A majestic plane tree has stood in Platanos village square for centuries. It is a prominent landmark in the village. Churches are also part of the village’s character; ruins of old houses can be seen in the old village. Platanos lies 240 metres above sea level. The stated driving time from Chania to Platanos is 40 minutes. Falassarna Beach is five kilometres from Platanos. This gives Falassarna a connection to the beach nearby, complementing the village views.
Churches and Historical Traces
The Church of Saint Athanasios is located on Prophetis Elias-Mannas, the highest mountain in Platanos village. The Transfiguration of Sotiros is the village’s main church; Mary Myrtidiotisa stands beside the village primary school. Together, these offer three distinct local connections: a mountain location, the main church and proximity to the primary school.
Platanos is also home to a 16th-century icon described as the oldest portable image of Saint John. The two-aisled cave church of Saint John the Stranger underwent extensive renovations in 2013, funded by donations from Platanos residents. The icon and the cave church offer different perspectives on the religious heritage: visual art on the one hand, and architectural form and renovation history on the other.
Further afield from Platanos is the cave church of Saint Fotis and Anikitou; its inscription dates it to the year 1010. Together with the 16th-century icon, it offers another chronological reference point for the area’s religious heritage.
Routes and Village Life
The route to the Church of Saint Athanasios leads south out of Platanos along the road towards Zachariana. Check the current condition of the route before setting out. The mountain church and the direction described give the excursion a specific local connection.
Platanos has small traditional tavernas and cafés serving meals, coffee and raki. The Sto Plai restaurant is in Platanos, on the road towards Falassarna. As individual businesses and their offerings may change, check the latest information before visiting.
Chania as a Distinct Cultural Region
Chania offers a distinct urban cultural experience. The Old Town includes Venetian mansions, old hammams, minarets and churches in historic lanes. The Venetian Harbour was built in the 14th century for trade and protection against pirate attacks. The permanent exhibition of the Archaeological Museum of Chania includes three ground-floor galleries and one upstairs gallery; it presents archaeological evidence from the regional unit of Chania spanning several centuries.
Theriso is also a distinct historical landmark within the Chania destination. During the 1905 Revolution, the historic village was the seat of the Cretan rebels under Eleftherios Venizelos. The Historical and Folklore Museum of Theriso is located in the former headquarters building of Eleftherios Venizelos and the Theriso Movement of 1905.
Discover more destinations: Mothiana, Temenia, Voulgaro, Chania, Fragkokastello, Nopigia, Kandanos, Theriso.
Go to the main travel overview: Chania.
