WELCOME

TO

PLATANIAS

In Platanias you will find everything you need for a fantastic holiday. Beautiful nature, busy nightlife, taverns and restaurants, kilometres of long sandy beach, activities for all ages.

The incredible Cretan hospitality mixed up with their life philosophy, the sun, the sea and all the breathtaking nature makes Platanias village and Crete one of the most well visited summer destinations in Europe. Visit our shop in the heart of the village to get information about the services Platanias offers you or join one of our guided village road trips to feel the Western Crete with all your sences!

A Friend to Discover!

What to do in

Platanias and Crete!

We offer you MORE THAN

50

DIFFERENT ACTIVITIES!

Visit us in our Service Shop in Platanias village. We are open daily from early morning to late evening. In our website you will find useful information to read before your trip and during your stay.

FIND US HERE

Easy & Friendly

1, 2, and 3 and off you go... for a new adventure. Yes, thats how fast and easy it is to book in our mobil friendly reservation system.

 

AUTUMN OFFER

 

Deliana Hike - BESTSELLER

Easy hike suitable for all ages in a beautiful small gorge with impressive steep cliffs. Ideal also for birdwatchers! Details of your trip   Located approx. 30km west from Platanias villag...
From EUR 50
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TOP #3

BALOS LAGOON TOUR

BALOS LAGOON Cruise - FULL DAY - WITH TRANSFER One of Crete’s top beaches! Visit one of Europe's most beautiful beaches, Balos Lagoon with crystal clear waters and white sand, with a stop at the Gramvousa island. A wonderful boat cruise with all the comforts on board.  Details of your trip Total cost of the excursion: Adults 50€ The total price for an adult is 50€. An adult will pay 30€ upon booking and the remaining amount 20€ will be paid in cash at bus to the guide. Children 30€ The total price for a child age 3-11,99 yrs is 30€. A child will pay 20€ upon booking and the remaining amount 10€ will be paid in cash at bus to the guide. Children under 3 yrs are free of charge.   Your day starts with being picked up from your hotel or at one of the specific pick up points. On the bus the guide is going to give you all the necessary information about the cruise. The ferry is waiting for you when you arrive at the port of Kissamos. There is a self-service point on board where you can buy meals, snacks and drinks. You can freely choose your seat either on the outside deck or inside. From the port, it is less than an hour's sea journey to Balos lagoon. You have possibility to swim in the crystal clear waters and enjoy sunbathing at the beach or on board. The break at Balos beach is 2,5 hours. It is only 20 minutes from Balos to the island of Gramvousa. There will be 1 hour and 45 minutes break on the island where you can stay ashore for a swim, hike up to the Venetian fortress of Gramvousa or stay on the ferry. From the island of Gramvousa, there is a direct return to the port of Kissamos-Kastelli. During the boat trip, it's a great opportunity to admire the scenery from the sea when the sun is already behind you. The ferry is arriving at 17:45 to the port and the return time in Chania is approximately by 19:00.   Notice! To see the Gramvousa fortress you need to walk uphill a couple of hundred of meters to reach the top of the island.

FromEUR 30
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Elafonissi Tour - BESTSELLER - 30 Eur

SEA AND SUN - FULL DAY. Visit Crete’s most loved beach, Elafonissi! A magical place on the southwest coast with crystal clear waters and beautiful pink sand. One of Europe’s top beaches. Book now!  DETAILS OF YOUR TRIP You will be picked up by the bus at your pick up point. The drive will go through Western Crete and the village of Topolia where we will have the a 30 minute stop for refreshments/breakfast or a visit in a small stalactite cave called Agia Sofia. We will reach Elafonisi about 11:15 and we will stay there about 3,5 to 4 hours. You will have a plenty of time to walk through the shallow water to discover the beautiful area of Elafonisi, to sunbathe and to swim in the crystal clear water. A fantastic place which often is called as "The Cretan Maldives”. As we return with the bus, there will be a stop in a local village for late lunch for approx. one hour. The guiding in the tour is in English. Schedule: 08:00-09:05 Pick-Ups On the way a stop at Agia Sofia Cave (30 min) 11:15 Arrival at Elafonisi 15:15 Departure from Elafonisi On the way a stop at local village for late lunch (approx. 1 h) 18:30-19:00 Arrival at your hotel Children tickets from 3 y/o up to 12 y/o.

FromEUR 30
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SAMARIA GORGE - Long Hike

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES - FULL DAY. Make sure you visit our famous Samaria Gorge. Starting with it's wooden staircase in Omalos village which is surrounded by the magnificent Lefka Ori. The starting point is 1250 meters above sea level and neighbouring mountain Gigilos stands tall peaking at 2080m in full view. DETAILS OF YOUR TRIP The bus picks you up from your hotel early in the morning and brings you up to Omalos plateau where you can enjoy breakfast before you start the hike. You will be accompanied by the professional mountain guide who speaks English, German and Greek . The guide will be there to explain all the necessary information about your hike and provide you the tickets for the entrance and ferry boat. Entrance fee: 5€ (until 18 years old free of charge) , Ferry fee: 13€/adults and 6,5€/children up to 11,99 yrs ( Sougia ferry). Those have to be paid to the guide upon arrival . After your breakfast you enter the Samaria Gorge. Each one of our clients walks on their own pace and the guide will be at the end of the group to help out if you need him. When you reach the end you will see the village of Agia Roumeli. A meeting point is arranged to get your ferry tickets from our guide. You have time for a swim and lunch. At about 17:15 the boat leaves and brings you to Sougia(one hour boat trip). At Sougia the buses are waiting for our guests to bring them back to Chania (About 21:00 return time in Chania). For the other areas such us Platanias, Agia Marina etc the bus needs a little more time. This trip is not suggested for people with heart problems, elderly or pregnant women!! Six hours should see you through in comfort and leave you time to take photos along the way -as you will certainly want to do. There are no particular difficulties as it gradually makes its way down toward sea level. Be sure to wear strong and comfortable footwear. NO SANDALS! Children ticket is from 5 y/o-12y/o. Indicative Time-Table 05:20‐06:10 Pick up 07:30 First stop Omalos Plateau. 08:00 Begin hike Xyloskalo (1.200 m) 14:00 End hike at Agia Roumeli Village (it depends on how fast you walk) Free time to eat & drink and to swim. 16:30 Meet your guide at Agia Roumeli and get the ferry-boat tickets to Sougia. 17:00-17:30 Departure from Agia Roumeli to Sougia 18:30 Arrival to Sougia 20:00‐20:30 Arrival at your Hotel

FromEUR 38
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GUIDED ROAD TRIPS

small groups max. 6 persons

in our

New Air Conditioned Mini Van

Join in our GUIDED HALF-DAY ROAD TRIPS in the PLATANIAS region and WESTERN CRETE. Discover Cretan flavours on five different TASTING TOURS, learn about local FEMALE ENTREPRENEURSHIP, hike the impressive DELIANA GORGE, experience the magnificent BOTANICAL PARK and the stunning scenery of the MOUNTAIN TOUR.

Olive oil and Wine Tastings

Traditional and classic road trip with private guidning! Taste the green gold, the awarded Cretan olive oil, with us and give a hug to one of the oldest olive tree in the world! DETAILS OF YOUR TRIP We will take you to the heart of Western countryside and you will learn all about collecting the olives, the olive oil process and how we use olive oil here in Crete. Wine production has developed considerably in the area in recent years as well. Besides olive oil, you will have a great opportunity to taste local wine varieties and hear about the wine making process. Our stops in Kolymbari and Vouves will deepen your understanding of the importance of these fields in everyday life in Crete. Route: Platanias - Kolymbari - Vouves - Anoskeli - Platanias Duration 4h  

FromEUR 65
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Honey and Cheese Tastings

Join us for a unique tasting trip which you can only find with Destination Platanias! We will introduce you to the real Cretan tastes, honey and cheese, straight from the local producer. DETAILS OF YOUR TRIP Our trip begins by following the western coastline to the Kolymbari village where we will visit a beautiful Gonia monastery which has a significant history at the area. From Kolymbari we will continue to Rodopou peninsula and you will have a unique meeting with a local honey producer at Rodopou village. Did you know that there are different varieties of honey and the honey producers are actually producing much more than just honey? The bee keeper’s mother also makes famous Greek cheese, Graviera, and yoghurt which are both delicious combinations to pair with honey. On the way back we will have a small stop at the village of Ravdoucha where we will enjoy the incredible seaviews of the Kissamos bay.  Route: Platanias - Tavronitis - Kolymbari - Rodopou - Ravdoucha - Platanias Duration 4h

FromEUR 65
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Olive oil and Honey Tastings

Unique landscapes and interesting small landmarks! Enjoy the pure Cretan tastes at the dynamic family business and get to know the world of the olive and the bee! DETAILS OF YOUR TRIP Feel the Crete with all your sences! This road trip will take you close to Kissamos-Kastelli where we will introduce you to one of the most bizzare and interesting landscapes in Crete, Komolithi, in village of Potamida. Following up the Tiflos river we will find an old three arched stone bridge from Venetian time which has remained undamaged incredibly well and later on a tiny waterfall in the heart of Makronas.  After a short drive through quiet settlements we will reach a dynamic family business and will have a tour at their premises. You will learn about olive harvest, olive oil pressing process as well as honey production. The tasting of olive oil and 8 different varieties of honey will be paired with rusks, bread sticks, cheese, olives and tomatoes - all these locally produced as well! Nothing can beat these pure tastes! On our departure we will pass by village of Rokka which was built partly on the relics of an ancient city on the southern slope of a spectacular high cliff, which dominates in the area. Route: Platanias - Kaloudiana - Potamida - Kamara - Houdaliana - Armenohori - Trialonia - Sfakopigadi - Pervolakia - Kera - Roka - Faleliana - Drapania - Platanias Duration 4h

FromEUR 65
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Botanical Gardens

Explore the magical Cretan nature! Follow us to the famous Botanical Gardens of Crete full of plants from all over the world! DETAILS OF YOUR TRIP Small traditional villages and fascinating mountain roads! This road trip is for you who love nature trails and green sceneries. The first part of our trip we will drive through orange farmers villages Patelari, Alikianos and Skines among the citrus, avocado and nut trees. When reaching up at an altitude of almost 500m in Karanou village the trees will change to apple and cherry trees. Mountainous views will take us to the foot of White Mountains where Botanical Garden was built 20 years ago to praise the unique microclimate of Crete. The garden introduces thousands of plants from all over the world along the 2,5 km walking path. By the small pond you will meet gooses, peacocks, donkeys and deers. Before return we will offer you local snack  in the park's own restaurant to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Route: Platanias - Patelari - Alikianos - Skines - Hliaro - Karanou - Lakki - Botanical Gardens - Fournes - Platanias Duration 4h

FromEUR 65
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Women in Crete

Meet strong and talented Cretan women and get to know their businesses in the craft sector! How it is to run a business as a woman and to combine work and everyday life in Crete? DETAILS OF YOUR TRIP At first we will meet a young ceramic artist in her workshop in Platanias. Alexandra is a new artist and has recently started to create her own collection. We will hear what led her to ceramics and the way she works clay into unique ceramic products. Next we will visit a soap factory which is the first of its kind on the whole island of Crete, using organic olive oil and all-natural recipes. Drawing inspiration from Greek nature, and the women in the family, the factory was founded by the mother-daughter duo, Filio and Maria. Hailing from a long tradition of homemaking of healing cosmetics, they were inspired in particular by the skincare benefits of organic olive oil, the ‘‘gold’’ of Crete.  The last meeting will be in Vatolakkos with Mrs. Despoina who is well-known in the area for her amazing cloth weaving skills. Over the years she has created fabrics for traditional Cretan wedding dresses, table cloths and bags. Apart from weaving, she also dyes the threads she uses with colors obtained from plants in the surrounding area.   Route: Platanias - Gerani - Loutraki - Psathogianos - Bapilos - Koufos - Vatolakos - Koufos - Patelari - Platanias Duration 4h

FromEUR 65
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Mountain Road Trip

Mountain stories! Experience the beautiful White mountains of Crete and enjoy the amazing Cretan sceneries. DETAILS OF YOUR TRIP Our road trip will start with colourful sceneries through the orange valley and continue climbing up slowly to the west side of the mountains. After passing Meskla village we will have a short stop to visit a small Sarakina gorge where we will see the impressive rock walls of the gorge just a short walk away from the road. Curvy road will take us all the way up to Zourva where we will have a break with a simple snack with an incredible view. Breathtaking scenery will continue after the snack to the next village Therisso which played an important role in Crete's modern history. On the way back to Platanias we will drive along the Therisso gorge where you can admire the high vertical cliffs and the huge Plane trees. Route: Platanias - Patelari - Meskla - Zourva - Therisso - Varipetro - Agia - Drakiana - Platanias   Duration 4h  

FromEUR 65
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Country Road Trip with Winery

Have you ever wondered how it is behind the popular holiday area? Take a path thru Cretan lifestyle in the countryside and visit a winery! DETAILS OF YOUR TRIP Our guided country tour will take you inland to the countryside of Platanias municipality. Enjoy the amazing green views and pittoresque small villages! You will also learn many interesting facts of everyday life in the countryside and the local's self-sufficient economy. There is always time for short stops for photos or simply just to breath deep fresh air and admire the incredible views. A longer stop will be at Manousakis winery in Vatolakkos where you will have a tour at their premises and hear about the wine making process in Crete. Tasting will include five different wines from winery's own production and are paired with local Cretan rusks, olive oil and sea salt. Return trip through the orange valley will complete our country tour giving you lovely memories and convincing you of the versatility of Crete! Route: Platanias - Gerani - Loutraki - Manoliopoulo - Limni - Tomadiana - Skonizo - Vatolakos - Koufos - Patelari - Platanias Duration 4h  

FromEUR 65
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Deliana Hike - BESTSELLER

Easy hike suitable for all ages in a beautiful small gorge with impressive steep cliffs. Ideal also for birdwatchers! Details of your trip   Located approx. 30km west from Platanias village, the Deliana gorge is enchanting with its steep cliffs and on the top of which you can often see vultures flying. The road at the bottom of the gorge is flat except for a few rocky parts. There are no steep climbs or falls during the trip. The walk starts from Deliana and ends at Mesavlia, where there is a short break at the small church of St. Paraskevi. We will walk the gorge back and forth, so the time spent walking is approx. 2h 15min and the total length of the hike is approx. 5km.  After the walk we will stop for refreshments and small snacks at village of Deliana to taste some local specialities. Route: Platanias - Kolymbari - Deliana - Kolymbari - Platanias Duration 4h

FromEUR 50
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Country Road Trip with Brewery

Small Cretan villages and incredible countryside views! Learn about the life beyond the busy turistic zone and visit a local brewery! DETAILS OF YOUR TRIP Our guided country tour will take you inland to the countryside of Platanias municipality. Enjoy the amazing green views and pittoresque small villages! You will also learn many interesting facts of everyday life in the countryside and the local's self-sufficient economy. There is always time for short stops for photos or simply just to breath deep fresh air and admire the incredible views. A longer stop will be at Charma Brewery in Zounaki village where you will join a guided tour around the brewery facilities and get a chance to know all about the brewing process and brewing ingredients. Tasting will include four fresh beer samples from brewery's own production and are accompained with beer snack (cold plate). Return trip close to the coast line will complete our country tour giving you lovely memories and convincing you of the versatility of Crete! Route: Platanias - Kyrtomados - Agia - Alikianos - Skines - Nea Roumata - Deres - Zounaki - Sirili - Vlacheronitissa - Kyparissos - Platanias Duration 4h

FromEUR 65
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Full-day Road Trips

Enjoy stunning Cretan sceneries on our GUIDED FULL-DAY ROAD TRIPS! Experience the wonderful ELAFONISI before the crowds or combine TWO BEACHES on the same day to visit both Elafonissi and Falassarna beaches or explore the mountainous area inland and join our NATURE road trip! 

Elafonissi Road Trip

Be first at Elafonisi! This is when the beach is at its best - no crowds and a great opportunity to catch the best spots and a sunbed with umbrella! Direct Guided Road Trip to Elafonisi Beach with stops for lunch on the return.  DETAILS OF YOUR TRIP Located in the southwest corner of Crete, this magical beach captivates with its crystal clear waters and white pinkish sand...Early pick up from your hotel, a small participating group and a direct drive through western Crete to the southwest corner of Crete will guarantee that you will be among the first ones to reach the beautiful Elafonisi beach.  Relax and enjoy a slow-paced beach day with plenty of time to wade in the shallow water, swim and explore the unique surroundings. The clear water paradise beach of Elafonissi is also often called the Maldives of Crete. It is also a part of Natura 2000 which is a network of protected areas covering Europe's most valuable and threatened species and habitats. On the way back we will stop for a late lunch in one of the local taverns along the way. Route: Platanias - Kaloudiana - Voulgaro - Topolia - Elos -  Elafonisi - Elos - Topolia - Voulgaro - Kaloudiana -Platanias  Duration 7h  

FromEUR 75
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Two Beaches Road Trip with lunch included

Combine two beautiful fine sanded beaches with chrystal clear waters, Elafonisi and Falassarna, on the same trip! DETAILS OF YOUR TRIP Explore the two popular beaches of Western Crete on the same day! Early pick up from your hotel, a small participating group and a direct drive through western Crete to the southwest corner of Crete will guarantee that you will be among the first ones to reach the beautiful Elafonisi beach. On the way we will have a short stop at a small stalactite cave Agia Sofia which has a significant archeolgical, historical and biological interest. In the morning Elafonisi is at its best - no crowds and a great opportunity to catch the best spots and a sunbed with umbrella! Enjoy the beach, take the day's first swim and explore the unique surroundings. From Elafonisi our road trip will continue to the monastery of Chrysoskalitissa and towards the west passing through small settlements and villages with amazing seaviews. In one of the villages it is time to have lunch before arriving to the second fine sanded beach, Falassarna, which is nowadays very popular among the locals. Have another swim at turquoise waters of Falassarna and relax before our departure through Kissamos and back to Platanias. Which one of the beaches you liked the best? Route: Platanias - Kaloudiana - Voulgaro - Topolia - Elos - Elafonisi - Livadia - Keramoti - Kambos - Sfinari - Platanos - Falassarna - Platanos - Kissamos - Platanias   Duration 8h

FromEUR 99
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Nature Road Trip

Small traditional villages, fascinating mountain roads and a short walk among the nature's miracles. This full day road trip is for you who love nature trails, green sceneries and wish to feel it all!   DETAILS OF YOUR TRIP   As starting our trip from Platanias we will drive first through the orange farmers villages Patelari, Alikianos and Skines in the middle of the citrus, avocado and nut trees. When reaching up at an altitude of almost 500m in Karanou village the trees will change to apple and cherry trees. Mountainous views will take us to the foot of White Mountains where Botanical Park was built 20 years ago to praise the unique microclimate of Crete. The park introduces thousands of plants from all over the world along the 2,5 km walking path. By the small pond you will meet gooses, peacocks, donkeys and deers.  Our road trip will continue next climbing up slowly to the east side of the mountains. After passing Meskla village a curvy road will take us all the way up at Zourva where we will have a rich Cretan lunch with warm Cretan hospitality and an incredible view. Breathtaking sceneries will continue after the lunch to the next village Therisso which played an important role in Crete's modern history. On the way back to Platanias we will drive along the Therisso gorge where you can admire the high vertical cliffs and the huge Plane trees. Route: Platanias - Patelari - Alikianos - Skines - Hliaro - Karanou - Lakki - Botanical Gardens - Fournes - Meskla - Zourva - Therisso - Varipetro - Agia - Drakiana - Platanias Duration 7h

FromEUR 99
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Free Cancellation

We are flexible for your comfort. You can cancel up to 24h prior the start of the activity and get full refund.

 

FREE Guided village walk

Is it your first time in Platanias or maybe you have visited the village already several times but stayed mainly at your hotel? Join us for a small Monday tour around the village!  DET...
From EUR 0
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TAXI TRANSFER

Chania Airport to PLATANIAS 42€

Stalos 38€, Agia Marina 40€, Gerani 45€, Maleme 48€, Kolymbari 55€

First priorites are always comfort and safety!

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Sea and Sun

Western Crete’s Top Beaches and Fun Activities by the sea. Book a Sunny adventure!

Bestseller! BOOK NOW

Outdoor Activities

Popular to do in Crete! Cycling, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Surf, SUP, Kayaking. Let’s Go Today!

Bestseller! BOOK NOW

Boat Cruises

Go for a beautiful Boat Cruise, half day or full day. Swim & Snorkel in the sea. Family Fun Day!

We Recommend! BOOK NOW

LOCAL FAMILY BUSINESSES

Destination Platanias is only cooperating with local family businesses.

Adventure

Put some excitement into your holiday, find your activite here. Do something Adventurous!

Unforgettable day! BOOK NOW

Private Trips

Great option if you want to keep it more personal, with a private local driver. Up to 8 persons!

Most Local! BOOK NOW

For Children

Child & Family Friendly Activities. On holiday with children? Then it’s all about having fun!!

Family Favorite! BOOK NOW

Reviews

"Highy Recommend"

 Petra and Sofia from Destination Platanias made our vacation ten times better. They are super friendly and helpful. We booked our trip to Elafonissi, Falassarna, Menies beach and Balos beach through them. And for that we got a much better trip. the guides on the tour provided extra information and local knowledge we wouldnt know without them. The price was reasonable and 100% worth the money! Will use them again on our next trip. Cathrine Aug 2022, TripAdvisor

"A Great Introduction to Crete"

 We took the honey and cheese tasting tour and it was fantastic. Along the way our tour guide gave us loads of information about the area and we stopped at various places to take photos of the stunning views.
At the farm the owner gave us a very detailed talk about how he produces his honey, cheese, yogurt, raisins, olive oil, wine and raki. It was humbling to meet someone so passionate about producing such pure high quality organic food and we learned so much about bees!
I’d highly recommend this tour and the staff are all so helpful and friendly.  Rob Apr 2023, TripAdvisor

"Lovely Trip to Orange Valley"

  Nice tailor made trip to Orange Valley with an excellent guide. Beautiful views and excellent food. Jun 2023, TripAdvisor

 

 

Destination Platanias

"Your New Friend"

            

Accommodation in Platanias

Find your Hotel, Apartment or Villa here! Platanias offers you many options for your stay. Welcome!

Restaurants in Platanias

Find your favorite! Recommended Restaurants, Taverns and Beach Bars in Platanias!

Shops in Platanias

The main street in Platanias has many shops and services. Have a look and Go Shopping!

Easy & Friendly

1, 2, and 3 and off you go... for a new adventure. Yes, thats how fast and easy it is to book in our mobil friendly reservation system. 

 

Platanias Square

More of Platanias Here

TICKETS ONLY

For you who don't need transfer! Buy Only Tickets for activities and fun experiences!

Tickets Only! Buy Now

Rent a Car

Rent a Car from our local car rental service from Platanias. Over 25 years in business!

Local Company! Read More

Rent an E-Bike

Electric bike - "The New Way to Explore". Jump on the electric bike today and have a true taste of fun.

E-Bike & E-Scooter More Info

 

PRIVATE EVENTS  

- WE ORGANIZE SPECIAL EVENTS FOR YOU AND YOUR TRAVELLING COMPANIONS!

WEDDINGS

Get married in Platanias with a magical Crete Wedding!

Romantic Wedding! Ask Us!

Birthdays

Let us help you plan your birthday! We have lots of ideas to make your day special. Contact us!

Anniversaries

Celebrate your love for eachother! We will arrange a beautiful memorable evening!

Let's Celebrate! Read More

 

Safety First

Destination Platanias cooperates only with legal cooperators which are all  following the guidelines and restrictions the Greek Goverment has given.

 

LOCAL EXPERIENCES

Read More

LOCAL FAMILY BUSINESSES

Destination Platanias cooperates only with local family businesses.

BOAT CRUISE

Tell me more!

Free Cancellation

We are flexible for your comfort. You can cancel up to 24h prior the start of the activity and get full refund.

Outdoor Activities

INTERESTED

Safety First

Destination Platanias cooperates with legal cooperators which are all following the guidelines and restrictions the Greek Goverment has given.

SEA AND SUN

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LOCAL FAMILY BUSINESSES

Destination Platanias cooperates only with local family businesses.

Adventure

OH, YES!

DESTINATION PLATANIAS

- WE PLAN & YOU ENJOY!  

    

MHTE 1042E60000397001