Plakias Bay, Rethymno, Crete
Where the villa sits
The setting
A sheltered bay on the Libyan Sea
Thalira stands alone on the eastern arm of Plakias Bay, on the quieter southern coast of Rethymno. The mountains of the Kotsifou gorge rise behind, olive terraces surround the plot, and the water in front stays clear and calm from May to October.
There are no neighbouring houses and no road noise — only the path down to your own sand. Yet Plakias village, with its bakery, market and half a dozen fish tavernas, is a six-minute drive along the coast.
Address for your driver
Villa Thalira, Thalira Gate
Coast road east of Plakias, 74060 Rethymno, Crete
35.1902° N, 24.4021° E
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How to get here
Four ways to arrive
- Step 01
Fly to Chania (CHQ)
About 1 hour 25 minutes by car. The most frequent international connections, and the prettiest drive along the Kourtaliotiko gorge.
- Step 02
Or fly to Heraklion (HER)
About 1 hour 50 minutes by car, with the widest choice of summer flights and car hire desks.
- Step 03
By ferry to Rethymno
Overnight ferries from Piraeus arrive at Chania (Souda) port, 65 minutes from the villa. Transfers can meet the boat.
- Step 04
The last mile
From Plakias village, follow the coast road east for 3 km and turn at the stone gate marked Thalira. A private paved drive leads to the house.
Transfers
We arrange private transfers in a Mercedes V-Class from either airport — €190 from Chania, €240 from Heraklion, each way, for up to six guests. Your driver meets you in arrivals with water and cold towels.
Hiring a car
A car is recommended if you plan to explore the gorges and beaches of the south coast. There is shaded parking for three cars at the villa, and we can have a hire car waiting on the drive on arrival.
Nearby
Within easy reach
- Plakias village & tavernas3 km · 6 min
- Preveli palm beach9 km · 18 min
- Kourtaliotiko gorge12 km · 20 min
- Rethymno old town38 km · 45 min
- Nearest bakery & market3 km · 6 min
- Local winery, Melissa estate16 km · 25 min