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The Tradition-Rich Southern Port Village of Chora Sfakionby Minoa.info / Juhani
Among South Cretan villages Chora Sfakion is another stopping off point for the coastal vessel route and the main village of the Sfakia area. The Libyan Sea beyond the village and the African continent beyond the horizon create their own unique atmosphere in the village. In the village harbor there is the southernmost webcam in Europe.
Panoramic photo from the village.
The village is away from mass tourism and also aside from busy routes excluding coasting vessels. Not only the Cretan south western coast route, but also the route to the Gavdos island starts from here (another, to the island, starts from Paleochora).
Chora Sfakion lies in the shadow of the White Mountains. When climbing up to the Sfakia highland, the White Mountain range is seen in all its grandness. Pachnes is the highest peak of the mountains, 2453 meters, and it is the second highest peak on Crete. Stone pines, olive trees and tamarisks give green color to this severe, but beautiful area.
Hikers from the gorges arrive by boat to Chora Sfakion where the buses are waiting for them
Measured by the amount of passing tourists, the village should be big, but in reality it lives a peaceful life at the starting point of the serpentine road that leads to the Sfakia highland and to the Aradena gorge.
Sfakia has always been known for its independence and it is probably the wildest area in Crete. The Sfakia area was the centre of the resistance against the Turks and the Venetians. Rough terrain and lack of roads saved it from major destruction during war times. Sfakians, especially the older people, use a dialect that even the Greeks find hard to understand.
Two pictures below show the character of the road that goes up to Sfakia and Aradena, and give a good overall view of the village and its location.
The rebuilt, paved road from Chora Sfakion to Anopoli
Panoramic photo from the road to Anopoli.
The nature of the area is wild, steep; many gorges from the coast, like Imbros, Aradena and Samaria, and many trails, give excellent possibilities for hiking. The routes of the trails often follow the old tracks used by the donkeys. The requirements on the routes are more demanding than average so the equipment must be in good condition. In July and August hiking might be uncomfortable because of the high temperature, and it is recommended only for experienced hikers.
In Chora Sfakion there are a few good tavernas at the quayside and some small hotels. From the village it is possible, besides hiking, to take a boat and go to the coastal villages. Cruising is interesting and fun because timetables can be used to make a schedule that may include some time in a village, eating and swimming. From the boat there are nice views to gorges like Samaria, Eligia and Aradena as well to some smaller gorges.
Depending on the day of the week the boat leaves from Chora Sfakion four or five times a day. Tickets can be bought from the ticket office near the ship, charging only a few euros per ticket.
Almost all tavernas are at the seashore, and when dark, are pleasantly lit. There is fish available from the Libyan Sea and also different kinds of Sfakian foods.
Additional Information:
BOOK A HOTEL (11 km to the east from Chora Sfakion, in Francocastello area)
Bus routes to southwest villages. Chora Sfakion can be found by name "Sfakia"
Up-to-date schedules for boats
Chora Sfakion on Google maps
Webcam in the harbor
Webcam to the west (near the taverna "Three Brothers")
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