Platanias is no doubt the most organised and largest tourist region of Chania. Situated just 10 kilometres (6, 2 miles) outside of the City of Chania, it is easy accessible by the north central road that offers the coastal views that overlook the Cretan Sea and the islet of Agia Theodori or Thodorou.
The resort itself consists of two parts Pano Platanias (the citadel) and Kato Platanias (the lower region of the district);
The Citadel (Pano) is the oldest and richest in history and many aspects of its history are still alive and can be seen in its architecture and in the remains from the Turkish occupation (the Turkish lookout tower).
The lower (Kato) is the more modern extension that holds all the amenities and services a modern tourist designation may offer.
Not only is it the most popular destination in the district, its Citadel (Pano) village is amphitheatrically built on its hill boasting panoramic views and sunsets that slope downwards towards the sea, accompanied by clear waters of the river Keritis, well known from the poems of Homer by the ancient Greek name of Lardanos.
Its narrow graphic streets offer a number of tavernas offering the local specialties as well as other dishes of the famous Cretan cuisine where you can find the gardens of which are full of flowers and basil.
The more modern extension (Kato) gathers all the amenities and services a modern tourist designation may offer. Its network of hotels, restaurants, cafes, shops and recreation facilities of all kind, as well as jewellery shops, super markets, banks there can also be found health clinics, chemist and shopping, to small sea excursions that beginning and end at the graphic more crowded fishing boat marina.
The sandy beach of Platanias is 3k long and 39 metres wide.