Plakias is a small village 30 km south of Rethymnon and is one of the most popular places to visit in Rethymnon. It is located between two gorges, Selia and Kourtaliotiko and offers a gorgeous beach at the end of a crescent bay where you can relax and enjoy the sun. Although it is a very busy destination there are many small and quiet hotels where someone can spend the night.
Kournas lake is located at the boundaries of Chania and Rethymnon and is a very popular destination since every year it attracts thousands of visitors. It is the only lake in Crete that has fresh water and in the antiquity it was known as Korisia. You can either visit it for an afternoon walk or even spend the day there.