Sfakia in south-west Crete: the historic village of Chora Sfakion above the Libyan Sea, Imbros Gorge and the rugged region around it.
Sfakia Chania: The unspoilt and historical village of Sfakia is built on the hill slopes, overlooking the natural bay. It is situated around the White Mountains range and the famous Samaria Gorge. Sfakia lies 72 km south east of Chania town. Most of the inhabitants here are involved in fishing and goat raining producing delightful cheeses such as anthotiri or mizithra.
The main town of Sfakia constitutes an excellent place to start your exploration of the southern coast of Crete. The village is very traditional and authentic and its calm atmosphere is only interrupted during the afternoon by the arrivals of hikers coming from the Samaria Gorge with small boats.
The village is known for its local cuisine and a few excellent restaurants can be found on the seafront and inside Chora. The picturesque port of Sfakia is surrounded by many cafes and fish taverns and nearby is the main beach of Sfakia which is an excellent choice for swimming. This part of Crete is linked regularly with the town of Chania. From Sfakia you can visit the remarkable cliffs of Imbros and Samaria gorge.
Getting to Sfakia
Chora Sfakion is about 72 km from Chania. The road runs inland via Vrysses and climbs over the Askyfou plateau before winding down to the Libyan Sea, so allow around an hour and a half and take the bends slowly. KTEL buses connect Chania with Chora Sfakion, timed for the hikers returning from Samaria Gorge in summer.
Imbros Gorge
Imbros is the easier alternative to Samaria. The trail runs downhill for about 8 km from Imbros village to Komitades, near the coast, and most people take two and a half to three hours. It is shaded in places, and you can arrange a taxi back up to your car.
Boats along the south coast
There are no roads west of Chora Sfakion along the coast, so ferries link the harbour with Loutro, Agia Roumeli at the bottom of Samaria Gorge, Sougia and Paleochora, and with the island of Gavdos. Timetables change by season, so check them locally.
What to eat in Sfakia
Order a Sfakian pie (sfakiani pita): a thin pancake filled with soft mizithra cheese and drizzled with local honey. Goat and lamb dishes, graviera cheese and fresh fish from the harbour are the other things to try.
Beaches near Sfakia
Within a short drive or boat ride you can reach Frangokastello, Loutro, Glyka Nera and Marmara.
How far is Sfakia from Chania?
About 72 km, roughly an hour and a half by car over the White Mountains via Vrysses and Askyfou.
How do you get from Sfakia to Loutro?
By ferry from Chora Sfakion, which takes around 15 to 20 minutes, or on foot along the coastal path in about two hours.
