- Region
- Elounda, Lasithi
- Distance
- About 16 km from Agios Nikolaos
- Beach
- Pebbles, clear water
- Facilities
- Umbrellas, showers, tavernas, Blue Flag
The beaches
West of the village, Plaka beach has calm water, tamarisks and an interesting sea bed for snorkelling, with tavernas within walking distance. To the east, Agia Marina beach in front of a large hotel has big pebbles and deep water; non-guests reach it by a small path beside the cemetery.
Spinalonga
Spinalonga, 1.1 km offshore, served as a leper colony until 1957, and Plaka grew up partly to supply it. Boats cross from Plaka in minutes and also run from Elounda. The TV series 'The Island' was filmed here in 2010.
Getting there
Plaka is about 5 km north of Elounda on a paved road; buses run from Agios Nikolaos. The old Vrouchas windmills are 1.5 km away on the hill.
Questions before you go
How far is Plaka from Spinalonga?
About 1 km; boats cross in a few minutes.
Is Plaka beach sandy?
No, it is pebbly with very clear water.
Are there tavernas at Plaka?
Yes, several fish tavernas line the waterfront.
