Agia Roumeli beach

Situated 56km south of Chania city, Agia Roumeli is a quaint village nestled in the wide bay at the exit of Samaria Gorge. This serene village, set against the rugged and mountainous backdrop of Sfakia province, attracts thousands of visitors every day who descend through the gorge. The village can be reached either by trekking through the gorge or by taking a ferry from Chora Sfakia, Loutro, Paleochora, and Sougia. The village offers basic amenities like traditional taverns, accommodation facilities, cafes, a mini market, internet access, and a telephone.

From 13:00 to 16:00, the village and its beaches are bustling with visitors, but it regains its tranquillity after the departure of the ferries. An overnight stay in the village offers a unique opportunity to appreciate the beauty of this place, its warm-hearted inhabitants, delectable food, and breathtaking natural beauty.

The magnificent beaches of Agia Roumeli spread over a length of 3km or more. The area near the village is more crowded and organized, with Gialos beach in front of the taverns being the most developed and crowded. Other beaches include beautiful pebbly beaches at Zeromouri, Mashali, and beaches near the caves known as Spilies sto Marmaro or Caves in Marble.

The Samaria Gorge, the longest in Europe at 18km, is a prime attraction, drawing thousands of tourists in summer who trek the distance in about 6 hours. Some tourists visit Crete specifically to traverse the majestic gorge. If time is a constraint, you can start from Agia Roumeli and walk backwards.

Agia Roumeli is built on the ruins of the Roman settlement, Tara. The ruins of the Temple of Apollo (or Artemis) and the old church of Panagia (Virgin Mary) built in 1500 can be found west of the village. A ruined Turkish castle (Kule), offering spectacular views of the village, the Libyan Sea, and the islands of Gavdos and Gavdopoula, sits atop the hill above the village. Nearby, you can visit the beautiful church of St. Anthony nestled in a rocky cavity.

About 2km north of the village, within the gorge, lies the old village of Agia Roumeli, surrounded by greenery. Here, you can find ruins of old houses and some restored homes. The village, devastated by floods in 1954, was relocated to its current location in Agia Roumeli.

Agia Roumeli’s people and food are attractions in themselves. The locals are true Cretans, warm and welcoming, offering home-bred meat, cheese, vegetables, and honey in their restaurants. Despite the influx of tourism, Agia Roumeli has retained its authenticity and charm, offering visitors a chance to experience traditional Cretan hospitality, savor local delicacies, and enjoy the serenity of nature.