WHERE IS IT?
Platanias is on the north coast of Crete not far from Chania, between Agia Marina and Gerani.
Platanias is a small but busy resort which forms part of the main cluster of beach resorts west of Chania. From here to Kolymbari the beach resorts are linked by road which essentially forms one big long strip between here and Stalos. West of Platanias it becomes much quieter.
The areas on either side of the main road are packed with hotels and apartments and there is a highway further inland. The main strip is packed with businesses and traffic and it can feed a bit crowded in peak summer.
It has a lively and unpretentious atmosphere and the widest selection of amenities in the area. There are plenty of family activities on offer but there’s also more nightlife here than in the neighbouring resorts. It’s a popular ex-pat area thanks to its facilities.
The area around Plaza Platania has a village square feel and from here the roads wind up a small hill to Platanias Old Village where you’ll find some restaurants with excellent sunset views.
Platanias beach is a mix of sand and shingle and it merges into Agia Marina on its east side and Gerani on its west side.
There are lots of hotels located right by the beachfront and or one block back and it’s only a short distance from the beach to the main strip.
Platanias beach is a mix of sand and shingle. It’s densely packed with sunloungers, most belonging to nearby hotels although there are some beach clubs. Facilities are often open to non-guests too. You’ll find watersports available along the length of the beach and there are lifeguards on duty during the summer.
The beach gets narrower at the eastern end, divided from Agia Marina by a breakwater and a small harbour. The beach is sandier at Agia Marina and there are more beach clubs.
Towards the western end, it widens out and becomes quieter with several large resort hotels and tamarisk trees dominating the beachfront. From here it blends into Gerani beach.
Just offshore is the small uninhabited island Theodorou which is a popular destination for snorkelling.
Platanias has a wide range of amenities for tourists – along the strip you’ll find souvenir shops, mini-markets, car and ATV rentals, pharmacies, boutiques, and ATMs. There are play areas and mini golf for the kids (and big kids).
There are plenty of watersports at the beach, from inflatables to kayak and paddleboard hire to parasailing.
Restaurants are a mix of Greek, fast food, and international. There’s a good variety of bars, mainly at the western end of the strip where it merges into Agia Marina.
