Plaka beach

Plaka beach is a pebbly, well-organised beach in the village of Plaka, on the northeast coast of Crete, 16 kilometres north of Agios Nikolaos and a short drive north of Elounda. Plaka beach faces Spinalonga island and its Venetian fortress across a narrow channel, and it is one of the main points where boats leave for the island. The water is clear and usually calm, the shore is made of smooth pale pebbles, and tamarisk trees give natural shade behind the sunbeds.

Where Plaka beach is

Plaka beach sits in Plaka village, 16 kilometres north of Agios Nikolaos, opposite the entrance of the Korfos (Elounda) lagoon in the Gulf of Mirabello, Lasithi. The beach looks straight across the water to Spinalonga, the fortified islet also known as Kalydon, so the fortress and the channel are in view from the sand. Plaka village grew up to serve the Spinalonga leper colony, which is why the settlement and the island share one history. Present-day Plaka keeps old stone houses and waterfront taverns, and the Greek television series “The Island” was filmed here in 2010.

The beach and its water

Plaka has two pebble beaches, and each one has a different character. The main beach, Plaka beach, lies west of the village, has calm clear water and an interesting seabed, and sits within walking distance of the taverns. Agia Marina beach lies east of the village in front of the large hotel, has bigger pebbles and deeper water, and is a known fishing ground with a rougher seabed in places. Both beaches are pebbly rather than sandy, so the water stays clear and the surface is usually calm. Sunbeds and umbrellas are available to hire on the organised part of Plaka beach, and the tamarisk trees behind them give shade for anyone who prefers to sit on the pebbles.

How to reach Plaka beach

Drive to Plaka beach along the paved coast road that runs north from Agios Nikolaos through Elounda, a route of about 16 kilometres. Buses also serve the Elounda and Plaka area during the season, and there is parking by the beach. If you want to move between Elounda, Plaka and Agios Nikolaos on your own schedule, a rental car for the Elounda and Agios Nikolaos area gives you the most flexibility on timing.

Getting to Spinalonga from Plaka

Reach Spinalonga by boat from Plaka, because the island has no road link and sits directly across a narrow channel from the village. The crossing from Plaka is the shortest of the three departure points, since Elounda and Agios Nikolaos lie further along the coast. Boats combine the beach with a tour of the Venetian fortress and the ruins of the former leper colony, so a swim at Plaka pairs naturally with the island visit. Many guided Spinalonga boat trips and day tours leave from Plaka, Elounda and Agios Nikolaos, and several add a tavern lunch or a swim stop at nearby Kolokytha bay. The small Spinalonga Beach on the island’s quieter side is reached on the same crossing.

The village and the area around Plaka

Plaka is a traditional fishing village with a relaxed, uncrowded feel and waterfront taverns that serve fresh fish and Cretan dishes. The area west of the village, Ano Mirabello, holds picturesque villages, ancient sites and wide olive groves in the hills. North of Plaka the village of Vrouchas keeps its old windmills, and further on the Aforesmenos Cape lighthouse marks the northwest tip of the Gulf of Mirabello beside a modern wind farm. Inland stops such as Elounda, Agios Nikolaos and the craft village of Kritsa round out a day trip, and a scenic drive through Mirabello leads on to Neapoli or Milatos and the main road to Heraklion.

When to visit Plaka beach

Visit Plaka beach between June and September, when the weather is warm and the sunbeds, taverns and boat trips run at their fullest. Spring and autumn stay quieter and still pleasant for swimming, so April to early June and September to October suit anyone who prefers fewer people. The beach faces a sheltered channel, which keeps the water calm on most summer days.

Tips for visiting Plaka beach

Use these tips to get the most out of a day at Plaka beach:

1. Wear water shoes for the pebbles, because the shore is made of smooth round stones.
2. Hire a sunbed and umbrella on the organised stretch, or bring your own shade and sit under the tamarisk trees.
3. Combine your swim with a Spinalonga boat trip, since the crossing from Plaka is the shortest.
4. Eat at the waterfront taverns, which serve fresh fish within walking distance of the sand.
5. Bring water and sun protection, as shade away from the tamarisks is limited.

FAQ

Is Plaka beach worth visiting?

Yes, Plaka beach is worth visiting for its clear calm water, its pebble shore and its direct views of Spinalonga island. The beach is organised with sunbeds and umbrellas, sits beside a traditional village with waterfront taverns, and works well as both a swimming stop and the start of a boat trip to Spinalonga.

Where is Plaka beach in Crete?

Plaka beach is on the northeast coast of Crete, 16 kilometres north of Agios Nikolaos and just north of Elounda, in the Gulf of Mirabello, Lasithi. It lies opposite the entrance of the Korfos (Elounda) lagoon and faces the island of Spinalonga.

Is Plaka beach sandy or pebbly?

Plaka beach is pebbly, with smooth pale stones rather than sand. The pebbles keep the water clear, and water shoes make walking into the sea more comfortable.

Is the water at Plaka beach calm and good for swimming?

Yes, the water at Plaka beach is clear and usually calm, which suits swimming and snorkeling. The beach faces a sheltered channel toward Spinalonga, so the surface stays calm on most summer days.

Can I rent sunbeds and umbrellas at Plaka beach?

Yes, sunbeds and umbrellas are available to hire on the organised part of Plaka beach. You can also sit for free on the pebbles under the tamarisk trees that line the back of the beach.

Is Plaka beach suitable for families?

Yes, Plaka beach suits families, because the main beach has calm clear water and taverns within walking distance. Families who prefer shade can use the tamarisk trees or hire an umbrella on the organised stretch.

How do I get from Plaka to Spinalonga?

Take a boat from Plaka to Spinalonga, which is the shortest of the three crossings to the island. Boats also leave from Elounda and Agios Nikolaos, and most trips combine the fortress tour with time at the beach.

Are there tavernas near Plaka beach?

Yes, Plaka has waterfront tavernas within walking distance of the beach. The taverns serve fresh fish and traditional Cretan dishes beside the sea.

Is Plaka beach a nudist beach?

No, Plaka beach is an organised family beach and is not a designated naturist beach. It has sunbeds, umbrellas and nearby taverns, and it is used mainly by families and day visitors.

When is the best time to visit Plaka beach?

The best time to visit Plaka beach is between June and September, when the weather is warm and all the services run. Spring and autumn are quieter and still good for swimming, so choose April to June or September to October for fewer crowds.