Plakias Crete Walking Week 2026: Welcome to our walking week (E4) in beautiful Plakias, located in the heart of southern Crete! During this unforgettable 4-day experience, you will stay 3 nights in the charming village of Plakias, which is the perfect base for breathtaking walks. We have put together a wonderful programme that will take you to the most picturesque spots in the region. This trip offers an ideal mix of exercise and relaxation, immersing you in the authentic atmosphere of Crete. Are you ready for adventure?
Plakias Crete walking week: 14 to 17 April, 18 to 21 May and 2 to 5 November 2026
Plakias is a small village on the south coast of Crete (35 km south of Rethymnon). It used to be a fishing village, but now it has a pleasant boulevard with lots of restaurants, shops and terraces. Plakias has a long sandy beach.
Accommodation in Plakias
We will be staying in a small hotel right by the sea with its own swimming pool. We will be barbecuing for our guests there. On other evenings, we will be eating out in the village in the traditional tavernas by the sea. A beautiful location for a wonderful walking week in Plakias.
Walk from Mirthios
Day 1: Today we kick off the week with a beautiful but relaxed walk. We depart from the charming mountain village of Mirthios, where we immediately get a taste of the peace and beauty of the surroundings. The route takes us past historical sites, such as the old watermill, and through a landscape full of unusual plants. Take your time to take it all in.
One of the highlights of this trip is the breathtaking panoramic view over Plakias Bay. Feel the wind and see the sea sparkling in the distance as you enjoy this fantastic spectacle. And with a distance of 11 to 12 kilometres, this is the ideal “walk-in route” to start our walking week in a relaxed way.
Circular walk on the peninsula
Day 2: Circular walk on the peninsula. Today, a breathtaking circular walk on the peninsula near Plakias is on the programme. Covering a distance of approximately 15 kilometres, this is a relaxed and very varied walk. The route takes us to the beautiful bay of Calypso, a place where you can experience the pure beauty of Crete. Along the way, you will be treated to magnificent views of the clear blue Libyan Sea. Enjoy the impressive backdrop of the high mountains with their white chapels on the peaks. The hiking trails here are fantastic and wind their way along vast beaches.
But the most special part of the walk comes when we explore an old tunnel system from the Second World War. This network, partly in a cave, gives you a fascinating glimpse into history. This day combines natural beauty with a touch of history, the perfect way to enjoy the surroundings.
Kourtaliotiko Gorge and Preveli Beach
Day 3: The enchanting Kourtaliotiko Gorge and Preveli Beach. Today, one of the most spectacular hikes of the week is on the programme! The route is approximately 12 to 14 kilometres long and has an elevation gain of 300 metres. We begin our journey at the historic old Venetian bridge and trek through breathtaking green landscapes. Our destination is the famous palm beach of Preveli. The route takes us right through the Kourtaliotiko Gorge. We cross the ever-flowing river, whose cold water is a welcome refreshment on a hot day. The river slowly flows into the sea, right next to the beautiful palm beach of Preveli.
Here we have plenty of time to relax, swim and enjoy the unique atmosphere. We continue our journey through a fascinating landscape via narrow, picturesque paths. This area is known for its abundance of orchids and wild flowers, which adds an extra dimension to the walk. We end the day back at the old Venetian bridge, with unforgettable memories of this absolutely fantastic walk.
Beaches, hills and villages near Plakias
Day 4: Beaches, hills and villages near Plakias. Today we will take a delightful walk of about 12 to 14 kilometres in the hilly landscape around Damnoni, an area near Plakias. This tour is a real treat for the senses, with an abundance of natural beauty and a relaxed atmosphere. The route takes us past beautiful villages and through green valleys, where we can enjoy the varied landscape. We walk over hills and pass impressive mountain peaks, while regularly being treated to magnificent views.
Keep your eyes open, because with a little luck you can see the majestic peaks of the Lefka Ori near Chania in the distance, sometimes even covered with snow! But much of this trip feels like a voyage of discovery along the coast. You will see and walk across vast sandy beaches and truly take in the charm of this part of Crete. This is a walk full of variety, greenery and the beauty of the sea, which you will undoubtedly complete with a smile.
The village of Plakias
A warm breeze, salty and sweet from the blooming oleanders, kissed the hills surrounding the village of Plakias. Nestled between the Libyan Sea and the rugged mountains of Lefka Ori. But for the residents, Plakias was more than just a place. It was a living heart that beat to the rhythm of the waves and the sun. Giorgos, a man with deep laugh lines around his eyes, sat on the terrace of his taverna early in the morning. He watched the fishing boats bobbing in the bay like little toy boats. The sun cast golden streaks across the water, and the only sound was the gentle lapping of the sea. But Giorgos remembered the stories his grandfather always told: about the pirates who once had their hideout here, and the olive trees that had witnessed village life for centuries.
Suddenly, Maria, the baker, appeared with a basket full of freshly baked bread. The smell of rosemary and warm dough filled the air. ‘Kali-mera, Giorgos,’ she said, placing the bread on his table. ‘I made extra today. Because the children of the families who are on holiday are coming!’ And she was right. Shortly after she left, the streets filled with the buzz of cheerful voices. Children ran after a stray cat, while their parents watched from their balconies, smiling. The quiet morning turned into a lively summer scene.
Not just any village
Towards evening, when the sky turned pink and orange, everyone gathered on the beach. The fire from a campfire cast dancing shadows on their faces. Someone picked up a bouzouki and the melody of an old Cretan dance filled the evening air. Old and young danced together, their feet on the warm sand. Giorgos looked at the faces around him: the fishermen, the baker, the tourists, all connected by the magic of this place. Plakias was not just any village, it was a community where every visitor felt at home, a small piece of Crete where time stood still.
More information
Hiking on Crete: This page, full of walks on Crete, shows you the endless possibilities for hikers on Crete. We have walking routes that you can walk yourself, but we also offer guided walking tours on Crete. The photo albums and films give you a good impression of individual walking, group walks and the gorges.
Holidays on Crete: Apartment rentals and accommodation on Crete for most of the year. The right address for family apartments and holiday homes, all your excursions and cheap flights to Crete.
If you would like more information, please send an email to zorbasisland@gmail.com