Plati Limani

Within walking distance of Plati Limani, Mediterranean flavors dominate at Εστιατόριο Μάκης, renowned for its slow-cooked goat dishes and extensive wine list. Contessina Restaurant serves traditional Greek fare with waterfront views, praised for its grilled seafood and family-friendly vibe. Το Ραχάτι stands out for its authentic meze platters and LGBTQ+ friendly atmosphere, while meat lovers frequent Robolis Grill for their signature lamb chops and rustic courtyard seating.

A 10-minute drive west, Sami Beach Hotel offers waterfront rooms with verandas overlooking the bay, complemented by a freshwater pool and tennis courts. In central Sami, Alancia Suites provides modern minimalist accommodations with kitchenettes, ideal for travelers seeking self-catering options near the port's dining and ferry services.

Plati Limani maintains a deliberately rustic profile with minimal built infrastructure. Visitors find basic necessities in nearby Sami town rather than on the beach itself, though sporadic shaded areas exist for picnics. The absence of permanent restrooms or rental facilities emphasizes the beach's uncommercialized character, making it essential to bring supplies like umbrellas, snacks, and fresh water[1][2].

Swimming and snorkeling dominate Plati Limani's daytime activities thanks to calm, transparent waters that reveal small fish near the shore. Sunbathing on the distinctive golden sands remains the primary pastime, with occasional beachcombing along the pebble-strewn eastern edge. The nearby port of Sami offers organized boat tours to Melissani Cave and other coastal highlights for those seeking structured excursions[1][5].

While lacking formal accessibility infrastructure, Plati Limani's hard-packed sand near the waterline permits cautious wheelchair navigation during dry conditions. The absence of ramps or beach wheelcharies requires visitors to bring specialized equipment. Sami's seafront restaurants like Contessina and Adonis offer step-free access and adapted restrooms for pre/post-beach comfort.

Free informal parking areas line the approach road to Plati Limani, though space becomes limited during peak summer months. Visitors often utilize Sami's central parking zones near the marina (10-minute walk) when beachside spots fill. No designated disabled parking exists directly at the beach, requiring street parking followed by a short approach on uneven terrain[1][2].

Plati Limani's distinctive sand contains microscopic quartz particles that sparkle like gold under sunlight, a geological rarity in the Ionian Islands. The beach served as a stone quarry in antiquity, supplying materials for nearby Roman villas. During summer nights, bioluminescent plankton occasionally illuminates the shallows with blue-green light, creating natural underwater light shows.

West of Sami lies the mesmerizing Melissani Cave, where sunlight filters through a collapsed roof onto subterranean lakes during midday boat tours. History enthusiasts can explore the 16th-century Agrilia Monastery ruins nearby, while Sami's renovated fishing harbor offers picturesque sunset strolls. The abandoned Antiperata cement factory northeast of town presents intriguing industrial archaeology opportunities[5].