Loutro
The coastal village of Loutro is located about 71 km south of Chania in the province of Sfakion at the end of cape “mouri”.
It is believed that it was the side of the ancient city of Phenicia and was also the port of ancient Anopolis, it became the winter port of the city of Sfakia, due to the fact that the surrounding bay and the small island at its entrance create a natural harbor where ships ability to be safe even in very bad weather.
How to get to Loutro Crete
If you arrive at Heraklion airport you can rent a car and visit Loutro. First you have to reach Sfakia and then to reach Loutro by boat. Sfakia is about 2 hours & 15 minutes away from Heraklion airport, about 146 km.
If you arrive from Heraklion port the procedure is the same Is the same as from Heraklion airport since the port and airport are not as far from each other.
From Chania Airport the distance to Sfakia is 77 km and it will take approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes drive. From Rethymno Port the distance to Matala is 64,6 km and by car it could take you up to 1 hour and 15 minutes drive.
The boat trip from Sfakia to Loutro costs 6€ and the duration of the trip is about 20 minutes.
Simple Rent a Car’s staff will gladly wait for you at heraklion port and chania airport for your Sfakia to Loutro car hire.
Sfakia Location
Built where the gorge of Imbros ends, in the south of the prefecture of Chania, Chora Sfakion is surrounded by the White Mountains.
The wild landscape seems to soften thanks to the seaside settlement, from where you can go by boat to Loutro, Gavdos and the nearby beaches.
On the west sandy beach of Chora Sfakion you will swim in wonderful green-blue waters.
Cafes, taverns and new functions in the settlement and just outside it. In the upper neighborhood you will find the ruins of the Venetian castle, one of the most important in the area, and you will enjoy a wonderful view.
Life in Loutro
Discover the authentic holidays in Greece! In Loutro you forget the sound of your car as cars can’t acess Loutro and life is as simple as it gets. The boat trip from Chora Sfakion lasts about 20 minutes, enough time to be prepared for the authentic life that awaits you in this beautiful place called Loutro.
Built amphitheatrically in its sheltered bay with its low houses, taverns, beach, it puts you from the first moment in rhythms of absolute relaxation. Very close to Loutro are the nearby beaches of Glyka Nera and Marmara you can access them by canoe or by boat-taxi.
What to Do in Loutro
Once in Loutro, enjoy walking in the scenic, unspoiled mountain countryside with its valleys and gorges. Firstly, you could visit the fort Koules above Loutro and then reach Finikas small port.
Among the older buildings that you can see in Loutro, you will find the Old School used as seat of Chancellor of Sfakia in 1821 and the very old Church of Panagia, next to the school and admire the high Cretan date palm trees.
In ancient times, habitats of the area believed in Cretan-born Zeus and Apollo in Delphi. If you walk some meters south from the village you will see the ruins of the Castella fort and later you will see part of the ancient town Phoenix and the temple of Apollo.
You could also climb to the beautiful village and plateau of Anopolis; you have to climb 2000 feet on a 2000 year old mule ascending zigzag track and reach Anopolis in almost two hours, where there is a very good choice of taverns. You could also explore the gorge of Aradena. Moreover, if you are a keen snorkeler, you might meet sea turtles that are very frequent visitors of Loutro.
A paradise for hikers
Loutro is easy to explore even on foot. A benefit of Loutro can be it’s shape, the fishing village is built in such a compact way that keeps things in a perfect balance. Moving around can be pretty simple as there are only a couple of roads in the village.
You should by brave enough to further uphill to discover the Venetian Castle of Loutro which stands perched on a summit and can offer some out of this world pefect panoramic views. Hiking in Loutro isn’t really that much challenging and it can be easily followed by young and old members of the family. Although we would not adivse hiking when the temperature is very high. Once you’ve made it to the ruins and admired the surrounding scenario of southern Crete, be proud of yourself and enjoy the wonderful view.
Agia Roumeli
Agia Roumeli is a place similar to Loutro quite bigger though. There are 3 ways to go to Agia Roumeli. Either by hiking Samaria gorge which is about 6,5 hour hiking. The second way to go to Agia Roumeli is if you stay to Loutro to follow the path E4 or to take the boat from Loutro or from Sfakia directly to Agia Roumeli.
Overall if you stay some days in Loutro we would not hesitate to suggest you to visit Agia Roumeli as it is an amazing place with crystal waters away from modern civilazations stress.
Source:
https://www.discovergreece.com/el/crete/sfakia-loutro
Source: ⭐ Travel Guide for Island Crete ⛵, Greece❗ – Loutro by Sfakia cretanbeaches.com https://www.cretanbeaches.com/en/sea-tourism/west-crete-beaches/loutro-sfakia
