Who knows where this is ?

[Wuil]

It should be near Plakias ?

[Graham_and_Karen]

I wondered whether it is the tunnels round the headland past the far end of the beach. If so, then it is a photo looking back through the second tunnel towards the first. Somehow it looks too large and bright though - I know the first tunnel is very dark as you walk into it.

[toma2]

It might be the tunnel out on the headland beyond the far end, but the picture appears to be mirrored!!
By the way, is there a white woolly ruminant standing between the two tunnels, or am I just seeing sheep in broad daylight?  

Tom

[Wuil]

How do you get there? Where does the path lead to ?

[Graham_and_Karen]

How do you get there? Where does the path lead to ?
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Yes - I think the photo must be mirrored. To get to the tunnels, go to the far end of the beach. You should see a path startting at the base of the sheer cliff. You can either scramble up to it or pick up the path by the side of the Plakias Bay hotel. Follow the path round the headland and after about 10 minutes at most, you will see the tunnels. They lead to, what I believe was an old gun emplacement. My history is hopeless    so I don't know when the tunnels were first used (but I'm sure there are others who do)

[Wuil]

Thanks so far !
Is it worth the walk ? ( Is this correct English ??  )

[compage]

Perfect English.

[Graham_and_Karen]

Thanks so far !
Is it worth the walk ? ( Is this correct English ??  )
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Yes - worth the walk - it's not very far and the view back to the bay is good

[harribobs]

another view of the tunnels

[harribobs]

They lead to, what I believe was an old gun emplacement. My history is hopeless    so I don't know when the tunnels were first used (but I'm sure there are others who do)
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i'm not sure what the tunnels or the 'brickwork' were for either, but i can't see tham as gun emplacements, they are too exposed and high..they couldn't be served

i wonder if they were for cranes? ( is that spellit right?)

[toma2]

another view of the tunnels


 

I was told the story of the tunnels once, a long time ago, and this is what I remember, but don't quote me.   It used to be only one tunnel until somebody moved part of the cliff face into the bay by the help of explosives. Both the tunnel and the road leading out to it was built by the Germans during WWII. As for it's use, I can on only remember that it had something to do with boats. My theory is that smaller vessels docked there for fuel or supplies, as it would be easy to camouflage them with nets hanging of the cliff. This could also support Chris' theory of cranes (or was it krane).

There might have been some action in Plakias during WWII. It looks like the cliff has been shelled a couple of places. But then again it might have been done by freedom-loving Cretans celebrating the departure of their occupiers and using the abandoned equipment. Maybe there are not only handguns hidden away under Cretan beds.  

Tom

[harribobs]

i thought it might be later than WW2, mainly because in George Psychoundakis book he says there was only a donkey trail to plakias, so i don't see how they would have transported large loads  the track to them is very well made though

i think you're probably right about it being one tunnel originally

[toma2]

 I'm pretty certain I remember correctly about when the tunnel was made. Phillipos at the Meltemi was my first source. I know the story was confirmed in some travel-guide later on, but I can't remember which one. Maybe someone down there could find somebody who has been there the last 60 years and ask them.

Another thought just appeared: Wouldn't all supplies to anywhere on the south coast have to be brought in by boat anyway?

You are the war historian, Chris, so I expect you'll come up with the correct story soon.

Back in the 80s the tunnels were used as shelter by sheep trying to escape the sun, at day time, and by shoestring travelers trying to escape both the rain and the cost of a hostel bed, at night time.  Both daytime and nighttime occupiers left stuff on the ground, so trying to get through the first tunnel without a torch was quite adventurous.  

[harribobs]

Another thought just appeared: Wouldn't all supplies to anywhere on the south coast have to be brought in by boat anyway?

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most would have come over the road from rethmynion i would have thought, there was only a small guard post at plakias, i wouldn't have thought they'd need much in the supply line. i just suspect some of these stories have an urban myth quality about them ( like the U Boat base at the Kalypso )