Plakias is a seaside village located in the picturesque bay of the same name in South Central Crete in the Libyan Sea, 30 kilometers south of the city of Rethymno. Plakias began to develop into a tourist resort in the area only in recent decades, as before it did not number more than 10 houses.
The first mention of the village of Plakias was in 1961 when a census of the area recorded 6 permanent resident fishermen. More generally, the existing history of the surrounding settlements of Myrthios and Sellia dates back to the 10th century when the Byzantine emperor Nikephoros Phokas II built roads and bridges connecting these two villages. The area has vast agricultural areas and it is believed that there was a settlement there since the Minoan times.
Plakias beach is approximately 1300 meters of sand and is one of the most beautiful beaches in the area, where there are several other unique beaches in a very close distance such as Damnoni, Ammoudi, Schinaria, etc. On the rich coastline of the area there are wonderfully scattered small taverns on the waves, where everyone can enjoy fresh local dishes with a view of the southern coast of Crete. In fact, every September, World Tourism Day is organized and hosted, with celebrations including traditional dances, songs and of course mezedes in the village’s central square.
Eight kilometers east of Plakias is an important cultural heritage monument of the island, the Monastery of Preveli, which due to its isolated location played a significant role during the resistance in World War II.