Getting there: Is
not so easy because there are no roads leading to Agia Roumeli.
But this is also what makes this place special. You can either
walk (along the coast or though the gorge of Samaria) or take the
ferryboat from Hora Sfakion or Sougia.
Accommodation: There
is a good choice of simple (but still very good) accommodation.
Generally it is not a problem to just turn up and find something
but in August it fills up with Greek visitors so can get busy.
Restaurants: A
number of restaurants
are open to feed the hungry gorge walkers but a few also stay
open in the evening for overnight visitors and provide very good
food.
Atmosphere: Agia
Roumeli was often referred to as a crowded place without any atmosphere.
This is because people who described it as such only experienced
it during a brief stay after walking through
the gorge of Samaria, waiting for the ferry to take them back to
the road head in either Hora Sfakion or Sougia. This is the busy
time. But in the morning and after the ferries (and crowds) have
left Agia Roumeli is one of the most peaceful places in western
Crete
Shopping: Two
mini-markets which provide most basic needs.
Activities: Apart
from relaxing the only other activity is walking. The area is one
of the wildest and most beautiful in Crete. But a lot of
the paths will necessitate a steep ascent and can be challenging
to walk.
Nightlife: There
is organized
nightlife whatsoever so you will have to make your own.
Beach: Superb
beaches varying from coarse (east part) to very fine pebbles (west
part). The beach a little away from the village are usually deserted.
The sea is very clear.
Agia Roumeli on the web: The
gorge of Samaria and www.agiaroumeli.com
Photos of Agia Roumeli
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