at 12.2km (N) from Plakias
Zouridi is a village of the county of Rethymno, located 19,5 km away from the city, built at 260m a.s.l. with 90 inhabitants. Here excavations unearthed findings from the post palace period, and the Roman period as well as many venetian houses. Nowadays the village is characterized as a preservable settlement, and buildings such as the old high school are going to be restored.
at 13.2km (E) from Plakias
Spili (GR:Σπήλι) is 30 km away from Rethymnon, along the road that goes from Rethymnon to Armenoi and then Spili. The town has about 800 inhabitants and it lies at a height of 430 m above sea level, at the foothills of Mount Vorizi, which belongs to the Kedros chain. The landmark of the town is the square at Kefalovrissi with the 25 fountains each one in the shape of a lion's head. The square is named after Thanassis Skordalos (1920-1998), a popular lyra player and composer born in Spili. Spili is a modern town, with all the facilities and services required by the locals and by the large number of visitors.
at 13.3km (E) from Plakias
27th August - I set off from Spili at 0740 under a rather cloudy sky and with a cooling breeze to keep me feeling fresh. Today was always going to be a bit of a road slog and the first few kms to Mixourama was on the main road with cars flashing by. The GPS suggested that there was a road link between Koxare and Agouseliana even though there was nothing on the paper map so, after 6 or 7 kms, I cut across to Koxare. Distance: 32 km Time: 8 hrs. 25mins. Mov av 4.8 km/hr Height overnight: 272m.
at 13.4km (W) from Plakias
Nice newly built villas - 60sq.m. each - 100 m from the beach of Orthi Ammos. Notos Villas offers 3 houses of more than 75 m2 each in a large plot of land of more than 9.000 m2 - 100 m from the beach of Orthi Ammos. Every house has a large living-room with kitchen, two bedrooms, a bathroom and additional sleeping accommodation. From the terrace you have a very nice view to the sea and the breathtaking steeply rising mountain in the back. In less than 100 m distance lies the famous sandy beach of Frangokastello. You do not need to cross a road to get there. Particularly suitable for our young guests...
at 13.9km (NW) from Plakias
Kalikratis is a small mountainous village at the foot of the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) at an altitude of 750m above sea level. It is a traditional village with many well preserved stone houses. A German army of two thousand soldiers, invaded the village during the October of 1943 , burned it down and executed twenty men and nine women who did not manage to leave on time. A little to the south of the village starts the gorge of the same name which is part of the European hiking footpath (E4) and after some 4km walking ends at the village of Patsianos.
at 14.4km (W) from Plakias
On the south coast of Crete, on a magnificent white sandy beach, stands one of the most beautiful Venetian fortresses, Fragokastello, built in 1371. It is located approximately 170 km from Iraklion, 70 km from Rethimnon, and 70 Km from Hania. Today, Fragokastello is a small, but developing, community, with nice beaches covered in sand dunes, and limited, but increasing, tourist facilities.The Villages Patsianos and Kalikratis, the castle, the history of the place and the fenomenon of Drossoulites...
at 15.1km (W) from Plakias
A small family business 5 full equipped studios and one apartment with 1 bedroom. The studios behind a grove of olive trees. Nearby are mini markets, taverns and the butcher shop. Great view to the impressing white mountain and the clear see, directly in front of the door. The beach is in front of the rooms and suitable even for the small children. The studios are lightly and comfortable, nicely furnished with full equipped kitchen. The balconies and terraces are offering an excellent view. There is also a fully equipped apartment with one bedroom and a dinning area with a sofa.
at 15.2km (W) from Plakias
Our apartments are fully equipped, air conditioned, have balcony or terrace with nice view to the sea and the mountains, private bathroom/WC, kitchen facilities and are suitable for 2 to 4 people. The surroundings is very quiet and well looked after, with nice gardens and flowery yards. Our taverna, from the oldest and most renowned in the whole area (and not only) offers a great variery of dishes, based on the Cretan diet and of course fresh fish direct from the sea!. You can also hire your car from us.
at 15.5km (NE) from Plakias
The site was first discovered by a teacher who noticed that two pupils were playing football using a minoan vase as a ball!. He mentioned the fact to the authorities and the excavations that followed unearthed about 300 tombs of the Late Minoan III period (1450-1100 BC). As the tombs had not been yet looted, the archaeologists found significant treasures like vases, weapons, statuettes, jewels etc. It is obvious that such a big cemetery should belong to a big city which, despite the extended investigations of the archaeologists, has not been discovered yet.
at 15.7km (W) from Plakias
Vatalos is the long beach to the west of the main beach of Frangokastello. It is a stretch of fine sand interrupted by pebbles and rocks that create small coves. There are no umbrellas and sun beds available for rent and the only shadow can be found under the little tamarisks. It is by far less crowded than the main beach. It is frequented mostly by the guests of the hotels that stand above the beach as it is peaceful, and, quite safe for the kids.
