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Platanias Holidays

The largest and liveliest of the western Crete resorts, Platanias combines busy nightlife with bags of village charm.

Set slap bang in the middle of the big bay of Chania, and about 10km from the fascinating city itself, Platanias marks the start of a long beach that stretches from here to Kolymvari. Its sandy Blue Flag area by the village gives way to patches of shingle or pebble shores as it winds its way, unbroken, along the coast. Perfect for spending peaceful days stretching out and simply drenching yourself in sunshine. The road runs parallel - through bamboo-like reed beds and sun-dappled orange groves. And offshore, there's an island, a protected sanctuary for the wild 'kri-kri' chamois. Shaped like a sea monster, mythology has it that, when it threatened to swallow Crete, it was turned to stone by Zeus. View it from the west and it seems its mouth its still agape - mid-bite. Back on shore at Platanias, there's a feast of eateries to get stuck in to, as well as atmospheric bars and a few disco's. Platanias is also well placed for keen walkers who can hike the gorgeous Samaria Gorge. An 18km chasm from the mountains to the sea, it's wonderfully scenic experience - but no walk in the park!

Among a cluster of western Crete resorts, this is the biggest and busiest. Holidays in Platanias give you a glimpse of past and present - with modern buildings along the seafront and old village houses looking down from the hillside behind. Among the essentials here are more eateries than you'll get through in a full week of feasting, a good choice of bars - some ideally placed for sundowners, and a few discos where you can dance the night away.

But the best bit about summer holidays to Platanias is the beach. The Blue Flag section by the village is a soft spread of sand. Wander westward and you'll come to stretches of shingle and pebbles punctuating the sand ... but you won't come to the end of the beach till you've walked about 4km at the water's edge. So you're sure to find some semi-deserted spot for undisturbed sun-worship.

The 18km hike through the exquisite Samaria Gorge is a bit more of a challenge. And if your style is more shoes than boots, Chania is just 10km away - where shopping for hand-crafted leather goods could see you bag a bargain. Holidays in Platanias provide the holy trinity - town, country and coast.

If you're looking for last minute holidays to Platanias, here's a short cut for your search. Consider a touch of luxury at the Hotel Minoa Palace - with its relaxing spa and piano bar. Or plonk yourself right by the beach at the Hotel Porto Palazzo Platanias … and pick a lounger close to the poolside bar.