Sitting
on the banks of the second largest natural harbour in Crete, Elounda and
Plaka are picturesque fishing villages along the coastal road to the north
of Agios Nikolaos. The actual harbour is naturally well protected
by a long peninsula and the island of Spinalonga, a former leper colony.
Travelling north for about 4.5 km from the large village of Elounda with
its
vast central square, promenade and
delightful marina, past various little landing places with moored fishing
boats, you reach the quiet little village of Plaka.
Plaka has two shingle beaches, a selection of pretty little fish tavernas
on the sea front with mouth watering fresh fish. Some 2.5 km further on
there is a mini market. A regular bus service links Plaka with Elounda
and with Agios Nikolaos. This delightful region is ideal for extensive
walks. The little traditional mountain villages of this area are unspoilt
and give one a good sense of the original Cretan way of life.
For sightseeing you may choose to visit the old Salt Pans which are close
to the ‘sunken city’ of Olous. And highly recommended of course, is a boat
trip to the island of Spinalonga, the former Leper Colony with its old
Venetian buildings. Thanks to the protection of the long peninsula, waters
are very calm here and lend themselves particularly well to all forms of
watersports. The beautiful sea with
its crystal clear, clean water, the magnificent countryside, as well as
the tangible peace of this area will delight all who visit. From Heraklion,
it is about an 80 minute drive by car to the village of Plaka. There is
an even wider choice of night life in Agios Nikolaos, just a short taxi
ride away, a favourite day trip is to the islet of Spinalonga, lying peacefully
across the water with its deserted buildings and Venetian castle. |
