Platanes Holidays

Things are pretty laidback in Platanes, with most days centring on its sand-etched coastline. Its long, golden beach shelves into the turquoise Mediterranean Sea, and there are plenty of loungers and parasols pitched up on the sand. It’s backed by beachfront bars and tavernas, so you won’t need to bring a picnic.

Speaking of the coastline, it’s not only people it’s popular with. Cute caretta caretta sea turtles – otherwise known as loggerheads – waddle up onto the beach in Platanes during the summer and lay their eggs. The local conservation team make sure the nests are safe and help guide the baby turtles into the water when they hatch. They expect to help with around 400 nests each year, so if you’re there in the summer, keep watch.

Hop on the local bus from Platanes and a couple of euros will get you to Rethymnon’s Old Quarter – a 10-minute drive away. Have your camera ready as this place is picture-perfect. You’ll find cobbled streets accessorised by 16th-century buildings with wire-frame juliette balconies. Plus, if you head towards the harbourfront, you’ll be able to snap photos of the Venetian Fortezza Castle.