Sfakia, holidays with a Cretan flair

In the heart of Crete is a wild and unexpected landscape. On one of

the most popular Greek islands, in the shadow of the majestic White
Mountains, at the edge of dramatic gorges and in the embrace of
the Libyan Sea, the picturesque settlements of Hora Sfakion and
Loutro promise to be a summer destination with a difference.
Authentic moments, full of lifes simple pleasures; swimming,
delicious local cooking, hiking.

Youll be enchanted by Anopoli, built beneath the wild mountains,

the Aradaina bridge (ideal for bungee jumping) and Frangokastello
village with its legendary Drosoulites (dew men), the ghosts of
warriors that appear every May. Your holiday here is bound to be
unforgettable.
What to do in Sfakia-Loutro
Hora Sfakion, the untamed mountains
Built near the end of the Imbros Gorge, south of Chania, Hora
Sfakion is surrounded by the White Mountains. The untamed
landscape is juxtaposed with this quiet, charming seaside
settlement. From here youll take a boat to the coastal hamlet of
Loutro, the islet of Gavdos and other nearby beaches. To the west,
theres Hora Sfakions sandy beach, with its blue-green waters. A
few coffee shops, tavernas and hotels can be found within and
around the village. In its northern neighbourhood, youll find the
ruins of a Venetian castle (one of the most significant sights in the
area) and an excellent view.

Loutro, natures peaceful marina

Leave your wheels and high-heels behind, and discover authentic
holidays in Greece. The journey by boat from Hora Sfakion gives
you just enough time to prepare for the pure and simple way of life
that awaits you at Loutro. Built like an amphitheatre above the
sheltered bay, with its quaint homes, tavernas and beach, this
car-free hamlet moves at a leisurely pace. In Loutros bay you can
kayak or canoe until you reach the nearby beaches of Glyka Nera
and Marmara.
Anopoli, a reason to travel inland
The road from Hora Sfakion to Anopoli will give you an incredible
view of the Libyan Sea. And be sure to stop at one of the areas
bakeries to sample the semi-sweet biscuits, or rusks with star anise
one of the most interesting delicacies in Crete. From Anopolis
main square youll continue on to Agia Aikaterini and the remains of
the Cyclopean walls that once surrounded the city, taking in the
panoramic vista of Loutro and the open sea.

Aradaina Bridge: bungee jumping

Who would imagine that in this secluded corner of Crete youd find
the tallest bridge for bungee jumping in Greece, and the second
tallest in Europe? It unites the two edges of the Aradaina gorge and
has a height of 138m.
Hidden gems of Sfakia-Loutro
Frangokastello and the legend of the Drosoulites
The impressive castle on the beach is striking. It was erected by the
Venetians in 1371. In May 1866 a bloody battle took place here,
between Mustafa Pashas soldiers and 338 of Hatzimichalis Dalianis
warriors. Legend has it that every May, on the battles anniversary,
the shadows on the plain or Drosoulites are in fact the returning
spirits of the heroic warriors. Its time to begin your journey to the
land of legends!

Hiking holidays in Crete

One of the most beautiful hiking trails in southern Crete can be

found here, connecting Hora Sfakion with Loutro and Agia Roumeli.
It is a section of the E4 trail and the length of the route is
approximately 20km.
The Imbros Gorge

Even though its shorter than the world-famous Samaria Gorge on

the same island, the Imbros Gorge offers an unforgettable
experience to anyone who loves hiking. The Imbros Gorge can be
found in southern Crete, on the eastern edge of the Lefka Ori (White
Mountains) and offers majestic scenery, with the walls of the gorge
virtually touching in some places!