Platanias is a famous waterfront village located 10 km west from the city of Chania and it is one of the most well known beach resorts in Crete. Platanias is named by the plane trees platania which grow at the Platanias river shore which passes from the village. According to the tradition, on the rock of Platania was developed the ancient city of Pergamos and Agamemnonas tomb. Opposite of Platanias there is the islet of Agioi Theodoroi, which is nowadays a rearing place for the Cretan mountain goat Kri-Kri.
Platanias is made up of the oldest part of the village at the top of the hill of Pano Platanias and the modern extension of the village towards the sea of Kato Platanias. The small old traditional town that sprawls over the steep hill is characterised by its picturesque streets, the gardens which are full of flowers, and the great views at the top. There are some restaurants and cafes there with stunning views. Kato Platanias is a busy main strip with shops, bars, restaurants and cafes. The centre of the village is the square with various shops, restaurants and bars in its perimeter. The provided accommodation is dispersed in the whole village, from the waterfront to the top of the hill.
The long sandy beach is interrupted by a small, picturesque port is generally very well organised with beach bars, sport facilities and places to relax and to have fun. It is also awarded with the Blue Flag award from the E.U. for several years. There are a few lifeguards in the busiest areas.
Along the main street you can find whatever you would like; a post office, numerous banks with ATMs, supermarkets, drugstores and an open-air cinema. There is also a private Medical Centre, private places for children to play, elementary and high school. A mini-train departing from the central square offers two and a half hour tours in the countryside.
The village is very lively during the whole day; here there are many cafes, tavernas (Mylos tou Kerata in the centre, the Vigli taverna and the Cosmo on the hill), restaurants and shops where you can take your time. The night is very lively since in the village are located some of the best clubs (Mylos), bars (Utopia, Splendid, Tropicano) and clubs of traditional music (Gorgones and Mages) of the district. Platanias is generally an ideal place to stay or visit if you like fun and noisy things.
In the village of Platanias celebrations are organised four times per year. The central celebration is the one in honour of the Madonna on the 15th of August. On the 6th of August it is celebrated the Metamorphosis of Jesus in the church on the road to Drakiana. On the 3rd of November it is celebrated the Saint Georgios in the small church, in Drakiana. The inhabitants try the wines this day. Finally, on the 17th of January it is the celebration of Saint Antonios on the west of the village.
There is frequently bus service from Chania every 15 minutes. The time-distance from the harbour of Souda and the international airport of Akrotiri is about half an hour if you come from the New National Road, otherwise it may take longer. The village offers a good transportation network and a position (next to the knot of the National road of Crete, close to Chania but also in the countryside) that gives the visitor of Platanias the opportunity to travel fast and easily to most of the sights of the district of Chania and Crete.
