Glyka Nera, translated as “sweet water” ranks as one of Crete’s most picturesque beaches, adorned with captivating deep blue waters and charming pebbles. In 2003, it earned a place amongst the top 20 European beaches by the London Times. Positioned 43km west of Chora Sfakion and 75km south of Chania, its unique name stems from the freshwater springs that bubble up amongst its pebbles.
Typically, Glyka Nera is most readily accessible via boat. However, for thrill-seekers, two hiking paths offer an alternate route: a 30-minute journey from the closest parking spot near Iligas beach, and an hour-long trek from Loutro. Despite the trails bordering steep edges, safety is ensured by regular maintenance from local authorities, given the paths are part of the renowned E4 European footpath.
A quaint tavern perched on a rock offers food, refreshing drinks, and loungers. You need not carry water as the spring water is drinkable. Interestingly, even in the peak of summer, the sea remains refreshingly cool due to these springs. Tamarisk trees generously provide shade along the beach. If given the chance, a visit to Glyka Nera is a must.
Get directions to Glika Nera beach
Glika Nera means “sweet water” in Greek.
Yes, Glika Nera beach is suitable for families with children as the water is shallow and calm.
No, there are no water sports activities available at Glika Nera beach.
Yes, there are some trees and umbrellas available for shade at Glika Nera beach.
No, there are no accommodation available near Glika Nera beach.
No, there are no restaurants or cafes available at Glika Nera beach.
The water colour of the Glika Nera beach is deep blue.
The Glika Nera beach has pebbles as its sand type.
The water at the Glika Nera beach is deep.
The surface of the sea at the Glika Nera beach is usually calm.
The Glika Nera beach is usually quiet with fewer crowds.
The Glika Nera beach has nearby food and water facilities, umbrellas and beds, and sports facilities.
The Glika Nera beach can be accessed by boat or walking.
The Glika Nera beach is nudism friendly, ideal for snorkeling and spearfishing, and has tree shade.
Find below list of things to do near Glika Nera beach:
The bus will pick you up promptly from your assigned location and take you to Sfakia which is located in southern Chania. From there you will enter the boat that will take you to Glyka Nera in about 15 minutes. Glyka Nera is also known as “Sweet Water Beach” and it’s one the most beautiful beaches in Crete. Its name stems from the fresh water spring that bubbles up amongst the pebbles. It is a spectacular beach with crystal clear turquoise water and rugger cliffs. Here you will have 2 hours free time to take a swim and a coffee break. You then board the boat which will take you to Loutro. Loutro is amphitheatrically built above the bay where you can soak up the beautiful surroundings. Here you will have 3 hours of free time to eat in one of the many exceptional restaurants or take a swim and relax along the beachside. The last stop is in Sfakia where you will have free time to explore the charming seaside village. Sfakia is surrounded by untamed landscapes which makes it the perfect end to this exciting excursion. Our bus and experienced personnel will be waiting to take you back to Rethymno.
Important note :
The bus will not wait for anyone that is late to any meeting point as the boats leave promptly on the assigned time schedule.
Boat charges are not included in the price.
From antiquity to the present, every location on the island of Crete has a compelling story to share. One must-visit site, if you find yourself in Crete, is Anopolis!
The “Cretan Nights” show in Anopolis offers a unique fusion of a performance inspired by Greek history, Greek musical tradition, and Cretan gastronomy. With over 22 performers, this show will transport you to ancient Greece through spectacular theatrical performances.
The experience also includes traditional dishes, unlimited white and red wine, and opportunities to dance along with the performers. A live band accompanies the show, guaranteeing an evening filled with Greek-style fun and entertainment.
You will see:
– Minoan theatrical happening
– Cretan dances
– Traditional dances from all over Greece
– Dancing with guests
– Kastrinos/Maleviziotis Cretan dance (The war dance)
– Bouzouki party
– Zorbas the Greek
– Olympic Games theatrical performance
– Zeibekiko and tsifteteli show (Greek dances)
– Nikos Kazantzakis meets Alexis Zorbas (Theatrical performance)
Drive along the coastline to Chania, then travel up to the Omalos plateau in the White Mountains. From there, embark on a trek into the Samaria Gorge, which is 18 km long, 3-150 meters wide, and up to 700 meters deep. The Samaria National Park is a significant natural reserve that showcases a range of natural wonders, including wildflowers, century-old trees, rock formations, and crystal-clear springs.
The hike begins at an altitude of 1200 m on the Omalos plateau and takes around 4-6 hours. You’ll pass through the longest gorge in Europe, which features breathtaking beauty and diverse scenery. The narrowest part of the gorge is only 3 meters wide, and the rock walls soar steeply by 350 meters at this point. Please note that the path through the gorge is rugged, rocky, and uneven, making it unsuitable for unfit individuals or clients with heart problems, high blood pressure, or pregnancy.
Throughout the journey, there are numerous rest stops where you can find restrooms and drinking water. In the afternoon, you’ll arrive at the charming fishing village of Agia Roumeli on the Libyan Sea, where you can relax in the taverns or swim in the crystal-clear, turquoise sea after the hike. Later in the day, you’ll take a one-hour boat ride from Agia Roumeli to Chora Sfakion, passing the magnificent rocks of the southern coast of Crete, where our bus will be waiting to transport you back home.
We will set a meeting point in the heart of modern Chania town and we will start our experience in the Cretan taste. As a first stop we will try the famous traditional Bougatsa which combines the light salty taste of fresh cheese with sugar in an extremely crispy thin layer of dough. Of course, a Greek traditional coffee could not be missing of this typical Chania breakfast.
Then we will find ourselves in the paradise of herbs and not only… A local expert of herbs will introduce us to the many different varieties of herbs from the mountains of Crete that are known for their healing and soothing nature. Malotira, Fliskouni, Diktamo, Sage, cinnamon, honey, oil and legumes, all organically produced and only from the island of Crete.
Next stop will be in the mayor’s house, not for us to meet him but because there we will visit a local, family running, traditional “kaltsounadiko”. The word means the preparation room of the traditional dish called “kaltsouni” which is a kind of small pie with traditional sheet, filled with cheese or greens or a mixture of these two and baked in the oven or fried. Sweet and savory dishes will excite our taste buds…
And now the time has come to try all the types of cheeses produced in Crete. The traditional and the contemporary, marry to give us the ultimate taste!!! Next stop the Cretan cheese world. This small shop is the branch of a cheese factory, well known to the locals, that presents its flavors to us. We will try different types of cheese that are made in in modern facilities but preserving the tradition.
At this point a break is necessary and so we will follow the way to the old port of Chania having a walk next to the sea giving us the opportunity to share with you some of the history of the city.
Following, we will be welcomed under the shade of the Plane trees with a different dish from the southern region of Chania, the Sfakia area, with their homonymous pie and the famous Dakos dish.
Through the most picturesque alleys and after a short walking we will enjoy Gyros and beer. You should not leave Greece without trying the traditional souvlaki!!!
And if you thought we were done you were wrong…Have you ever heard about Loukoumades??
If yes then we have a surprise for you, if not then get ready for an explosion of flavors in your mouth that will last for a long time and you will remember it forever. Golden balls of dough filled with chocolate, deep fried and covered by honey and sesame… Of course, our gustatory journey could not miss the ice cream that will accompany this wonderful treat.
Embark on an unforgettable journey from Rethymno to Samaria Gorge, where adventure and natural splendor await. Board our comfortable bus accompanied by an experienced guide who will enrich your experience with insights into the region’s history and geology.
Upon arrival, we make a brief stop at a tavern in Omalos for a rest or optional breakfast, before heading to the entrance of the gorge. Here, we begin our trek with our knowledgeable guide. The hike typically takes around 5-6 hours, but the duration may vary depending on individual fitness levels and walking pace.
After completing the trek, we’ll have free time in the charming seaside village of Agia Roumeli. Relax by the crystal-clear waters of the Libyan Sea or explore the village’s quaint streets and traditional tavernas.
Finally, we’ll take a boat back to Sfakia, where our bus awaits to transport us back to the hotels, concluding our adventure through Samaria Gorge.
We start the private transfer from the place that you have indicated to us or from the point that we have designated for you. After a journey of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, we arrive at the entrance of the Samaria Gorge. The entrance ticket to Samaria costs 5€ and you pay upon arrival at the entrance. The hike in the gorge starts from Xyloskalos, Omalos (at an altitude of 1,200 meters). The Samaria Gorge is 18 kilometers long and the duration of the hike is between 5-6 hours depending on the physical condition and pace of the hike.
Walking in the Samaria Gorge, one discovers a varied landscape, with water springs, impressive large rocks stretching out into the stream, oak trees rooted in the rocks, scents of herbs, and the Cretan wild
goat (kri-kri) climbing a steep slope (for those lucky enough to see it).
You will also feel the sensation of wild nature enjoying the narrowest point of the gorge (3-4 meters), known as the Iron Gates.
At the end of the hike, you reach Agia Roumeli where you can enjoy swimming in the cold waters of the river or the waters of the Libyan Sea. You can still have lunch and buy the tickets for the boat to Chora Sfakion (the boat leaves at 17:30). After a short trip of about 45 minutes you will arrive at Chora Sfakion where the driver will be waiting for you to return to the original meeting point, driving for about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Find below the list of hotels near Glika Nera beach:
Located in Anopoli Sfakion and only 25 km from Fortress of Frangokastello, Madares Apartments Anopolis provides accommodation with mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking. This apartment offers air-conditioned accommodation with a patio.
The apartment comes with 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchenette, and a terrace with sea views.
If you would like to discover the area, cycling is possible in the surroundings.
The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 87 km from the apartment.
Boasting inner courtyard views, Braos Villa features accommodation with a balcony and a kettle, around 100 metres from Vrissi Beach. With quiet street views, this accommodation provides a patio.
The air-conditioned apartment consists of 1 bedroom, a living room, a fully equipped kitchen with a fridge and a coffee machine, and 1 bathroom with a hot tub and an a bath or shower. A flat-screen TV with streaming services is available.
Ilingas Beach is 1.1 km from the apartment, while Ammoudi Beach is 1.9 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 77 km from Braos Villa.
The Authentic Village Boutique Hotel is located in Chora Sfakion, just 100 meters from Vrissi Beach and less than 1 kilometer from Ilingas Beach. The hotel embraces a philosophy centered around the utmost comfort and satisfaction of its guests.
From every angle, the influence of Cretan culture, heritage, and architecture is evident, providing a holistic view of the Cretan lifestyle. Constructed with local grey stone and wood, the materials contribute to a sense of warmth, tranquility, and romance.
The entire building harmoniously blends with the surrounding physical environment, preserving the captivating landscape and the local essence. Living like a local and taking advantage of the contemporary conveniences is possible here. The Authentic Village is a true embodiment of Cretan tradition, offering unforgettable and personalized experiences.
from
€80
/night
Jacuzzi maisonette in Sfakia center ‘New 2023’ has a terrace and is located in Khóra Sfakíon, within just 1.1 km of Ilingas Beach and 1.9 km of Ammoudi Beach. The accommodation is 100 metres from the Vrissi Beach and features free WiFithroughout the property.
The air-conditioned apartment consists of 1 bedroom, a living room, a fully equipped kitchen with an oven and a coffee machine, and 1 bathroom with a hot tub and a hair dryer. Towels and bed linen are provided in the apartment.
The apartment offers a hot tub. A car rental service is available at Jacuzzi maisonette in Sfakia center ‘New 2023’.
Fortress of Frangokastello is 15 km from the accommodation, while Historical – Folklore Museum of Gavalochori is 46 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International, 77 km from Jacuzzi maisonette in Sfakia center ‘New 2023’, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Located on the sea front of Chora Sfakion and just 10 metres from the Libyan Sea, the hotel Samaria by the Sea features 11 rooms with balcony and sea view. Free WiFi is offered throughout the entire property.
All air-conditioned units come with direct Libyan Sea view as well as the surrounding mountain view. They feature a TV with satellite channels, and a refrigerator. They also include a bathroom with bath or shower and free toiletries.
Guests can start their day with a Greek Continental breakfast served at the hotel’s outdoor terrace restaurant area. Hotel’s restaurant also includes a bar with snack options available.
Vrissi Beach is just around the corner while Iliggas and Ammoudi Beaches are within a 5-minute drive from Samaria by the Sea. Chania International Airport is at 80 km. Free private parking is possible on site upon availability.
from
€89
/night
Located in Sfakiá, 400 metres from Vrissi Beach, panorama new generation provides accommodation with a terrace, free private parking and a bar. The property is situated 1.4 km from Ilingas Beach, 1.5 km from Ammoudi Beach and 2.4 km from Fylaki Beach. Agios Charalambos Beach is 2.4 km away and Fortress of Frangokastello is 15 km from the hotel.
At the hotel, rooms are equipped with a balcony with a sea view. With a private bathroom equipped with a hairdryer, rooms at panorama new generation also provide guests with free WiFi, while some rooms here will provide you with pool view. At the accommodation, every room comes with air conditioning and a flat-screen TV.
Historical – Folklore Museum of Gavalochori is 45 km from panorama new generation. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 76 km from the hotel.
from
€135
/night
Find below list of beaches near Glika Nera beach:
The trio of neighbouring coves – Small Perivolaki, Large Perivolaki, and Timios Stavros – are nestled 2.5km west of Chora Sfakion and 74km south of Chania city. Situated in a rugged mountainous region, they lie midway between Glyka Nera beach and Loutro on the E4 European walking trail.
Small Perivolaki is the first beach to the west, followed by Large Perivolaki, with Timios Stavros being the furthest east. These beaches are characterized by pebbles and large rock formations. Their secluded nature makes them a favoured spot for naturists and snorkelling enthusiasts. However, there are no amenities nearby, with Loutro being the closest at 1km to the west. There is also a lack of natural shade, making it essential to bring your own umbrellas. Access to these coves is either by a 1km walk from Loutro to Glyka Nera or by boat.
A few meters west of Timios Stavros cove, you’ll find the small chapel of Timios Stavros, or Holy Cross. The chapel stands on the site of a former Venetian fortress, the ruins of which can still be seen scattered around the church.
Iligas, a stunning beach with turquoise waters and sandy shores, can be found 1km west of Chora Sfakion and 74km south of Chania city on Crete island. It sits at the mouth of the Kavi Gorge originates near Anopolis and features three separate beaches, each divided by impressive sea caves.
The primary beach, which is quite lengthy, can be reached by taking a short stroll from the main Sfakia-Anopolis road. The superior beaches are situated east of this and can only be accessed by boat or by swimming from the main beach.
You can find a small tavern offering rooms for rent on the main Iligas beach, but Chora Sfakion offers more facilities. Iligas is considered one of the most beautiful and easily reachable beaches in southern Crete. Each of the three beaches hosts several caves, providing shadows and coolness. The beach’s accessibility and proximity to Sfakia make it an ideal spot for a brisk 10-15 minute walk from Sfakia.
Sfakia, also known as Chora Sfakíon, is a quaint town located on the southern coast of Chania. This town, nestled near the end of the Sfakiano Gorge and 74km south of Chania city, serves as the capital of the isolated and mountainous region of Sfakia.
Vrissi, the primary beach of Chora Sfakion, can be found at the town’s western end. This appealing pebbly beach is well-maintained and conveniently close to the town’s facilities. You can stroll down the narrow lanes of the village to reach the beach. Overlooking the eastern end of the beach is the ancient Byzantine church of Saint George, locally known as Agios Georgios.
Adjacent to the quaint harbour of Sfakia, locally referred to as Limani or Ombrosgialos, is another beach. Although smaller and less attractive than Vrissi, it is well-arranged and situated in front of the local tavernas. This harbour is the departure point for the ferry service to Agia Roumeli, Loutro, Sougia, Gavdos island, and Paleochora. A memorial above the beach pays tribute to the final Australian, British, and New Zealand forces who were evacuated from this bay by British and Australian warships between 28th May and 1st June 1941, after the intense Battle of Crete.
Located roughly 71 km south of Chania city on Crete Island, Loutro is a quaint seaside village at the edge of Cape Mouri. This charming village is steeped in history, once being the site of the ancient city of Phoenix and the port of ancient Anopolis. It later served as a winter port for Chora Sfakion, its naturally formed harbour providing safe anchorage for ships even amidst harsh weather conditions.
Loutro makes for an excellent base for exploring the neighbouring beaches, accessible by taxi boat, canoe, or on foot. A small ferry can whisk you away to the stunning Glyka Nera beach to the village’s east. Alternatively, you can opt for a canoe ride or a hike along the E4 trail to the secluded pebbly beaches of Timios Stavros and Pervolaki, with your journey continuing to Glyka Nera. If you prefer to stay within Loutro, the village’s own beach and the extended Keramos beach to the east offer a serene retreat, especially during strong southern winds. These well-maintained pebbly beaches boast calm, crystal-clear waters in shades of deep blue and green. Nearby beaches of Likos, Finikas, and Marmara are also within easy reach by boat or on foot.
Loutro is a haven for those seeking a unique experience away from the bustle of mass tourism. This picturesque fishing village in southwest Crete is devoid of large hotels and swimming pools, crowded streets, restaurants, and beaches, and even cars! The only means of access is by boat or a 1.5-2 hour trek from Chora Sfakion. Daily ferry services operate to and from Chora Sfakion, Sougia, Gavdos island, Paleochora, and Agia Roumeli.
Things to do in Loutro
While in Loutro, you can revel in nature’s beauty by exploring the scenic mountain landscape, valleys, and gorges. Start with a visit to the Koules fort situated above Loutro, then head to the small port of Finikas. The village brims with historic sites, including the Old School, which served as the Chancellor of Sfakia’s seat in 1821, and the ancient Church of Panagia nestled next to it. Marvel at the tall Cretan date palm trees and the ruins of the Castella fort, part of the ancient town Phoenix, and the temple of Apollo just south of the village.
For the more adventurous, a climb to the idyllic village and plateau of Anopolis awaits. This entails a two-hour ascent on a 2000-year-old mule track, culminating in a selection of inviting taverns at the top. You can also explore the Aradena gorge or snorkel in the local waters, home to frequent sea turtle visitors.
Loutro, which translates to “bath” in Greek, was named after the baths discovered in the area, their waters once directed towards nearby Anopolis.
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