Platanias War Shelter Museum
Explore WWII air raid tunnels carved into a mountainside, offering historical insights and breathtaking panoramic views of Platanias.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clear skies, fewer crowds
Platanias War Shelter Museum
Best Time
Clear skies, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore WWII air raid tunnels carved into a mountainside, offering historical insights and breathtaking panoramic views of Platanias.
"A fascinating historical visit through 200m of tunnels with stunning views, well worth the 5 euro entry."
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking uphill and through tunnels. Good footwear is essential for the climb and exploration.
🧐 Check Opening Hours
Hours can be unclear online; confirm locally or upon arrival, especially outside peak season.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
WWII Tunnels
Carved into the mountainside
Explore 200 meters of underground galleries used as air raid shelters during WWII. A fascinating historical experience.
Panoramic Hilltop Views
Entrance area
Breathtaking vistas of Platanias and the surrounding coastline. Worth the climb!
Historical Memorabilia
Inside the tunnels
Discover artifacts and information detailing the history of the war shelter and its significance.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Views and Access
Prepare for the Climb and History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking uphill and through tunnels. Good footwear is essential for the climb and exploration.
🧐 Check Opening Hours
Hours can be unclear online; confirm locally or upon arrival, especially outside peak season.
💰 Affordable Entry Fee
The museum is very reasonably priced at 5 euros, supporting a volunteer-run initiative. +1
📸 Stunning Views
The climb is rewarded with incredible panoramic views of Platanias and the sea.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking uphill and through tunnels. Good footwear is essential for the climb and exploration.
🧐 Check Opening Hours
Hours can be unclear online; confirm locally or upon arrival, especially outside peak season.
💰 Affordable Entry Fee
The museum is very reasonably priced at 5 euros, supporting a volunteer-run initiative. +1
📸 Stunning Views
The climb is rewarded with incredible panoramic views of Platanias and the sea.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Platanias War Shelter Museum to be a fascinating and historically significant site, particularly for WWII enthusiasts. The unique experience of exploring the underground tunnels and the rewarding panoramic views are frequently highlighted. While some wish for more detailed information, the low entry fee and the volunteer-run nature make it a worthwhile and affordable visit.
"I recommend it to anyone interested in World War II history. It is an unusual museum because it is located in carved tunnels. Though small, it is very interesting. The history behind these tunnels is worth delving into. It's really fascinating. I won't reveal any details. Once you are there, you will see and read all about it and get answers to your questions. Admission costs 5 euros. The museum is located high up on a mountain, so you will have to take a short walk to get there. It's worth it, though, because the views are beautiful, apart from the museum itself."
Tomek Dukat
"Underground galleries created in World War 2, a nice historic visit through 200m tunnel. Was ok, could have been better. Missed some information, a lot of war remains packed together without coherence. 5€ admission. Unfortunately opening times were not clear online: starting from end of April they are opened everyday 1000-1200h (except Sunday) for the tourist season. Some parking spots (10-15) next to entrance."
Mike Lahaye
"Opening hours, see photo. A bit old history and a must for people interested in WW-II. Some items good and interesting but also damaged and corroded items. Cool in the cave."
H Sleilngdeen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located high on a mountain above Platanias. You'll need to drive or take a taxi to the vicinity, and then walk a short distance uphill to reach the entrance. Some parking is available near the entrance.
Yes, there are some parking spots available for about 10-15 cars next to the entrance of the museum.
While possible, it's a significant uphill walk. It's generally recommended to drive or take transport closer to the entrance due to the steep incline.
Consider hiring a taxi for a direct trip to the museum's vicinity. Public transport will likely drop you in Platanias town, requiring a substantial uphill walk.
The path is uphill and can be uneven in places, so it might be challenging for individuals with mobility issues. Comfortable footwear is a must.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is a very affordable 5 euros per person. This fee helps support the museum, which is often run by volunteers. +1
Opening hours can be inconsistent and are not always clearly advertised online. They typically open from late April for the tourist season, often from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM daily, except Sundays. It's best to confirm locally.
Advance booking is generally not required. You can usually purchase tickets upon arrival at the museum.
The museum typically opens for the tourist season, usually starting around late April. It may have limited hours or be closed outside of this period.
Information on specific discounts is limited, but the standard entry fee is already very low, making it accessible for most visitors.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore approximately 200 meters of underground tunnels that served as air raid shelters during WWII. The museum also displays historical memorabilia related to the war.
The historical context might be more engaging for older children and adults. The climb and the tunnel environment are generally manageable for families.
A visit typically takes about 30-60 minutes, allowing time to explore the tunnels and enjoy the views.
Yes, the underground nature of the tunnels keeps them naturally cool, offering a welcome respite from the heat, especially during summer.
Yes, there is information provided within the tunnels detailing the history and purpose of the air raid shelters. Some visitors feel more information could be beneficial.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted inside the tunnels, allowing you to capture the historical atmosphere and the unique structure.
The panoramic views from the hilltop are spectacular for photos. Inside the tunnels, the unique architecture and any displayed artifacts offer interesting shots.
It can be dimly lit inside the tunnels, so a camera with good low-light performance or a flash might be helpful for capturing clear images.
While generally allowed, it's always good practice to be respectful of the historical site and other visitors. No specific restrictions are widely mentioned.
Expect to capture dramatic shots of the tunnel interiors, historical displays, and expansive landscape views from the elevated position.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's advisable to manage expectations for younger children, as the focus is on historical artifacts and the shelter's purpose. However, the novelty of exploring underground passages and the rewarding panoramic views from the top can make it an engaging outing. Ensure children are supervised closely within the tunnels.
🏛️ History Buffs & WWII Enthusiasts
While some visitors note that more detailed information could enhance the exhibits, the authenticity of the site and its historical context are highly valued. The affordable entry fee makes it an accessible way to support a volunteer-driven historical preservation effort.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Remember to factor in transportation costs if you don't have your own vehicle, as getting to the hilltop location might require a taxi or a longer journey. However, the experience itself – exploring the tunnels and enjoying the views – provides great value for the price.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of the Platanias War Shelter
The museum, though small, is packed with historical significance. It showcases various artifacts and provides information that sheds light on the strategic importance of the area and the daily lives of soldiers during the war. The volunteer-run nature of the museum means it's often supported by passionate individuals dedicated to preserving this piece of history.
Visiting the shelter offers a unique perspective on WWII history, moving beyond traditional museum exhibits to an authentic, preserved site. The experience is enhanced by the dramatic setting and the tangible connection to the past that the tunnels provide. It's a place that encourages reflection on the resilience and ingenuity of people during wartime.
Experiencing the Panoramic Views
Visitors often describe the views as stunning and a significant highlight of their visit, even for those not primarily interested in military history. The combination of historical exploration and natural beauty creates a memorable experience. The best time to capture these vistas is often during the golden hours of late afternoon, when the light casts a warm glow over the scenery.
These sweeping vistas serve as a beautiful contrast to the somber history contained within the tunnels. They remind visitors of the enduring beauty of Crete, even amidst the echoes of conflict. The visual reward is a powerful element that elevates the visit beyond a simple historical tour, offering a moment of awe and appreciation for the island's natural splendor.
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