Plaka is located 16km north of Agios Nikolaos, opposite the entrance of the lagoon of Korfos (or lagoon of Elounda), in one of the most beautiful places of Crete. A feature of Plaka is the wonderful views of the island Kalydon, on where the famous fortress of Spinalonga stands. Spinalonga operated as a leper hospital during the first half of the 20th century. The island can be reached primarily by boat from Elounda and Plaka. Indeed, Plaka existence is highly linked to Spinalonga, as the settlement was built for serving the leper colony.
Today, in Plaka you will find several traditional taverns and lovely old houses, which give you the impression that time has stopped here 2-3 centuries ago. Plaka could not be left off the list of beaches in Crete, since there are two picturesque pebbly beaches with crystal clear waters. The first beach is on the east of the village. The beach of Agia Marina, as it is called after the nearby Byzantine church and cemetery of Agia Marina, has big pebbles and deep waters.
West of the village there is the second beach with tamarisk trees. Plaka beach is pebbly and has calm waters, resembling that of Agia Marina. The seabed is very interesting and is worth discovering. It is well organized and Plaka taverns are within walking distance.