he volume of the imposing Mt Ida overmaster the Prefecture creating the isolation of the southern part. Under the mountain the southern part touches the warm Libyan Sea calling everyone to admire her unique beauty. This piece of land is liberally endowed by nature. Its landscape changes abruptly. Warm, pleasant and tropical spots lie next to wild, stony and forbidding areas.
Tranquil shores surrounded by clean water are succeeded by sheer cliffs hanging above pounding waves. Its gently rolling dark green plains and its impregnable castles as well as its renowned gorges have always protected and will continue to protect every spirit of liberty.
But this place is not only beautiful landscapes. Remoted areas where the only presence are the remains of the past, Byzantine monasteries and chapels, pretty villages, little harbors and wonderful tourist resorts like Ayia Galini and Plakias complete the puzzle of the southern part.

		fter a very interesting trip through the internal zones of the Prefecture we arrive in the pretty harbor of Ayia Galini which stands on the sheltered bay of Messara, on the Libyan Sea. It is located at a distance of 67 km from Rethymno through the Amari Valley route and 61 km via the Ayios Vasileios district. It is also accessible from the Herakleio (69 km away) via Messara.
Its attractive beach, 1 kilometer long, has pebbles of various sizes and thanks to the mildness of the climate, the temperature of the sea is 18 degrees centigrade summer and winter.

his is what has made this place such a popular holiday resort. Along the coast to the west there are hidden caves, accessible only by boat, with wonderful light effects as the sun plays on the water inside. One of the caves is called the Cave of Daedalus and according to tradition this is where the mythical craftsman had his workshop. Narrow cobbled streets run up from the harbor into the town.
The old-fashioned houses perch one above the other against a steep cliff, with panoramic views out to sea. The village stands to the west of a small but fertile plain formed by the Amarianos river, which flows into the sea to the east of the village. From here there are frequent excursions by sea in overall areas of the southern part of Crete.

he famous resort of Plakias is situated on the bay of the same name. This pretty coastal village is one of the most beautiful spots on the whole south coast of Crete. Until just a few years ago, Plakias was a sleepy fishing village with a few houses around a shady square.
Now, thanks to its sandy beach -1,500 m long- and the mountain which towers behind it, it has become a busy resort. Its mild and dry climate make it an ideal spot for off-season holidays. From here, there are boat trips to Frangokastelo, the Preveli Monastery and Ayia Galini.
To the east of Plakias is the coastal settlement of Damioni, on a pretty cove. There is a good beach of fine white sand, 600 meters long and the water is most inviting.

Photos and text taken from "Crete - today and yesterday" and "Crete - A tour of all the towns and villages" (Toubis Editions)

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