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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.
Loutro beach is a small, secluded beach located in the village of Loutro on the south coast of Crete, Greece.
Yes, Loutro beach is suitable for swimming. The water is clear and calm, making it a great spot for swimming and snorkeling.
Yes, there are several restaurants and cafes located near Loutro beach. Visitors can enjoy traditional Greek cuisine and drinks while taking in the beautiful views of the Loutro and surrounding area.
Loutro beach is not usually crowded, as it is a small and secluded beach. However, it can get busier during peak tourist season.
Visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, and relaxing on the Loutro. There are also hiking trails and boat tours available in the surrounding area.
Yes, Loutro beach is family-friendly. The calm waters and small size of the Loutro make it a great spot for families with children.
The best time to visit Loutro beach is during the summer months, from June to September, when the weather is warm and sunny. However, visitors can also enjoy the Loutro during the spring and fall months when the weather is cooler and less crowded.
The water colour of the Loutro is deep blue and green.
The Loutro has pebbles and fine pebbles.
The water at the Loutro is deep.
The surface of the sea at the Loutro is usually calm.
The Loutro has normal crowds.
The Loutro has accommodation options, food/water nearby, umbrellas/beds, sports, and showers.
The Loutro can be accessed by boat or walking.
The Loutro is ideal for snorkeling and spearfishing.
Find below list of things to do near Loutro:
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.
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Find below the list of hotels near Loutro:
Located in Livanianá, 600 metres from Lycos Beach, Georgoshouse Lykos beach Sfakia provides accommodation with a garden, free private parking, a restaurant and a bar. Less than 1 km from Marmara Beach and a 13-minute walk from Finikas Beach, the hotel features a private beach area. The accommodation offers room service and free WiFi throughout the property.
At the hotel, every room includes a patio with a garden view. Each room is fitted with a shared bathroom with a shower, while selected rooms come with a terrace and others also offer sea views. At Georgoshouse Lykos beach Sfakia all rooms are equipped with bed linen and towels.
The daily breakfast offers continental, vegetarian or vegan options.
Guests at the accommodation will be able to enjoy activities in and around Livanianá, like hiking and snorkelling.
Fortress of Frangokastello is 38 km from Georgoshouse Lykos beach Sfakia. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 100 km from the hotel.
from
€45
/night
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
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Find below list of beaches near Loutro:
Likos is a coastal hamlet featuring a diminutive port, situated 900m west of Loutro and 83km south of Chania, on the outskirts of the virtually uninhabited village of Livaniana. Nearby to the east lies the somewhat larger community of Finikas (Phoenix), with a rocky hill serving as a border between them.
The beach at Lykos, in comparison to Finikas, is considerably rocky and houses a small dock for boat arrivals, although it is exposed to southern gusts. Despite not standing out as a beach, its serenity and abundant marine life make this secluded spot worth exploring. Traditional taverns, offering a limited number of rooms, provide a chance for visitors to escape their hectic daily routines.
The European pathway E4, connecting the Marmara beach at the exit of the Aradena Gorge with Loutro, traverses Lykos. The most frequent means of arriving, however, is by private or rented boat from Hora Sfakion or Loutro. Another option for those preferring to arrive by car is to drive from Chora Sfakion to Anopolis, then continue to the village of Livaniana. A dirt road from there leads to Likos and Finikas. The drive from Anopolis, taking approximately half an hour, is thoroughly enjoyable due to the stunning natural beauty and untamed landscape.
Finikas, also known as Phoenix, is a quaint harbour situated in the Sfakia province, about 83km south of Chania city. It lies approximately 700m west of Loutro, within the broader Livaniana village area. The area was named after the ancient town of Phoenix, whose remnants can still be found near Loutro. It served as the port for the ancient city of Anopolis. The European E4 hiking trail that links Marmara beach (the Aradena Gorge exit) to Loutro village traverses through Finikas. A massive rock to the west separates Finikas from the Likos harbour.
Within the Finikas port, there is an attractive pebble beach. It’s reasonably well-equipped with umbrellas and canoes. Visitors can take advantage of the reasonably priced boat trips to and from Loutro and Marmara. There’s also a charming tavern right on the beach and several rooms where one can unwind and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
You can access Finikas via a drivable dirt road from Livaniana (through Anopolis). Alternatively, the easiest way to reach the beaches is by taking a boat from Chora Sfakion or Loutro.
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.
Dialiskari, also known as Marmara beach, is a stunning secluded pebble-filled bay situated near the end of the majestic Aradena Gorge, within the Sfakia region. It is situated 85km to the south of Chania city and 5km to the west of Loutro. This beach serves as a resting spot for the hikers of Aradena Gorge before they proceed towards Loutro.
Marmara, translating to “marbles”, gets its name from the soft colourful rocks and the sea caves that are the highlight of this location. The beach is a 60-minute walk from the nearest inhabited beach of Lykos and a 75-minute walk from Loutro. The absence of roads only allows for access by foot or boat. Near the beach, there’s a quaint tavern offering delicious food (be sure to reserve in advance!) and beach umbrellas.
During the summer months, there are daily boats available from Loutro. If you find yourself in the Loutro area, a visit to Marmara and a hike through the Aradena Gorge come highly recommended.
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