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.
Chora Sfakion, Crete, Greece
Find below list of things to do near Vritomartis Naturist Resort:
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.
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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.
This is an evening out rather than a tour: a coach up to the mountain village of Anopolis, a welcome raki, a buffet of Cretan dishes with wine included, and a show of traditional dancing to lyre music that guests are pulled into. The show runs 19:45 to 22:30 and transfers are included both ways. T4V run it from €50, with a 4.66 rating, but across only 13 reviews, which is the first thing to know.
The night has a fixed shape and runs to a published timetable. Three parts.
First is the pick-up, between 18:00 and 19:30 depending on how far your hotel sits from the venue, at the hotel entrance or a nearby meeting point. Second is Anopolis, where the evening opens with a glass of raki and moves to a buffet of Cretan dishes served with white, rosé and red wine. Third is the show: dancers in traditional costume performing Cretan dances to live lyre, built around the Zorba story, with guests invited up to join in.
The show starts at 19:45 and finishes at 22:30, then the coach takes you back.
The evening happens in one village in the hills.
The €50 covers the transfer, the meal, the wine and the show.
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We recommend this as the easy version of a night out that is otherwise hard to arrange. Cretan music evenings happen in villages, not in resorts, and without a car you cannot get to one and drink. Here the transfer, the food and the wine are a single €50 booking, and the wine keeps coming rather than being metered.
Reviewers who enjoyed it enjoyed it wholeheartedly. An Australian guest called it a fabulous evening’s entertainment; a French visitor recommended it without qualification; a Swiss reviewer described a very nice folkloric show and a good atmosphere with guests dancing.
The format is participatory rather than a performance you watch from a table, which is the difference between this and a dinner show. Guests are invited up to dance.
Now the honest part, and there is a fair amount of it.
The review base is tiny. Thirteen reviews is not enough to predict your evening. Treat the 4.66 as a hint rather than a record, most tours on this site carry hundreds of reviews.
The transfer is the weakest part of the operation. Guide quality scores 4.0 out of 5, the lowest dimension. One American guest described a genuinely poor experience with it: an argument about the pick-up point that left them walking roughly 1.5 miles each way, a late driver, and an unpleasant exchange on the bus. That is a single account, but it is detailed, and it is the same operator whose waterpark transfers also draw criticism for timing and communication. Confirm your pick-up point in writing the day before.
Food and drink drew a mixed note. The same Swiss reviewer who praised the show said the local wine on offer was not very good and the pork was overcooked, and thought the seating could have been handled better given the free tables around them.
The commentary is thin. A second Swiss guest, also rating it four stars, said they would have welcomed some history of the different dances and a chance to actually learn the Zorba steps. If you want the culture explained rather than performed, expect to be a little short-changed.
Pin down your pick-up point, eat lightly beforehand, and take cash for extras.
Pick-up runs between 18:00 and 19:30 depending on how far your hotel is from the venue, and the exact time and location are sent by email or WhatsApp the day before. The show runs 19:45 to 22:30.
Wine, soft drinks and the buffet are covered; other alcohol is not.
The evening runs about 3 hours, with the show itself from 19:45 to 22:30 plus transfers either side.
A buffet of Cretan dishes is included, along with white, rosé and red wine, soft drinks and a welcome glass of raki.
Hotel pick-up and drop-off are included, with pick-up between 18:00 and 19:30 depending on your distance from the venue.
In Anopolis, a mountain village inland from Heraklion, at a hall used for these evenings.
Yes, guests are invited up to dance with the performers during the show.
Thirteen, which is a small base, worth weighing before you book.
Check dates and prices for the Cretan folklore night with dinner and transfers.
This day trip crosses the White Mountains from Rethymno to Chora Sfakion, then takes a boat along the south coast to Glyka Nera, Sweet Water Beach, and the car-free village of Loutro. Glyka Nera gets its name from freshwater springs that rise through the shingle at the waterline, and Loutro is reachable only by boat or on foot. Markidis Travel runs it over 11 hours from €30, with a 4.72 rating across 202 reviews.
The day is a mountain drive followed by two boat stops on a coast with no road. Four stages make it up.
First is the coach from the Rethymno area south over the mountains to Chora Sfakion, a drive reviewers single out for the narrow roads and the driving that handles them. Second is a 15-minute boat to Glyka Nera, where cold fresh water rises through the pebbles at the sea’s edge and mixes with the salt. Third is Loutro, a whitewashed village with no cars and no road in, where the water is clear straight off the front. Fourth is the boat back to Sfakia and the coach to Rethymno.
The boats run to a fixed timetable and the coach does not wait for latecomers at any meeting point.
The route crosses from the north coast to the Libyan Sea in the Sfakia region.
The €30 covers the coach and the guide; the boat is paid separately and it is not optional.
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The real price is €45 per person once the boat is counted, which is what one reviewer pointed out and what you should budget.
We recommend this trip because Loutro and Glyka Nera cannot be reached any other way without a lot of effort. There is no road to either. You either walk the coastal path from Chora Sfakion in the heat, or you take a boat, and this trip is the boat with the mountain drive attached.
The reviews name the team constantly, which is the clearest signal of a well-run small operator. Emmanuela, Kostas and a driver named Tossca all appear by name across French, British, Canadian and Italian reviews, described as kind, accommodating and explaining things properly in more than one language. A German reviewer took their hat off to the bus drivers specifically, for the narrow mountain roads.
The places themselves need little selling. A French reviewer called Loutro heaven on earth; an Italian pair called both stops absolute must-sees.
Three caveats, all consistent across the record.
The schedule leans towards Loutro. GetYourGuide’s own review summary says travellers would prefer less time in crowded Loutro and more at Glyka Nera, and two separate reviewers said the same. If Sweet Water Beach is your reason for coming, know that it gets the shorter stop.
Sfakia itself gets skipped. Two French reviewers wanted free time in Chora Sfakion, calling the port typical and charming, and one noted they never really saw it. The village is a transit point on this itinerary.
The €15 boat catches people out. It is stated in the listing but it is not in the headline price, and one French reviewer called the trip a bit expensive at €45 per person all in. Bring cash.
Carry the boat fare in cash, be early at every meeting point, and swim at the springs rather than photographing them.
Guests staying at Nea Magnisia and RG Village are collected from the Allwyn Shop in Stavromenos. There is no pick-up from the Panormo area or from four named hotels, check the list before booking.
Bring beachwear and cash. The day runs 11 hours, and the trip is flagged as likely to sell out.
The day runs 11 hours in total, including the mountain drive from Rethymno and two boat stops.
The €15 boat ticket is not included and is paid separately, which brings the real cost to around €45 per person.
Freshwater springs rise through the pebbles at the waterline, so cold fresh water sits over the salt water at the shore.
Loutro has no road access. The village is reached only by boat or on foot along the coastal path.
Loutro gets the longer stop. Reviewers consistently ask for more time at Glyka Nera, and GetYourGuide’s review summary reports the same.
Sfakia is a transit point rather than a stop. Several reviewers wished for free time in the port and did not get it.
Check dates and prices for the Glyka Nera, Loutro and Sfakia day trip.
Find below list of beaches near Vritomartis Naturist Resort:
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.
Venturing east from Fylaki beach, a mere 100 meters away, you’ll encounter the terminus of the Sfakiano Gorge, where a beautiful pebbly beach has taken shape. This region, known as Plakakia, is home to some of Crete’s most breathtaking beaches, nestled within slender fjords. In fact, several of these beaches have developed within small caves! A challenging dirt road provides access to the vicinity of the beach.
Find below list of gorges near Vritomartis Naturist Resort:
The Iligas Gorge, also known as Kavis, begins south of the Kastro peak in the White Mountains, near the abandoned village of Kali Laki, and concludes at the Iligas beach, approximately 2.5 kilometres west of Chora Sfakion. Despite its proximity to Chora Sfakion, the Kavis canyon, one of the longest and most untamed in the Sfakia region, remains a hidden gem. Most visitors are unaware of its existence and instead enjoy a swim at the beach where the gorge ends. The riverbed is typically dry unless it has been raining for several hours. The Kavis canyon also includes five additional sub-gorges, which are equally wild.
The Kavis gorge begins at an elevation of 1080 meters at the Rekti location. However, it is advised to avoid crossing its upper part due to the need for a rope. The most accessible route to the riverbed is through the dilapidated village of Mouri or above Anopolis, where a road leads to the Achlada location. From there, a trail leads to the riverbed, where the Byzantine chapel dedicated to the Holy Cross (Timios Stavros) is located. This chapel, filled with frescoes, has been neglected and forgotten by local authorities. The region’s only water spring is located opposite the Holy Cross in a cave on the path leading to Mouri. From this point, it takes about three hours to trek to the exit, with some descents being 2-3m high.
Another point of interest in the Kavis gorge is the cave where Basias, the chieftain of the Selino province, died during the Ottoman period. The primary section of the canyon is enveloped by a pristine forest of cypress and maple trees, one of Crete’s largest woods. As you near the sea, the forest transitions into towering cliffs with trees clinging to their sides. The riverbed is generally broad but can narrow to half a meter at certain points. Just before reaching the sea, you’ll find a stone-paved trail (similar to the Aradena Gorge trail) which descends on one side and ascends on the other, serving as the only walking route from Chora Sfakion to Anopolis.
The Sfakiano Gorge, also known as Gorge Vartholoma or Gorge Lago, concludes around 2km east of Chora Sfakion within the Sfakia province. It originates from the Trikoukia area of the White Mountains at a height of 1200 meters and culminates at the Fylaki Caves of the South Cretan Sea. The gorge spans 6.5km and it’s a breeze to traverse along its riverbank.
The suggested hiking trail within the gorge initiates from the Niato plateau (close to Askifou Plateau) and heads towards the abandoned village of Kali Lakki. The gorge, one of Crete’s greenest, begins just before reaching Kali Laki and boasts an incredibly diverse plant life. Oaks, cypresses, and pines are the dominant trees within the Sfakiano Gorge.
The gorge’s starting point is home to the Byzantine church of Saint Paul (Agios Pavlos), constructed by the locals in 1407. The gorge meets the main road to Chora Sfakion near the exit, at the Porolago location. It’s certainly worthwhile to continue your adventure towards the sea, as the gorge bed leads to the breathtakingly beautiful Fylaki fjords, some of the most captivating beaches in the Sfakia region.
Situated in the Sfakia province, Imbros Gorge is Crete’s third most frequented gorge, following Samaria Gorge and Agia Irini by Sougia. These are all part of the E4 European hiking path. The gorge’s breathtaking landscape and easy trail make it perfect for family trips. The gorge spans 11 km and the hike takes about 2-3 hours.
The journey begins in the quaint village of Imbros, nestled 700 meters above sea level.
The gorge’s initial section, known as Porofarago or Porolagos, is fairly broad. The trail starts off as a descent with relatively low sidewalls. As you go further, the canyon gradually narrows, the sidewalls rise, and the views become awe-inspiring. The canyon’s sides start to close in and rise, revealing various caves. The vegetation includes ancient cypresses, oaks, and maples emerging from the rocks.
Throughout the gorge, remnants of the old stone-paved path, once the main route from Sfakia to Chania, can be seen. The canyon has witnessed numerous battles between the Ottomans and the Christians during the Turkish Occupation of Crete, notably in 1821 and 1867.
Further along, you’ll pass the spot known as Airplane, where a German plane crashed during World War II (the wreckage is displayed in the war museum at Askyfou). Following this, you’ll come across the gorge’s first narrow passages and then reach the position Gournia (i.e. basins), where several small rock basins fill with water in the winter.
Next, you’ll arrive at the gorge’s most magnificent section, Stenada. Here, the gorge walls close in to 1.6m and reach a height of 300m! The rocks are adorned with stunning formations.
After this narrow stretch, the canyon broadens and you’ll near a rest area at position Mesofarango. Here, you’ll find a Venetian water cistern and the gorge guard’s hut.
A few meters ahead, you’ll cross a landslide and shortly after, the striking narrowing at Gremnaria. Following this, you’ll see another gorge trademark, the stone arch Xepitira. As you continue, you’ll navigate some narrow passages and soon arrive at the gorge’s exit by the village Komitades. Several taverns are located near the exit, providing a perfect spot to rest and grab a bite.
There are multiple bus services from Chania to Imbros during the summer. To catch the bus to Chora Sfakia, Imbros (where many hikers park their cars at the gorge’s entrance), or Chania, you’ll need to either walk 4 kilometers towards Chora Sfakion (be sure to check the schedules) or take a taxi from the gorge’s exit (which can be quite pricey).
The Kapni Gorge, one of Eastern Sfakia’s most stunning canyons, remains largely undiscovered. The gorge begins as an open stream south of the Akones peak at Hionistra, located on the road between Askyfou and Asfendou villages. It concludes in the village of Nomikiana in the Sfakia province. In Hionistra, two streams in calcareous soils converge to form the Kapni Gorge after an hour’s walk. The canyon is extensive, requiring around four hours to traverse. It is among Crete’s challenging and perilous trekking gorges, with a rugged riverbed that forms dry waterfalls in certain areas, necessitating climbing.
It is not advisable for those inexperienced in mountaineering. The riverbed features several small caves that were previously used as sheepfolds. In one of these caves, there is drinking water, the only source in the harsh Kapni region. This water source is hard to find unless one is very familiar with the area. Kapni is home to beautiful vegetation, including maples and oak trees, and stunning walls of platy limestone in several places.
The name Kapni, meaning smoke, traces back to a story from the Venetian era. East Sfakia was once densely forested, providing refuge for Cretans fighting the Venetians. To counter this, the Venetians burned these forests, including the one in Kapni, which was so dense that the fire burned for weeks. The narrowness of the gorge created an oven-like effect, trapping the fire and significantly raising the temperature. The intense heat baked the mountain rock, similar to a lime kiln, and smoke lingered for days after the fire ceased. That autumn, a massive flood swept through the bare, fire-scorched hillsides, moving rocks with immense force to the gorge’s exit. This event resulted in a large deposit of sediment, creating the most impressive scree (locally known as sara) in Crete, visible from miles away. This scree starts at the gorge’s exit and extends to the village of Nomikiana.
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