Beaches

The beach that stands out from all of the west side of Gavdos is Diana. Diana is actually the second southernmost beach in Europe, after Tripiti which is located a few meters to the southeast. The beach stands out from the rest as it is less rocky, has small pebbles and has a massive rock below which you can find shade all day.

The beach Keratidi, or to be more accurate the two beaches of Keratidi, are located at a secluded location east of Laki, province Sfakia, and are actually the easternmost beach of south Chania prefecture.

Helidoni or Porto Helidoni beach starts immediately after the south side Paliokastro and is under new highway. A staircase with wooden steps leads down to the sea level. What is striking is the cleanliness of the beach and water clarity reminiscent of the best beaches of southern Crete. The beach has easterly direction and, therefore, it almost always calm, like all beaches from Ellinoperamata to Theseus. It is a tiny beach with fine pebbles and sand in some places.

On the island there are several small beaches, the largest of which is located north of the site is sandy. Just below the ancient settlement (to the south) there is a small bay with two small beautiful pebble beaches. All beaches of Pseira are located on the south side of the island thus they are protected from ordinary north winds.

Orthi Ammos is one spectacular sandy and shallow beach, next to Frangokastelo, located 80km south of Chania, at the edge of a big valley with very warm climate. The area is not overdeveloped, in contrary to the touristic area of Frangokastelo.

Fragokastelo (ie the castle of the Franks) is one of the most famous beaches of Crete, famous for the local Venetian castle on the beautiful beach and the legendary ghosts of Drosoulites. It is located 13km east of Hora Sfakion, 80km southeast of Chania, in a small valley south of the White Mountains.

Vatalos is located 80km southeast of Chania, 1.5km west of Fragokastelo beach. Most of Fragokastelo hotels and rooms to let are located in the area of Vatalos, which is a flat area with fertile fileds and amazing views to the south slopes of White Mountains.

Koutelos is a calm, unorganized beach with large round pebbles, near the village Nomikiana. It is located about 9km east of Chora Sfakion, 4km west of Fragokastelo and 76km south of Chania.

Beach Filaki (meaning "Prison") is located 3km east of Chora Sfakia and 75km south of Chania. Located close to the only hotel exclusively for nudists in Crete, called "Vritomartis, Filaki and the adjacent beaches of Ammoudi are mainly occupied by nudists.

The cove of Agios Charalambos is located next to the hotel of Vritomartis exclusively for nudists. They are located 1.5km east of Chora Sfakion and 75km south of Chania, in an area with several adjacent pebbly beaches.

Chora Sfakíon or Sfakia is a small town on the south coast of Chania. It is the capital of the remote and mountainous region of Sfakia, and is a small town of just 278 inhabitants (2001 census). It lies on the south coast near the end of the Imbros Gorge, 74km south of Chania.

Iligas is an amazing turquoise-water sandy beach, 1km west of Chora Sfakion and 74km south of Chania. Iligas is located at the end of Kavi Gorge, that starts close to Anopolis. There are two beaches, separated with a big cavy rock.

The two beaches of Perivolakia (Small Perivolaki and Large Perivolaki) and the beach of Timios Stavros are three adjacent coves, located 2.5km west of Chora Sfakion and 74km south of Chania. The beaches are located in a very mountainous area, in the middle of the distance between Glyka Nera beach and Loutro, just next to the European footpath E4.

Loutro is a small seaside village situated approximately 71 km south of Chania, at the end of Cape Mouri. It is believed that this was the site of the ancient city of Phoenix and was the ancient port of Anopolis. Later, it became a winter port for Chora Sfakion, due to the fact that the enclosed bay and the small island at its entrance create a natural harbor where ships can be safe even in very bad weather.

Finikas (or Phoenix) is a small harbor near Loutro of Sfakia, located 83km south of Chania. The bay is hidden 700m west of Loutro and the E4 European path crosses the area.

Marmara (meaning marbles) or Dialiskari beach is a nice secluded small pebbly bay shaped near the exit of the imposing Aradena Gorge, in Sfakia region. It is located 85km south of Chania and 5km west of Loutro. It is the beach where the ramblers of Aradena Gorge rest. However, visitors coming from Loutro do usually visit the place.

Agios Pavlos (Saint Paul) is one incredible beach at Opiso Egiali area, 3km east of Agia Roumeli and 6km west of Loutro, in the exit of the wild Eligia Gorge. The beach is totally secluded from civilization, since the only possible to come here is by boat or by long trekking. The closest harbors are Agia Roumeli and Loutro. Walking from Agia Roumeli takes 50'-60', on an easy path that runs beside the sea.

Agia Roumeli is a small secluded village, located 56km south of Chania, on a wide bay shaped at the exit of the Samaria Gorge. Thousands of visitors, descending the gorge, reach this place every day.

Kalogeros is a perfect beach with deep blue water and fine pebbles, located 57km south of Chania, 11km east of Sougia and 1km west of Agia Roumeli. The beach is located close to the west end of Agia Roumeli.

Fournoti is an amazing beautiful beach, located 57km south of Chania, 10km east of Sougia and 1.5km west of Agia Roumeli. It is very nice, with deep blue water, fine pebbles and surrounded by pine trees. The beach is secluded in one of the most beautiful Greek places, the rough Mountains of Sfakia.