A Stroll through Plaka
A stay at Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa is, of course, defined by the things you’d expect from a luxury escape. Private pools, expansive terraces and uninterrupted views across the bay. But what stayed with me most wasn’t found within the resort itself. It was the feeling of discovering the place beyond it.
Just a five-minute walk from Cayo sits the fishing village of Plaka. It’s here, among the stone pathways, family-run tavernas and stories woven through every corner, that I found the island’s true character.
Most mornings began the same way. After breakfast, I’d wander down towards the waterfront, following the gentle hum of village life waking up around me. My destination was always Epico Coffee & Cocktail Bar, a laid-back spot where woven chairs spill out onto the promenade and the sea seems to stretch endlessly. There’s something wonderfully simple about sitting with a coffee in hand, watching fishermen ready their boats while locals exchange morning greetings. The pace is slower here, and somehow that makes every moment feel richer.
From almost anywhere along the shoreline, your eyes are drawn to Spinalonga. Rising from the water opposite Plaka, the island is one of Crete’s most fascinating landmarks, carrying centuries of history within its fortress walls. Having read The Island by Victoria Hislop before my visit, stepping onto Spinalonga felt particularly moving, as though the pages of the novel had come to life around me. My advice? Take one of the first boats of the day. In the soft morning light, before the crowds arrive, the island feels at its most atmospheric, revealing a quieter side of its remarkable story.
Back in Plaka, afternoons often disappeared without notice. The village is dotted with independent boutiques, ceramic shops and jewellery stores, each one inviting you inside for a browse. Unlike the typical holiday souvenir shops, these feel deeply connected to the place itself. I found myself lingering over hand-painted pottery and artisan-made pieces, the kind of objects that carry memories long after a holiday ends. It’s easy to see why so many visitors return home with carefully wrapped ceramics tucked safely into their luggage.
One of the greatest luxuries of staying at Cayo is having Plaka quite literally on your doorstep, particularly when evening arrives. As the sun begins to soften, the village transforms into one of the most idyllic dining spots on the island, with waterfront tavernas offering front-row seats to the sea. One of my favourites was Giovanni’s. Its pale-blue façade, framed by sparkling water, captures everything you imagine a Greek summer to be. Tables sit almost above the waves, creating a setting that feels lifted straight from a film set. The catch of the day arrives fresh from local waters, served simply with seasonal vegetables, good olive oil and warm bread. As the sky turns shades of pink and gold and another glass of wine appears on the table, it becomes impossible not to start planning your return before the evening is even over.
That’s what makes a stay at Cayo so special. The resort delivers all the luxury and comfort you could hope for, but its greatest gift may be its connection to the village beside it. Because while the infinity pools and sea views are unforgettable, some of the most meaningful moments happen just beyond the resort’s entrance, wandering the timeless streets of Plaka and discovering a side of Crete that feels entirely its own