Location: Sfakia
Top Things to do in Sfakia
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10 Things to do in Sfakia That You Shouldn't Miss
Sfakiá (Greek: Σφακιά) is a mountainous area in the southwestern part of the island of Crete, in the Chania regional unit. It is considered to be one of the few places in Greece that have never been fully occupied by foreign powers. With a 2011 census population of 1,889 inhabitants living on a land area of 467.589 km (180.537 sq mi), Sfakia is one of the largest and least densely populated municipalities on the island of Crete. The etymology of its name is disputed. According to the prevailing theory, it relates to its rugged terrain, deriving from the ancient Greek word σφαξ, meaning land chasm or gorge.
Restaurants in Sfakia
1. Pachnes
2. Orthis Amnos
3. Samaria Gorge National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,241 reviews
Believed to be one of the most scenic national parks in Europe, this gorge stretches more than 10 miles to the south coastal region and offers many hiking trails.
Reviewed By KatrienS955 - Ghent, Belgium
As the guidebook stated, as well as the brochure from the travel agent, this is a medium difficult hike. Doing it the standard direction, downhill, you start with a steep decline over a mostly rocky path. A walking stick might help for those not used to walk rocky mountain paths. The part in the national park is 13 km, the last 3 km to the Libyan sea is a paved path and easy. If you do it downhill, it is not a very arduous hike. Along the route there are plenty of water fountains, resting places quite a few with benches and 5 toilets, so in that sense it is a luxurious hike. The scenery is very nice, especially the narrow parts of the gorge. Try to find a group that starts early, as it is hot at the bottom of the gorge, making the hike more difficult. Also, the earlier, the fewer people you meet. I did large parts without seeing any other hiker. Our group had 1 guide who started the hike about half an hour after us, and mopped up those in problem, which did not happen in our group. He gave very good information about the hike as well as some times by which to ideally leave the larger resting places. Note that you do not need to hurry to catch the boat, as that leaves only at 17:30. At the end of the hike you can take a refreshing swim in the sea. Just know that the dark grey pebbles are very hot, even with a towel between you and the pebbles. There are parasols and strand beds for rent. If you do it from Chania, it will be a long day, as the boat takes an hour and then there is another 1h30 drive back.
4. Frangokastello Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 642 reviews
Reviewed By patglynn - Portsmouth, United Kingdom
A lovely little secluded beach. Hardly anyone else there when we were there; the water’s clear and warm and there’s a few Greek tavernas within walking distance! A great place!
5. Ilingas Beach
6. Vrissi Beach
7. Vatalos Beach
8. Orthi Ammos Beach
9. Trail Askyfou - Asfendou- Kallikratis
10. The Castle of Frangokastello
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