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By Katia Luz
Agia Roumeli is a small, modern seaside village on the south coast of Chania in Crete.
Surrounded by the Lefka Ori The White Mountains, the village sits at the seaside entrance to the Gorge of Samaria.
This is a long and deep gorge which is a national park due to its unique ecology and beauty.
There are no roads to Αγιά Ρουμέλη, access is by boat or by foot. There are many walking paths on this remote south coast of Crete, with experienced walkers enjoy the small foot paths next to the sea, with breath-taking views of the steep mountains plunging into the crystal blue waters of the Libyan Sea.
Many visitors take the time to slow down and visit the south of
Crete by ferry. The ferryboat service runs between the villages of Chora Sfakion, Loutro, Sougia and Palaiochora, as well as to the island of Gavdos.
The 16 km Samaria Gorge walk is very popular with tourists and hikers alike. The walk begins in the centre of the island on the Plateau of Omalo and ends at the sea, here at Agia Roumeli. As this walk is one of the most popular attractions on Crete island in summer, this little village is busy with walkers arriving tired and thirsty after their walk.
The tired trekkers start arriving in the middle of the day, relax at the beaches and tavernas and take the afternoon ferry back to their town. Many tour companies organise day tours from the towns of Chania, Rethymnon and even Heraklion.
Some stay awhile and enjoy the tranquility after the last ferry has gone, and allow the mountains and the sea to speak to them in quiet whispers, away from the crowds and the rush.
The village was relocated from 2 km inland after serious flooding over fourty years ago. Descendants from Samaria village, which is no longer inhabited, also now live here.
Nearby are the wonderful unpopulated beaches of Domata, Fournoti, Agios Pavlos, and Tripiti within easy reach by taxi boat.
Nearby is the pretty white-washed seaside village of Loutro Crete, which can be reached by taxi boat or ferry or by a seaside 13 km walking path, part of the E4 Walking Path in Crete.
Ferries run once a day to Loutro and Palaiochora, and in summer season as many as 4-5 times per day to Chora Sfakion. These south coast ferries are operated by Anendyk Ferries (pictured above).
Always check the ferry timetable when planning your walk or visit to the south Coast
Agia Roumeli has no deep water harbour so when weather is bad, the boats cannot dock. Be aware that in times of bad weather the ferry service may not run.
See more information about Omalos Plateau, the White Mountains and the Samaria Gorge.
Also see our pages about Chora Sfakion and Palaiochora.
Samaria Gorge Small Group Walking Tour
Departing Chania
This tour is 12 hours with your own dedicated local guide. Take food, water and money for the entrance ticket and ferry. This walk needs good walking shoes. There are big boulders and rocks along the river bed.
Tell us your Samaria Gorge Walk stories here
Share your story on the web with the world, upload your photos if you choose!
See other travellers' tall tales about the strenuous Samaria stepping stones.
Giannis and Andreas Tzatzimakis run the Gigilos Hotel and restaurant (left) in the village. They wrote to us to give us their local knowledge and suggestions.
"It really is interesting hiking Samaria Gorge and exploring the real Crete! We suggest to our visitors - do it in the right way. The 16 km trek down the Samarian Gorge begins at Xyloskalo on the Omalos plateau, which is 1200m high, and ends in Agia Roumeli, which is a seaside village.
Usually the visitors are in a hurry in order to catch the ferry from this village to Chora Sfakion and the return trip to the big cities of Crete. In that way they miss all the majesty of the gorge. Our suggestion is to walk the path down to the bottom of the gorge and stay overnight in Agia Roumeli.
You must remember that the village is transformed when the last boat leaves. Suddenly everything is peaceful and you discover the real beauty of the place. Enjoy the sunset on the beach, a good meal, a chat with the local people and the stars filling the night sky. The next day take the path for Loutro. Its a beautiful 13 km coastal walk on the E4 trail through isolated beaches. Stay overnight in Loutro is a magic seaside village. There is no road in Loutro, no cars and no motorbikes.
Our suggestion is an alternative proposal to live southwest Crete in the proper way. If you like to organise a trip like this we can provide you any necessary information and help.
In our hotel, the Gigilos
Hotel in Agia Roumeli, ask Giannis or Andreas Tzatzimakis for personalised service and real Cretan hospitality."
Pachnes B&B is a little away from the village, with a peaceful location, rooms with partial sea views and delicious food. Relax here before or after your big walk. Get local tips.
There are many good pensions, rooms and guesthouses right by the water in Loutro.
A good friendly place with lovely views Villa Niki is set back a little from the limani or harbour, with private balconies and family rooms available. Here you will find lovely wood panelling, amazing views and cool rooms with air conditioning provided.
Explore the region of Chania here
Visit the Old Town of Chania for history and atmosphere.
Stay a while to enjoy the highlights of Chania Town, which include:
Below is a video of this village and Loutro and Samaria Gorge:
A map with the beaches of Crete marked, including Agiá Rouméli, is below:
Agia Roumeli Crete - to get here, the closest airport is Chania Airport CHQ.
Take a local day tour to hike the Samaria Gorge, or get the local bus to Chora Sfakion, and take the ferry here. Or take the local bus to Palaiochora and take the ferry here.
More information for flights and ferries to Crete below.
Car hire in Crete is a really good idea as it is a large island 60 km by 260 km. There is so much to explore.
When you book with our car rental partners - Rental Centre Crete - you are supporting a local company with excellent service and easy online booking. We are sure you will be well looked after by the team. Choose from hybrid, electric or regular vehicles.
We Love Crete so take your rubbish with you when you walk and do not build any of those silly piles of rocks. Just leave it as you found it and leave only footprints! |
We trust you have enjoyed these tips from the We Love Crete team. Evíva!
Yiásas!
Anastasi, Apostoli & Katia
are the We Love Crete team
We just love sharing our passion for Crete, Greece and travel
About us Contact Us Kaló taxídi!
Yiásas!
Anastasi, Apostoli & Katia
are the
We Love Crete team
We just love sharing our passion for Crete, Greece and travel
About us