The Best Beaches Near Plakias, Crete (2026 Guide)

One of the reasons people book a villa in Plakias, Crete is the density of beaches: in 25 minutes of driving you can sample eight wildly different stretches of coast. Below is the local shortlist — the ones we actually send our guests to, in the order we'd send them on a first visit.

1. Plakias Beach

The main event. A 1.3 km curve of soft, pale sand right in the village, with calm shallow water on the western end and bigger waves at the rocky eastern edge near Paligremnos Rock. There are sun loungers, a few low-key beach bars and the village's tavernas a two-minute walk inland. Best for families and for the first day of a stay when you want everything within reach.

From Secret Oasis: 6–8 minutes by car down the hill.

2. Damnoni Beach

10 minutes east of Plakias, Damnoni is the photogenic one — turquoise water against bright sand, a small organised section with loungers and one of the best beach tavernas in the area for a long lunch. The water is generally calmer than Plakias because of the sheltered bay shape.

3. Ammoudi Beach

Just past Damnoni, Ammoudi is the smaller, quieter sibling. Crystal-clear water, a more intimate bay feel, and noticeably better snorkelling — the rocky edges of the bay hide small fish, urchins and the occasional octopus. Bring water shoes if you're sensitive about pebbles.

4. Souda Beach

West of Plakias, Souda is the long, quiet alternative for guests who want fewer people and don't mind a 12-minute drive. The shoreline is longer and less developed than Plakias Beach, with calmer water and a more relaxed atmosphere. There's a single taverna at the far end if you walk for it.

5. Preveli Beach

One of the most photographed beaches on Crete — and worth the small effort to reach it. A river meets the sea here, fed by a palm grove that rises into the gorge behind. You can swim in the sea or walk up the freshwater river under the palms. The catch: the parking is up on the cliff, so reaching the sand involves a 15-minute downhill walk (and the same back up). Wear proper shoes.

From Secret Oasis: ~25 minutes by car, including the descent.

6. Schinaria Beach

A small pebbly cove between Plakias and Preveli, popular with divers because the water clarity is among the best on the south coast. There's a small taverna and a dive school. Less crowded than Damnoni, more remote than Ammoudi, and excellent for floating quietly with a mask on.

7. Triopetra Beach

About 30 minutes west, Triopetra ("three rocks") is a long, mostly empty beach named after the three giant rock formations that rise from the sea just offshore. Almost no infrastructure — bring water, an umbrella, and a sense of adventure. Great for sunset.

8. Agios Pavlos

Slightly further west again, Agios Pavlos hides several beaches in one place — a small main bay with two tavernas and, around the corner, the spectacular sand dunes of Agios Pavlos that climb up the cliffs. A real day-trip beach: pack lunch and stay until the light goes warm.

How to plan a beach week from a Plakias villa

Most guests at Secret Oasis rotate the closer beaches (Plakias, Damnoni, Ammoudi) for casual swim days and use the further ones (Preveli, Triopetra, Agios Pavlos) for one or two "destination" days when they pack lunch and make a small expedition out of it. Souda is the best wild-card for a quiet afternoon. Schinaria is for snorkellers.

The advantage of staying in a villa with private pool above Plakias is that you don't need to rush back to the beach in the late afternoon — you can swim in your own pool until sunset, with the bay still in view.