Plaka, Elounda TO Heraklion Port

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Plaka, Elounda

TransferPlan will transfer you from and to Plaka in Elounda as quickly, safely and comfortably as possible. The village of Plaka is located in the stunning setting of the Mirabello bay 5km away from Elounda and 16km away from Agios Nikolaos town.

Opposite Plaka, you will find Kalidon. In the past, it used to be a tiny fishing village, frequented only by a few solitary travellers. Things have rapidly changed since then and nowadays a number of tourist establishments have sprung up all around the village. Still, Kalidon retains some of its charms and remains relatively a quiet place compared to other tourist hubs around Elounda.

The coastline in Plaka consists of a few small pebble beaches which are relatively quiet and not very busy and are considered more pleasant than the hectic beaches in Elounda. On the east side, you will find Agia Marina beach, which was named after a nearby Byzantine church and cemetery. You will find the beach by following the small path opened next to the cemetery. On the west side of the village lies Plaka beach. Plaka is lined with tamarisk trees providing some natural shade from the hot Mediterranean sun. The main village road of Plaka is lined up with tavernas, selling fresh fish and an impressive view of Spinalonga island.

Spinalonga lies opposite to Plaka. On Spinalonga you will find a 40-canon fortress guarding Elounda bay since the 15th century. In the early 19th century Spinalonga was converted into a leper colony and it remained so up to 1957. The last resident of Spinalonga left the island in 1962. In present, Spinalonga is one of the most popular historical sites in Crete. In Spinalonga apart from the fortress and the leper colony, you will also find a small pebble beach which would make for a nice refreshing break at the end of your visit. Of course, there is much more to Spinalonga which historically has been so far a Venetian fortress, a castle colony, a rebel stronghold, a place of exile for lepers, a communication link with Cairo during the second world war and the setting that inspired Victoria Hislop's best-selling book 'The Island'.

Over the years Plaka still retains some of its former authenticity and beauty compared to more established holiday towns like Elounda and Agios Nikolaos. However, rapid over-development has aided the rebranding of Plaka as a luxury resort village with private villas with their own pools to rent.

Book your low cost transfer now. Enjoy a high-quality service at the lowest prices. Best price guaranteed. That’s why we are Crete’s favourite airport transfer company.

Heraklion Port

TransferPlan will transfer you from and to Heraklion Port as quickly, safely and comfortably as possible. Heraklion port is situated at the center of Heraklion Prefecture’s northern coast and adjacent to island’s capital.

The modern Heraklion port was firstly established in the 20th century and expanded eastwards of its older predecessor, the 700-year-old Venetian port that now serves as an attraction and a place of pleasure. Heraklion port is the second largest and busiest harbour in Greece after Piraeus.

The port is conveniently located along the middle part of the Cretan highway that serves the northern part of the island. The highway offers an easy getaway to the towns of Agios Nikolaos, Sitia, Kissamos, Rethymnon, Chania and Heraklion. It is busy all-year-round with an approximate number of 2 million visitors annually. The port services very popular routes such as Piraeus-Athens, Thessaloniki and a number of Aegean islands. Itineraries are regular and for other major ports, ships depart daily.

The Harbour hosts visitors for both touristic purposes and commercial activities. It possesses an array of facilities for the convenience of all travellers. In close proximity to the port, one can find in abundance shops, cafes and restaurants within a short walking distance.

The port is an 'umbrella' term covering both the new Heraklion Ferry Port and the old Venetian Harbour. The 'Castello a Mare' more widely known as Koules is a significant walled structure marking the entrance to the old Venetian port. The fortress dates back to the 16th century and is presumed that Cretan rebels were tortured in its underground chambers by mercenaries of the Ottoman Empire during the times of Crete's occupation. The Heraklion old town is located nearby, thus after a visit to the Fortress travellers can enjoy a walk through the vibrant streets of the city or taste some delicacies prepared by the friendly and hospitable locals.

Book your Heraklion Port transfer now. Enjoy a high-quality service at the lowest prices. Best price guaranteed. That’s why we are Crete’s favourite airport transfer company.