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Agia Roumeli, a quaint isolated village, lies 56km to the south of Chania city, situated in a broad bay at the mouth of the Samaria Gorge. It’s a popular spot for tourists who descend the gorge daily, basking in the sun on the main beach, Gialos, which stretches before the taverns. More adventurous travellers can explore the serene and picturesque beaches in the vicinity, with Mashali, the western part of Agia Roumeli bay, being one of them.
A secondary boat dock, associated with a solitary tavern that offers rooms, is present. Two stunning beaches with fine pebbles are adjacent to this dock. The tavern provides complimentary sunbeds, umbrellas, and canoes. Large rocks on these beaches offer shade and privacy, making it a haven for nudists. Care must be taken while traversing the main road from the tavern to the dock, due to occasional stonefalls caused by mountain goats. While these stonefalls are not highly dangerous, it’s safer to walk on the left side, away from the mountain walls.
Venturing further from Mashali by swimming or kayaking beyond the beach’s western edge, leads to three caves. These caves are fronted by small pebbled beaches, referred to as Spilies to Marmaro, or ‘Caves in Marble’.
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The water colour of the Mashali beach is deep blue.
The Mashali beach has pebbles and fine pebbles.
The water at the Mashali beach is deep.
The surface of the sea at the Mashali beach is usually calm.
The Mashali beach is usually quiet.
The Mashali beach has accommodation options, food/water nearby, and umbrellas/beds.
The Mashali beach can be accessed by boat or walking.
The Mashali beach is ideal for snorkeling/spearfishing and has rock shade.
Find below list of things to do near Mashali beach:
An experience not to be missed! Hike along the rugged terrain of the Samaria Gorge cutting through a limestone plateau and at a length of 18 kilometres it is Europe’s longest gorge.
You will visit and will surely be enchanted by the beautiful landscapes of Crete. At one point of the gorge the walls are only 3 metres apart from each other, and are known as the ’iron curtains’ with sides rising sheer up to 100 feet.
The hike is followed by the opportunity for lunch break late in the afternoon at a local traditional taverna or coffee or swimming at Agia Roumeli at the end of Gorge.
After break we do a short cruise around the southern coastline to the pretty costal village of Chora Sfakion, where our journey ends and take our way back to your hotels.
Type of excursion: Adventure – educational – Full day
Enjoy an unforgettable journey commencing at the Omalos Plateau, where we’ll gather any final supplies and prepare for the upcoming trek!
Samaria Gorge for 4.5 to 6 hours.
Immerse yourself in the beauty of Europe’s longest gorge, the Samaria Gorge, for an extraordinary trek. Spanning 16 kilometers, this adventure unveils the majestic White Mountains, a serene river, and glimpses of the elusive kri-kri (animal). Led by our experienced guide, prepare for a journey filled with awe-inspiring moments.
The duration to traverse Samaria Gorge in Crete fluctuates based on individual pace, fitness level, and the frequency of breaks taken during the journe
Agia Roumeli Village
Upon emerging from the gorge, discover the tranquil haven of Agia Roumeli, where a stunning beach awaits, nestled between the towering cliffs and the Libyan Sea. Indulge in leisurely swims, unwind on the shore, and relish local delicacies at a nearby taverna.
Boat Trip back
Continue your adventure with a scenic boat ride from Agia Roumeli to Chora Sfakion, marking the beginning of our return journey. While the duration may vary slightly depending on sea conditions, rest assured that our boats are equipped with seating areas, toilets, and snack bars offering refreshments for your enjoyment.
Chora Sfakion
Conclude our excursion as we transition back to buses, ready to transport you to your drop-off points in the Heraklion Region. Get ready to reminisce about the unforgettable experiences of the day!
From its jaw-dropping villages to its healthy Mediterranean cuisine, Crete is a feast for the senses. The stunning beauty of Samariá Gorge National Park is an important part of the island’s attraction.
On this full-day excursion you’ll be picked up in Chania and travel by comfortable bus to the park. Get ready to be wowed by the gorge, as high limestone cliffs and quaint village create the background for a great hike.
The walking tour from one end of Samaria gorge to the other is a challenging 18 kilometers. The terrain in the gorge is rough, rocky, and uneven and the hike is not suitable for anyone who has heart problems or is unfit, or for pregnant women.
There are a number of stopping points along the route, where you’ll find toilets and drinking water. At some points the gorge is only 3 meters wide and you may have to climb over boulders. You’ll reach the end of the gorge at Agia Roumeli, and stop for a break and a bite to eat (the price of the food is not included).
You’ll return by boat to Sougia where you’ll be picked up by the coach.
Take a hike through Samaria Gorge with pickup in Malia and Heraklion. Trek through this impressive gorge, known for being the longest in Europe. Make a stop at the Plateau of Omalos, admire the mountains of the gorge, and take an unforgettable journey through Cretan nature.
Get picked up in the morning from your designated pickup point and head towards Omalos. Once there, make sure you have all the equipment and take the chance to buy some supplies before entering into the gorge.
Begin the trek, and feel the impressiveness of the longest gorge in Europe. Take in the surrounding views of the White Mountains, admire the small river that runs through it, and catch sight of the Cretan wild goats, commonly known as Kri-Kri.
At the exit, find yourself by the Libyan Sea in the village of Agia Roumeli. Explore this beautiful and isolated village, nestled between huge rocks and the expansive sea. Enjoy a relaxing and refreshing swim at the beach, and have some lunch in a small local tavern.
Later, embark on a boat that takes you back to Chora Sfakion. There, catch the bus that returns back to the resort.
The Samaria Gorge is the jewel of the White Mountains; hidden in the southern part of the prefecture of Chania, it is the largest gorge in Europe, with a length of 18 kilometres, and the most visited trail in Greece.
The gorge trail starts at Ksyloskalo (Omalos plateau, 1,227 metres above sea level) and, after following the river bed, ends at the coastal village of Agia Roumeli.
It is a very pleasant walk, not strenuous, with many changes of scenery and a varied environment, and it is excellently equipped with signals and signposts that eliminate the risk of getting lost. It is important to remember, however, that although the whole route is not difficult, there are certain sections that require more attention.
Your day starts after we pick you up from a designated pick up point (which can be outside your hotel or as close as possible). We then drive to the Omalos plateau and stop for breakfast (optional).
After breakfast we drive to the entrance of the Samaria gorge called Xyloskalo and start the walk.
The walk usually takes 4 – 6 hours and you will be able to admire extraordinary rock formations, many endemic plants, flowers and animals, the most famous of which is the Cretan wild goat called “Kri – Kri” (or Aegagros as it is called in the local dialect). Everyone will walk at their own pace without the need to keep up with a group, if you need anything feel free to ask your guide – mountain escort who will also enter the gorge with you.
At the end of the walk you will find yourself in the remote village of Ag. Roumeli, where you can cool off and enjoy the beach. You will also be able to sample the local cuisine by having lunch in one of the local taverns.
The tour ends after taking the ferry from Ag. Roumeli to Sougia and board our busses back to your hotel (or the designated pick up point you had in the morning).
Stop to purchase a hearty breakfast in Rethymno on this full-day Samaria Gorge excursion. Begin your trek at Xiloskalo, where you’ll enter the vast, 18-kilometer canyon.
Hike along a path that follows the route of the ancient Taras River. Admire the caves that formed a natural shelter for the Cretans in war times and now are home to wild goats.
See the abandoned village of Samaria before reaching the Iron Gates, 3 kilometers before the end of the gorge.
Rest and enjoy lunch (at your own expense) at the small fishing village of Agia Roumeli. Cool off with a refreshing swim in the Libyan Sea before boarding the ship that takes you back to the village of Sfakia.
Find below the list of hotels near Mashali beach:
Located 60 metres from the beach of Agia Roumeli, the quietly located Artemis Studios offers split-level, self-catering accommodation with side sea view towards west, garden or mountain views from its balcony. It features a family-run restaurant.
The air-conditioned studios of Artemis have an open-plan kitchenette with seating and dining area. Each is equipped with a fridge and cooking hobs. The private bathroom comes with shower and free toiletries. Free WiFi is offered.
Guests can start their day with a continental breakfast served daily at the Artemis Restaurant, where traditional Cretan dishes can also be enjoyed at discounted prices for lunch or dinner.
Mini markets can be found within a short walk from the property. The village of Agia Roumeli is accessible either by crossing the Samaria Gorge or by ferry from Sfakia, Sougia or Paleochora. Guests have the chance to participate in a 4-day activity programme at Samaria Gorge.
from
€56
/night
Calypso Hotel is located just 20 metres from the beach, in Agia Roumeli village. It features rooms with air conditioning and a furnished balcony with Libyan Sea views. The on-site café-restaurant serves breakfast.
Calypso rooms are fitted with tiled floors and wooden ceilings and include a refrigerator. Free Wi-Fi access is offered in all public areas.
Sun beds and umbrellas are available on the beach at an extra charge. Staff can provide information on organized excursions, such as a hike of the Samaria Gorge.
Calypso Hotel is 75 km from Chania. Nearby Sfakia and Loutro are accessible by boat. Free public and private parking are available.
from
€65
/night
Find below list of beaches near Mashali 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.
Nestled 56km south of Chania city, Agia Roumeli is a quaint village that sits on a broad bay at the mouth of the Samaria Gorge. This spot sees a daily influx of visitors who descend the gorge to primarily swim along the central beach, which is conveniently located right before the beachside taverns. However, several picturesque and peaceful beaches are also available for exploration in the vicinity.
One such tranquil beach can be found on the east side of the settlement, past the Samaria Gorge river and beneath the remnants of ancient Tarra. Here, at Zeromouri, stunning rock formations and cavities give way to pebbly beaches that are typically deserted. As one ventures further, the beach transitions into a rocky terrain suitable for nudism and snorkelling, extending eastwards all the way to the beach of Selouda or Agios Pavlos.
Kalogeros is a pristine beach adorned with deep blue waters and fine pebbles, situated 57km to the south of Chania city, 11km to the east of Sougia, and 1km to the west of Agia Roumeli. Its proximity to the western edge of Agia Roumeli is worth mentioning.
The beach is a haven of tranquility, making it a favorite spot for nudists due to its seclusion. It is surrounded by pine trees and features a small cave providing shade and a place to camp. However, there are no amenities nearby, and the only way to reach this place is either by boat or by swimming from Agia Roumeli, which takes around an hour.
The beach’s name, Kalogeros, is derived from the Greek term καλόγερος (transliterated as Kaloyeros), meaning monk. This name was inspired by a massive vertical rock in the sea that resembles a monk.
Kalogeros is an ideal choice for those seeking solitude, which is a common trait among all the surrounding beaches. Between Kalogeros and Agia Roumeli, the coastline is dotted with small beaches nestled among gigantic cliffs. These are known as Spilies to Marmaro, translating to “Caves in Marble.”
Fournoti is a stunning beach situated 57km to the south of Chania city, 10km to the east of Sougia, and 1.5km to the west of Agia Roumeli. It’s an attractive spot with deep azure waters, fine pebbles, and is flanked by pine trees. Nestled within one of Greece’s most picturesque locations, the rugged Mountains of Sfakia, this beach is secluded and can only be accessed by boat. It’s devoid of any organization, adding to its charm. Although some brave swimmers opt to navigate the waters from or to Agia Roumeli (a 1-2 hour journey), it’s generally not recommended. Fournoti is an ideal spot for those seeking solitude, even during peak season. A cave located on the beach serves as a perfect camping spot and provides shade.
Interestingly, Fournoti is the sole habitat of the plant Hypericum aciferum, which has piqued the interest of biologists. Yellow signs dot the rocky cliffs surrounding the beach, marking the spots where this plant grows. Therefore, visitors are urged to respect and avoid disturbing this native species.
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