Posted by The best locations & accommodations in Plakias and the surrounding area
Plakias is synonymous with a relaxed South Coast holiday nestled between the mountains and the Libyan Sea: long sandy/pebbly beaches, crystal-clear water, hiking trails, charming tavernas, and easy access to stunning bays like Damnoni, Ammoudaki, Klisidi, Souda, and Shinaria. This guide will help you find the best places to stay in Plakias and the immediate vicinity (within a 10 km radius) – plus specific recommendations for mid-range and budget accommodations (hotels, studios, and apartments) with direct links to Booking.com (using rel=”nofollow”, simply replace this with your affiliate code later).
🗺️ Overview: Which location suits you best?
| Area | Ideal for | character |
|---|---|---|
| Plakias Center & Promenade | No car, first visit, everything on foot | Lively, with beach and taverns right on the doorstep. |
| Plakias West (towards Kakomouri) | Sea view, quieter sections | Quieter in the evenings, short distances to the city center. |
| Souda Beach (2 km east) | Families, relaxed bathing | Quiet bay, tamarisk trees, shallow entry |
| Damnoni (3 km west) | Beach holidays & water sports | Turquoise water, infrastructure on the beach |
| Ammoudaki & Klisidi (4 km) | Small bays, snorkeling | Small & picture-perfect (Ammoudaki partly nudist) |
| Shinaria (≈7–8 km) | Snorkelers & Divers | Clear, natural water |
| Mirthios & Sellia (3–5 km mountain villages) | View and tranquility | Village life, panoramic view over the bay |
| Lefkogia (6–7 km) | Price-conscious & centrally located to bays | Inland, short drive to beaches |
Note: Distances are measured from the center of Plakias. All areas in this article are within a radius of approximately 10 km.
🏙️ Staying directly in Plakias – Center & Promenade
If you’re traveling without a rental car or prefer to be as much on foot as possible, staying right in town is the best option. The beach, promenade, supermarkets, bakeries, tavernas, cafes, bus stop, and boat trips are all within easy walking distance. Plakias’ main beach is long, partly with fine sand, and offers both free sections and areas with sun loungers and parasols. In the evenings, the promenade is lively yet relaxed.
Advantages:
Everything within walking distance (beach, restaurants, shops, bus stop)
Wide selection of accommodations in all price ranges
Good starting point for excursions in both directions along the coast
Recommended mid-range and budget accommodations (in town):
Alianthos Beach Hotel – classic location opposite the beach, friendly service.
Lamon Hotel – good value for money, pool & short walk to the promenade.
Sofia Hotel – simple, clean rooms near the center.
Horizon Beach Hotel – quiet, beautiful sea view, short walk to the center.
Manolis Apartments – studios/apartments with kitchen, ideal for self-catering.
Tip: Rooms on the upper floors or slightly away from the promenade are quieter in the evenings and often offer sea views.
🌅 Plakias West – Sea view & quieter sleep
Things are a bit quieter at the western end of town. Small paths lead to rocks and bathing platforms, and the evening atmosphere is wonderful. You’re still quickly at the promenade, but you’ll often sleep more peacefully.
Recommendations (mid-range & budget)
Porto Plakias – close to the promenade, yet pleasantly quiet.
Anna Plakias Apartments – apartments with kitchen & terrace.
Kostas Chrysoulla – budget-friendly, pool, short distances.
🏖️ Souda Beach (approx. 2 km) – Family-friendly & relaxed
Souda is the quiet neighboring bay east of Plakias with a gently sloping shoreline and tamarisk trees. Perfect for families and anyone who appreciates a relaxed atmosphere. There are seasonal tavernas and sun loungers on the beach, as well as plenty of open space. One of the most beautiful beaches around Plakias.
Recommendations near Souda
Phoenix Apartments (Souda) – simple apartments near the bay.
Tip: A rental car/taxi is convenient; it’s about a 25–35 minute walk (depending on your location in Plakias).
🏝️ Damnoni (approx. 3 km) – Turquoise water & good infrastructure
Damnoni is one of the most beautiful bays in the area: clear water, light-colored pebble/sand mix, water sports, sun loungers, and tavernas. From here, you can easily walk to the small neighboring bays of Ammoudaki and Klisidi.
Recommendations in Damnoni
Damnoni Paradise – Studios/Apartments, good value for money.
Kalypso Cretan Village – Rocky cove/pool; often fair prices outside of peak season.
Tip: Early in the morning, Damnoni and the neighboring coves are often almost empty – perfect light for photography. Some buses from Plakias go via Damnoni to Rethymno.
🏖️ Ammoudaki & Klisidi (≈ 4 km) – Small coves, big on beauty
Two small, idyllic coves with turquoise water. Ammoudaki is partly a nudist beach; Klisidi is slightly larger, also very clear and calm. There is very little infrastructure here – which is precisely what makes it so appealing.
Tip: Bring a snorkel – rocks and seagrass meadows offer good chances of spotting fish.
🤿 Shinaria (approx. 7–8 km) – Snorkelers & Divers Love It
Shinaria beach is known for its exceptionally clear water – one of the top snorkeling/diving spots in the region. Infrastructure is limited, and parking is scarce. See: Quiet Beaches in Crete
🏡 Mirthios & Sellia (3–5 km uphill) – Village Life & Panoramic Views
The mountain villages of Mirthios and Sellia are perched above Plakias. Here you can stay with sensational views of the bay, enjoy peaceful evenings, and be at the seaside in just a few minutes. A taverna with sunset views? A must in Mirthios!
Recommendations (Views & Tranquility)
Mirthios Panorama – Studios/Balcony, stunning views over Plakias.
Stefanos Village Hotel – Hotel with pool & panoramic views (above the bay).
Tip: Having your own vehicle is advisable – the winding roads are short but steep.
🌿 Lefkogia (approx. 6–7 km) – centrally located between the bays
Lefkogia lies inland behind Plakias and is a budget-friendly base if you want to visit several bays (Shinaria, Ammoudaki/Klisidi, Damnoni). Enjoy peace and quiet, fresh country air, and short drives to many beaches.
🏨 Accommodation Types in Plakias & Surroundings
3-star Hotels (Mid-Range): Often with a pool/breakfast, close to the beach and promenade.
Studios & Apartments: Kitchen, balcony/terrace – ideal for families and longer stays.
Budget Guesthouses: Simple rooms, often in a prime location with personalized service.
Price Tip: May/June and September/October offer significantly better rates than the peak summer season.
🧭 Location Check: Which base suits your holiday?
Without a car: Plakias Center/Promenade (bus, beach, and tavernas within walking distance).
With children: Souda (shallow entry into the sea) or Plakias East/Promenade.
Beach Hopping: Damnoni (walking distance to Ammoudaki/Klisidi) or Plakias West.
Snorkeling/Diving: Base in Lefkogia/Plakias & day trip to Shinaria.
Peace & Views: Mirthios/Sellia (a car is recommended, the view is breathtaking).
📝 Booking & Season – What You Should Know
Book early for July/August – many small houses, limited rooms.
Off-season (May/June, Sept./Oct.) = better prices + empty beaches + warm sea (especially in Sept.).
Self-catering saves money: bakeries and mini-markets are everywhere in town.
Parking is available around the promenade; arrive early during peak season.
The wind (Meltemi) can pick up in summer – sheltered bays (Damnoni, Ammoudaki) are then pleasant.
🏁 Conclusion: Where to stay in Plakias?
For maximum convenience and short distances, choose Plakias town center and the promenade. Souda is ideal for families, Damnoni for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts, Ammoudaki/Klisidi for bay lovers, and Shinaria for snorkelers and divers. Those seeking views and tranquility should stay in Mirthios/Sellia; for budget-conscious travelers looking for accommodation centrally located to numerous bays, Lefkogia is the perfect choice. With the above mid-range and budget recommendations, you’ll quickly find the right base – and be just minutes away from some of southern Crete’s most beautiful beaches.