Having one of the south's longest beaches, Plakias has attracted some smallish hotels and restaurants, though the truly extraordinary Youth Hostel Plakias (open from Greek Easter through October) also attracts devotees of all ages.

BBC: Seductive southern Crete

Jumbo Hostel is scheduled to open for business in December 2008 and will provide accommodation for up to 85 guests.

CNN: Airplane hostel prepares for lift-off

Work is due to start in late February, subject to weather conditions, and the hostel is due to re-open at Easter.

BBC: Black Sail hostel in Cumbria to get ?260,000 revamp