What to do in

Crete?

Destination Platanias offers you everything you need for a fantastic holiday. Along with our personal touch, our love for Crete and with the local connections we have created over the years we can help you to have an amazing holiday. We are three Scandinavian women that have specialized in Platanias and Western Crete, in our website you will find useful information to read for before your trip and whilst you are on location.

            

Destination Platanias - Your New Friend!

Top 5

# 1

Elafonissi Tour - BEST SELLER - 35 EUR
Don't miss out on our most loved beach Elafonissi! This magical place you will find on the south-western cost, with its crystal clear water and pink sandy beach makes the time there breathtak...
From EUR 35
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# 2

SAMARIA GORGE - Long Hike - 28 EUR
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...
From EUR 28
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# 3

Boat Tour - Platanias 1/2 Day - 25 EUR
Make sure you join up Captain Argiris and his crew for a 3 hour boat trip. Discover Platanias seaside with snorkeling and swimming, learn a few things and see some history hidden on the...
From EUR 25
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# 4

BALOS LAGOON TOUR - 45 EUR
A “small paradise” of Crete is waiting to be discovered by you… The Gramvousa Island with its wild beauty, the lagoon of Balos with it's crystal clear waters and ...
From EUR 45
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# 5

SUP & Snorkling tour 59 EUR - MID DAY
Enhance your traveling experience and get your body moving. Come and see the western coast of Crete on a SUP board. Paddle around the most crystal clear, turquoise watersand discover the amazing ...
From EUR 59
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PLATANIAS

VILLAGE

Here in Platanias you will find everything you need for a fantastic holiday. Beautiful nature, busy nightlife, taverns and restaurants, kilometers of long sandy beach, activities for all ages the choices are many. For sure You made a good choice booking your holiday here. Read more what to do in Platanias and you will be surprised how many services the village offer you.

 

A Friend to Discover!

You might suddenly hear a waiter ask you “Ti kaneis?” as you are passing by a restaurant. Yes, in Platanias everybody will ask you how you are doing, when you arrived and how long you will stay. The villagers want you to feel welcome, to feel close to them and you will most definitely experience their unique hospitality.

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.

Platanias has many experiences to offer and fantastic people to meet. But don't forget to respect the hospitality… and not to offend them because then their strong Cretan pride will take over and you might even be thrown out of the restaurant or where ever you might be!

So what do you answer to:Ti kaneis?  

Take it easy and just nod your head with a smile and answer:

Kala! Kala!

And there you go, you have a new FRIEND for life! 

Read more:

Platanias Village

WESTERN CRETE 

 

DRAKIANA LAKE AGIA BOTANICAL PARK

VATOLAKOS MESKLA THERISSO     

KOLYMBARI  CHANIA  OMALOS RAVDOUCHA

AIRPORT TRANSFER

TAXI TRANSFER

FROM Chania Airport - PLATANIAS 40€

Book your taxi or taxi van here with our local taxi partners. They offer a safe and worry-free taxi transfer. Their first priorites are comfort and safety!

Book here

Where to live?

HOTELS, APARTMENTS & VILLAS

Platanias village has many hotels and apartments to choose from, most of them are located by the beach or on the mainstreet but you'll also find accommodation in the upper village. If you are looking for something bigger and more private there are villas to rent.

Destination Platanias can assist you finding the right accommodations for your holiday. Just let us know what you are looking for and we will find the perfect one for you. We cooperate with local family owned businesses, all are very serviced minded and with the famous Cretan hospitality. Find out more:

 

                                                                              

 

Where to eat?

Beach bars, taverns and restaurants

There are taverns with traditional Greek & Cretan food having the whole family working together. Many Beach Bars along the whole coastline of Platanias here you have the possibility to drink the latest cocktails, coffees and ice cold beers...  You will also find many tavernas or restaurants at the beach with very high standard. It's absolut magic in the summer eating in the company of the beautiful sea.

We have restaurants taking the famous Cretan food concept to the next level, restaurants with amazing views and atmospheres. Many are right on the busy street of Platanias and of course up in the old village. But what do they all have in common? It's the unique Cretan hospitality, the friendly greeting you will have and all the wonderful food you can eat here in Platanias. 

                                                                                

What to find on Mainstreet?

The shopping street offers you just about everything. Looking for the perfect beach outfit or a dress for a romantic evening, hairdresser, nail studio, spa, toys, jewelry shop, shops with souvenirs? We have it all, right here in Platanias! We support local family businesses!

SO, LET'S DO LOCAL!

 

Say it in Greek

Ti kaneis? = How are you?

Kala = Good

Poli Kala = Very Good

Orea = Fine

Entaxi = Okej

Are you curious to have a small Greek lesson? Here you will learn as much you need for you vacation in Platanias...

 

Top 5 &Tips

BEACHES

ELAFONISSI     BALOS    FALASSARNA

AFRATA    MALEME    PALEOCHORA

Travelling as a Company ?  

- we can make you a special Activity Program

If you are a smaller company, please find an activity that's feel right for you and book directly. If you are a bigger group interested of our services to arrange special events and activities, just contact us and we will be happy to hear from you.

 

DAILY

TELEPHONE SERVICE

FROM 18.00 - 21.00

 Tel: 0030 6970 970 699

(From April - November)

DESTINATION PLATANIAS

A Friend to Discover!  

EXPLORE CRETE

GET ACTIVE AND MAKE MEMORIES FOR A LIFETIME!  

There are many places that you should explore here in Crete. Amazing beaches that are world famous and thousands of people visit every year just to catch a day of its beauty.  The nature here is just something else, the islands high mountains with their beautiful roads taking you along olive trees and small cretan villages. Explore them in different ways depending on your preferences either with bike, by jeep or renting a car creating your own adventure. Plan your holiday here with us from the comfort of your couch or book a trip here at location.

 

ACTIVITIES

Elafonissi,

One of the Top 10 Beches in the world!  

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Destination Platanias AQUA CRETA Limnoupolis Waterpark with TRANSFER from Chania

AQUA CRETA Limnoupolis Waterpark with TRANSFER from Chania

The little friends of "Aqua Creta Limnoupolis" will immediately get excited with the colorful experience of the specially designed kids’ pool and its island. Children will have a crazy time with many amusing games with a twist, like the big barrel that overturns and plunges you with water, the impressive hanging rope bridges and the endless climbing. Older children will explore jungle adventure in Tarzan's colorful platform. They can swing across the water on ropes. If you feel adventurous you can follow them and feel the freedom of Tarzan! LIMNOPOLIS - WATERPARK From the first moment of arrival, visitors of all ages to "Aqua Creta Limnoupolis" will have the chance to experience wonderful fun and sun-filled excitement in every corner of the waterslides Crete.  Each one of the total 11 water jugs is totally unique, and guarantees to fill you with the super adrenaline rush you’re after.  The impressive variety of exciting activities is designed to cater to the needs of every age group, so you are not likely to ever get bored at any point! Apart from our little friends who explore endless games at "Aqua Creta Limnoupolis", the parents have their own chance to enjoy countless hours of relaxation in the sun. In the huge central swimming pool of "Aqua Creta Limnoupolis" you feel like you swim in the sea, as you dive into the 1,500-square-meters «water oasis».  In the specially designed and autonomous section of the central pool, you can dive from the special diving platform at a depth of 3.80 meters! The surrounding area of the central pool is equipped with comfortable sun låoungers and cool sun umbrellas for our visitors to relax under the bright sun of Crete & at no extra charge.  The bar operating in the same place will ensure that your favorite tastes and cool drinks are not missed. For those looking for the ultimate aqua fun park relax, the lazy river will compensate you in a unique green atmosphere of natural stones, caves and waterfalls. The lovely and comfortable park yawn offers harmony and energy to every dad or mom who needs it.  The stable & free wi-fi network of "Aqua Creta Limnoupolis" will surely enrich even more the entertainment experience of every visitor. A simple restaurant is onsite. Destination Platanias will mail you your Pick up spot and time!

FromEUR 7
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Destination Platanias Boat Trip To Magical Menies Beach 25 EUR

Boat Trip To Magical Menies Beach 25 EUR

Join a wonderful boat trip from Kolymbari harbor to the amazing beach of Menies. The Menies beach is formed in a small bay and enchants the visitor when approaching. The imposing rocks combined with the wild beauty of nature create an earthly paradise. Free Transfer from your hotel is included!    Boat trip to Menies Menies or Diktynna is located on the northeastern shores of Cape Rodopos, a 45 km northwest of Chania. Menies beach is formed into a small bay where the Foundas Gorge ends.  It is a lovely secluded beach with pebbles and deep crystal blue waters that immediately captivates the visitor when approaching. It is not affected by the usual winds blowing in the area and it is the ideal destination for swimming, snorkeling and relaxation. The imposing rock combined with the wild beauty of the nature has an earthly paradise as a result. The Menies beach is several kilometers away from the nearest village and it has not been altered by humans in any shape or form. It is a virgin landscape that awaits you!  We are waiting for you at the port of Kolimbari in order to travel and enjoy the beauty of this place. We will guide you to places of historical and geographical importance for Crete. The trip’s duration is 4 hours. We will visit the caves that are in our way, we will stops for swimming in the blue waters of our island and our final destination will be the Menies beach. The Menies beach is formed in a small bay and enchants the visitor when approaching. The imposing rocks combined with the wild beauty of nature create an earthly paradise. There is also the monastery of St. George, dating from 530 BC, and the remains of the ancient port. Through this cruise you will be allowed to experience the beauty of our country and enjoy the sun and sea.   Boat leavs harbor at  time: 10:15 Return time: 14:15 Duration: 4 hours   Notice: If weather conditions are very bad, the trip will be rearranged. If it's cancelled, you will get 100% refund on your payment.

FromEUR 25
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Destination Platanias KNOSSOS - A Culture Trip 35 EUR

KNOSSOS - A Culture Trip 35 EUR

Knossos palace is Crete’s most visited archaeological site. Discover the well know myths about the Minotaur and the Labyrinth while walking through the history of the Minoan civilisation.   DETAILS OF YOUR TRIP The first excavation of the site was conducted in 1878 by Minos Kalokerinos of Herakleion. This was followed by the long-term excavations 1900-1913 and 1922-1930) of the Englishman Sir Arthur Evans, who uncovered virtually the entire palace. While walking through the palace you can admire the Frescoes, pottery and the Throne room. This great civilization was destroyed at the explosion of the volcano of Santorini island. You will be picked up from your hotel or at one of the pick up points, the guide will fill you in with all the information about our trip. On the national road outside Rethmyno there will be a stop for 30 minutes to have breakfast. Upon arrival at the Palace of Knossos the professional archaeologists-guide will guide you for 2 hours. The guided tour will be in English. After the tour in Knossos you will be driven to the city center of Heraklion where you have time to visit either the archaeological museum of Heraklion or have lunch and admire the capital of Crete. You have approximately 2 hours free time. While returning there will be a 20 minute stop for a refreshment and then you will be back at Chania about 18:30 p.m   Notice! Entrance fee for Knossos Palace and Archeological museum : 16€ (children up to 12 years pay 8 euros). To be paid upon arrival. Children ticket is from 3 y/o-12y/o.

FromEUR 35
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Destination Platanias Medium Full Day Bike & Hike Tour - Sougia 68 EUR

Medium Full Day Bike & Hike Tour - Sougia 68 EUR

Experience a full day of adventure. See the beautiful and famous Agia Irini gorge, swim in the clear sea to cool off and ride your bike through Cretes fantastic nature.     DETAILS OF YOUR TRIP   This is a medium tour suitable for adults and teenegers in "normal" condition. Expect firm country roads, few gravel passages and some steeper and faster downhill parts. You start your descend into the isolated valleys of the White Mountains at 1,200 m. When you reach the entrance of Agia Irini Gorge it's time to put on your hiking boots. For two and a half hours the smell of sage will accompany you through this impressive canyon. A swim in the clear Libyan Sea at Sougia revives you and will give you energy for the afternoon when we bike through Crete's greenest valleys.   Notice! Please inform us your gender and height for installation of the bikes.

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Destination Platanias PREVELI BEACH - NEW!!!

PREVELI BEACH - NEW!!!

NEW 2020! Preveli is located about 35km south of Rethymno and 10km east of Plakias. Beach of Preveli, also known as Lake Preveli or Phoenix, is located at the exit of the imposing Kourtaliotis Gorge, where the Great River (Megas Potamos) flows. It is certainly the most famous beach in south Crete, accepting thousands of visitors every summer.   DETAILS OF YOUR TRIP During the 60s and 70s, it was a favorite destination for the hippies. On the banks of the Grand River there is a large colony of Theophrastus palm trees, which give the region a sense of a tropical landscape. The river, forming a small lake, 500m long, before emptying into the sea, has water all year round. You can walk along the river, under the shade of palm trees and other trees, and start ascending in the beautiful canyon. You can swim in the cold ponds formed in the gorge. A big fire in 2010 burnt almost everything of this paradise, but the palmgrove recovered and still remains a heaven on earth. At the exit of the river, a sandy beach with pebbles and sand is formed, with sea water being very cool due to the river. In the eastern part of the beach, there is a beautiful rock reminding of a heart. The beach is not well organized because the area is protected, without any umbrellas. You will come from the bus to Preveli by boat. Boat schedule : 11:30 Damnoni - Preveli & 15:00 Preveli - Plakia/Damnoni Please note that Rubbish disposal and taking seashells from the Beach is strictly prohibited.

FromEUR 70
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Destination Platanias Safari Tour 1 - The White Mountains 80 EUR

Safari Tour 1 - The White Mountains 80 EUR

Combine a unique guided Jeep tour in White Mountains of Crete with panoramic views,  traditional Cretan villages, learn  the history and  the traditions of the Island, and find out all about the lifestyle of a Cretan shepherd by exploring an original shepherd’s hut. Enjoy the unique view of Chania from above 1350m and meet the wildlife of Crete by the help of our 4x4 Jeeps, driven by expert English speaking escorts.   DETAILS OF YOUR TRIP Tour 1-Explore the White Mountains of Crete The amazing off-road adventure starts after crossing the valley full of orange trees, avocado’s and vegetables gardens. Climbing up the foot of White Mountains and passing through Cretan villages getting the feeling of mountainous Crete you arrive to the coffee stop to enjoy your morning break. Coffee or mountain tea will be offered for free to our guests enjoying the village life far away from mass tourism. Continuing our tour following the off road route up to the shepherd’s hut  “Mitato” far away from touristic areas, where only a 4 wheel driver can approach, you will enjoy the magnificent panoramic view of northern Crete and, If we are lucky ... eagles and wild goats will show up and give us a very good reason for some extra photo stops. A small rocky road will lead us up to our trip’s highest point 1350 meters in altitude in the heart of White Mountains of Crete, where you will find out all about the lifestyle of a shepherd, where the famous Cretan “Graviera” cheese was produced and explore an original Shepherd's hut "Mitato". On the way back you will enjoy the best panoramic view of Chania from above until we arrive at Therisso village and working up an appetite we visit a small traditional family Cretan tavern where we will be welcomed by the owner, to introduce us to Cretan cuisine with plenty of food, wine and warm Cretan hospitality. After the lunch break we will follow the road through the amazing gorge of Therisso that will lead us back to Chania.

FromEUR 85
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Boat trips  

How does a small boat tour from Platanias harbour sound? Spend some time swimming and snorkeling just off Platanias coast. Here are three great options for you!

 Enjoy the one-hour boat tour, admire the view from sea and feel the gentle sea breeze. Welcome this moment to the fullest, put your feet up and just relax. You are on vacation! It’s a great opportunity to see the island of Agios Thodorou from up close and to go around it. If your lucky you might also see an unique Cretan goat, Agrimi, running on the cliffs!

 During the three-hour trip there will be a couple of stops where you can swim and snorkel in the crystal clear water.

 Book a private boat tour especially designed only for you and your company – maybe a visit to a hidden beach where you can only access by boat or an evening tour to Chania by sea?

Destination Platanias Boat Tour - Platanias 1/2 Day - 25 EUR

Boat Tour - Platanias 1/2 Day - 25 EUR

Make sure you join up Captain Argiris and his crew for a 3 hour boat trip. Discover Platanias seaside with snorkeling and swimming, learn a few things and see some history hidden on the seabed...  Details of your trip You will be greeted by the Captain with 30 years of experience and his friendly crew at the small harbour of Platanias. Life jackets are available for anyone who would like one. The boat will head out to the island of Agios Theodori and if the weather allows they will take you around the whole island. Then it's time for the first stop, go for swimming and snorkeling just by the shore of the island and from here you might see the famous Kri Kri goats. The amazing service minded and well experienced team of the boat will take good care of you and make a diving show where you will see some hidden treasures of the sea, and they will share much of their knowledge of the wildlife. If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask, they are more then happy to answer you. The boat will continue a bit further down and make a second stop and here you can see when you snorkel a old war plane that crashed during the world war II. During the ride home to the harbour you will have the view of the busy coastline of Platanias. This trip has been very loved by its visitors and many choose to do it one more time at their next visit to Platanias. The boat trip is 3 hour. Notice: If weather conditions are very bad, the trip will be rearranged. If it's cancelled, you will get 100% refund on your payment.

FromEUR 25
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Destination Platanias Boat Trip To Magical Menies Beach 25 EUR

Boat Trip To Magical Menies Beach 25 EUR

Join a wonderful boat trip from Kolymbari harbor to the amazing beach of Menies. The Menies beach is formed in a small bay and enchants the visitor when approaching. The imposing rocks combined with the wild beauty of nature create an earthly paradise. Free Transfer from your hotel is included!    Boat trip to Menies Menies or Diktynna is located on the northeastern shores of Cape Rodopos, a 45 km northwest of Chania. Menies beach is formed into a small bay where the Foundas Gorge ends.  It is a lovely secluded beach with pebbles and deep crystal blue waters that immediately captivates the visitor when approaching. It is not affected by the usual winds blowing in the area and it is the ideal destination for swimming, snorkeling and relaxation. The imposing rock combined with the wild beauty of the nature has an earthly paradise as a result. The Menies beach is several kilometers away from the nearest village and it has not been altered by humans in any shape or form. It is a virgin landscape that awaits you!  We are waiting for you at the port of Kolimbari in order to travel and enjoy the beauty of this place. We will guide you to places of historical and geographical importance for Crete. The trip’s duration is 4 hours. We will visit the caves that are in our way, we will stops for swimming in the blue waters of our island and our final destination will be the Menies beach. The Menies beach is formed in a small bay and enchants the visitor when approaching. The imposing rocks combined with the wild beauty of nature create an earthly paradise. There is also the monastery of St. George, dating from 530 BC, and the remains of the ancient port. Through this cruise you will be allowed to experience the beauty of our country and enjoy the sun and sea.   Boat leavs harbor at  time: 10:15 Return time: 14:15 Duration: 4 hours   Notice: If weather conditions are very bad, the trip will be rearranged. If it's cancelled, you will get 100% refund on your payment.

FromEUR 25
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Destination Platanias SUP & Snorkling tour 59 EUR - MORNING

SUP & Snorkling tour 59 EUR - MORNING

Enhance your traveling experience and get your body moving. Come and see the western coast of Crete on a SUP board. Paddle around the most crystal clear, turquoise watersand discover the amazing spot that not even the locals know, guided by our experienced SUP instructors.    SUP & Snorkeling Tour After an introductory course on the basic paddling techniques, how to stand up, turn and stop, we set course within the bay, explore the caves that lie hidden across the coastline, swim, take pictures, go snorkeling and enjoy what is considered to be the highlight of our guests’ vacations in Crete. We will provide you with all equipment (masks, snorkels) to safely enjoy snorkeling around our coastline and record all these unique memories with our action cameras. All footage will be send to you as reminiscent of this unequalled experience. There is absolutely no need for prior paddling experience, we make sure you feel confident and ready to go within the first few minutes! Our tour is specially designed to please all levels of paddlers, from first timers to pros. While previous paddle boarding experience isn’t necessary and our instructors are certified in water rescue and first aid, participants should still know how to swim.  Dress according to the weather, preferably in clothing that’s comfortable to move in and can tolerate getting wet. A hat/cap and sunscreen are recommended on sunny days. A second change of clothes, that will be kept out of the water, within our premises, during the tour, is also recommended. Children are fro age 8-12 yrs.  

FromEUR 59
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WHO ARE WE?

We are born and raised in Finland and Sweden but for the last 20 years Platanias has been our home. Over these years we have created good relationships with the locals and we have become familiar with their traditions and mentality. Our experience is wide in the field of tourism. By working in restaurants, hotels and tour operators as well as in management positions we have gained knowledge to present you a new service Destination Platanias. We are looking forward to hearing from you!

Sofia, Anna and Petra

PRIVATE EVENTS  

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

How about celebrating your birthday or an anniversary like we do it here in Crete? A long table full of small plates starting from meze-appetizers and ending up with different sweets. Together with your friends and family gathered around the table in chairs tightly close to each other. Music playing to create the right atmosphere and spontaneous dance…

Tell us what you have in mind and we'll take care of everything as transportation, finding the perfect restaurant, creating a beautiful atmosphere, suggested menu, surprises and everything that concerns the event.

Destination Platanias will make your event unforgettable no matter if you are celebrating it among your family or friends - or just the two of you.

Evening for Two - from 20 EUR
This Special Evening for Two is for you who would like an evening with some extra atmosphere, food experience and memories of an evening in Platanias.  Evening for Two ...
From EUR 20
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Let's hear what our guests have to say

 Efter 40 besøg på Sonio siden år 1996 . Kan jeg kun anbefale disse 3 skønne/aktive kvinder (de var jo næsten børn da vi læret dem og kende ;.) Hvis du ønsker en indholdsrig og aktiv ferie og som os tilbagelænet ferie tilrettelagt af dem, kontakt denne side. Mine bedste anbefalinger, fra hele min store famile som selvfølgelig også kommer i Platanias." Tom Barnbæk har recenserat Destination Platanias –

 5 stjärnor 3 april 2018

 

 

DESTINATION PLATANIAS

- WE PLAN & YOU ENJOY!