Home   General Info Travel Info Accommodations Photos Maps Forum | News | Links... Contact

What can you do in Sfakia and Crete? - 2
Activities during your holiday - discovering Crete

Sfakia and Crete have everything for your holidays, whether you just want to relax and lie on the beach or want to be active and like to look around.

Just browse through the categories below to find out!

Archaeological Sites:

• Apart from the outstanding natural beauty of the indented rocky shoreline, Chora Sfakion is also worth visiting for the small Venetian fortress built there in 1526 as part of a defensive system of towers and fortresses later taken over by the Turks.
• Just before Komitades you find the chapel of Agios Giorgos, with beautiful frescoes
• Visit the ruins (Venetian castle and tower, Roman houses) on the peninsula between Finix and Loutro.
• Frangokastello: Venetian fortress built in 1371
• Agia Roumeli: high up the hill above the village lies the Tara, a Venetian fortress, used by the Knights of the Cross.
• Aptera: near the village of Megalo Chorafia, 15 km south of Chania, there was the ancient city of Aptera, one of the most important of old Western Crete (7th century B.C.). Remains of the defencive wall system can be seen, as well as a small temple (100 B.C.), and a Roman theatre and water or grain cysterns.
• Polyrinia: 49 km west of Chania, near Selli or Palaiokastro, are the remains of the the defence walls of Polyrinia, capital of the Archaians, the succesors of the Minoians.
• Armeni: south of Rethymno: Minoan graveyard with lots of sculptures

Monasteries

• Arkadi:The 1866 holocaust contributed to Arkadi becoming the most well-known monastery in Crete. It dominates a low plateau, 23 km inland from Rethymnon.
  It is a large fortress-type compound built in the last period of the Venetian Occupation. In the central building, apart from the monks' cells, there were store rooms, agricultural workshops, even stables. So one could remain for long periods of time inside the compound, quite useful in times of tension. The entrance was renovated only 4 years after the destruction in 1866 and leads us into the interior yard. Just in front is the impressive Temple of Saint Constantine and Helen and Christ. It was completed in 1587 and in its facade can be seen the influence of western architectural elements, brought to Crete in the 16th and 17th Centuries.
  At the south west point of the Temple, a half-burned reredos, burnt in 1866, still exists.
  The compound is spacy while the corridors and the arcades still preserve their old splendour. The cells and the common areas impress the visitor with their plainness.
  The Monastery's history begins in the Byzantine period. It probably took its name from a monk named Arkadios, who founded and renovated it. Since the 16th Century the Monastery was an important spiritual centre. The monks copied mainly religious. The Turkish Invasion postponed its spiritual activity for a while, but soon it stood on its feet again and was given a very rare priviledge for a Greek monastery .... the Turks permitted the Monastery of Arkadi to use bells.
  Aside from its spiritual work, its part in the liberation wars was enormous. In November 1866 the Turkish army held the Monastery under seige. 600 women and children and a further 300 soldiers were inside. When the walls finally fell and the Turkish army invaded the compound and the killing began, a rebel set fire to the powder room blowing everything and everyone up. This is one of the most significant events in Crete's history. Recently Arkadi Monastery was declared a European Monument to freedom.
  Today only two monks live there.
• Preveli: 37 Km from Rethymnon ,on the road leading south, lies the Monastery of Preveli with a view of the Libyan Sea and an exotic palm forest by the " Big River".
  It consists of two independent compounds, 2 km apart, the "Piso" (back) and the "Kato" (down) Monasteries.
  A visit here has not only touristic, but also historical and cultural interest. The visitor will undoubtedly admire the beauty of the site and the tokens of religious art seen in the Temple.
  There are many legends related to the founding of the Monastery, which is speculated to have taken place during the Venetian Occupation like most Cretan monasteries. At that time 2 larger and numerous smaller monasteries already existed, which united to form the large Preveli Monastery. A succession of dynamic abbots made it one of the richest in West Crete which contributed enormously to the liberation of Crete at that time.
  After 1960 the Monastery went into decline. Today one single monk remains. The "Kato Monastery". the first to be reached when coming from Rethymnon, is dedicated to John the Baptist. The "Piso Monastery" which is the better known of the two, is dedicated to St John the Theologist.
  Unfortunately, none of the old buildings of the "Piso Monastery" remain today.The ones not destroyed by the Turks, were totally changed in the construction of the new buildings. This Temple is only 150 years old. It was built in 1835 during the Egyptian occupation. As the Monastery flourished during the Turkish Occupation there was no need for a fortress-type building since the Turks had wiped out the fear of piratical invasions.
  Surrounding the church in the centre of the compound were the monks' cells. They were built literally into the rock, due to the land's structure. Because there was not enough space, the south side was used and a second compound was built at a lower level than the first. so the roofs of the second buildind were used as yards for the north side buildings. Leading directly from the gate there are two separate streets going to the north and south levels. In this way the buildings for different uses were totally apart.
  Many treasures have been saved here to the present day.
• Agia Triada: It lies in Cape Melecha (Chania) at the foot of Mt. Tzobilos, in an area of olive and cypress groves and vineyards. It is one of the most important architectural examples of Cretan Renaissance.
  According to tradition, it was founded by the brothers of an old Venetian family, Jeremiah and Laurentio Tzagaroles, who were monks in the nearby monastery of Gouverneto. They left Gouverneto after arguments with the other monks. Jeremiah travelled to the Holy Mount of Athos to copy the plans for the construction of the Monastery.
  In 1637 Jeremiah died and Lauentio continued on his own. The Monastery flourished and acquired huge areas of agricultural land, some through donations,but mostly through buying. As with most monasteries in Crete, it was burned during the revolution (1821) and abandoned. During this period the archives were lost. It was renovated in 1830 and in 1892 a priests' school was founded which evolved into a University in 1930. Today 7 monks remain who look after the Monastery.
  It is one of the most impressive monasteries from the last decade of the Venetian Occupation, due to its size and architecture. It combines Orthodox monasterial architecture with western ones, expressing the converging spirit between the two in Crete.
  The fortress-type compound forms a square, with the church in the centre and two chapels.The strict symmetry and the use of classical, ancient shapes are the main features to be seen.
  The basement area can be reached from the outside by 3 arched entrances, symmetriacally placed at the sides and in the centre of the west wing.
  The few remaining treasures from the Monastery's history are exhibited in the small museum.

Mountain climbing

• KALATHAS - Rock climbing beside the sea in Kalathas in Hania Province. These rocks don't exceed 15 meters, but all of them have a difficulty level of IV - VII. There are about 30 courses and variations. Kalathas is 10 km outside of the city of HANIA on the peninsula of AKROTIRI All courses have top-rope safe guards.
• STAVROS - On the AKROTIRI Peninsula, 14 km outside of the city of HANIA, is the beach of Stavros. The climbing slope raises behind the beach. There are 6 courses ranging in height from 60-80 metres and difficulty levels from V - VII. There are no interim safe runners except belays (relay).
• ALMYROS - In the entrance to the gorge on the right wall, two courses have been opened which are about level VI difficulty. The approach to these routes is difficult and complicated.
• KOPSIAS - These rocks are found above the Iraklio - Agio Nikalaou National Road in the area of KOKKINI CHANI. Kopsias encompasses a climbing area in which the rocks don't exceed 60 meters in height. About 20 courses have been opened with level of difficulty from IV to VIII.
• DIKTI - The second most impressive slope in Crete after GIGALO. It is situated above the plains of LASITHI in the plateau of LIMNAKARO and it is on the hillside of SPATHIOU. On the slope, 14 courses have been opened from IV to VI+ difficulty. None of the above are outfitted with in situ belays. Because of this, only competent climbers with proper gear should attempt this.
• KAPETANIANA - In the ASTEROUSIA mountain range in southern part of Iraklio province, the village of Kapetaniana sits beside the tall summit of KOFINA. It has, outside of the locals, an established Austrian couple who have installed the entire climbing area with in situ belays. The climbing routes are not very tall, only from 15m to 60m, but the difficulty ranges from IV-VIII. To follow the route, only small riggings are necessary.
• AGIOFARAGO - Agiofaraggo is located beside the KALOUS LIMNES in southern part of Iraklio province. Six courses have been opened which are 50 metres high. The difficulty level ranges from V to VII.
• GIGILOS - The most impressive climbing slope in Crete. It is exactly above the Samaria Gorge. The approach to the site demands a one hour walk from the hiking trail or from the entrance to the gorge Ksiloskalo. About 15 courses have been opened and there are many parallel ones. The difficulty level ranges from V to VII, at the most. Because of the rough terrain, there is no rigging for permanent safe belays. The height ranges from 400m to 800m. This site is for those who worship challenging courses.
• THERISSOS - Just outside of Hania is Crete's climbing paradise - the Therissos gorge. Along the road to the village of Therissos, there are several V-VIII courses. Many are well safe-guarded. Therissos is 14 miles southwest from the city of Hania.
• PALIOKASTRO - Exactly below the bridge of the Iraklio-Rethimno National Road is the beach of Paliokastro. On the right side is a 15 metre rock which has 3 courses with a difficulty level from V to VII. There are also parallel routes with a similar difficulty. The safeguards of the courses use Top-rope.

Sightseeing

It's a nice activity to look around all the many small villages in Sfakia. Since there are not many roads, they are not all easy to find. But this gives you the opportunity to be really far away of tourism! The local people are very generous and like to welcome 'strangers': this experience will be difficult to forget, joining a family at their table for lunch and have some 'open wine' together. We can recommend the following villages: Anopoli, Komitades, Askifou, Imbros and Patsianos. For your sightseeing trips it's a good idea to rent a car for 1 or more days. See the car rental section for more details.

Boat trips

Since in the Southwest of Crete there is no ongoing road, most connections from Chora Sfakion to the East and back have to be done by ferries. You can reach the following villages: Loutro, Agia Roumeli, Sougia and Paleochora. In season there is also a weekly connection to the islet of Gavdos, the most southern part of Europe!

For timetable of all Southwest Cretan ferries: click here

For timetable of all public bus transport on Crete: click here

If you like you can make a private boat trip! Ask around in the harbour of Chora Sfakion. If you come by boat yourself, the harbour of Chora Sfakion brings you perfect shelter. Contact the local harbour police for details.

Snorkeling, diving and fishing

In the beautiful and clear Lybian sea that washes the shores of Sfakia you have a great opportunity for snorkeling, diving and (spear)fishing. Snorkeling equipment can be bought in the local shops, as well as some fishing rods. The best way for fishing is to join a local fisherman. When they know you for some time they are usually happy to take you on one of their trips. Even close to the shore many different and beautiful fish can be seen or be catched, like 'fagri', 'saragos', lobster, octopus and marides.

Mountain biking

To be honest, mountain biking in Sfakia is only for the very brave. There are not many roads, but most of them are of good quality. Most roads wind up or down mountains and are quite steep. Mountain biking here will give you the opportunity to have many marvellous sights to the mountains and to the sea. We can recommend the following mountain biking trips:

Mountain bikes can be rented in Chania and Rethymnon only!

Bungee Jumping: for the very brave among us there is the opportunity for bungee jumping from the bridge crossing the Aradena gorge, during high season. At least this is the most fantastic place to leave the earth! Info: Eurobungy - Anopoli, Crete: Germany 7472 27108
Email: eurobungy@t-online.de

Our selection of family run holiday accommodations for rent / to let in Sfakia, southwest coast Crete Hotels, Rooms, Studios, Apartments, Car hire, Taxi WHAT'S NEW ABOUT SFAKIA and CRETE: Practical information for visitors to Sfakia       Ferry timetables southwest coast 2008   Loutro & uphill Photos by Herre Heersma 2007 HighRes Sfakia WebCam     archive - weather General Links | Accommodation Links Southwest Crete Photos May 2007 by Vic Wilkie   Paleochora Photos by Fabrice Perotto   Elafonisi island Photos by Fabrice Perotto   Walking around Sfakia, Sougia, Loutro by Mary Patterson April 2007 Selected news about Sfakia, Crete and Greece updated almost daily    Sfakia at Easter 2007 by Denis Patterson April 2007 Greek and Cretan Easter and Christmas Customs   Spring in Sfakia in April 2007 by Wiltrud Klundt   Submit your own Cretan Holiday Pictures updated June 2007   Spring flowers in April 2007 by Wiltrud Klundt Sfakia and Crete Picture Galleries  > 2000 pictures   Gavdos island Photos by Steve Crow   3D Views of the White Mountains by Steve Crow   Panorama Photos of Sfakia by Patrick McGrorty    Forest fires Selino by Herre Heersma 2007  The Olive Tree and Olive Oil Henk's Pictures of Sfakia 1 - 2 - 3 May 2006    Pictures of Sfakia / Khóra Sfakíon 1966 - 1967 Pictures of Sfakia  1 - 2  May 2006 Pictures of Frangokastello    Crete in May  by Chris Harrison May 2007 Sfakia Digital Art:  1 - 2 Visit to Mouri, highest village of Sfakia by George Dalidakis April 2006   Sfakia 1968 - 2003     documentary by Jean-Jacques Strahm Easter in Sfakia by George Dalidakis April 2006 Greek Name Days Listing: Calendar and Alphabetical Interactive Satellite Map of Crete  April 2006  Statistics Incoming Tourists Greece   Ian Morrissy's Mountain Hiking Pictures of Sfakia  part 1 - part 2   November 2005 Diloti - Greek Card Game History of Crete updated by George Dalidakis Birding Report Frangokastello November 2005 Greece's position in the European Union - compared with 13 other countries Pictures of Sfakia  1 - 2 - 3  October 2005 How the Cretan Gorges were formed 3D Satellite Images of Crete Over 1700 links to Crete  4 Large Maps of Crete - road map Crete Top 100 Cretan Travel Sites Raki/ Tsikoudia - The Cretan Spirit Winter in Sfakia Photo Reports 2002 - 2003 Sfakian Dialect by Prof. Peter Trudgill Herbs and spices of Crete Winds of Crete Maps of Crete and the region of Sfakia The Sphakia Survey: an interdisciplinary archaeological project Wolfgang Kistler's Sfakia & Crete Picture Gallery updated regularly Social and cultural comparison of Greece and other European countries Map of the village of Chora Sfakion / Khóra Sfakíon Cretans outside Crete Sfakia People and the Dorians Tavli - Greece's National Game  Pictures of Samaria Gorge and Imbros Gorge

< Back to Main Page