Posted by Plakias is one of the most popular holiday destinations in southern Crete – and for good reason: hardly any other place on the island combines long sandy beaches, crystal-clear water, spectacular natural scenery, and such a wide selection of swimming spots in such a small area. Here, on the Libyan Sea coast, dramatic mountain landscapes meet turquoise waters, small hidden coves meet wide stretches of beach, and unspoiled nature meets convenient infrastructure.
Whether you prefer a quiet and secluded spot or a more central and lively beach, whether you’re traveling with family, want to snorkel, or are looking for a nudist beach – you’re guaranteed to find your perfect beach around Plakias. In this guide, we present all the important beaches in the town itself and within a radius of approximately 10 kilometers – including tips on location, accessibility, facilities, and special features.
🏖️ Plakias Main Beach – Long, Central, and Versatile
Plakias Main Beach stretches for over 1.3 kilometers along the entire bay, making it one of the longest beaches on Crete’s south coast. It’s the perfect spot for those traveling without a car or who simply want everything within easy reach.
🌊 Features and Atmosphere
Sand and Pebble Beach: The beach consists mainly of fine sand with some pebbly sections.
Shallowly Sloping Water: Perfect for families with children and less experienced swimmers.
Crystal Clear Water: Visibility often exceeds 20 meters – ideal for snorkeling.
Amenities: Sun loungers and parasols, showers, changing rooms, beach bars, cafés, and tavernas right on the promenade.
🏄♂️ Activities
Water Sports: Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), kayaking, windsurfing, and pedal boat rentals.
Boat trips: Day trips to Preveli or along the south coast depart directly from the harbor.
💡 Tip: The main beach is quietest in the morning and late afternoon. During peak season (July–August), the central section is quite busy – if you prefer a quieter spot, simply walk a little further east or west.
🏝️ Souda Beach – The Quiet Neighbor Bay
About two kilometers east of the town center lies Souda Beach, a quiet, crescent-shaped bay that is especially popular with families and those seeking peace and quiet.
🌅 Highlights
Sand and pebble mix: Fine sand with some pebbles, crystal-clear water, and a shallow entry.
Shady tamarisk trees: Ideal for a long day at the beach without a parasol.
Fewer tourists: Even in the height of summer, often significantly less crowded than the main beach.
🧭 Accessibility
🚶♂️ On foot: Approximately a 30-minute walk along the coast.
🚗 By car: A 5-minute drive with parking nearby.
🚌 By bus: Several bus lines stop here during the high season.
💡 Tip: Bring a picnic – there are only a few tavernas at Souda Beach, but plenty of space to relax.
🏖️ Damnoni Beach – Turquoise Waters and Full Amenities
Just about 3 kilometers west of Plakias lies Damnoni Beach, one of the most beautiful and popular beaches in the region. It offers the perfect balance between nature and comfort.
🌊 Features
Sand and pebble beach: Bright, wide, and with crystal-clear water.
Good infrastructure: Sun loungers, parasols, several tavernas, changing rooms, toilets, and showers.
Water sports: Diving school, SUP and kayak rentals, jet skis, and boat trips.
Also accessible by bus from Plakias to Rethymno.
🚗 Getting there
By car: 5-minute drive, parking available.
On foot: 45-minute walk along the coast.
💡 Tip: From Damnoni, you can easily walk to two of the most beautiful little bays in southern Crete: Ammoudaki and Klisidi.
🏝️ Ammoudaki Beach – A Turquoise Hidden Gem (Partially Nudist)
Just a few minutes’ walk west of Damnoni lies the small, picturesque Ammoudaki Beach – a true hidden gem and one of the most beautiful mini-beaches on the island.
🏝️ Special Features
Small bay with fine sand and crystal-clear water.
Nudist Sections: Ammoudaki is one of Crete’s most well-known unofficial nudist beaches.
Snorkeling Paradise: Rocks and seagrass meadows offer excellent opportunities to spot fish.
💡 Tip: Arrive early – the bay is small and fills up quickly in the height of summer.
🏖️ Klisidi Beach – A Small, Natural Cove
Right next to Ammoudaki is Klisidi Beach, another small, picturesque cove. It’s a bit larger and less well-known, but just as beautiful.
Ideal for those seeking peace and quiet: No sun loungers or tavernas, just nature.
Crystal-clear water: Perfect for snorkeling and swimming.
Within walking distance: Just a few minutes from Damnoni or Ammoudaki.
💡 Tip: If you plan to bring food, you should do so beforehand in Plakias – there are no restaurants here.
🤿 Shinaria Beach – A Paradise for Divers and Snorkelers
Located about 7–8 kilometers east of Plakias, Shinaria Beach is one of the clearest and most beautiful beaches in the region. Underwater visibility is often over 30 meters – perfect for snorkelers and divers.
🌊 Highlights
Fine sand with small pebbles.
Extremely clear water: Excellent visibility of fish, seagrass meadows, and rocks.
On-site dive center: Guided dives and introductory courses.
🚗 Getting There
By car: Approximately a 15-minute drive from Plakias. Parking is available.
Tip: Arrive early – parking is limited and the beach is popular.
💡 Extra Tip: Bring a snorkel mask – Shinaria is one of the best snorkeling spots in all of Crete.
🌴 Preveli Beach – The Famous Palm Beach
About 12 kilometers east of Plakias lies one of the most famous beaches in southern Crete: Preveli Beach, where the Kourtaliotiko River flows into the sea in a tropical-looking lagoon.
🏝️ Highlights
Palm grove: Tropical atmosphere with hundreds of palm trees.
Freshwater river: Perfect for swimming, especially in the height of summer.
Spectacular scenery: High cliffs, turquoise sea, lush green vegetation.
🧭 Accessibility
🚗 Car: Parking is available above the gorge, followed by a 15–20 minute walk (steep, but worthwhile).
🚤 Boat: During the season, boats depart from Plakias or Damnoni directly to the beach.
💡 Tip: Bring water and snacks – there are very few restaurants and cafes.
💡 Our pages about nudist beaches in Greece and nudism in Crete
🏝️ Micro Ammoudi & Other Mini-Cities
Between Damnoni and Shinaria lie several small, little-known coves – such as Micro Ammoudi, Peristeres, and Fotinari. These are often only accessible on foot or by boat, but are well worth a visit for anyone seeking absolute peace and quiet.
No infrastructure: Be sure to bring a parasol and provisions.
Crystal-clear water: Ideal for snorkeling.
Secluded: Often only a few beachgoers, a hidden gem in Plakias, especially outside of peak season.
💡 Tip: If you have the time and inclination, you can visit several coves in one day by kayak or small boat.
🌅 Tips for Your Beach Vacation in Plakias
🏖️ Start early: Especially the smaller coves like Ammoudaki or Klisidi get busy from 11 a.m. onwards in the summer.
🚗 A rental car is worthwhile: Many beaches are just a few minutes away, but difficult to reach without a car.
🏄♂️ Don’t forget your snorkeling gear: Crete’s south coast is a paradise for underwater enthusiasts.
☀️ Sun protection: The sun on the south coast is very strong – suncream and a hat are essential.
🏝️ Plan your itinerary: Many beaches can easily be combined in one day – for example, Damnoni + Ammoudaki + Klisidi or Plakias + Souda + Shinaria.
You can stay overnight in Plakias, and most beaches also offer hotels and vacation rentals.
🏁 Conclusion: Beach diversity around Plakias
Hardly any other place in Crete offers such a variety of beaches in such a small area as Plakias. From the long main beach right in town to family-friendly bays like Souda, to spectacular natural beaches like Preveli or snorkeling paradises like Shinaria – everyone will find their dream beach here.
The combination of turquoise waters, unspoiled landscapes, charming tavernas, and the relaxed atmosphere of the south makes Plakias one of the most beautiful beach destinations on the island. Whether you’re looking for peace and quiet, adventure, nature, or comfort – Plakias has it all.
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