Plakias Beaches: “East-to-West” Guide to the Best Coves & Bays
I’ve visited Plakias for its beaches several times in the past few years, most recently returning for a spontaneous day trip from Sfakia. While Plakias itself isn’t the prettiest town in Crete (it lacks the charm of Chora Sfakion or Loutro), the setting is remarkable: a wide bay opening onto some of the clearest water I’ve swum in, backed by olive-clad hills, dramatic mountains, and a coastline full of coves to discover.
What makes the beaches around Plakias stand out is their variety. Within a short drive you can move from wide sandy bays like Damnoni to naturist-friendly coves such as Ammoudaki, where the water is famously clear. Add the palm-fringed lagoon of Preveli and the sheltered sands of Souda, and this stretch of Crete’s south coast has something for everyone.
Yes, Plakias can be windy – the Meltemi funnels through the surrounding gorges – but just as often you’ll find calm, glassy days perfect for swimming and snorkelling. This guide lists all the Plakias beaches “east to west”, so you can plan your days with clarity.
Quick Facts – Plakias Beaches
📍 Location: Southern Crete, Rethymno region — beaches run east to west around Plakias.
🌬️ Wind hack: Some days can be windy (Meltemi). For calmer swimming try Souda or Skinos.
👨👩👧 Best for families: Damnoni — wide sandy bay with tavernas and loungers.
🌊 Best for snorkelling/diving: Skinaria — crystal-clear “aquarium” waters.
🌿 Best naturist beach: Ammoudaki (Mikro Ammoudi) — small cove, turquoise water.
🌴 Iconic stop: Preveli Palm Beach — river, lagoon, and famous palm forest.
🍹 Best for a taverna swim: Ammoudi — cove with a beachside restaurant.
☀️ Best for sunset: Souda — sheltered bay with golden light in the evening.
🛏️ Sunbeds: Around €7–15 for 2 beds + umbrella (seasonal); premium setups €25 at Skinaria.
A Quick Note on Wind in Plakias
Between May and September, Plakias can be breezy thanks to the Meltemi, a seasonal north wind that races through the Cyclades before funnelling down Crete’s southern gorges. It’s worth knowing about, but don’t be put off by “windy-day forecasts.” The strength often eases and there are long spells where the bay and surrounding areas are calm and perfect for swimming.
For up-to-date forecasts, I always check Windfinder’s Plakias page — my go-to site and app for wind maps.
💡 Top Tip: On windier days, head to Souda or Skinos — both are more sheltered than Plakias’ main bay.
How to Use This Guide
My guide is simple to use: I’ve ordered the Plakias beaches from east to west so you can plan your beach-hopping days logically.
Each beach has a clear, easy-to-read guide with the information that really matters when deciding where to swim and spend your precious Cretan sunshine hours.
🏖️ More Southern Crete Beaches to Explore
If you’re exploring more of southern Crete, don’t miss my Paleochora Beaches guide and my 7 Hidden Beaches of Crete post for even more inspiration.
Plakias Beaches Map
You will find each beach pinned in my Google Map below.
⭐ Tip: Click the star icon on the map title bar (“Plakias Beaches”) to save this map to your Google account for easy access later.
Beaches East of Preveli Beach (Kerames side)
Preveli is the one the tourists come to see, but to the east, just a few kms, you will find many beautiful beaches that are often deserted.
🏖️ Agia Fotia – timeless taverna
Best for: couples or families looking for a traditional, low-key stop
📍 Distance from Plakias: ~18 km / 37 minutes by car
- 🏝️ Type: Pebbly beach, small and calm
- 🌿 Vibe: Old-Greek charm; slow pace, especially around the taverna
- 🌊 Swimming: Clear, calm waters; also at Podare (Παραλία Ποδαρέ) or Katsouni a short walk east, often empty
- 🪑 Sun loungers: None — bring your own towel
- 🥾 Suitable for: Couples, families, travellers wanting a traditional Crete feel
✨ Why it stands out: The seafront taverna feels like a place time forgot – rustic tables right above the waves, with swimming right on the doorstep.
🏖️ Paralia Agias Irinas – Quiet Roadside Stop
Best for: couples and families looking for a low-key beach day
📍 Distance from Plakias: ~15 km / 29 minutes by car
- 🏝️ Type: Mix of sand and fine pebbles
- 🌿 Vibe: Relaxed, informal; a handful of parasols and a small roadside Kenta bar
- 🌊 Swimming: Clear blue water, calm entry, good around the little rocky outcrop by the bar
- 🪑 Sun loungers: Limited — available only in high season
- 🥾 Suitable for: Couples, families, travellers who enjoy simple, no-frills stops
✨ Why it stands out: A quiet, easy-to-access beach with just enough facilities – ideal for a few relaxed hours by the sea.
Kefalas Beach – Hidden Roadside Cove
Best for: adventurous swimmers and those seeking a quieter, naturist-friendly spot
📍 Distance from Plakias: ~14 km / 27 minutes by car
- 🏝️ Type: Mix of sand and pebbles
- 🌿 Vibe: Secluded; partly hidden from the road but not developed
- 🌊 Swimming: Clear water; peaceful once you scramble down
- 🪑 Sun loungers: None — bring your own towel
- 🥾 Suitable for: Couples, naturists, confident walkers (scramble access)
✨ Why it stands out: Its trickier access keeps numbers low, making it one of the more discreet coves near Plakias.
🏖️ Dionyssos & Drymiskiano Ammoudi – Twin Preveli Trailhead Beaches
Best for: a swim-and-rest stop before or after hiking to Preveli
📍 Distance from Plakias: ~13 km / 25 minutes by car
- 🏝️ Type: Side-by-side coves with sand/pebble mix
- 🌿 Vibe: Convenient but busy; tour buses use this as a starting point for the Preveli hike, so expect crowds mid-morning to mid-afternoon
- 🌊 Swimming: Clear water, easy entry — but not the quietest for long stays
- 🪑 Sun loungers: Yes — organized, around €10–15 per set
- 🥾 Suitable for: Hikers, day-trippers, those combining Preveli with a swim
- 🍴 Facilities: Cafes and snack outlets directly behind the beaches
✨ Why they stand out: Two beaches side by side — Dionyssos (east) and Drymiskiano (west) — both useful for a refreshing swim, though best treated as stopovers rather than full-day destinations.
🏖️ Preveli Beach – Palm Lagoon & Heart Rock
Best for: early risers, photographers, and anyone wanting to see one of Crete’s most unique landscapes
📍 Distance from Plakias: ~13 km / 25 minutes by car (same parking as Dionyssos/Drymiskiano)
- 🏝️ Type: Sandy beach with river lagoon and palm forest
- 🌿 Vibe: Magical at sunrise, but crowded once boats and coaches arrive from late morning
- 🌊 Swimming: Freshwater lagoon meets the sea; sandy entry and clear waters
- 🪑 Sun loungers: None — bring your own towel
- 🥾 Suitable for: Hikers (short walk from Drymiskiano; longer scenic descent from the west side), boat trippers
- ⛴️ Boat access: Seasonal boats run with LB Ferries from Plakias and Damnoni (approx. €20 return). Preveli is also the second-largest palm forest in Crete, so boat day trips are popular.
✨ Why it stands out: The palm-fringed river, tiny stone church, and the iconic “heart rock” make Preveli one of Crete’s most photographed beaches — best appreciated if you arrive early before the crowds.
Lefkogia Cluster (between Preveli & Plakias)
The inland village of Lefkogia links Plakias with Preveli, Asomatos, and Myrthios. From here, roads lead to some of the area’s best beaches — Ammoudi, Ammoudaki, and Skinaria — known for their soft pebbles and crystal-clear swimming waters.
💡 Top Tip: My favourite stop in Lefkogia is the little coffee shop (you can’t miss the bright yellow sign) – they make one of the best Freddo Cappuccinos I’ve had in southern Crete, and their pastries are a great pre-beach snack.
🏖️ Skinaria Beach – Crystal-Clear “Aquarium” Waters
Best for: snorkelers, divers, and those who want comfort with their swim
📍 Distance from Plakias: ~8 km / 15 minutes by car
- 🏝️ Type: Fine pebbles, very clear water
- 🌿 Vibe: Rural Crete — mornings are quiet, afternoons fill steadily
- 🌊 Swimming: Some of the clearest waters in Crete, popular with divers
- 🪑 Sun loungers: Plenty, including premium sets (€25 with thick mattresses)
- 🥾 Suitable for: Couples, families, anyone happy to drive a little
- 🍴 Facilities: Taverna directly behind the beach, parking area on site
- 🤿 Diving: Popular shore dive (0–33m depth, ~30m visibility). Divers explore rocky seabeds, swim-through caves, and drop-offs with abundant marine life. You can book guided dives locally through Royal Blue Dive Cente
✨ Why it stands out: Exceptional visibility underwater — it feels like swimming in an aquarium, with one of the most upmarket lounger setups in Crete.
💡 Top Tip: Don’t be surprised if you get caught behind a herd of goats on the drive down, as I did – it’s part of the rural Cretan charm.
🏖️ Ammoudi Beach – Easy Access Cove
Best for: families and couples looking for a relaxed, accessible beach
📍 Distance from Plakias: ~5 km / 12 minutes by car
- 🏝️ Type: Pebbly-sand mix, clear water
- 🌿 Vibe: More accessible than Skinaria, with a low-key, friendly feel
- 🌊 Swimming: Calm, clear waters — great for an easy swim
- 🪑 Sun loungers: Plenty available, reasonably priced
- 🥾 Suitable for: Families, campers, travellers who want convenience without losing charm
- 🍴 Facilities: Informal taverna/café; small camping area behind the beach
✨ Why it stands out: Combines good facilities and easy access with a relaxed, unfussy atmosphere — popular but not overwhelming.
🏖️ Klisidi Beach – Tiny Naturist Cove
Best for: naturists and adventurous swimmers and those who don’t mind a scramble
📍 Distance from Plakias: ~4 km / 9 minutes by car
- 🏝️ Type: Coarse sand, tiny cove
- 🌿 Vibe: Secluded and wind-sheltered; popular with naturists but not exclusive
- 🌊 Swimming: Calm, intensely blue water — easy to swim to from Ammoudaki
- 🪑 Sun loungers: None — bring your own towel
- 🥾 Suitable for: Naturists, couples, confident swimmers, agile walkers (scramble access)
✨ Why it stands out: A pocket-sized cove with dazzling water and a peaceful, tucked-away feel — best reached by swimming round from Ammoudaki.
🏖️ Ammoudaki (Mikro Ammoudi) – Naturist-Turned-Mixed Cove
Best for: couples and travellers who like a relaxed, social beach with superb swimming
📍 Distance from Plakias: ~4 km / 9 minutes by car
- 🏝️ Type: Small sandy-pebble cove
- 🌿 Vibe: Once exclusively naturist, now a friendly mix of naturists, couples, and families
- 🌊 Swimming: Outstanding — some of the clearest water in Crete, shaded until mid-morning
- 🪑 Sun loungers: Yes — organized, ~€10 per set; not too crowded
- 🥾 Suitable for: Couples, naturists, families happy with a mixed crowd
- 🍴 Facilities: Snack shack with coffee; parking directly above (stairs can be slippery)
✨ Why it stands out: Consistently one of the best swimming spots in Crete — with a resident black cat often spotted as the “beach guardian.”
💡 Top Tip: Mornings are best for calm vibes and easy parking. If you love the water here, you’ll also want to try Glyka Nera (Sweet Water Beach) — one of my all-time favourites, also featured in my 7 Hidden Beaches of Crete guide.
🏖️ Damnoni Beach – Sandy Bay with Tavernas
Best for: families and groups looking for space, facilities, and easy access
📍 Distance from Plakias: ~6 km / 10 minutes by car
- 🏝️ Type: Long sandy bay
- 🌿 Vibe: Busy around the main access point (especially when tour buses drop off), quieter towards the ends
- 🌊 Swimming: Sandy entry, generally calm waters
- 🪑 Sun loungers: Several organized setups along the beach, different price points
- 🥾 Suitable for: Families, groups, those who like facilities close at hand
- 🍴 Facilities: Multiple tavernas, beach bars, and water sports rentals (Hobie cats, pedalos, SUP)
- ⛴️ Boat link: One of the departure points for the Preveli boats — handy if you want to skip the hike.
✨ Why it stands out: A versatile beach that combines dining, water sports, and plenty of sunbed choice — best enjoyed away from the central drop-off zone.
💡 Top Tip: Walk a few minutes to either end of the bay to escape the bus-group crowds and enjoy a more relaxed swim.
Plakias Bay & Beaches to the West
Plakias is one of the largest resort villages on Crete’s south coast, about 36 km south of Rethymno, set at the mouth of the Kotsifos valley. Its long sandy bay, known as Gialia, stretches over 1 km and is lined with tavernas, cafés, and small hotels. The bay is easily accessible and more developed than the Lefkogia coves, with wide sandy sections that suit families as well as a naturist-friendly eastern end beneath the cliffs of Paligremnos.
🏖️ Paligremnos – Cliffs, Climbers & Naturist Cove
Best for: naturists, climbers, and those looking for a dramatic setting
📍 Distance from Plakias village: at the eastern end of the bay (walkable)
- 🏝️ Type: Sandy beach with shallow, green-tinted waters
- 🌿 Vibe: Naturist-friendly; mixed gay/straight crowd with loungers, shade, and plenty who set up beneath the tamarisk trees or dunes for more privacy
- 🌊 Swimming: Shallow entry, soft sand underfoot, calmer than parts of main Plakias beach
- 🪑 Sun loungers: Yes — organized naturist section with mixed crowd
- 🥾 Suitable for: Naturists, climbers, hikers, couples
- 🧗 Climbing: The Paligremnos cliffs rise 80m, with over 30 established climbing routes — one of the most famous climbing spots in Greece
- 🚶 Walks: From here you can follow the path along the cliffs towards Damnoni and the old Plakias tunnels
✨ Why it stands out: A rare mix of naturist beach, dramatic cliffs, and top-class climbing — with myths and natural phenomena adding to its allure.
💡 Fun Fact:
The cliffs are nicknamed Gonates (“knees”) from a legend where the hero Digenis Akritas kneeled here to drink from a spring. Another tale says that on full moon nights (Sept–Jan), the limestone reflects the moonlight and draws squid close to shore — villagers once caught them with sticks.
🏖️ Plakias Main Beach – Easy & Accessible
Best for: families, casual swimmers, and those who want everything close at hand
📍 Distance from Plakias village: right in front of the town
- 🏝️ Type: Long sandy bay with shallow entry
- 🌿 Vibe: Busy and resort-style; lined with hotels, apartments, and shops
- 🌊 Swimming: Shallow waters, slightly cooler at the western end where the Kotsifos river flows in
- 🪑 Sun loungers: Yes — plentiful, spread across much of the bay
- 🍴 Food & drink: Dozens of tavernas, snack vans, and cafés just behind the beach
- 🥾 Suitable for: Families, groups, visitors who prefer convenience
✨ Why it stands out: The most accessible beach in the area, with everything you need within steps of the sand — a classic resort experience.
🏖️ Skinos Beach – Laid-Back & Local
Best for: those wanting a quieter spot within walking distance of Plakias
📍 Distance from Plakias village: 5–10 min walk / short drive west
- 🏝️ Type: Fine pebbles with clear blue water
- 🌿 Vibe: Relaxed, low-key, with some organised loungers and plenty of space to pitch up on your own
- 🌊 Swimming: Calm, clear waters, great for a quick dip or snorkel
- 🪑 Sun loungers: Yes — a small organised section, but much of the beach is left natural
- 🍴 Food & drink: None directly on the beach — bring supplies or head back into Plakias
- 🥾 Suitable for: Families, couples, and anyone who prefers a gentler atmosphere than Plakias Main Beach
✨ Why it stands out: Just steps from Plakias, yet much quieter — the perfect halfway point before reaching Souda.
🏖️ Limanaki Skinou – Tiny Portside Cove
Best for: a quick dip or shallow waters for kids
📍 Distance from Plakias village: immediately west, beside the small port
- 🏝️ Type: Sand and pebble mix, very shallow cove
- 🌿 Vibe: Quiet, overlooked, mainly used by locals or families with small children
- 🌊 Swimming: Calm, shallow waters — safe for paddling, not great for long swims
- 🪑 Sun loungers: None
- 🍴 Food & drink: A few options in nearby Plakias; nothing directly on the beach
- 🥾 Suitable for: Families with toddlers, anyone needing an easy-access swim stop
✨ Why it stands out: Not a destination in itself, but handy for a quick dip thanks to easy parking and very shallow entry.
🏖️ Fotinari (Foteinari) – Twin Pebble Coves
Best for: couples, snorkelers, and anyone who enjoys quiet hours away from the main beaches
📍 Distance from Plakias: ~3 km / 8 minutes by car towards Souda
- 🏝️ Type: Two adjacent coves (Small Fotinari / Fotinaraki & Big Fotinari), both pebbly
- 🌿 Vibe: Secluded, peaceful, shaded in parts; no organised facilities
- 🌊 Swimming: Clear, shallow waters with rocky seabed — ideal for snorkelling
- 🪑 Sun loungers: None
- 🥾 Access: Short paths from the road, a little scramble in places
- 🍴 Nearby: Rooms and tavernas within walking distance, but nothing directly on the sand
✨ Why it stands out: Two side-by-side beaches hidden under dense vegetation, offering shade and quiet — perfect for a few hours of downtime between Plakias and Souda.
🏖️ Souda Beach – Sheltered Sands & Palms
Best for: families, couples, and anyone who wants a big sandy bay with facilities
📍 Distance from Plakias: ~3 km / 7 minutes east by car
- 🏝️ Type: Wide sandy bay with rocky edges and palm trees along the Finikas river
- 🌿 Vibe: Relaxed and mixed — naturists use the quieter ends, families spread across the middle, everyone coexists
- 🌊 Swimming: Shallow entry, calm on lighter days; rocky edges good for snorkelling
- 🪑 Sun loungers: Yes — several organised sections with umbrellas and showers
- 🍴 Food & drink: Tavernas and rooms for rent just behind the beach
- 🥾 Suitable for: Families, naturists, couples, sunset seekers
- 🌅 Bonus: Golden evening light makes Souda one of the best local sunset spots
- ✨ Why it stands out: A spacious sandy bay framed by palms and a year-round river — offering both organised comforts and quieter corners, with spectacular sunset views.
💡 My tip: Souda is at its best late in the day. Head here for a swim and stay for sundowners — the light across the bay is magical.
Quick Tips for Planning Your Beach Days
Wind: Mornings are calmest; Souda & Skinos are best on breezier afternoons.
Parking tip: Parking is available at most beaches but can fill up late morning and early afternoon.
Money saver: Sunbeds are generally ~€7–15 for a set of 2 with parasol; Skinaria has a section that is €25 but includes extras.
Boat access: LB Ferries run Plakias ⇆ Preveli (May–Oct).
Food note: Best taverna-on-the-beach = Damnoni; best sunset drink = Souda.
FAQs About Plakias Beaches
Is Plakias windy?
Yes, the Meltemi often funnels down the gorges. Expect calmer mornings and stronger winds in late afternoon. You can get a spells of days with no wind.
Are there naturist beaches near Plakias?
Yes. Ammoudaki is naturist-friendly, Klisidi often is too, and parts of Plakias’ long bay (east end) are clothing-optional.
Where is the best snorkelling?
Skinaria is famous for crystal-clear water and rock reefs – it is also popular with divers.
Can I reach Preveli from Plakias without hiking?
Yes. Boats run in summer from Plakias and Damnoni to Preveli, weather permitting.
Why Plakias is Perfect for Beach Hopping
What makes Plakias Beaches stand out is the sheer variety. In the east, you’ll find Preveli, which is Crete’s iconic palm-lined lagoon – whilst the west side of Plakias bay brings calm sands and golden-hour sunsets at Souda. In between lie organized sandy bays, naturist-friendly coves, and hidden snorkelling spots like Skinaria.
Few places in Crete pack so many moods into such a short stretch of coast. Whether you’re here for family days, adventurous swims, or just to chase turquoise water, Plakias delivers – and with this “east-to-west” guide, you’ll know exactly where to go.
👇🏽 Save this guide, share it with your travel companions, and don’t forget to pin, post, or message it to yourself for later.
Written by Richard Hoskisson
Founder of The Cosmos Traveller
With over 30 years of travel experience across France, South Africa, the UAE and Greece – and many more far flung places – Richard helps curious travellers explore hidden gems, discover culturally-rich adventures and enrich their travel stories.
Published September 2025