10 great spots on the coast of South Crete!

By: Wendy Nikolidakis

South Crete has dozens of fantastic places from the west coast to the east coast. The south of Crete is generally much quieter than the north of the island and certainly more authentic. There is no mass tourism on South Crete. Nature is beautiful and the climate is fantastic! Add to this the heart-warming hospitality and friendliness of the local residents in the villages and you have all the ingredients for a wonderful stay!

From west to east Crete you will find the following beautiful places on the south coast: (there are of course many more, just look at our interactive map of Crete)

1. Paleochora

Paleochora is a village on the southwest coast of Crete and is partly on a kind of peninsula. There are beaches on both sides of the peninsulas. The most beautiful beach is on the western side. Next to the beach there are many nice terraces and also a number of hotels and apartments. The nicest place of Paleochora is the center, especially from the evening. There are all kinds of shops, cafés and restaurants that are visited in the summer. the atmosphere is pleasant.

View our aerial video, photos and info from Paleochora here >>>
 

 

2. Agia Roumeli

Agia Roumeli is the small village at the end of the Samaria gorge, south of the White Mountains (Lefka Ori). It lies in the rugged Cretan nature, with steep cliffs and mountains on the Libyan sea. The village can only be reached on foot or by boat via Sfakia, Loutro, Sougia and Paleochora. There are taverns, cafes and two mini-markets. From Agia Roumeli you can walk to the Samaria gorge (the short route). It is about 5 kilometers to the narrowest point of the gorge. For people who walk the long route of the Samaria gorge it is precisely the end point and they take the boat after the long walk from here.

View our photos and info from Agia Roumeli here >>>
 

3. Loutro

Loutro is a small fishing village on the southwest coast of Crete, which can only be reached by boat or on foot. There are no cars in this village! It is a cute village that has the characteristics of a random village of the Cyclades with white houses with blue doors and window frames.

View our photos and info from Loutro here >>>
 

 
4. Chora Sfakion (Sfakia)

Chora Sfakion is the village that is the 'capital' of the Sfakia region. The people of Sfakia are known for their respect for old traditions and untouched nature. It is an authentic village, where today about 300 permanent residents live and there is a small harbor. The route to Chora Sfakion is breathtakingly beautiful, especially the last stretch, when the Libyan sea appears in sight and the steep cliffs of the mountains, is unforgettable.

View our photos and info from Sfakia here >>>
 

 

5. Frangokastello

Frangokastello is special because of the castle that is located here on the beach. The beautiful sandy beach and the shallow water are really fantastic here, especially with the view of the castle. If you come to Frangokastello, order at a restaurant the regional specialty "Sfakianes Pites", which are a kind of Greek pancakes filled with cheese and with honey over it.

View our photos and info from Frangokastello here >>>
 

6. Preveli

Preveli is known for the beautiful palm beach, the river that flows into the sea and the monastery that was founded here at the end of the sixteenth century. Preveli is located in one of the most beautiful regions of South Crete.

View our aerial video, info and photos of Preveli here >>>
 

7. Agia Galini

Agia Galini is a fantastic holiday resort. It is originally a fishing village, but today tourism offers the largest source of income, although fortunately it has not become a tourist destination. The white houses built against the mountain around the fishing harbor create a picturesque image. The beach is sheltered and is very cozy with a walking path and nice tavernas.
 

8. Matala

Matala became world famous because of the unique location between the chalk cliffs, where the holes in the rocks give this place a characteristic look. In the sixties Matala was the domain of the hippies. Nowadays, the holes can be visited during the day, but in the evening everything is closed.

View our air video, photos and info from Matala here >>>



 

9. Lendas

Lendas is a beautiful village on the Libyan sea. Not touristy, because it is quite remote, but there are some backpack tourists and day trippers. There are some nice taverns. It is a bit of an alternative holiday village, where you can really relax. Rooms are offered for rent almost in every house. Many flowers give the village a friendly appearance.

View our photos and info from Lendas here >>>
 

10. Mirtos

Far away from the noisy and overcrowded mass tourism you will find the friendly village of Mirtos with its typical Cretan hospitality. Mirtos is located on the east side of south Crete. Guests coming to Mirtos appreciate the beauty of the village and the surrounding area and respect the traditions. Mirtos is a lively village where everyone, residents and guests feel at home. Mirtos is a nice beach where you can swim and sunbathe.

View our photos and info from Mirtos here >>>