Chora Sfakion, also known simply as Sfakia, is a small coastal town and the principal port of the remote and mountainous province of Sfakia.

Chora Sfakion lies on the south coast of Crete, approximately 74 km south of Chania, near the exit of the Imbros Gorge. It is the main tourist and transport centre of the wider area and an important starting point for exploring the southern coast and the White Mountains.

The town has two small harbours. Ferries operate mainly during the tourist season, connecting Chora Sfakion with picturesque Loutro and Agia Roumeli, at the exit of the Samaria Gorge. Depending on the season and the published timetable, services may also connect the port with Sougia, Paleochora and the island of Gavdos. Visitors should always check the current schedule before travelling.

Chora Sfakion has tavernas, cafés, small shops and a range of accommodation in rooms, studios and apartments. It also provides basic services for residents and visitors, together with bus connections to Chania. The local economy is based mainly on tourism, fishing, livestock farming and olive oil production.

The main beach of the town is Vrissi, located at its western end. Several other small pebbly beaches with clear water lie along the surrounding coast. The coastal section of the European E4 trail towards Loutro and Agia Roumeli also passes through the area.

History

Chora Sfakion developed as the port of the mountainous province and enjoyed considerable commercial activity during the Venetian and Ottoman periods. The Sfakians maintained a small fleet and traded with other ports of the eastern Mediterranean. According to local tradition, the town and its surroundings once contained a large number of churches.

The rugged landscape of Sfakia and the nearby White Mountains encouraged the development of resistance movements and provided refuge for Cretan fighters during periods of foreign rule. Nearby Anopolis was the birthplace of Ioannis Vlachos, better known as Daskalogiannis, who led the Cretan revolt of 1770.

During the Battle of Crete in 1941, Chora Sfakion became one of the principal evacuation points for Allied troops heading to Egypt. The area was heavily bombed, and several buildings in the town were destroyed or seriously damaged.