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.
Beach details
- Fine Pebbles
- Pebbles
- Deep blue
- Deep
- Usually calm
- Tranquil
- Accommodation
- Food and water
- Showers
- Umbrellas and beds
- Boat
- Hiking
- Ideal for snorkeling
- Rock shade
Location
Agia Roumeli beach is located at Agia Roumeli beach, in the Chania region of Crete. The map below shows the exact spot; Google Maps and Waze give turn-by-turn directions.
Frequently asked questions
What is the location of Agia Roumeli beach?
Agia Roumeli beach is located on the southern coast of Crete, Greece.
Is Agia Roumeli beach accessible by car?
No, Agia Roumeli beach is only accessible by boat or by hiking the Samaria Gorge.
What is the Samaria Gorge?
The Samaria Gorge is a national park and a popular hiking destination in Crete. It is a 16 km long gorge that ends at Agia Roumeli beach.
Are there any nearby attractions to Agia Roumeli beach?
Yes, the nearby attractions include the ruins of the ancient city of Lissos, the Agia Roumeli lighthouse, and the Imbros Gorge.
What is the best time to visit Agia Roumeli beach?
The best time to visit Agia Roumeli beach is during the summer months, from June to September, when the weather is warm and sunny.
Is Agia Roumeli beach suitable for families with children?
Yes, Agia Roumeli beach is suitable for families with children. The water is shallow and calm, and there are no strong currents or waves.
Are there any water sports activities available at Agia Roumeli beach?
No, there are no water sports activities available at Agia Roumeli beach. It is a quiet and peaceful beach, ideal for swimming and sunbathing.
What is the water colour of the Agia Roumeli beach?
The water colour of the Agia Roumeli beach is deep blue.
What type of sand is found on the Agia Roumeli beach?
The Agia Roumeli beach has pebbles and fine pebbles.
How deep is the water at the Agia Roumeli beach?
The water at the Agia Roumeli beach is deep.
What is the surface of the sea like at the Agia Roumeli beach?
The surface of the sea at the Agia Roumeli beach is usually calm.
What is the crowd like at the Agia Roumeli beach?
The Agia Roumeli beach is usually quiet.
What facilities are available at the Agia Roumeli beach?
The Agia Roumeli beach has accommodation options, food/water nearby, umbrellas/beds, and showers.
How can the Agia Roumeli beach be accessed?
The Agia Roumeli beach can be accessed by boat or walking.
What other information is available about the Agia Roumeli beach?
The Agia Roumeli beach is ideal for snorkeling/spearfishing and has rock shade.
