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THE VILLAGE AND THE BEACHES OF CHORA SFAKION ON THE ISLAND OF CRETE |
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The village of Chora Sfakion is situated in the south of Crete at a distance of 60 kilometer from Chania. The village has about 400 to 500 inhabitants but it used to be much larger (about 3000 inhabitants that traded with Africa). It was a place of resistance in Venetian and Turkish times, and also during the German occupation. There is a village beach and there is another sandy beach where you can rent umbrellas and sunbeds not too far away. On the west side of the village you can also reach more quiet beaches after a 30 to 60 minutes walk. The road after Chora Sfakion becomes very steep and winding. After 2 kilometer there is a small cove with a beach and a taverna. Late in the afternoon it can get quite busy in Chora Sfakion when the ferries sail in with the tourists that made the walk through the Samaria Gorge. They don't linger around very long, but instead they go to their coaches and then go back to their hotels. |
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Chora Sfakion has all the facilities that a tourist could wish for. Besides beaches, there are supermarkets, a bakery, ATMs, souvenir shops, various types of accommodations and a lot of tavernas, kafenions and restaurants to choose from. There is a diving center in the village as well. Chora Sfakion is connected by bus to Chania in the north and to Vrysses, and on its way north it will make stops in several other villages like Imbros and Kares. |
ILINGAS BEACH |
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If you want something else than the town beach of Chora Sfakion or Vrisi Beach on the edge of the village there are plenty of opportunities to go to another beach. Of course you can walk to the beautiful and tranquil sandy / pebble beach just outside the town (or take the car), but there are also taxi boats to the beautiful naturist beach Sweet Water Beach, Marmara Beach, Loutro, Agia Roumeli or even to the island of Gavdos. To Sweet Water Beach you can go on foot as well. You walk over the main road to the west and then via a path along the coast (in my opinion not a good plan for people like me that are afraid of heights). Besides a good place to find a beach Chora Sfakion is for many people also the base for their walking tours because there are good hiking paths in the area and you can make the walk through the Samaria or the Imbros Gorge from here. |
SWEET WATER BEACH - GLYKA NERA |
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Sweet Water Beach is sometimes named by its Greek name "Glyka Nera". The Beach is a pebble beach (with small pebbles) and it lies very protected (unless the wind comes from the south) with high cliffs behind the beach. The beach is named after the fresh water that seeps from the rocks. During high season there is a small kantina opened and there are some parasols and sun beds for rent on the beach but outside this period it is wise to bring plenty of water and a good sunscreen. Sweet water Beach can also be reached from the village of Loutro where there is a boat service leaving in the morning and returning at the end of the afternoon. Also on foot the beach can be reached from Loutro in about 45 minutes. |
Samaria Hotel - Chora Sfakion, Crete |
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In this hotel we actually stayed overnight when we had to wait for the ferry to the island of Gavdos. The rooms are quite basic but the place and the views are of course fantastic. Also in its restaurant with the same name we had dinner a few times. Located on the sea front of Chora Sfakion and just 50 metres from the beach, Hotel Samaria features s sun terrace and rooms with a balcony or patio. Free Wi-Fi is offered throughout. All air-conditioned units come with Libyan Sea, mountain or landmark view. They feature a TV with satellite channels, and a refrigerator. They also include a bathroom with bath or shower and free toiletries. Guests can start their day with the American or Continental breakfast served at the hotel's dining area. A bar-restaurant and a snack bar are also available. Iliggas and Ammoudi Beaches are within a 5-minute drive from Samaria Hotel, while Chania International Airport is at 80 km. Free private parking is possible on site. Check availabilities and prices & book the Samaria Hotel - click here. |
Stavris Hotel - Chora Sfakion, Crete |
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Located 70 metres from the beach of Chora Sfakion, Hotel Stavris offers accommodation with free WiFi and balcony overlooking the Libyan Sea or the town. It offers a snack bar while restaurants and shops are within 50 metres. All accommodation types at the Hotel Stavris have air conditioning. The private bathroom comes with a bath or shower. Some units have a kitchenette with cooking facilities. Souda is 75 km away. Heraklion is at a distance of 150 km. Check availabilities and prices & book the Stavris Hotel - click here. |
Lefka Ori Rooms & Studios in Chora Sfakion on Crete |
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Located right above the old harbour of Chora Sfakion, the family-run Lefka Ori features a traditional tavern with a sea-view terrace. It offers free Wi-Fi throughout and rooms with a balcony overlooking the Libyan Sea, the mountain or the surrounding area. The simply decorated rooms and studios of Lefka Ori are equipped with air conditioning and heating. Each unit has a private bathroom with shower, while some also include a kitchenette with fridge and electric kettle. Lefka Ori lies within 70 km from Chania Town and 65 km from Souda Port. Traditional taverns and cafés can be found within a short walk from the property. Guests can enjoy daily boat trips to Agia Roumeli and Gavdos from the small port of Sfakia. Check availability and prices & book Lefka Ori Rooms & Studios in Chora Sfakion - click here. |
Mary Beach Apartments near Frangokastello / Chora Sfakion |
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This little paradise of apartments is beautifully situated right on the seafront, in the peaceful unspoilt area of Laki. Mary Beach is peacefully situated 1 km down a country lane off the main road leading to Frangokastello. Enjoy fantastic mountain views and many secluded sandy beaches and coves in the immediate vicinity of the property. There is a large garden to the front of the complex with trees, shrubs, umbrellas and chairs, allowing for moments of indulgent relaxation. Just past the end of the garden you will find the sandy beach. The area is superb for fishing, diving and snorkelling, with lots of hidden coves along the rocky coastline. As the sun sets, you can return to Mary Beach and enjoy a meal in our traditional taverna. Check availability and prices & book Mary Beach Apartments on Crete - click here. |
Samaria Taverna - Chora Sfakion |
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We always seem to end up here whenever we are in Chora Sfakion. It is probably the largest taverna in the village and it is situated at the waterfront. We tried several things on several occasions, including the "dakos" (toast with tomatoes and soft cheese), chefs salad and tzatziki (with plenty of garlic). The cappuccino comes with whipped cream instead of hot milk, but it tastes good. No bad remarks about this place. Our verdict: simple and good, friendly people, an 8 out of 10 |
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