Platanias Greece
Platanias, Greece: The ultimate resort experience in West Crete
Platanias, Greece, is a large village
located 10 kilometers west of Chania city. The name “Platanias” originates from
the numerous plane trees in the area. Platanias is not a single village, but
actually two: Ano Platanias, or Upper Platanias, and Kato Platanias, or Lower
Platanias.
Ano Platanias, Greece, is located
upon a hill. It is a traditional Cretan village, with picturesque narrow
cobbled streets and beautiful flower gardens. The top of the hill offers
spectacular view to Platanias beach and to the nearby islet of Agioi Theodoroi, or Thodorou.
Kato Platanias, Greece, is what
most people know as Platanias: The most well-known resort in West Crete.
Due
to the popularity of Platanias, Greece, among visitors, there are many hotels
and lodgings in the village that can be found literally in every corner of Ano
Platanias and Kato Platanias. But the best hotels by far are the ones that are
situated close to Platanias beach, or close to the central square, or, even
better, close to both.
The beach of Platanias, Greece – famous in its own
right
The crystal clear waters and the sandy beaches of
Platanias, Greece are among the best in Crete. Platanias features a marvellous
4 km long coastline.
This
long, sandy beach, with the characteristic thin golden pink sand, and the
numerous plane trees near the clear waters, make up a magnificent landscape for
every visitor to Platanias, Greece. And the small Platanias port for fishing
boats, only adds to the beauty of the beach. Indeed, Platanias beach is
absolutely a place to see and swim in. It is one of the biggest attractions in
the whole region of Chania.
The
beach of Platanias, Greece, is highly organized and very friendly to families
with children. In the beach, there is also ample opportunity for summer sports
and water sports – the relevant facilities are excellent.
Opposite
of Platanias beach, there is the scenic little island of Agioi Theodoroi, orThodorou. A big cave is visible on
the side of the island, which inspired Greek mythology: the ancient Greeks used
to say that this was a big monster which assaulted Crete Island, but Poseidon petrified
it in order to protect Crete, the cave being the open mouth of the mythical
monster! Today, on Agioi Theodoroi islet lives a
protected population of the rare wild goats of Crete, Kri-Kri.
Close to the beach, and close to the central square of
Platanias, Greece, there are many quality cafés, taverns and restaurants, mini
markets, shops, specialty stores, pharmacies, banks, recreational facilities
for children and adults etc. This is another reason why Platanias, Greece is
one of the most popular resorts in Crete among families: It can cover the needs
of even the most demanding traveller.
Entertainment in Platanias,
Greece – the best place to be in West Crete
In Platanias, Greece, there are unlimited
opportunities for entertainment.
You want a nice traditional restaurant on top of the
hill with magnificent view on the beach? Or, perhaps, a dancing bar for the
night, where you can unwind with good company? Or a cool bar to sit and talk,
listening to fine music? Or a beach bar where you can swim and dance the day
away? Or even a nice café with big satellite TV screens, where you can find all
the latest and greatest in world sports? Platanias, Greece, has it all!
During recent years, the village of Platanias, Greece,
and the nearby village of Agia Marina
have become the undisputed centres of entertainment in the Chania area – most people
from Chania city who want to get out
in the night come here. The only thing sure is that you won’t be short of new
entertainment opportunities, even if you stay in Platanias for a month or more!
History of Platanias, Greece – Through the ages…
Platanias, Greece, unlike other well-known resorts,
has a history of more than 4.000 years.
Platanias River, which flows by the village, was
mentioned by Homer as Iardanos River. Many findings have been found here
showing that the area had a large population in ancient years.
During the period of the pirate raids, the residents
of Platanias, Greece used to stay in the area of Ano Platanias, for protection.
The Venetians called the settlement that existed here
“Platanea”. At the same historical period, the San Theodoro fortress was built
on Agioi Theodoroi islet, opposite of Platanias, Greece. This fortress, along
with the St. Theodoroi chapel that was built there, gave its name to the small
picturesque island.
Platanias, Greece, is a
place unique all over Crete and Greece. It is a popular resort, yet a place
full of history. It has a marvellous beach, yet it offers some of the best
elevated views from a hill in Crete. It is a place where you can relax, yet
dance all night if you want. Platanias,
Greece, is not only a great resort to visit. It’s also a way of living – a
way of living you have to experience.
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