flair. The freshly-caught seafood is particularly impressive.
Note: This is a more upscale option.

In Agios Nikolaos (Approx. 15-20 minutes drive from Plaka):

Gioma Meze (Agios Nikolaos):

Specialties: Located in the centre of Agios Nikolaos. Offers a variety of meze (small plates), perfect for sharing and trying different Cretan flavours. They emphasize traditional recipes.

Pelagos Sea Side Restaurant (Agios Nikolaos):

Specialties: Located in Agios Nikolaos, serving Greek and Mediterranean cuisine with an emphasis on fresh seafood.

Details correct as at 15/03/2025. These restaurants are neither endorsed nor recommended by Villa Select

The best beaches to visit in and around Plaka:

Plaka Beach:

Type: A beautiful, peaceful pebbly beach with exceptionally clear, calm, turquoise waters. Offers stunning views of Spinalonga Island.

Amenities: Sunbeds and umbrellas are typically available for rent. Several excellent traditional tavernas and cafes are situated right along the beachfront.

Facilities: Ideal for swimming, relaxing, and snorkeling.

Nearby Beaches (Within a short drive, typically 5-20 minutes):

Elounda Main Beach (Near Elounda, approx. 5-10 minutes drive):

Type: A long, well-organized sandy beach with shallow, calm waters. Often awarded Blue Flag status.

Amenities: Sunbeds and parasols for rent, showers, changing rooms, lifeguards (during the summer), numerous beach bars, tavernas, and restaurants.

Facilities: Excellent for swimming, families, and those wanting a wide range of facilities.

Almyros Beach (Near Elounda, approx. 5-10 minutes drive):

Type: Sandy beach with shallow waters, located in a sheltered bay.

Amenities: Sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, and some beach bars/tavernas.

Facilities: Good for families with children due to the calm waters.

Kolokitha Beach (Accessed by boat or a walk from Elounda):

Type: A beautiful, secluded sandy beach with turquoise waters, located on the Kolokitha peninsula.

Amenities: Limited. Some boat trips might provide basic facilities.

Facilities: A more natural setting. Excellent for swimming and snorkeling in crystal-clear water.

Pori Beach (Near Elounda, approx. 10-15 minutes drive):

Type: A small, sheltered sandy cove with shallow, calm waters.

Amenities: Limited; a few tavernas nearby.

Facilities: A more tranquil and secluded option. Good for swimming.

Agios Nikolaos Town Beach (Various beaches near Agios Nikolaos, approx. 10-15 minutes drive):

Type: A mix of sandy and pebbly beaches.

Amenities: Varies depending on the specific beach. Organised beaches offer sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, and access to the town’s facilities.

Facilities: Access to the amenities of Agios Nikolaos town, including shops, restaurants, and cafes.

Voulisma Beach / Golden Beach (Near Istron, approx. 15-20 minutes drive):

Type: Fine golden sand and shallow turquoise waters.

Amenities: Well-organised with sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, changing rooms, and a few tavernas.

Facilities: Excellent for swimming and sunbathing.

Marathi Beach & Loutraki Beach (Approx. 20-25 min drive):

Type: Well-sheltered, sandy beaches with calm, clear waters.

Amenities: Tavernas and amenities.

Facilities: Good for swimming, especially on windy days.

Pachia Ammos (Near Agios Nikolaos, approx. 15-20 minutes drive):

Type: A larger sandy beach.

Amenities: Sunbeds, umbrellas, and some tavernas.

Facilities: Good for swimming and water sports.