Characteristics of Loutro

Originally a fishing village, Loutro lies on the southwest coast of Crete, between the small resorts of Agia Roumeli and Chora Sfakion, about 75 km south of the beautiful historic town of Chania. Loutro is situated in a quiet bay, surrounded by the rocks of the foothills of the "White Mountains" of Lefka Ori.

Loutro is unique in that it can only be reached by boat or on foot. There is no road leading to the village and its inhabitants do not own any cars, so the whole resort is one big pedestrian zone with a beautiful coastal promenade. A large part of the visitors here are tourists who have passed through the Samaria Gorge and stop here on their way to the neighbouring village of Chora Sfakion (from here buses take them back to the resorts). Ferries to the resort of Paleochora or the island of Gavdos also stop here.

Loutro is a picturesque and peaceful tourist resort with small guesthouses and family villas. There are a number of excellent tavernas and pleasant cafes, most of which are located on the promenade along the coast. We recommend trying the dishes made from freshly caught fish and other seafood. There are also a few bars, but don't expect a lively nightlife.

Loutro and nearby beaches

However, due to the rocky nature of the area, there are only limited opportunities for sunbathing and swimming. However, you can use the local small pebble beach with a few sunbeds and umbrellas or the small beach at the eastern end of the village.

However, if you plan to spend a relaxing day on a nice beach, we recommend using the taxi boats that take people to nearby, really beautiful beaches. Some of the most popular are Glyka Nera (or Sweet Water Beach), Marmara (or Marble Beach), Timios, Stavros or Pervolaki. Glyka Nera beach in particular is very popular, boasting nice pebbles and deep blue water, and is rated as one of the most beautiful beaches in Crete.

Some of these beaches can be reached on foot via paths cut into the rocks along the coast. Glyka Nera beach can be reached on foot in about an hour (eastbound).

History and historical monuments

Present-day Loutro stands on the site of the old Doric city of Phoenix (Finix), which functioned as the port of the ancient city of Anopolis. The harbour of Phoenix was particularly important in the Hellenistic and Roman periods and, thanks to the small island opposite, it formed a natural and well-protected bay where ships could take refuge even in bad weather. The name Loutro means 'bath' in Greek and refers to the many baths that used to be located here, from which the water was directed to the nearby town of Anopolis. The remains of Anopolis are open to the public.

Above the village are the ruins of the Turkish fortress of Koules, dating from the second half of the 19th century. The fortress was rectangular in shape and had two towers (on the east and west sides). Some parts of the fortress are still preserved today.

Who is the centre suitable for?

Loutro resort is very unique and we would recommend it to those tourists who are looking for something a little different from the busy resorts with big hotels and all kinds of entertainment. Loutro is a peaceful resort, in close connection with the surrounding unspoilt nature. Here you can enjoy walks and longer hikes through nearby gorges, for example. Snorkelling enthusiasts will be pleasantly surprised by the local underwater life, for example, sea turtles are easy to observe.

More touristic destinations of Crete

Close resorts: Chora Sfakion

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.