Located in Exopoli, 2.3 km from Kalivaki Beach and 2.6 km from Georgioupolis Beach, Plakalona Apartments provides air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi. With pool views, this accommodation features a swimming pool.
The apartment with a terrace and mountain views features 1 bedroom, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a microwave and a toaster, and 1 bathroom with a shower. Towels and bed linen are provided in the apartment.
The apartment offers a barbecue. A car rental service is available at Plakalona Apartments.
Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is 25 km from the accommodation, while Museum of Ancient Eleftherna is 49 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 41 km from Plakalona Apartments.
Exopoli Chania
Find below list of things to do near Plakalona Apartments:
Experience an evening of live entertainment, local food, and Cretan hospitality. Discover the unique sounds of traditional music and the beauty of Cretan dance as you learn the steps and immerse yourself in the culture of the island.
Cretan music is a living tradition in Greece. It continues to evolve by absorbing elements of contemporary music and also comments on the realities of contemporary life. The character of Crete is reflected in music and dance.
Cretan feasts and festivals (panigiria) are at the center of these ancient folkways and are a great way to have fun, the true Cretan way. Traditionally connected to a religious celebration, panigiria in Crete have a centuries-old history.
They also have an important social purpose, offering a chance for people to meet and socialize, to honor tradition, and take a break from everyday troubles and chores. These events include large amounts of food and drink, traditional live music, and dancing until the early hours of the morning.
Embark on a guided hike in the Samariá Gorge on a day trip from Rethymno. Get your daily dose of exercise, enjoy the panoramic views, and take a swim.
Following an early morning pickup from the nearest point to your accommodation in Rethymno, travel through the mountains, passing the plateau of Omalos.
Arrive at some wooden stairs at the start of Samariá Gorge. You can opt to start the walk straight away or get some breakfast at the taverna before you begin. Experience the magnificent landscapes on a 16-kilometer walk.
Discover the longest gorge in Europe, an area of stunning natural beauty. See its many flowers and herbs and the crystal-clear spring waters that flow from the mountains. Once you have finished the hike, there will be ample time for a swim and lunch at a tavern in Agia Roumeli.
Explore the famous Samaria Gorge on a trip along the northern coastline of Crete and through the White Mountains up to the Omalos Plateau. Samaria Gorge became a National Park in 1962 and today, it is the last natural refuge for the Cretan goat species known as Kri-Kri.
Depart early in the morning and board a coach which will pick you up from your hotel. After a comfortable drive, arrive at the plateau of Omalos for a small break before heading to the entrance of the gorge. The start of the hiking trail through the gorge is at a height of 1200m. On the route, pass by rich vegetation and through the tall rock walls known as the “Iron Gates”. Fill up your water bottle at one of the springs in the gorge.
At the end of the 17km walk, reach the Libyan Sea. There, at the beach of Ayia Roumeli, enjoy a refreshing swim or sit at one of the taverns until a ferry takes the group to Chora Sfakion where the bus will be waiting for you to return you back to your hotel.
Embark on a guided hike through the Samaria Gorge from Chania or Rethymno and soak up the dramatic views across the canyon. Continue to a seaside village to explore and unwind in the sea, before being chauffeured back to your hotel.
After being picked up early in the morning from your hotel in Chania or Rethymno, meet your expert guide and journey to Xyloskalo on the Omalos Plateau. From there, together you will start the 18-kilometer hiking tour.
As you hike through the Samaria Gorge, admire the ever-changing, dramatic landscapes and scenery. Head downriver on the south side of the White Mountains for incredible photos.
At the end of the canyon, find yourself in the small village of Agia Roumeli, where the great canyon meets the Libyan Sea. Explore this seaside fishing village and enjoy a refreshing dip in the turquoise waters. Get recommendations from your guide on where to have lunch.
Take the boat to the Hora Sfakion, where your private driver will meet you and take you back. Travel in comfort after your hike as you relax in a premium, chauffeured vehicle.
This tour is for those who would like to get to know Cretan culture and traditions while enjoying a four-hour off-road excursion. You will visit a modern olive mill, so that you can see how olive oil is produced, and you can also enjoy the opportunity to sample some of the oils.
After this, you will explore some myths and stories hidden
After that you will climb 600 metres above sea-level on an off-road route. You will travel through the Lefka Ori woods and you will be stunned by the panoramic views from the trail. Later, you will meet a shepherd who will show you how Cretan cheeses are made and you can try some of the cheeses he makes himself.
Finally, the evening will come to a close with a traditional evening meal. There will be lots of food and traditional dishes for everyone to enjoy, and the evening will leave you with fond memories of your day spent exploring Crete.
Discover the Mountains of Crete and experience driving a 450cc ATV quad bike in the morning or the evening.
Feel the fresh air on your face as you cross shallow rivers and explore hidden hills and small gorges that are only known to the local shepherds. Feel enchanted by the changing landscape of Crete and have guaranteed fun driving on the dirt roads.
You will be accompanied by an experienced guide who will introduce you to wonderful Cretan landscapes and will entertain you with fascinating local tales and Cretan culture.
This perfect holiday will give both you and your family a treasure chest of memories to share and look back on.
Find below list of beaches near Plakalona Apartments:
Kalivaki beach is the westernmost beach of Georgioupolis bay, on the north coast of Crete, 38 km east of Chania and 21 km west of Rethymno. Kalivaki sits at the mouth of the Almyros river, where the river meets the sea, so its sandy shore stays sheltered from the wind and its shallow water runs noticeably cool. This sheltered, family-friendly setting makes Kalivaki a good choice for children, especially on days when the wind stirs up the more open beaches nearby.
Kalivaki beach lies at the western edge of Georgioupolis bay, west of the Georgioupolis port and the church of Agios Nikolaos, 38 km east of Chania and 21 km west of Rethymno. Kalivaki sits at the exit of the Almyros river, joined by the smaller Boutakas stream, and both keep a steady flow of fresh water into the sea all year. The beach faces the open north coast, so its surface is calm in the sheltered corner near the river and turns wavy further out when the wind picks up. This position, tucked at the protected western end of the bay, is what sets Kalivaki apart from the longer, more exposed Georgioupolis beach to the east.
The water at Kalivaki is noticeably cooler than the open sea because the Almyros river and freshwater springs push cold water into the shallows. This cool current is strongest at the parts of the beach closest to the river mouth, where the cold river water meets the warmer sea. Many families come to Kalivaki for exactly this refreshing dip, which feels sharper and cooler than a swim on the neighbouring sandy beaches. Swim towards the eastern side of the beach, away from the river outflow, if you prefer warmer water.
Kalivaki is a sandy beach with soft sand and small dunes behind the shore, and its shallow, sheltered water suits families with young children. Kalivaki usually stays less crowded than the other Georgioupolis beaches, though visitor numbers rise on summer weekends. The sheltered cove keeps the water calm on windy days, when the longer beaches to the east grow choppy, so Kalivaki works well as a fallback when the wind is up. Where the Almyros river meets the sea the outflow can create a noticeable current and colder water, so keep children in the calmer, sheltered part of the cove and take extra care on windy days.
Kalivaki gives visitors umbrellas and sunbeds to rent, with beach bars and taverns nearby for food and water a few steps from the sand. Parking sits close to the shore and the beach is free to enter, so a family beach day here needs little planning. Services such as showers, changing rooms and a lifeguard are not a guaranteed feature at Kalivaki, so check what is open on arrival if you rely on them. Most of the beach services run mainly through the summer season, and they thin out in the quieter spring and autumn months.
Kalivaki beach is a recorded nesting point for the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta), which lays its eggs in the sand in the warm months. Keep clear of the soft dry sand and any marked nests, and avoid digging or pushing umbrella poles deep into the sand near the back of the beach. Take your litter home with you, because a single nest can sit just below the surface. These small steps let the turtles and their eggs stay undisturbed while you enjoy the beach.
Reach Kalivaki beach in a few simple ways from Georgioupolis and the main coast road:
Kalivaki sits between Chania and Rethymno, so a beach morning here fits easily with Lake Kournas, the Georgioupolis waterfront, and the quieter coves along the Apokoronas coast. Reaching them all on your own schedule is simplest with your own vehicle, which you can compare on our car rental in Crete page.
Kalivaki beach is the westernmost beach of Georgioupolis bay, on the north coast of Crete, 38 km east of Chania and 21 km west of Rethymno.
Yes, Kalivaki beach suits families, because the water is shallow, the cove is sheltered from the wind, and the beach stays calmer than the neighbouring Georgioupolis beaches. Keep children near the calmer part of the cove and away from the stronger current at the river mouth.
The water at Kalivaki is cold because the Almyros river and freshwater springs feed cool water into the shallows, and the effect is strongest close to the river mouth.
Kalivaki beach has umbrellas and sunbeds to rent, with beach bars and taverns nearby for food and water, and free parking close to the shore. Showers, changing rooms and a lifeguard are not guaranteed, so check what is open on arrival.
Drive or take a local bus to Georgioupolis, then follow the paved road or walk west from the port to the river mouth at the western end of the bay.
The main season runs from June to September, when the weather is warm and the beach services are open, while late spring and early autumn stay quieter for a calmer visit.
Georgioupolis, a small coastal town located 38km east of Chania and 21km west of Rethymnon, is a seaside resort nestled in a verdant valley crisscrossed by rivers and springs. Situated on the western edge of a sprawling 10km beach, the town’s beach spans 2km to the east, beginning at the Almiros river and terminating at Kavros beach, a natural continuation of the former. The beach in Georgioupolis is sandy, dotted with dunes, and has shallow waters.
The beach is well-maintained and child-friendly, with lifeguards on duty. Caution is advised during windy conditions due to sea currents. Amenities such as umbrellas, showers, and food and drink stalls are available for beachgoers. Approximately 700m east of the port, the Perastikos river bifurcates the beach, which then widens as it continues eastward. On the opposite end, west of Georgioupolis’s port and near the Almyros river’s exit, lies the picturesque Kalivaki beach.
Located between Georgioupoli and Pyrgos, Kavros refers to the expansive beach situated just 4 km east of Georgioupoli, near the hotel bearing the same name. Though the area has experienced substantial tourist development, it’s somewhat less commercialized compared to the adjacent Georgioupolis. Kavros beach is a sandy stretch with transparent, shallow waters; however, its openness to the wind often results in notable wave activity. The beach provides several facilities for visitors, including an array of restaurants, cafes, and bars, making it a perfect spot for an all-day excursion. For those seeking tranquillity, parts of the beach remain unorganized, offering a more serene experience.
The place at its greatest part is developed and only a very small part of it has been left untouched. Between the remaining virgin parts of the beach, there is an extensive and very important ecosystem of dunes. The dunes of Kavros, like all dunes, host a significant and very fragile ecosystem that is home to its own plants. The most important role of the dunes in Crete is that they protect the inner lands from erosion. In the area, in winter we meet small ponds and the landscape is quite different from the summer.
Ombros Gialos (also spelled Omprosgialos or Ombrosgialos) is a small, rocky bay on the east coast of the Drapanokefala peninsula, 26km east of Chania. Ombros Gialos sits near the villages of Kefalas and Paleloni, and it centers on a little harbour whose dock lets swimmers step straight into deep, clear water. This is an unorganized cove built for people who want blue-green sea, a single well-known fish tavern, and calm surroundings rather than sunbeds and busy beach bars.
Use this guide to decide if the bay fits your day, then plan how to reach it.
Ombros Gialos is a rocky beach with rocks in places rather than a wide sandy shore. The water runs deep blue and green right off the shore, and the small harbour includes a dock that swimmers use as a diving point into the crystal sea. The bay stays quiet and feels remote, because it lies well away from large resorts and organized beach services. You get scenery and swimming here, so treat it as a spot for a relaxed dip rather than a full day of loungers and amenities. The rocky character of the shoreline shapes everything about a visit, from where you enter the water to what shoes you pack, and the shore counts among the Crete beaches with rocks in places.
Ombros Gialos is reached by car on the asphalt road that starts from Paleloni. The paved route makes the drive straightforward once you are near the village, and the road leads down toward the harbour on the east coast of Drapanokefala. A boat trip is the other option, since you can arrive by private boat from a nearby port. Georgioupolis and Kalives both work as departure points for that short sea approach, and Georgioupolis in particular is an easy base if you are already exploring the wider stretch of coast covered in the guide to the Georgioupolis beaches.
Having your own vehicle gives you the most flexibility for a remote cove like this one, so many visitors combine the trip with other stops in Apokoronas by renting a car in Crete.
Ombros Gialos is not well organized, and it sits quite far from well-organized accommodation choices. One tavern stands next to the harbour, and it is very famous for its fish dishes. The taverna keeps food and water available on site, which covers the essentials for a visit. Beyond the taverna, plan to bring what you need, because the bay is a natural, low-key spot rather than a serviced beach.
The sea around Ombros Gialos is ideal for snorkelers and scuba divers. Deep, clear water sits right at the harbour dock, and swimmers commonly dive in from that dock into the blue sea below. The rocky seabed and deep-blue water make the cove a strong choice for anyone who wants to explore underwater rather than lie on sand. Enter carefully over the rocks, since the shoreline is stony in places and the water gets deep quickly near the dock. Water shoes help you cross the rocks comfortably and protect your feet at the entry points.
Ombros Gialos suits swimmers, snorkelers, and divers who prefer a quiet, scenic cove over an organized resort beach. The bay rewards visitors who value deep clear water, a good fish taverna, and calm surroundings. It is a weaker match for families who need sunbeds, umbrellas, and shallow sandy shallows for young children, because the shore is rocky and the services are minimal. Choose this cove for a relaxed swim and a seafood lunch, and pick a sandier, organized beach elsewhere if you want full facilities. Travelers who enjoy dramatic, off-the-beaten-path Chania coves often pair a visit here with a stop at the striking cliffs of Seitan Limania beach.
Ombros Gialos is on the east coast of the Drapanokefala peninsula, 26km east of Chania, near the villages of Kefalas and Paleloni.
Ombros Gialos is a rocky beach with rocks in places, and the water turns deep blue and green close to shore.
The bay is unorganized and has one taverna next to the harbour that is famous for its fish dishes and provides food and water on site.
Drive the asphalt road that starts from Paleloni, or arrive by private boat from a nearby port such as Georgioupolis or Kalives.
The deep, clear sea around the harbour is ideal for snorkelers and scuba divers, and swimmers dive straight in from the dock.
June to September is the best window for swimming and warm, settled conditions. For more coves along this coast, browse the wider collection of Crete beaches.
Find below list of gorges near Plakalona Apartments:
Situated 13km west of Rethymno, Petres Gorge opens up at the Petres beach. It houses the longest river in Rethymnon province, which is replenished by multiple tributaries that gather the waters of Kollita Gorges from the west to Mount Vrysinas in the east, spanning almost half of Rethymnon Prefecture. The river flows throughout the year and forms a significant wetland of Crete, particularly near its mouth at Episkopi.
The gorge narrows down to a small section about 1km long, beginning near the village of Karoti. Despite its short length, it is definitely worth exploring. It is easily accessible and perfect for swimming in the ponds that form along its course. However, fences are installed to confine goats, so carrying a cutter might be useful in case the fences are locked. Certain areas with large rocks may require a bit of climbing and extra caution.
The Twin Ravines, or Kollita Gorges, can be found near the charming village of Argyroupolis, approximately 22km southwest of the city of Rethymnon. The name refers to the two parallel canyons that conclude near the village of Kato Poros. The easternmost canyon, Moundros Gorge, is bordered by the Vigla peak (567m) to the east and the Nissiani hill to the west, where you can find the abandoned settlement of Nissi. Adjacent to Moundros Gorge to the west, is the Vilandredo Gorge, named after the village at its entrance and often referred to as Kollita Gorge.
The gorges offer an ideal hiking experience for novices due to their ease and stunning surroundings. It’s a perfect outing for groups of friends – park your car in Kato Poros or Argyroupolis, explore the Moundriano canyon, and return via the second Kollita Gorge for a round trip.
A suggested itinerary for the two gorges starts in the verdant Argiroupoli, built on the site of the ancient city of Lappa. From there, head east to the village of Moundros, known for its springs, fountains, and beautiful Venetian architecture. Don’t miss a stroll through the narrow streets of Moundros and a visit to the churches of Saint Constantine, Saints Anargyri (11th century), and Saint Nicholas. Near Moundros, you’ll find the deserted settlement of Nissi, notable for its impressive stone structures.
From the village, make your way to the northern entrance of the lush Moundros Gorge, which leads to the village of Velonado. A well-marked path descends to the riverbed, which is typically full of water. The canyon boasts towering plane trees and several freshwater ponds. After about a 1.5-hour walk, you’ll reach the southern entrance of Moundriano Gorge near Velonado.
Exiting the canyon, head west on the asphalt road to the entrance of the second canyon, Kollita Gorge, near Vilandredo. This canyon is even more impressive than Moundriano, filled with plane trees and a path that runs along the riverbed. The most breathtaking part of the canyon is where its towering walls nearly touch, creating a very narrow passage. Along the slopes of the gorge, you’ll spot numerous fig and holly trees. After a total of four hours, you’ll exit the canyon, which once supplied water to the Roman baths of Lappa, now Argyroupolis.
Following the old stone path amidst laurels, myrtles, and hollies, you’ll reach Kato Poros and the area of Pente Parthenes (Five Virgins). Here, you’ll find a spring under the perennial plane tree of Pente Parthenes, the chapel of the Five Virgins, and the Hellenistic and Roman tombs of Lappa. From here, the trail broadens and leads back to the lush green Argiroupoli. In Argiroupoli, be sure to visit the Venetian buildings, churches, and picturesque alleyways. The springs of Argyroupolis are a popular attraction, particularly the spring in the cavernous chapel of Agia Dynami. The area is lush with several small waterfalls and numerous restaurants.
The Diktamos Canyon, nestled within the White Mountains, commences 21km to the east of Chania, near the Katochori village at an elevation of 300m. It concludes 8km further east, at the Faragi village, situated at a height of 40m and in close proximity to the Stylos village in the Apokoronas province. Consequently, it is also referred to as the Katechori Gorge or Stylos Gorge. The canyon’s stream serves as the primary tributary of the Kiliaris River, gathering water from the northern slopes of the Mavri peak and discharging it onto the Kalives beach.
Navigating through the canyon can be challenging, with certain areas requiring extra caution and approximately 3 hours to traverse. The canyon is a stunning, verdant landscape filled with towering trees and steep inclines, home to dittany or diktamos, a herb endemic to Crete. In Stylos, you have the opportunity to explore the ancient church of Apostle John (Agios Ioannis Theologos), refresh yourself at the local springs, and replenish your energy at the village’s taverns.
The Kapni Gorge, one of Eastern Sfakia’s most stunning canyons, remains largely undiscovered. The gorge begins as an open stream south of the Akones peak at Hionistra, located on the road between Askyfou and Asfendou villages. It concludes in the village of Nomikiana in the Sfakia province. In Hionistra, two streams in calcareous soils converge to form the Kapni Gorge after an hour’s walk. The canyon is extensive, requiring around four hours to traverse. It is among Crete’s challenging and perilous trekking gorges, with a rugged riverbed that forms dry waterfalls in certain areas, necessitating climbing.
It is not advisable for those inexperienced in mountaineering. The riverbed features several small caves that were previously used as sheepfolds. In one of these caves, there is drinking water, the only source in the harsh Kapni region. This water source is hard to find unless one is very familiar with the area. Kapni is home to beautiful vegetation, including maples and oak trees, and stunning walls of platy limestone in several places.
The name Kapni, meaning smoke, traces back to a story from the Venetian era. East Sfakia was once densely forested, providing refuge for Cretans fighting the Venetians. To counter this, the Venetians burned these forests, including the one in Kapni, which was so dense that the fire burned for weeks. The narrowness of the gorge created an oven-like effect, trapping the fire and significantly raising the temperature. The intense heat baked the mountain rock, similar to a lime kiln, and smoke lingered for days after the fire ceased. That autumn, a massive flood swept through the bare, fire-scorched hillsides, moving rocks with immense force to the gorge’s exit. This event resulted in a large deposit of sediment, creating the most impressive scree (locally known as sara) in Crete, visible from miles away. This scree starts at the gorge’s exit and extends to the village of Nomikiana.
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