Platanias Region [Texts below, courtesy of  Platanias Guide, All Rights Reserved, Plano Advertisements, Hania, Crete, www.plataniasguide.gr]

It is not difficult to understand the reason why the municipality of Platanias is one of the most popular destinations in this prefecture.
Via the central road network of Crete, it is not more than 15 kilometres (9,3 miles) west of the city of Hania , en route to Kissamos. It takes less than 20 minutes to leave the city behind and dwell into one of the most characteristic regions of Cretan landscape and way of living.

An extent and breathtaking coast, which oversees the Cretan Sea , forms the front of the municipality of Platanias , before continuing inland to meet the sublime beauty of the Lefka Ori Mount. The landscape will certainly not let the viewer be bored. Among hills, valleys, rivers, gorges, tracts of forest, villages and gardens, the tour unfolds with a continuous succession of landscapes of undiminished interest.

The municipality has a population of about 5000, divided in 20 villages. An extremely mild climate and long seasons of sunny days have provided the means for major agriculture development in the area. This region has a long tradition of cultivating agriculture products, an activity that until a few years ago was the main part of the local economy. Crete is well known in all Europe for its famous citrus fruits (oranges, tangerines etc.) as well as for its olives and olive oil.

In recent years, next to the production of agricultural goods, tourism is of equal economic value. Today, the region is in the very heart of the tourist flow, both in quantity and in quality, a fact that places it amongst the most popular tourist sights of Crete.
Welcome then!

Welcome to this small corner of Crete ! Small yes, but overflowing with history, tradition and vibrating life, like few other places one can visit. Platanias is a place of alternatives any heart will feel pleased with. Whatever you are looking for in your vacations, tranquility or intenseness, organization, local aroma, cosmopolitan aura, modern or traditional entertainment, time to consult with yourself or even adrenaline, be sure you will find it here.

With its back to the magnificence of the Lefka Ori and tightly fit in the warm bosom of the Aegean, the region of Platanias is the ideal choice for your vacations.

Maleme Cottage is situated on the northwest coast of Crete, in the picturesque village of Maleme, one of Platanias region's most beautiful villages. A 20 min. drive from the city of Hania, Maleme will soon be your summer [or winter, spring and autumn!] ...operations base!

Experience the magical landscape of western Crete and enjoy the many diverse attractions on offer. Spend your days in the charming villages and sample the delicious local food in country inns, restaurants and farmers' markets. Explore the beautiful countryside, from ancient temples and early Mediaeval Byzantine churches to miles of rugged cliff-tops and unspoilt beaches.

Below are some of the things you could do in Maleme and the greater Platanias region, so take your pick! Ask the desk at the Cottage for further information on these activities.

• Caves-Caverns-Speleological Excursions
• Gorges-National Parks
• Mountain Climbing
• Rock Climbing
• Aqua Sports
• Air Navigation
• Paragliding
• E4 Hiking path