The villages of the Sfakia Region

Kallikratis: If you continue the road east of Asfendou for 6 km you reach the small village of Kallikratis. It is a mountainous village at the foot of the White Mountains (Lefka Ori), lies at an altitude of 750 meters and has only a few inhabitants, who live there from May 'till November. They are farmers and sheppards and are very friendly and helpful. It is a traditional village with many well preserved stone houses. There are some taverns with traditional food and even some rooms to rent. During the Second World War the village was a base of operations for the Greek and British agents fighting against the Nazis. In 1943 the village was burnt and 29 people were executed after battle.

As part of the European Hiking Path E4 the Kallikratis gorge starts here, towards Patsianos. It is very beautiful, but not easy to walk. It takes about two-and-a-half hours. The total distance is 4 km, of which the gorge takes 1 km.

Kallikratis Gorge

Kapsodasos:

Komitades: At the end of the Imbros gorge, in a plain bordering the sea, lies the village of Komitades, at an altitude of 200 meters. It has only 75 inhabitants, most of them operating a tavern. All houses are built along the road from Chora Sfakion towards Frangokastello.

The village has some interesting monuments to be visited, such as Venetian ruins and the old monastery/ church/ school/ courthouse Thymianis Panagia. There are also a lot of caves. Its name comes either from the Venetian 'komites' (noble men) or from an old family name Komitos.

The area gives a magnificent view over the Lybian Sea, with always the islet of Gavdos on the horizon. The hill slopes are covered with olive trees. In history the village was many times destroyed by Saracene pirates, when it was wealthy from the many merchants who lived here.

Nowadays you find some rooms and apartments to rent. Specially people who like a quiet and traditional Sfakian village should consider this. The food is excellent: try the Sfakian cheese pie and the thyme honey!

One of the 14th century frescoes at Thymianis Panagia

Loutro: West of Chora Sfakion and only reachable by foot or boat lies the whitewashed village of Loutro, around its small harbour. It has a very quiet atmosphere. In the little bay you can swim or rent a small kayak. The beaches are to the east and west of the village and can be reached by foot. There are several tavernas, restaurants and hotels from basic to very luxurious. The ferries connect Loutro either with Chora Sfakion and Agia Roumeli.

On top of the little peninsula you find some Roman and Venetian ruins. From Loutro you can walk the coastal footpath or up the hills towards Anopoli and on. Higher in the mountains there are several nests of eagles, which sighting is very spectacular.

Finix: On the west side of the promontory in Loutro stood ancient Finikas (or Phoenix). This was a major town in Roman and Byzantine periods, and a significant port even long after that.

Nowadays in Finix there are traces of a Venetian fortress and a Byzantine basilica and some other remains around. Most interesting is a building like a Venetian church, which has sunk entirely below ground level. The roof is still there and the interiors are full of water. Very beautiful mosaics are on the floors, although it is very dangerous and forbidden to enter.

Finix has a rocky beach with half submerged caves and some tavernas and you can rent some rooms.

Patsianos: A small village close to the mountains on the Frangokastello plain. Here ends the walk from Kallikratis, through its gorge. There are some shops and tavernas and you can find rented rooms here and there.