Villa Plaka Danae is located in a very prestigious spot in Plaka. Nestled at the base of the hills, the villa is waterfront with astounding panoramic views across the Elounda Gulf to the island of Spinalonga. Plaka is picturesque, very traditional and very friendly. You will receive such a warm welcome at the tavernas and restaurants. Plaka is located in the Apokoronas region of of Crete, 2km from Almirida, a resort it overlooks. There are some fabulous walks around the village, through olive groves or to the next villages of Kampia and Kokkino Chorio. The pebbly beach is delightful with a promenade and backed by tamarisk trees.
The island of Spinalonga has a fascinating, if sad, history. The name of Spinalonga was given by the Venetians. Spina means ‘thorn’ and longa means ‘long’. In the 20th century (1903 -1957) Spinalonga was used as a leper colony. The lepers used a tunnel known as ‘Dante’s Gate’ in order to enter the island. Once on the island, the patients received food, water and medical attention. For half a century, this barren rocky island was a home to life’s outcasts who lived in extreme pain. As science progressed and a cure for leprosy was discovered, the lepers were cured and the hospital shut down in 1957. Nowadays, the island is uninhabited. It is a recognised archaeological site with one of the few examples of Venetian fortress building in Eastern Mediterranean. It is a popular tourist attraction with boats leaving from Plaka, Elounda and Agios Nikolaos.
Elounda is an upmarket little resort on the island’s emerald-swept coast. Elounda is very popular with the rich and famous for its seaside luxury resorts. Greece’s ex Prime Minister spent his summers in Elounda and it is frequently visited by the royal family of Saudi Arabia. Elounda was used for the filming of the BBC television series ‘Who Pays the Ferryman?’ and is featured in Victoria Hislop’s ‘The Island’. This superb seaside town revolves around its colourful harbour and the main square. You will discover plenty of authentic Greek tavernas and friendly bars as well as a wonderful, Blue Flag sandy beach. The quieter Driros Beach is a 15 minute walk south along the coastal path. If you are walking south you will also come to the remains of the submerged ancient city of Olous. Five huge stone windmills were excavated and today they stand next to the bridge and are open to the public. If you take a 30 minute drive, you can wander freely amongst the ruins of the Minoan Palace of Malia dating back to 1450 BC.
Crete is mountainous with a high range crossing from west to east. The island also boasts numerous gorges which are amazing to visit such as the Samaria Gorge, the Imbros Gorge and the Kourtaliotiko Gorge. The island is Greek’s fifth largest island so you will not be able to see everything in one holiday! There are some sublime beaches, some of which are on the other side of the island. There are a number of islands, islets and rocks that hug the coast. The big cities are Heraklion, Chania, Rethymno, Lerapetra, Agios Nikolaos and Sitia. The island’s archaeological sites include the Minoan sites of Knossos, Malia and Phaistos. The island offers a fabulous range of activities and adventures. There are unique beaches, canyons, falls, trekking, kayaking and many watersports. Crete is a very friendly island and the food is absolutely delicious. You will have a ball
