Rodakino & Korakas beach in southern Crete

Rodakino is located about 13 kilometres west of Plakias in southern Crete. The small and rather worn village set nicely on the exit of a dramatic gorge. The village is divided into two parts, one lower (Kato) and one upper (Ano). In the lower part there are a couple of tavernas, some pensions and shops.

It used to be quite scary to drive over the bridge that crossed the gorge. Back then it was a very old stone bridge, but since some time ago that bridge has been replaced with a new bridge, so it no longer tickles your stomach when you drive over the bridge.

The old stone bridge and the new concrete bridge that crosses the Rodakino gorge.

From Kato Rodakino, a road leads down to the sea (2 km) to the famous Korakas beach. It was here that the kidnapped General Kreipe was taken on board a boat and taken to Egypt. British Major Patrick Leigh Fermor and Captain William Stanley Moss carried out the kidnapping outside Archanes near Heraklion.

After sneaking into Crete, they followed a strategy that included disguising themselves as German soldiers and kidnapping the general at a roadblock. The soldiers dressed up as German soldiers and used a captured German car to sneak up close to the general's car. At a roadblock near Heraklion, they stopped the general's car and overpowered the German drivers.

Korakas, Rodakino, Hohlakas or Sunrise beach in one direction.

Despite the challenges, they managed to carry out the kidnapping successfully and hid with Kreipe in the mountains. During their escape towards the coast they faced several dangers, but finally they reached an Allied allied evacuation site here at Rodakino beach. There is a plaque on the beach showing where they took General Kreipe.

Read more about the kidnapping of General Kreipe here »

It's a bit confusing with the names of the beach depending on which map you look at. I use the name Korakas beach, others use Rodakino beach or Hohlakas beach, while some say Sunrise beach. There is even a hotel on the beach called Sunrise Hotel & Apartments.

Korakas, Rodakino, Hohlakas or Sunrise beach in the other direction.

Taverna at Korakas beach.

Korakas beach is visited by few tourists. Maybe because it is not known to most people. I like the beach in Koraka very much, just for the reason that it is so undeveloped, and it also has a wonderful location. If you walk to the left of the beach you get to a rock, behind the rock is a small beach that you can have for yourself if you arrive early.

The rock at Korakas beach.

To the left of the rock in the picture above is a small beach (see below) which I have named Kalimera beach. I usually name small beaches where there is only room for a few people as Kalimera beach.

Kalimera beach in Korakas.

From Koraka beach, the road continues along the coast a few kilometres. Along the way there are several small beaches, perfect for a swim. The road ends at a beach called Polirizos beach. The beach is not at all as good as Koraka. Here are also tavernas, as well as rooms for rent.

Polirizos beach which is after Korakas beach.

The taverna at Polirizos beach.

ACCOMMODATION IN KORAKAS

One should stay overnight to be able to feel the atmosphere in this special part of southern Crete. The sunrise is amazing and the evenings are magical. Korakas is as far from mass tourism as you can get.

Book Korakas Beach here »

Book Sunrise Hotel & Apartments here »

Book other hotels in Korakas here »

WHAT YOU MUST NOT MISS WHEN YOU VISIT KORAKAS

Don't miss Plakias, which you can read about here »

Read more about Crete here »