Agia Roumeli is a small and secluded seaside village in the historic province of Sfakia, approximately 56km south of Chania. It is situated on a wide bay at the exit of the imposing Samaria Gorge, surrounded by the wild mountain landscape of the White Mountains. The village has tavernas, cafés, small shops and several accommodation options.

Agia Roumeli is not connected to the road network of Crete. It can be reached by seasonal ferry services from Chora Sfakion, Loutro, Paleochora and Sougia, or on foot. The village lies along the E4 trail leading to Loutro and Chora Sfakion and the E4 trail leading to Sougia.

During the operating season of Samaria Gorge, the village welcomes hikers completing the famous crossing. After the afternoon ferries depart, however, Agia Roumeli returns to its peaceful rhythm. In front of the settlement stretches the main beach of Agia Roumeli, while several quieter beaches can be found along the surrounding coastline.

What to see in Agia Roumeli

The Samaria Gorge is one of the best-known and most impressive hiking gorges in Europe. Visitors who do not wish to complete the full crossing can enter the gorge from Agia Roumeli, pass through the old village and continue towards the famous narrow passage known as the Iron Gates.

Modern Agia Roumeli stands in the area of ancient Tarra, an important city of southern Crete. West of the village, at a site where an ancient sanctuary and later an Early Christian basilica probably stood, visitors can see the Byzantine church of Panagia Kera.

On the hill above the village stands the ruined Ottoman fortress of Agia Roumeli, offering impressive views over the village and the South Cretan Sea. Higher on the mountain are the remains of a second fortress known as Kouledaki. When visibility is good, the islands of Gavdos and Gavdopoula can be seen on the horizon.

Near the eastern side of the gorge lies the chapel of Saint Anthony, built inside a natural cavity in the rock. Further north, within the gorge, is the old village of Agia Roumeli. The settlement was abandoned after the severe floods of 1954, and its residents moved to the present coastal location.