Plate Beach is located in the municipality of Neapoli in the Lasithi prefecture of eastern Crete, Greece, positioned within the broader coastal region that extends from Agios Nikolaos eastward toward Sitia. The name "Plate" likely derives from the Greek word "πλατύς" meaning "wide" or "broad," possibly describing the beach's characteristics or the surrounding coastal landscape, though specific historical documentation about this particular beach's naming remains limited in available sources. Neapoli itself, formerly known as Kainourio Chorio during Venetian rule and later renamed Neapolis meaning "new city" in Greek, served as the capital of Lasithi prefecture from 1866 until 1904 when administrative functions transferred to Agios Nikolaos. The town is situated approximately 12 kilometers west of Agios Nikolaos and 54 kilometers east of Heraklion, nestled in a fertile inland valley covered with extensive olive groves that have supported local agriculture for centuries. The coastal areas accessible from Neapoli include several beaches along the northern shore of Crete facing the Cretan Sea, a southern extension of the Aegean Sea. The region's beach development occurred gradually from the mid-20th century as tourism infrastructure expanded throughout Crete, though many beaches near Neapoli have maintained relatively low-density development compared to the more intensively touristed areas around Agios Nikolaos and Elounda.
Plate Beach shares characteristics common to the northeastern coast of Lasithi, typically featuring combinations of sand and pebbles with clear Mediterranean waters suitable for swimming and snorkeling. The beaches along this stretch of Cretan coastline benefit from the island's temperate climate with hot, dry summers from June through September and mild winters, making swimming feasible from May through October for most visitors. The waters along the northern Lasithi coast can experience moderate wave action when northern meltemi winds blow during summer months, particularly in July and August, though many bays and coves provide sheltered swimming conditions. The marine environment supports typical Mediterranean species including various wrasse, bream, and octopuses visible to snorkelers exploring rocky areas. Beach facilities vary considerably along this coast, with some areas featuring organized sections with sunbed and umbrella rentals while other stretches remain completely natural without services. The coastal landscape includes characteristic Cretan vegetation such as tamarisk trees providing natural shade, oleander bushes, and wild herbs including thyme and oregano growing on hillsides above the shore. Access to beaches in the Neapoli area generally requires private transportation or taxi services, as public beach bus routes primarily serve the more developed coastal areas closer to Agios Nikolaos.
Dining options near Neapoli provide authentic Cretan cuisine emphasizing local ingredients and traditional preparations. Ston Prodromo, located in a picturesque setting approximately four kilometers from Neapoli town center, specializes in traditional Cretan dishes with offerings including dakos barley rusk salad topped with tomatoes and mizithra cheese at EUR 6, xygalo soft cheese dip at EUR 5, hotpot pies with wild greens at EUR 7, and baked pancetta with local herbs at EUR 12, with complimentary raki digestif typically offered. Oasis Cafe in Neapoli's central square opposite the Church of Saint Mary serves casual fare including Greek coffee at EUR 3, freshly squeezed orange juice at EUR 4, traditional Greek salad at EUR 7, and wood-fired pizzas ranging from EUR 8 to EUR 12 depending on toppings. To Laini on Anapiron Polemou Street in Neapoli offers Mediterranean cuisine with specialties including grilled lamb chops at EUR 15, fresh fish of the day priced at EUR 45 to EUR 55 per kilogram, moussaka at EUR 10, and their signature Laini salad with seasonal vegetables at EUR 8. Finikas Taverna in Neapoli provides traditional Greek dishes including stifado beef stew with pearl onions at EUR 11, gemista stuffed vegetables at EUR 9, and grilled octopus at EUR 14. In nearby Agios Nikolaos, approximately 12 kilometers east, Taverna Piato serves Cretan specialties including slow-cooked lamb kleftiko at EUR 16, fresh sea bream grilled with lemon and olive oil at EUR 50 per kilogram, and boureki zucchini and cheese pie at EUR 8.
