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Plaka, our Village
Plaka is one of the best-known and most traditional villages in West Crete, in the Apokoronas area and 26 klm from Chania. It is a friendly little village, set out in a horseshoe shape on the hillside, with an excellent view of Almyrida and of course Souda Bay and the azure Sea of Crete.
The village is green with plants and largely preserves its lovely natural environment, as it is set on the slopes of Mount Drapanokefala with its verdant, varied vegetation. You can see olive and plane trees, low scrub and even organic farms, which do not detract from the charm of the area.
Plaka has about 400 permanent inhabitants, half of whom are foreigners, mainly British. The village largely preserves its traditional character, although the locals will tell you that recent building has meant it is beginning to lose its distinctive atmosphere.
Plaka has a lovely main square which is the focal point of the village. This is where locals and visitors alike meet in the cafeterias and kafeneia.
The inhabitants of Plaka are mostly farmers, and the production of olive oil, wine and tsikoudia (raki) is widespread.
In the local shops and tavernas you will find very good local wine, both to drink while you’re there and to take away with you.
Plaka is ideal for people who really want to relax on their holidays and enjoy nature and the less tourist side of Crete, without being too far from the larger tourist resorts such as Kalyves, Georgioupolis or Chania.
Holidays in Plaka are for enjoying with your family, alone or with your partner, if you prefer peace and romantic moments admiring the splendid sunset.
There are also said to be over 200 sea caves around Plaka, making it the perfect place for cave-diving and amateur speleologists.