Salvia Luxury Collection Suites features pool views, free WiFi and free private parking, located in Skalotí, 400 metres from Lakkoi Beach.
The apartment provides guests with a terrace, sea views, a seating area, satellite flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with an oven and a toaster, and a private bathroom with shower and slippers. A fridge, a stovetop and kitchenware are also provided, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
A private beach area is available on site.
Viglistiri Beach is 2.5 km from Salvia Luxury Collection Suites, while Fortress of Frangokastello is 4.4 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International, 90 km from the accommodation, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Λάκκοι Σκαλωτής Σφακίων
Find below list of things to do near Salvia Luxury Collection Suites:
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.
This day trip walks the 7 kilometres of Imbros Gorge from the mountain village of Imbros down to Komitades, then spends two hours at Frangokastello on the Libyan Sea. Imbros Gorge forms part of the E4 European long-distance trail, its vertical walls rise to 300 metres, and the route follows sections of the old cobbled road that once linked Sfakia with northern Crete. Io Tours runs it over 9 to 10 hours from €28.80, with a 4.48 rating across 56 reviews.
The day splits cleanly in two: a downhill walk in the morning, a beach in the afternoon. Three stages fill it.
First comes the drive, roughly 90 minutes from the Chania coast up to Imbros at 800 metres in the White Mountains. Second is the gorge itself, 7 kilometres of descent on a well-maintained and relatively easy trail, past rare plants, unusual rock formations and the narrowest sections where the walls close to a few metres. A licensed trekking guide walks with the group. Third, the coach meets you at Komitades and continues to Frangokastello, where you get about 2 hours to swim below the Venetian fortress.
The walk is downhill throughout, which is why it suits most fitness levels despite the distance.
The route crosses the White Mountains from the north coast to the south, and four of its points have their own page here.
The fare covers the coach and the guide, and it leaves out the gorge ticket and all food.
Included:
Not included:
We recommend Imbros as the gorge to walk if you only walk one. Samaria takes 16 kilometres and a full day of concentration; Imbros gives you the same sensation, the cliffs narrowing overhead, the old mule road underfoot, the Libyan Sea at the bottom, in 7 downhill kilometres. Pairing it with Frangokastello is the right call too, because ending a mountain walk in warm shallow water is a better afternoon than a coach ride home.
The reviews point at the operator’s care rather than the scenery. One German guest described being given a detailed briefing on the route and having their footwear inspected and assessed before setting off, that is not standard practice, and it tells you how the guides approach the day. Guides are named repeatedly across nationalities: Dafni, Cristina, Irini all appear by name, praised for knowledge and for looking after everyone. Another reviewer called the guide a gorge specialist.
Reviewers also mention the pick-up running precisely to time, with 32 pick-up points along the north coast, and several describe the lunch at the taverna at the gorge exit, local beer, and a pancake with cheese and thyme honey, as a highlight in its own right.
Three things to know before booking.
The rock is slippery. Two separate reviewers flag it, and the operator’s own notes say the path can be slippery in sections. Hiking shoes are not optional here, and the footwear check exists for a reason.
The day is long for the walking in it. At 9 to 10 hours door to door with a 90-minute drive each way, the 7-kilometre hike and 2 hours of beach sit inside a lot of coach time. One reviewer wanted more time hiking and more at the beach.
Guiding style varies. One reviewer wanted more history about the village and the gorge’s function; another, on a different day, felt the guide talked a bit too much. Both rated the trip four stars.
Wear proper hiking shoes, carry the €5 in cash, and pack swimwear in the same bag.
You are contacted by email with your pick-up location and time. Pick-up covers 17 named areas along the north coast west and east of Chania; ask the operator if you are staying elsewhere.
Bring swimwear, snacks, sunscreen, water and hiking shoes. Smoking, littering and intoxication are not permitted on the tour. Some sections of the path are slippery.
The hike covers 7 kilometres, walked downhill from Imbros at 800 metres to Komitades near the south coast.
The trail is relatively easy and well maintained, descending throughout, though the operator warns some sections are slippery and reviewers recommend firm-soled hiking shoes.
The €5 entrance fee is not included and is paid in cash at the gorge.
You get about 2 hours at Frangokastello, enough to swim and see the Venetian fortress before the return drive.
The walls of Imbros Gorge reach up to 300 metres, narrowing to a few metres across at the tightest points.
No food or drink is included. A taverna at the gorge exit serves lunch at your own expense, and reviewers rate it highly.
Check dates and prices for the Imbros Gorge hike from Chania.
Our driver will lead you south through the Askifou Mountains to the village of Imbros. But first there will be a short stop for refreshment in a charming tavern. The walk will last about two hours since the gorge is 8 km long. The end of the gorge is close to Komitades Village. The bus will be waiting for you there and will take you to a beautiful beach. There will be time to swim and have lunch prior to returning.
This gentle hike is suitable for all those who are steady on their feet. It is also appropriate for families with children as well as fit elderly people.
Phoenix Dive Club was the first PADI dive centre founded in Crete and has been training divers on the south coast at Plakias for more than 25 years. It holds PADI 5 Star Gold Palm resort status, one of the highest rankings PADI awards a dive centre, and runs the full range of PADI courses from a first breath underwater through to professional qualifications.
The centre is built around teaching rather than day trips. Four things define it.
First is the course range. As a PADI 5 Star Gold Palm resort, Phoenix can offer every PADI course available, from first-time discovery dives through open water certification to specialities and professional levels. Second is the teaching style, which the centre describes as personalised, easygoing and professional rather than processed in batches. Third are the instructors, every one of whom began their diving career at this centre, which is unusual and says something about how it is run. Fourth is the specialisation: whether you want to learn about underwater plants and animals or to add technical skills, there is a course rather than a generic dive.
Twenty-five years of continuous operation on the same coast is the relevant number here, this is the established dive school of south Crete, not a seasonal operation.
The centre works the south coast of the Rethymno regional unit.
PADI courses available at a 5 Star Gold Palm resort include:
Course content follows PADI standards, taught by instructors who trained at the centre themselves.
We recommend Phoenix for the thing that matters most when you are learning to dive: the track record of whoever is teaching you. This was the first PADI centre established in Crete, it has run for over 25 years, and it holds 5 Star Gold Palm status. When you are about to breathe underwater for the first time, that history is worth more than a discount.
The south coast location is a genuine advantage. Plakias faces the Libyan Sea with sheltered bays and clear water, and it is far quieter than the diving on the north coast, which means smaller groups in the water and better visibility on most days.
The instructor detail is the one we would point at specifically. Every instructor at the centre started their diving career there, which means they were trained to the same standard they now teach. In an industry where seasonal instructors move between centres each summer, that continuity is rare.
Two things to note.
The centre’s strength is courses rather than one-off boat trips. If you want a single fun dive between beach days, ask what is running; if you want to come away certified, this is the kind of place built for it.
Contact the centre directly for current course dates, prices and availability, schedules on the south coast are seasonal and worth confirming before you travel.
Contact them before you travel, plan the days you need, and pick the season carefully.
Phoenix Dive Club is based at Plakias on the south coast of the Rethymno regional unit and operates as a PADI 5 Star Gold Palm resort.
Contact the centre directly for course schedules, prices and availability: isabellapapadaki@yahoo.gr, +30 693 233 6525.
Phoenix was the first PADI dive centre founded in Crete and has been training divers for over 25 years.
It is one of the highest rankings PADI awards a dive centre, and it allows the centre to offer every PADI course available.
Yes. The centre runs discovery dives for people with no experience, alongside full certification courses.
Phoenix Dive Club is based at Plakias, on the south coast of the Rethymno regional unit facing the Libyan Sea.
Every instructor began their diving career at this centre, and all teaching follows PADI standards.
Contact the centre directly by email or phone for current course dates, prices and availability.
Find below list of beaches near Salvia Luxury Collection Suites:
Lakki, also known as Laki or Lakkes, is situated 81km southeast of Chania and 48km southwest of the city of Rethymno. It’s nestled close to Fragokastelo, a mere 2km to the east, and adjacent to the village of Skaloti. The beach, which can be reached by a drive from Skaloti, is to the west of Lakki, where a small stream from the Sfaggofarago Gorge flows into the sea.
The area is characterized by several picturesque sandy coves separated by petite rocky piers. It’s a tranquil location with minimal organization, featuring a handful of accommodations and taverns. The bustling region of Fragokastelo is within walking distance, making it convenient for those with vehicles.
Lakki is perfect for peaceful holidays, particularly for families and children. The sea is pristine and rarely crowded. Some coves provide umbrellas, but the abundance of tamarisk trees ensures ample shade.
If you find the time, a walk to Skaloti village is worthwhile, where you can appreciate the stunning Byzantine church of Prophet Elijah, constructed in 1335.
The secluded Viglistiri beach is nestled between the peaceful town of Lakki and Orthi Ammos, near Fragokastelo. The primary way to reach this beach is by boat, given the complexity of the area’s dirt road network that makes it difficult to locate. Low vegetation provides a natural border to the beach. In 2014, the Sfakia municipality designated this beach as pet-friendly.
Situated 47km southwest of Rethymno and 84km south of Chania, nestled between Fragokastelo and Rodakino village, is Agia Marina. It is also 2km south of Argoules village. The beach presents a mix of sand, fine pebbles, and occasional rocky areas, making it an ideal spot for spearfishing and snorkelling. The beach is not organized, so it’s essential to bring your own necessities. Small canteens can be found at Peristeres beach, a short 3-5 minute walk to the east. The towering carob trees provide ample shade, especially on windless days.
To reach Agia Marina, follow the dirt road that connects Skaloti village (or Lakki beach) with Polirizos beach. Just before reaching Polyrizos, take the route to Peristeres beach and continue along the seaside dirt track until you arrive at Agia Marina. This same dirt road extends to Lakki beach.
The beach is named after the chapel of Agia Marina located on its shores. A small river, which draws water from the White Mountains through the Argoule gorge, flows into the beach year-round.
Orthi Ammos is a stunning sandy, shallow beach located next to Frangokastelo, 80km south of Chania, on the edge of a large valley with a warm climate. It has seen modest development compared to the neighboring tourist hotspot of Frangokastelo.
The beach is known for its vast sand hills and dunes, as well as its crystal-clear waters. Although it is affected by southern winds, the impact is mild. The eastern section of the beach has traditionally been a spot for nudists, though their numbers have dwindled in recent years. The beach can be reached by a 10-minute walk from Frangokastelo or by parking above the sand hills. But beware, the sand can get very hot on the descent to the beach!
Compared to adjacent Frangokastelo, Orthi Ammos is a peaceful beach. However, it offers limited accommodations and food amenities, without any sunbeds or water sports services. Its easternmost part, known as Kritama, is marked by high cliffs and turquoise water.
Legend has it that the sand of Orthi Ammos hid the unburied bodies of the 335 Greek heroes who fought against the Turks in the Battle of Frangokastelo on 17 May 1828. These heroes’ spirits are known as the Drosoulites, the famed “ghosts” of Fort Frangokastelo.
Find below list of gorges near Salvia Luxury Collection Suites:
The Skaloti Gorge, nestled within the extensive area of Fragokastelo, is one of many parallel canyons in the region. This compact canyon spans a distance of 2km, beginning from the picturesque Manikas plateau and concluding at the coastal village of Skaloti. The journey, which takes approximately 2.5 hours, involves hiking along an ancient path paved with stones and surrounded by steep inclines. Initially, the canyon is wide and open, but it gradually narrows and the walls become vertical. Vegetation in the area is primarily composed of bushes and undergrowth. The Perama stream traverses the gorge, finally emptying onto the shores of Lakki beach.
The Kallikratis Canyon, a relatively small gorge located in the southeast of Lefka Ori (White Mountains) in the Sfakia province, forms part of the E4 European walking route. It serves as a passageway connecting the mountain pasture lands with the lowland villages of the Frangokastelo plain. A hike through this gorge offers a delightful walk and stunning views of the South Cretan Sea. The entrance to the canyon is situated at the Kallikratis plateau, accessible via a paved road from Askyfou, Asi Gonia, or Frangokastelo.
Kallikratis is home to the charming Panagia church, and from here, you can begin your descent through the gorge, which concludes in the village of Patsianos. From Kallikratis village, follow the asphalt road leading to Patsianos that runs parallel to the gorge bed. At certain points, you will need to follow the riverbed, which gradually deepens, with the road rising high above you. After about half an hour, the road will have risen considerably to the left, and the stream will be fairly deep. The trail has been slightly modified in some places due to debris from road construction.
The stunning Sykia gorge, which is actually the easternmost gorge in the province of Sfakia, is located north of Rodakino village. It’s a technical canyon, meaning that traversing it requires specialized equipment due to its over 10 steep descents or waterfalls, which are safeguarded by the speleological groups of Crete. The tallest rappel stands at around 12 meters high.
The Sykia stream combines with the untamed canyons of Rodakino (also known as Maglinara) and the longest gorge in the area, Karavos. The stream then flows under both the new and old bridges of Rodakino, finally reaching the picturesque Korakas beach. Canyon explorers typically leave the gorge just after the old bridge, while those up for a full-length trek will encounter another rappel. The narrowest part of Sykia, after it merges with the Rodakino Gorge, is truly breathtaking.
Speleological clubs have named the gorge Sykia, meaning sycamore-fig tree, due to the abundance of fig trees found along the route. However, its official name is Xepitira. Except for times following heavy rainfall, the gorge is typically dry.
In the heart of the Sfakia Province, nestled in the ruins of the village Kolokasia, a stream begins to form at the base of the Virgin Mary (Panagia) church. This stream, fed by the village’s water, meanders through the local olive grove before transforming into a rugged, small gorge known as Rechtas or Rektas – a name signifying ‘waterfall’ in the local dialect.
True to its name, shortly after the gorge’s onset, a breathtaking 20-meter high waterfall cascades down, barring further access to the gorge without the aid of a rope. Beyond this majestic waterfall, the gorge is adorned with awe-inspiring rock shelters and caves, once used by locals as animal paddocks.
The journey through the gorge also includes small waterfalls, a natural arch, and a grove of carob trees. Eventually, the canyon opens up, revealing an ancient trail that ascends up the eastern side, leading to a rock shelter. This shelter, perched high above the riverbed, provides stunning vistas of the gorge and the Fragokastello valley.
In recent years, this wild rock shelter has been transformed into a charming, cavernous temple, possibly the newest in Crete. This transformation was inspired by a priest from Sfakia, George Chiotakis, who received a divine vision from the Blessed Porphyrios of Athos, advising him to build a temple. Consequently, the church is unofficially dedicated to Saint Porphyrius, with his icons scattered throughout the temple, along with several icons of the revered Saint Anthimos from Cephalonia, who once resided in the Sfakia region.
© All rights reserved. Crete Locals
