Plaka Seaview Villas

Elounda Bay, Crete, Greece
Book from GBP Book from £355 per night

A striking pair of hillside villas (each sleeping up to 7) with private pools and breathtaking views of Elounda Bay

A striking pair of hillside villas (each sleeping up to 7) with private pools and breathtaking views of Elounda Bay

Tucked into Mirabello Bay in northeastern Crete, Plaka is a popular seaside hamlet close to lively Elounda. A string of local tavernas flanks the water's edge and leads to a pretty stretch of pebbly beach, gazing out to Spinalonga Island. It's an atmospheric spot, but the best views are reserved for the Plaka Seaview Villas, perched on a hillside above the far end of the village, which opens up wide panoramas of sea, shoreline and distant mountains. 

These villas couldn't be more perfect for a family or group getaway. With three bedrooms and bathrooms, two lounges, kitchens and terraces, and a fabulous pool apiece, you can bring the whole clan without fear of being on top of each other. Your hosts, Tina and Vangelis, live nearby and are a mine of local knowledge, whether you fancy a boat trip around the bay, snorkelling in the clear waters below, or a wander around Spinalonga’s Venetian fortress. Drawn-out evenings drift by at the villas, with everyone gathered around the terrace table as the sun fades and the bay begins to sparkle with taverna lights. A relaxed, luxurious base in an appealing corner of Crete – we can't wait to see them for ourselves. 

Highs

    • Mesmerising sea views towards Spinalonga Island and Mirabello Bay
    • Stylish villas that feel very private, yet close enough to be ideal for multi-gen family or big friend groups
    • Gorgeous infinity pools and dreamy outdoor living areas
    • We hear great things about Tina and Vangelis' attentive service
    • A calm, comfortable feel and plenty of space, well-suited to longer stays

Lows

    • Despite Plaka only being 2.5km away, the road up to the villas is very steep; you'll definitely need a car 
    • As the villas are set close together, there's a chance you'll hear/meet your neighbours if you don't book both of them
    • There's a minimum stay of 5 nights most of the year, and 7 nights in July and August

Best time to go

May to June and September to October are ideal, with warm seas, long sunny days and fewer crowds. July and August are hotter and busier, but the pools and sea breezes help keep things comfortable. The villas are closed over winter and most of spring.

Our top tips

Pack water shoes as the beaches on this side of the island tend to be pebbly, but this means crystal-clear waters that are great for swimming and snorkelling.

Great for...

Beach
Family
Great Outdoors
  • Boutique Villas
  • 2 villas (for 2-7)
  • Self-catering; restaurants nearby
  • All ages welcome
  • Closed: November-April
  • Outdoor Pool
  • Spa Treatments
  • Beach nearby
  • Pet Friendly
  • Disabled Access
  • Car essential
  • Parking
  • Restaurants Nearby
  • WiFi
  • Air Conditioning
  • Guest Lounge
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • Gym
  • Daily Maid Service
  • Towels & Bedlinen
Room:

Rooms

The villas have been individually designed so they each feel unique, but essentially their make-up is the same. They both have three spacious double bedrooms, one of which can be made up with twin beds (on request), and three bathrooms. The master bedroom boasts a seaview balcony and a bathtub in the ensuite. 

You enter the villas on the top floor. Here you find the main living space, which has a comfy sitting area with a sofabed for a seventh guest, family-size dining table and full kitchen, and opens onto the pool terrace, where you’ll likely spend most of your time. Downstairs, there’s a second lounge/dining room with a kitchenette and terrace, making the villas perfect for big families or groups of friends who like to spread out. 

Thankfully, those all-important panoramic views are equally as jaw-dropping, no matter which one you plump for. In fact, the only notable difference between the two is that Villa 2 has a freshwater infinity pool (8m), whereas Villa 1 has a saltwater pool (7.5m) with hydromassage jets. 

Features include:

  • Air conditioning
  • Bluetooth sound system
  • Central heating
  • Coffee / tea making
  • Cots available
  • Fan
  • Fireplace
  • Hairdryer
  • Safe box
  • Toiletries
  • Tumble dryer
  • TV
  • Washing machine
  • WiFi

Eating

Both villas have a full state-of-the-art kitchen on the ground floor and a kitchenette in the second living room. The main kitchens are equipped with all you need to self-cater comfortably, with an oven, fridge-freezer, induction hob, coffee machine and plenty of cupboard space. There's also a barbecue and dining area on the pool terrace.  

You can stock up on supplies at the supermarket in Plaka, or dine out at the many waterfront tavernas, where fresh off-the-boat fish is grilled and served alongside Cretan salads and carafes of local wine. Or head a little further to Elounda for smart restaurants, beach clubs and a buzzy nightlife. 

Features include:

  • Barbecue
  • Coffee maker
  • Dishwasher
  • Food blender
  • Fridge
  • Full kitchen
  • Hob or stove
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Restaurants nearby
  • Toaster
Eating:
Activity:

Activities

  • Take a short boat trip to Spinalonga, the former Venetian fortress and leper colony, for a fascinating slice of Cretan history and excellent views back towards the coast
  • Swim and snorkel straight from the rocks around Plaka – the water is crystal-clear and beautifully calm on most days
  • Spend a day in Agios Nikolaos (15 minutes away), with its pretty harbour, Lake Voulismeni, shops and cafés
  • Hire a boat, kayak or paddleboard to explore the coves and inlets of Mirabello Bay at your own pace
  • Try diving in the calm waters of the bay – conditions are ideal for beginners
  • Visit Kolokytha Beach, one of the area’s best sandy beaches, with shallow water and pale sand (20 minutes’ drive)

Activities on site or nearby include:

  • Boat trips
  • Historical sites
  • Kayaking
  • Scuba diving
  • Snorkelling
  • SUP
  • Swimming

Kids

Plaka Seaview Villas are great for families, offering plenty of space and the option of a twin bedroom in each. There are no specific facilities for children, but kids will enjoy swimming in the pool and at the nearby beach. Plaka is safe for teenagers to visit on their own, although the steep access road means it's recommended to drive.

Renting both villas would be a great option for 2-3 families or multiple generations travelling together. 

Best for:

Babies (0-1 years), Children (4-12 years)

Family friendly accommodation:

Both villas have two double bedrooms and one twin room, and three bathrooms (the master bedroom has an ensuite). A sofabed in the main lounge can accommodate a seventh person. The pool terrace in Villa 1 is fenced, making it our choice for families with curious youngsters. 

Cots Available

Baby equipment:

  • Baby cots
  • High chairs

    Remember  baby and child equipment may be limited or need pre-booking

    Kids Activities on site:

    • Pool
    • TVs

    Kids Activities nearby:

    • Safe swimming at Plaka beach 
    • Kayaking
    • Snorkelling
    • Boat trips

    Families Should Know:

    The infinity pool and upper terrace in Villa 2 is unfenced. Plaka beach is pebbly, as are most in the area, but sandy beaches are a drive away.

  • Distances:

    • Airport: 1hr 10m
    • Hospital: 30 minutes (Agios Nikolaos)
    • Shops: 5 minutes
    Kid Friendly:

    Location

    Plaka Seaview Villas are situated just above Plaka village and the bay of Mirabello, 5km north of Elounda in northeastern Crete. 

    By Air:
    It’s easiest to fly into Heraklion (also called Iraklion), Crete’s capital. Alternatively, there are year-round scheduled flights via Athens.

    From the Airport
    You can catch a taxi from Heraklion. Plaka is just over a 1-hour (63.5km) drive via Agios Nikolaos.

    By Car:
    Hiring a car will allow you to explore the area better - see our car rental recommendations.

    Airports:

    • Heraklion Airport 63.0 km HER

    Other:

    • Beach 2.7 km
    • Shops 2.5 km
    • Restaurant 2.5 km

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