Crete: 5 Favorite Experiences in Sfakia

Olga Charami | July 10th, 2026

The island's dramatic terrain and the winding road that climbs toward the mountain villages in a series of sharp switchbacks.

© Dimitris Tosidis

Breathtaking landscapes, unforgettable swims, outstanding food, and dramatic scenery await south of Ηania.

Marvel at the Dramatic Landscape

The imposing White Mountains plunge dramatically into the sea, while deep gorges carve through a landscape that, in many places, remains inaccessible by road. This rugged terrain has shaped not only the geography of Sfakia but also the character and traditions of its people. The best way to experience it is by sea or on foot. Sea taxis and excursion boats departing from Hora Sfakion can take you to nearly every village and beach along the coast, while ferries operated by ANENDYK – the local cooperative ferry company – provide an enjoyable journey in their own right. Alternatively, you can explore sections of the European long-distance E4 hiking trail, which crosses much of southern Crete. Summer isn’t the ideal season for long hikes unless you’re walking through shaded forest. The southern Cretan sun can be unforgiving, so set out early and spend the hottest hours of the day relaxing at your destination.

Info

Trail information is available at cretanbeaches.com and topoguide.gr.

The Castle of Aghia Roumeli.

© Dimitris Tosidis

Discover Remote Aghia Roumeli

If I had to recommend just one village in Sfakia, it would be Aghia Roumeli. That’s not to diminish the beauty of Loutro, which is easier to reach by boat or via a brief hike from the road leading to Livaniana and Lykos. Known locally as Aghia Romeli, the village offers a rare sense of isolation. Accessible only by sea or on foot, it lies eight nautical miles from Sougia and nine from Hora Sfakion. Spend the day swimming from its long dark-pebble beach, wandering through the old village with its traditional stone houses, and visiting historic churches such as the Church of Aghia Triada. Above the village stands a well-preserved Ottoman fortress built to help suppress the Cretan Revolt. The steep one-hour climb is demanding but rewards visitors with spectacular panoramic views. Aghia Roumeli is also the southern gateway to Samaria National Park. Instead of following the crowds descending the famous Samaria Gorge, walk upstream in the opposite direction. After about an hour’s gentle hiking, you’ll reach the iconic Iron Gates (Portes), the gorge’s narrowest – and most dramatic – section.

Walk through Samaria National Park, even if you don't hike the entire gorge.

© Shutterstock

Visit Aradena and Take the Leap

The abandoned village of Aradena has an unmistakably haunting atmosphere. Its ruined stone houses, the story of the violent family feud that emptied the village in the 1950s, and the dizzying views over the dramatic Aradena Gorge make it one of the most memorable places in Sfakia. Here you’ll find examples of traditional Sfakian architecture and the remarkable stone-paved mule path that once connected the mountain villages. Before the bridge was completed in 1988, this was the only way across the gorge. The bridge itself is an impressive sight, spanning the gorge 138 meters above the ground. Admire it from the nearby café, hike through the gorge to beautiful Marmara Beach, or, if you’re feeling adventurous, take the plunge with a bungee jump.

Info

Liquid Bungy operates weekends from noon to 5 p.m.; bungy.gr.

Livestock farming remains one of the local community's primary occupations.

© Dimitris Tosidis

Stay at Antonis and Anna’s Mountain Retreat

A beautiful drive beneath the White Mountains leads to the village of Aghios Ioannis, where the road comes to an end. Here, Antonis Georgedakis and his wife Anna Nikoloudaki created Alonia Guesthouse, continuing a tradition begun by Antonis’ father, who first opened a mountain refuge after being encouraged by a German guide bringing hikers to the area. The seven stone-built rooms, housed in restored traditional homes, favor simplicity over luxury, providing an authentic connection with the surrounding landscape. With no mobile phone signal and little to disturb the silence beyond the sounds of nature, it’s an ideal place to disconnect. Aghios Ioannis is an excellent base for exploring both the White Mountains and the south coast. One of the area’s finest hikes leads to Aghios Pavlos Beach, where a small Byzantine chapel stands just above the sand. The experience is completed by Anna’s home cooking, prepared with fresh local ingredients. Her restaurant is also open to non-guests by prior reservation.

Info

Tel. (+30) 693.879.2695, alonia.gr

Sfakian Pie: one of Crete's most beloved specialties, made with local cheese and served with honey.

© Dimitris Tosidis

Savor Chrisostomos’ Famous Cooking

One of the most beautiful beaches in Crete, Marmara – also known as Dialiskari – lies at the mouth of Aradena Gorge. If you don’t arrive on foot through the gorge, you can easily reach it by boat from Hora Sfakion. Swim inside sea caves to see their colorful rock formations or dive from the pier and the smooth white rocks, before settling in at the famous seaside taverna run by Chrisostomos, who also runs the acclaimed restaurant of the same name in Ηania. Don’t leave without trying the taverna’s celebrated tsigariasto, a slow-cooked Cretan meat specialty regarded by many as one of the finest on the island, along with a selection of outstanding homemade local dishes.