Map is shown at the bottom of the chapter
In Sfakia, we had a
room in the Lefka Ori hotel
owned by the Fasoulakis family. Every time we were in Sfakia we enjoyed it from
the first to the last minute. The first time we even extended our stay because
we just didn’t want to leave.
IMBROS - KOMITADES 8 KM.(Gorge,
worthwhile to see)
Take the
first bus (usually 7 am.) from Sfakia to Imbros. In case you have a
car, leave it at the crossing to Komitades and take the bus from
there.(same one as leaving Sfakia at 7 am.) You can also take the first
bus from Chania to Imbros.
Note that in early and late season it can be pretty chilly in the mountains, so a jacket or a sweater is a useful item to take with you. At the bus stop there is a cafeneion where you can take your breakfast and enjoy the pure mountain tea. (the owner offered us a bag full when we showed appreciation for the brew). The walk down the gorge brings you to the first checkpoint where we never saw anyone. Mid way there is an other checkpoint where the tickets (if bought) are checked. In quiet times however no one is there also. The rumor goes that the man, checking for tickets finds a way to get you to the raki (tsikoudia), in a way I wont reveal, you better find out yourself.
The first time it took about 3 hours to do the walk and the third time about 2 hrs. 15 min. The walk is rather easy, no difficult climbing over rocks is involved. You will meet the goats everywhere and sometimes a shepherd wit his flog of sheep.
When arriving at the end, you will find two places to have a drink and a small bite. Take care in the second one. They will offers you pita, brought by a lovely child, you cannot refuse, for which you will be overcharged very nicely. The walk from there to the village of Komitades takes just 5-10 minutes.
After
your stay in Komitades you have a choice:
Find one of the locals, running "taxi" to bring you to Sfakia.
Walk to the crossing (1 km) and take the bus either going to Sfakia or
Chania. (there is only one midday).
Walk to Sfakia (4.5 km.) It is a road without shade but not too hard to do
as its mostly going down. It will
take you about an hour to a well deserved cold drink.
SFAKIA
- SWEET WATER BEACH - LOUTRO (1 hr. 15 min - 1 hr. 15 min. traveling back
by ferry)
(It is also possible to start half way. Kaptain Jannis will take you from
Sfakia to Sweet water beach in his taxi).
The walk can be done by any-one in a normal condition. The first leg to Sweet water beach is a bit difficult at some places. You need to watch your step as the path is rather rough and some climbing over big stones is necessary. There is is not much shade, just a few trees so the walk can be hot. Don't let that scare you off however.
From
Sfakia you can either start the walk from the parking/bus stop and take
the road to Anapolis, or walk along the seaside left of the Samaria hotel,
turn right after the Lefka-Ori hotel, pass along the Three Brothers, up
the steps to the road to Anapolis. After some curves in the road you pass
the Illingas hotel. A bit further, at a sharp bend to the right, you will
find the sign to Sweet water beach.
At the end of the beach there is a place for drinks and something to eat.
The place opens about the end of May. It is manned by captain Jannis or
his son.
From the beach the path goes up the hill and leads to Loutro. The walk
there is easier as there is a good path, not leading steep up or down any
more.
From Loutro you can take the ferryboat back to Sfakia. The ticket office
is/or was at the far end at the mooring place of the ferry. (a year later
office was about in the middle of the quay along the harbour, anyway it's
easy to find)
ANOPOLIS - LOUTRO ( 1.5-2 HRS.)
Some walk the way up to Anopolis. They must be used to things like that as, seeing the road going up (12 km.), I did not even start doing it. In the supermarket on the seaside you can order a taxi. As there are not many, you have to plan well ahead, also because the trips to Chania And Herakleion airport usually use up all taxi's in the morning. From Anopolis' square there is a foot path, which starts on the right side of the taverna. The path, which has from time to time loose pebbles (mind your steps carefully) leads to Loutro. It is said to take 90 min., we needed 2 hours however.
ANOPOLIS
- ARADENA (old ruined village and bridge over the very deep gorge)
1 HR. ONE WAY.
There is no shade on the road to the bridge as it leads trough rather
barren landscape. The visit is worth wile I think it is a very unique
place. May be the brave go down into the gorge, but just for the fun of it
I would not go down, and directly following, that terrible long way up. At
the bridge there is a small kiosk for refreshments. However in off season
that could well be closed. May be better ask before in the village.
Bungee jumps
from the 138 meter high bridge are performed in summer by the really brave ones.
Also see the page of Jannis Fasoulakis of the Lefka Ori hotel for walks. Click here
