Plaka Village, Crete: A Local’s Guide
Plaka, Crete: A Local’s Guide
Plaka is a small fishing village directly across from the island of Spinalonga, at the entrance to the Elounda lagoon. Its story is tied to the island, and today it is a quiet place with fish tavernas, old houses, pebble beaches and one of the best views of Spinalonga on the coast.
Quick facts
Distance from Agios Nikolaos: about 16 km, roughly 15-20 minutes by car
Distance from Elounda: about 5 km
Best for: the view of Spinalonga, fish tavernas, pebble beaches, short boat trips
Suggested time: half a day
Why visit Plaka
A direct view of Spinalonga and its fortress across the water
A small harbour with boats to the island
Traditional tavernas and old houses in a quiet fishing village
Two pebble beaches with clear water
A good starting point for the villages, windmills and lighthouse to the north
What to see and do
In the village
Look across to Spinalonga. Plaka faces the island of Kalydon, where the fortress of Spinalonga stands. The village’s history is closely tied to the island, which served as a leper colony until the middle of the 20th century. Plaka was built to serve it.
Take a boat to Spinalonga. Boats leave from Plaka’s small harbour, and water taxis run by a local boat cooperative cross to the island every day.
Walk among the old houses. The village has several traditional tavernas and old houses that give the feeling that time has stood still. It was also the setting for the Greek television series The Island (2010).
Eat fish by the sea. Plaka is known for its fish tavernas, with a few seaside tavernas, cafes and shops. There is also a mini-market, souvenir shops and an ATM.
Beaches
Plaka beach, west of the village. A pebble beach with tamarisk trees and calm water. It is well organised, and the tavernas are within walking distance.
Agia Marina, east of the village. A beach with large pebbles and deep water, named after a nearby Byzantine church and cemetery.
The water at the beaches is clear and not shallow.
Around Plaka
Drive north to Vrouchas. The village has old windmills.
Visit the lighthouse on Cape Aforesmenos. A good destination for a longer drive along the coast.
Walk in the hills. The area around the village offers hiking, caves and the olive groves of Ano Mirabello, the mountainous region west of Plaka.
Visit Elounda. The harbour, salt pans and windmills are about 5 km away. See our Elounda Guide.
Suggested routes
Half-day route: Spinalonga and the village
Morning: take a boat or water taxi from Plaka to Spinalonga.
Lunch: fish at a seaside taverna with a view of the island.
Afternoon: a swim at the west beach under the tamarisk trees.
Half-day route: coastal drive
Morning: a coffee in Plaka, then drive north to the windmills of Vrouchas.
Midday: the lighthouse on Cape Aforesmenos.
Lunch and swim: back in Plaka.
Eat and drink
Plaka is known for its fish tavernas, where you can eat by the water with the view of Spinalonga in front of you. The village also has cafes, a mini-market and souvenir shops.
Local tips
There is a parking area near the beach.
Agia Marina has deep water and large pebbles, while the west beach has calmer water and is more organised.
Plaka is quieter than Elounda, so it suits a slow half-day.
The village has an ATM and a mini-market, which is handy for a short stay.
Getting there
By car: Plaka lies about 16 km north of Agios Nikolaos. The drive takes about 15-20 minutes, and the village is roughly 5 km beyond Elounda.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Plaka from Agios Nikolaos?
About 16 km, or roughly 15-20 minutes by car.
How do I get to Spinalonga from Plaka?
Boats and water taxis leave from Plaka’s small harbour, and the water taxis run daily.
Why is Plaka connected to Spinalonga?
The village was built to serve the leper colony on the island, which operated until the middle of the 20th century.
What are the beaches like?
Both are pebble beaches with clear water. The west beach has tamarisk trees and calm water, and Agia Marina to the east has large pebbles and deep water.
What is the difference between Plaka and Elounda?
Plaka is a quieter fishing village about 5 km north of Elounda, directly across from Spinalonga.
Nearby: build your day
Elounda, about 5 km south, with its harbour, windmills and salt pans. See our Elounda Guide.
Vrouchas, with old windmills, and the Cape Aforesmenos lighthouse
Neapoli and Milatos, two other villages reachable from Plaka. See our Neapoli Guide and Milatos Guide.
Explore more of the area in our guide to the Villages around Agios Nikolaos.
