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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.
Get directions to Chora Sfakia beaches
There are plenty of activities to do at Chora Sfakia beaches, such as swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, sunbathing, and hiking.
Yes, there are several nearby attractions to visit, including the Samaria Gorge, the Imbros Gorge, and the ancient city of Lissos.
The best time to visit Chora Sfakia beaches is during the summer months, from June to September, when the weather is warm and sunny.
Yes, there are several restaurants and cafes near Chora Sfakia beaches, serving traditional Greek cuisine and fresh seafood.
Yes, there are several places where you can rent beach equipment, such as umbrellas, chairs, and snorkeling gear, at Chora Sfakia beaches.
Yes, it is generally safe to swim at Chora Sfakia beaches, but it is always important to be aware of the water conditions and any potential hazards, such as strong currents or jellyfish.
The water colour of the Chora Sfakia beaches is deep blue.
The Chora Sfakia beaches has pebbles as its sand type.
The water at the Chora Sfakia beaches is deep.
The surface of the sea at the Chora Sfakia beaches is usually calm.
The Chora Sfakia beaches has normal crowds.
The Chora Sfakia beaches has accommodation options, food/water nearby, umbrellas/beds, and sports facilities.
The Chora Sfakia beaches can be accessed through bus services and a paved road.
No other information is available about the Chora Sfakia beaches.
Find below list of things to do near Chora Sfakia beaches:
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.
After pickup at your area or hotel, we will begin our journey with a ride to the South of the island, providing insider information and history about the beautifula reas we pass by. We take a break for a coffee stop at Imbros Gorge, where we can view its entrance. Guests have the option to hike the gorge. Then, we will head (with our non-hikers) to the port of Sfakia to take a private boat trip to Loutro, offering breathtaking views of the sea and the island. Upon arrival at Loutro, you will have free time to explore the town or go swimming. After the hikes finish their hike, they join the rest of the guests in Loutro. Free time is 4 hours for non-hikers. Free time for hikers depends on how long it takes to hike the gorge. Finally, we will take a private boat ride back.
Discover Imbros Gorge, which runs parallel to the more famous Samaria Gorge. Although the Imbros Gorge is smaller, many people prefer to cross here because it offers a very different hiking experience than the Samaria Gorge. After your tour, enjoy a refreshing swim in the sea and lunch at a village taverna.
Enjoy hotel pickup and arrive at Imbros around 10 AM. Have breakfast and then hike about 2.5 hours to discover the beauty of this narrow natural passage. Learn about the rock formations and the legend of the 2 brothers that Imbros is named after.
For many years, the Imbros Gorge served as part of the trail that connected Chania to Hora Sfakion. Stroll through a piece of World War II history, as you walk where thousands of British soldiers passed through after the Battle of Crete to get to Egypt.
End your hike in Komitades Village and then depart for Sfakia. Take a swim in the refreshing Libyan Sea and eat lunch with the locals in the taverns before returning to your hotel.
Find below the list of hotels near Chora Sfakia beaches:
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
Vritomartis Naturist Resort operates as a licensed naturist hotel near Chora Sfakion on Crete island’s southern coast. The resort overlooks the Libyan Sea with the White Mountains behind and lies about 75 kilometers (47 miles) from Chania Airport. The Vritomartis nudist resort has 161 beds in 85 beautifully decorated rooms, of which 42 are located on two floors in the main building and 43 in 8 separate bungalows. All with balconies or terraces, air conditioning, free WiFi, and sea or mountain views. The resort follows International Naturist Federation standards: nudity is required at the pool and private naturist beach, while clothing is expected indoors.
Facilities feature a large swimming pool, children’s pool, tennis court, mini-golf, playground, pool bar, and taverna. Guests use the private pebble beach, 700 meters (0.4 miles) away, with shuttle service, bar, loungers, and showers. Dining options include a buffet restaurant serving Mediterranean and Cretan cuisine, with vegetarian and other dietary needs accommodated. A mini-market, parking, car rentals, massage services, and organised excursions are available.
Additional activities include naturist boat trips, coastal hikes, and visits to nearby villages.
from
€95
/night
Find below list of beaches near Chora Sfakia beaches:
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.
The beach Amoudi is located about 1.5km east of Chora Sfakion and 75km south of Chania, in an area with several adjacent pebbly beaches and very close to the nudists’ hotel Vritomartis. It is one of the many unknown beaches around Chora Sfakion, and one of the nicest. The area, due to conglomerate rocks, is full of small pebbly beaches, such as Agios Charalambos, Filaki and Plakakia.
A rough dirt road, which in the last section becomes quite bad, leads to the beach. Despite its name (ammoudi means sandy beach), Amoudi beach is not sandy but pebbly with crystal clear waters, the cleanest of all the beaches of the area. The seabed is quite remarkable with beautiful formations. Left and right of the beach, the rocks rise forming caves in conglomerate grounds, decorated with caper plants. Caves offer shade on hot summer days.
On the west side above the beach, there is a shrine which overlooks the sea from where the view at Amoudi bay is unique. The most impressive of all, however, is the geological formation called Fokia (Seal). It is a cave on the west edge of the beach, which at its deepest point creates a small beach and has a second outlet to the sea. Because of the two outputs and the easy possibility of escape this cave was used as a nest for sea seals that are still in the area.
On the east side of the beach, there is a path through the rocks leading after five minutes to the cavernous church of Saint Charalambos honoured highly by Sfakians. Next to the chapel, there is the slightly organized beach of Agios Charalambos, not organised. Saint Charalambos was the saint who protected people from the plague, so they used to build chapels dedicated to the Saint at the entrances of villages. But in Sfakia, where the dominant communication with the outside world was based on the sea, they built the temple on the shores. The coves and the nearby beach of Filaki are mainly occupied by nudists, actually being the only “official” nudism-friendly beaches on Crete (due to the nudists’ hotel).
The Agios Charalambos cove lies adjacent to a local hotel that caters exclusively to nudists. Situated 1.5km east of Chora Sfakion and 75km south of Chania, it can be found in an area dotted with several nearby pebble beaches. The shoreline comprises 3-4 sequentially isolated coves, with Sfakiano Ammoudi being the first one and Agios Charalambos the following one. A small path through the rocks, before reaching Agios Charalambos, leads to the cave-like church of Saint Charalambos, revered by the Sfakians. Known for protecting people from plagues, Saint Charalambos had chapels built in his name at village entrances. However, in Sfakia, where sea was the primary means of communication, the temple was built along the coast.
The coves, along with the nearby Filaki beach, are primarily occupied by nudists, making them Crete’s only “official” nudist-friendly beaches due to the presence of the nudist hotel. The beaches are pebbly and occasionally exposed to rare southern winds. Their isolated nature means there are no accommodation services, water sports, sunbeds, or lifeguards available. Only the Filaki beach houses a single canteen that can be accessed by car.
To reach the beaches, one can drive from Chora Sfakion or walk, heading east and taking a right turn about 150m after the gas station encountered when leaving Sfakia, towards the Vritomartis hotel. A junction lies just below the hotel. The left (eastern) road leads to Filaki beach, while the right (western) road takes you to the Ammoudi and Agios Charalambos coves.
Filaki beach is located 3 km from the village of Sfakion on the south coast of Crete and 75km south of Chania. If you are staying in Chora Sfakion, it is an easy walk to the beach. Filaki means “Prison”, it was named like this due to its remote location.
It is a pebble beach with rock formations. It is the only official nudist beach on the island. Thanks to the only nudist hotel in Crete in the immediate vicinity, you will meet many like-minded people.
The beach is not wild– Filaki has a well-developed infrastructure: it has a parking lot, water closets, bars, sling chairs, and umbrellas. A more friendly nudist beach cannot be found in Crete.
Crete’s southern treasures offer a diverse range of experiences, catering to a variety of interests.
Historical and Religious Sites: For those fascinated by religious history, the stunning Chrisoskalitissa Monastery is a must-visit. Perched atop a colossal rock, this holy sanctuary offers striking views and a rich historical narrative.
Nature Exploration: If you’re an outdoor enthusiast seeking immersion in nature, the Sfakiano Gorge is an absolute treat. Offering tranquil trails for serene walks, Sfakiano is an oasis of peace and scenic beauty on this idyllic island.
Beach-side Activities: For beach lovers, Filaki Beach holds its own unique charm. It’s not just the azure waters that captivate; the beach also hosts licensed naturist taverns serving delectable local cuisine. Moreover, adrenaline-pumping activities like snorkelling and spearfishing are readily available for thrill-seekers.
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