about the area and the next place by the beach:
The old Cretan fishing village of Plakias with its little harbour,
lies in a particularly beautiful landscape between the blue Libyan Sea
and vast majestic mountains that edge down to one of the loveliest
bays on the south coast. It is about one and a half hour’s drive from
Chania or Heraklion. Many years ago, there were only a few houses, but
today, because of its delightful setting, the village has spread to
cater for the growing numbers of tourists, who have told each other of
this special place that they have found. However, it still retains its
particular Cretan character and has kept its laid back charm. The bay
has a long sand and shingle beach between headlands that gets sandier
the farther you go from the village. Not far from the old harbour are
tiny bays and small coves where you can find quiet spots to sun bathe
and swim. Boats sail daily to a variety of beaches, some of which have
a good selection of water sports and the whole area is ideal for
swimming, and sun bathing in a blissfully uncrowded setting. There is
a variety of amenities for visitors and surrounding mountainous
countryside. For short trips with minimum effort there is Preveli, the
Venetian fortress at Frangokastello and the Minoan site at Phaistos
are all well worth a visit. Further afield to the east you may like to
visit the cliff caves of Matala and the ancient Roman capital of
Gortys, or to the west the picturesque old town of Rethymno and the
atmospheric old Monastery of Arkadi.