Villages & Towns

Plaka

Agios Nikolaos, Lasithi · Free

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Highlights & amenities

Entry: Free

About

Fishing village opposite Spinalonga.

Plaka is a fishing village opposite Spinalonga. It has fish tavernas and boats to the island.

Plaka features in Victoria Hislop's novel The Island and its Greek TV adaptation To Nisi. Boats to Spinalonga leave from the little harbour, and the crossing takes about ten minutes. The village has fish tavernas with views of the island, a pebble beach and a calm atmosphere, especially in the evening after the day trippers have gone.

Plaka is a small fishing village with excellent fish tavernas facing Spinalonga. Its pebble beach has clear water, and the village is a peaceful place to stay, especially in the evening after the day trippers have gone.

Agios Nikolaos is the capital of Lasithi, built around a lake and a harbour on the beautiful Mirabello gulf. The area includes Elounda, Plaka and the island of Spinalonga to the north, and Kritsa, Lato and the Katharo plateau in the hills behind. The coast has many small beaches and calm bays, and the town is lively in the evening with cafes and restaurants around the lake. Boats leave for Spinalonga and trips around the bay.

Around Agios Nikolaos

Nearest town: Elounda, about 5 km by road
Nearest airport: Sitia airport (JSH), about 46 km by road

Lasithi, the eastern end of Crete, is quieter and greener than you might expect. Agios Nikolaos wraps around a small lake and a lively harbour, with cafés on the water and beaches within walking distance. Just north, Elounda and Plaka look across to the fortress island of Spinalonga, one of the most moving places on the island. More about Lasithi