Crete’s beautiful south coast is just 46 kilometers (28 miles) from Gavalochori, and one of the best ways to access the area is through the town of Sfakia (Σφακιά). Once you arrive in Sfakia, take a quick break at a local taverna and enjoy its local delicacy, Sfakian pies, which are like crepes made with soft mizithra cheese and garnished with honey. Then board a ferry or rent a water taxi and visit little villages along the coast (many with excellent tavernas) that are reachable only by boat. Find out more about Sfakia and its beaches here.
Sfakia has an interesting history. It is known for its resistance to central government authority no matter who ruled Greece. The most famous rebel from the area was Daskalogiannis, a wealthy local shipowner who led an 18th-century revolt against the Turks. Although his name was Ioannis Vlachos, he was called Daskalogiannis or “John the Teacher” because he had been educated abroad. Unfortunately, the rebellion failed, and Daskalogiannis was skinned alive in Heraklion’s main square. His legacy lives on in the name of the airport in Chania, the Ioannis Daskalogiannis International Airport. Sfakia is also the location of the evacuation of British and Allied forces from Crete after their defeat in World War II.
Another attraction very near Sfakia is the Aradena Gorge (Φαράγγι Αράδενας). To reach the gorge, look for signs near Sfakia to Anopoli (Ανώπολη) and then Aradena (Αράδενα). You can hike through the gorge, which begins in the White Mountains and ends at the beach in the village of Marmara. Another stunning way to see it is via the dramatic iron bridge, the Vardinoyiannis Bridge, that goes across the gorge at Aradena. It was built in 1987 by the the Vardinoyiannis family to connect the villages of Agios Ioannis and Aradena with the rest of Crete. If you have a fear of heights, you probably want to avoid this site! Find out more here.
While you are on the south coast, you might also want to make a stop to see Frangokastello, a castle that was built by the Venetians in the 14th century both to control the rebellious Sfakians and to guard against pirates. The Venetians originally named the fort after the nearby church of Saint Nikitas, but the locals called it Frangokastello or “Castle of the Franks,” and the name stuck. To visit the castle, take the road leading east out of Sfakia for 13 kilometers (8 miles). You’ll find many eating and drinking options around the castle. Access more information here.
Crete’s beautiful south coast is just 46 kilometers (28 miles) from Gavalochori, and one of the best ways to access the area is through the town of Sfakia (Σφακιά). Once you arrive in Sfakia, take a quick break at a local taverna and enjoy its local delicacy, Sfakian pies, which are like crepes made with soft mizithra cheese and garnished with honey. Then board a ferry or rent a water taxi and visit little villages along the coast (many with excellent tavernas) that are reachable only by boat. Find out more about Sfakia and its beaches here.
Sfakia has an interesting history. It is known for its resistance to central government authority no matter who ruled Greece. The most famous rebel from the area was Daskalogiannis, a wealthy local shipowner who led an 18th-century revolt against the Turks. Although his name was Ioannis Vlachos, he was called Daskalogiannis or “John the Teacher” because he had been educated abroad. Unfortunately, the rebellion failed, and Daskalogiannis was skinned alive in Heraklion’s main square. His legacy lives on in the name of the airport in Chania, the Ioannis Daskalogiannis International Airport. Sfakia is also the location of the evacuation of British and Allied forces from Crete after their defeat in World War II.
Another attraction very near Sfakia is the Aradena Gorge (Φαράγγι Αράδενας). To reach the gorge, look for signs near Sfakia to Anopoli (Ανώπολη) and then Aradena (Αράδενα). You can hike through the gorge, which begins in the White Mountains and ends at the beach in the village of Marmara. Another stunning way to see it is via the dramatic iron bridge, the Vardinoyiannis Bridge, that goes across the gorge at Aradena. It was built in 1987 by the the Vardinoyiannis family to connect the villages of Agios Ioannis and Aradena with the rest of Crete. If you have a fear of heights, you probably want to avoid this site! Find out more here.
While you are on the south coast, you might also want to make a stop to see Frangokastello, a castle that was built by the Venetians in the 14th century both to control the rebellious Sfakians and to guard against pirates. The Venetians originally named the fort after the nearby church of Saint Nikitas, but the locals called it Frangokastello or “Castle of the Franks,” and the name stuck. To visit the castle, take the road leading east out of Sfakia for 13 kilometers (8 miles). You’ll find many eating and drinking options around the castle. Access more information here.
