Characteristics of Chora Sfakion

Originally a fishing village, Chora Sfakion, known among the locals as Sfakia, belongs to the province of Chania and is about 74 km south of the city of Chania. The village is situated in a small bay on the southern coast of Crete, in a quiet area between the resorts of Loutro and Frangokastello.

The small village of Chora Sfakion has about 400 inhabitants and is dominated by a nice and well-used harbour. In fact, Sfakia acts mainly as a transfer point for tourists returning from the Samaria Gorge (buses take visitors up the gorge in the morning, and after passing through the gorge down to the coastal village of Agia Roumeli, they board a ferry which takes them either to the village of Sougia or to Chora Sfakion, where their buses are waiting for them). In addition to the ferries from the Samaria Gorge, there are also other boats heading to the resorts of Paleochora, Loutro, Sougia or the nearby island of Gavdos.

The port of Chora Sfakion also played an important role in the history of the village, which is known as an important site of the Cretan resistance. The first time was in the 19th century, during the period of Turkish rule. The village of Chora Sfakion was also the birthplace of Daskalojanis, a prominent Cretan fighter and leader of the anti-Turkish resistance, who met a tragic fate. The Turks invited him to Heraklion under the pretext of peace negotiations and murdered him there. Then it was during the Second World War, when the Germans occupied the island of Crete in 1941, the Allied troops retreated through there. Also visible above the village are the remains of medieval fortifications, which are open to the public.

Chora Sfakion is a pleasant resort with good tourist facilities. Most of the tavernas, cafes, shops and apartments for rent are located along the coast and close to the harbour, in the centre of the local action. Tourists can also find an ATM, post office, supermarket or bakery. Otherwise, the narrow streets here are quiet, with minimal traffic. Most of the locals are still engaged in traditional crafts such as fishing, herding or olive growing. The climate here is favourable, with the area separated from the north of the island by the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) and the southern coast of Crete is not too far from the African continent.

Coast and beaches (Vrissi and Limani)

The resort of Chora Sfakion is located in the rocky terrain of the nearby White Mountains, not many plants and flowers grow here, greenery can be found only in well-kept gardens or small groves. And the coastline around the village is no different, where the rocks often go right into the sea. Even so, there are two places to swim - the two nice, small beaches of Vrissi and Limani.

The sea in this area is crystal clear, with mostly calm waters. Vrissi beach lies at the western edge of the village and is the main beach of the resort. It is a nice pebble beach which is well organised and within walking distance of other resort services. On the edge of the beach is the old Byzantine church of Agios Georgios (St. George). A second, smaller beach, Limani, forms part of the local marina. Several tavernas and cafes can be found in its vicinity.

The local marina also offers a diving school. And at the eastern end of the harbour you will find another interesting feature - a rock formation called Tsagaris (meaning "shoemaker"), which is quite tall and narrow, and its upper, round part resembles a head. Moreover, on closer inspection, you will find that the round boulder is just lying on top of the rock and is not permanently attached to it.

Tips for trips in the vicinity

The area of Chora Sfakion is perfect for hikers, who have a wonderful opportunity to explore the foothills of the White Mountains (the second highest mountain range on the island) and walk along various rock trails. Close to the village, the smaller Ilingas Gorge cuts into the rocks, the wild Aradena Gorge is further on, and nearby is the aforementioned Samaria Gorge, one of Europe's longest and deepest gorges. The Samaria Gorge is truly beautiful and well maintained.

If you like a bit of adrenaline in addition to hiking, try the narrow path in the rocks to the west of the resort. You'll be in for a breathtaking sight and after about half an hour's walk you'll reach the beautiful, pebbly beach of Glyka Nera. This is unique because, among other things, a spring of fresh spring water runs directly under the surface of the beach. You can also take a taxi boat to Glyka Nera beach, just like any other beach in the area.

About 15 km to the east is the pretty seaside resort of Frangokastello with the eponymous Venetian fortress of Frangokastello. A cruise to the nearby island of Gavdos, the southernmost point of Europe and a place where time stands still, can also be a nice excursion tip. Everything here passes so slowly and peacefully, away from the stresses of everyday life.

Who is the centre suitable for?

The resort of Chora Sfakion is really small, very peaceful and located in a somewhat remote area. Most visitors do not come here on purpose, but they get to know this beautiful place "casually" when they return by ferry from the Samaria Gorge. But there are also tourists who stay here for a much longer time. It is they who are looking for peace, close contact with nature and interesting surroundings for hiking. The place is also suitable for boat trips and exploring the southern coast of Crete.

More touristic destinations of Crete

Close resorts: Frangokastello, Loutro

Most favourite resorts of Crete: Adelianos Kampos, Agia Marina, Agios Nikolaos, Heraklion (Iraklion), Hersonissos, Chania, Ierapetra, Kalamaki (Matala), Malia, Platanias (Chania), Rethymno, Stalis

Resorts, beaches, sights or trips - clearly listed on the map of Crete.