The district of Sfakia is the largest one in the prefecture
of Chania, but consisting in large part of mountains it is sparsely
populated. Sfakia is famous throughout Greece as one of the most
traditional regions of Crete and for its magnificent nature, contrasting
the high mountains, the plateaux of Askyfou and Anopolis as well
as the wild scenic coast of the Libyan sea. There is plenty to explore in the region. Below are the best known places
The capital of the Sfakia region is the small village of Hora Sfakion (or Chora
Sfakion). It has a population of less than 400. From there you can also take ferry boats along the coast
of West Crete to explore areas which are not accessible
by road.
The
small village of Agia Roumeli is mainly known as the place where
people arrive after hiking through the gorge
of Samaria but has much more to offer than just a refreshment stop. Set
in a dramatic landscape Agia Roumeli also has some great beaches which are
almost deserted and whilst being filled with hikers in the afternoon, as
soon as the last boat has left in the evening the village becomes very quiet
again.
For more information take a look at www.agiaroumeli.com
The main attraction
of Loutro is that it can only be reached by boat (regular connections
from Hora Sfakion) or on foot. Loutro is also well protected from
bad weather and is an ideal place to spend a few quiet days. Having said this, Loutro can become crowded and cramped in the summer
months. The small pebble beach is right in the village and many people chose
to walk an hour to the beautiful Sweet Water beach, east of Loutro, for more
privacy.
Loutro is also a good base to explore the region on foot.
Located
between the sea and the southern slopes of the White Mountains at
an altitude of 600 - 700m, the plateau of Anopolis can be regarded
as the heartland of the Sfakia region. A fertile plain, it has been
inhabited since Neolithic times and its natural setting has protected
it from outside influences, particularly from the Turkish occupants.
The most notable place of interest is the abandoned village of Aradena which
is set on the edge of the gorge of Aradena and offers superb examples of traditional
Cretan architecture.
Frangokastello, located about 12 km to the east of Hora Sfakion, used to consist only of the 14th century Venetian fortress and the ruins of a monastery. The nice sandy beach has since attracted considerable tourist developments but Frangokastello remains a sleepy little resort.
The plateau of Askyfou is located at an altitude of 700m about half way between the north and south coast, on the road to Hora Sfakion. It consists of a few small villages and a fertile plain where wheat, potatoes and vine are grown. There is also a Turkish fortress set up on a hill.