South Crete has become really popular for its amazing landscape! It combines the wild mountainous beauty with the sparkling waters of the Libyan Sea. A South Crete boat trip would be a really perfect option for your holidays in Crete, if you want to explore the wonderful hidden places of the specific side of the island. So if you stay or find yourself in Sfakia, it is worth spending one day of your holidays to enjoy a wonderful Crete boat trip to Loutro and the beaches close to it.
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This exciting Crete boat trip starts from Hora Sfakion!
The ferry departs on 10.30 in the morning. So, if you don’t stay in Sfakia, probably you will have to wake up early and drive towards Sfakia region and more specifically, Hora Sfakion. After a really exciting route, offering unique sceneries, you will face the first houses in the upper neighborhood of Hora Sfakion. At this point, there are few trees and the ruins of the Venetian fortress “Sfakia”, later repaired and used by the Turks. The view from here is breathtaking and you can see the whole Sfakia from above.
The road goes down and finally leads you to the parking space. In summer, the place is full of tourist buses waiting to pick up the visitors. Most of them reach Sfakia by boat from Agia Roumeli after crossing Samaria Gorge. Leave your car here and walk towards the promenade. You will find many traditional restaurants, one beside the other, always ready to serve the thousands of travelers who leave or arrive here by boat. Here is also the small harbor of Hora Sfakion, while in the east, there is the new, largest port of the village.
While you are waiting for your departure, do not forget to taste a Sfakian pie with honey: a popular Cretan delicacy and a really nutritional breakfast! You have already finished your pie and the time for your Crete boat trip has finally come!
After 15 minutes, you face the unique view of Loutro!
The boat docs in the small port and here it is: the exploration of the picturesque fishing village of Loutro is ready to be started!
Loutro features two main beaches. The small beach on its front side and a bigger beach, right after the eastern edge of the village, called Keramos. Both of them are a very good option, especially when the south wind is strong. The beaches are pebbly, well organized and the water is always calm,. You will be impressed from its wonderful deep blue and green color. If you are keen on exploring the sea bottom with mask, it is possible to see the frequent visitors of the beach, the sea turtles Caretta-Caretta.
After you enjoy the relaxation under the warm sun and the swim in the emerald waters of the beach, you may take a walk in the surrounding area. Keep in mind, that in Loutro, you will find only the necessary: There are several restaurants, a couple cafes that turn into bars at night, mini markets, and of course, the small hotels painted in the colors of white and blue. Probably it’s lunch time! Choose one of the taverns to have a high quality of fresh sea food or other local specialties.
Hike to the west to reach the isolated Marmara Beach!
Looking for a way to digest your delicious lunch? What better than 1.30 hour hike to Marmara, one of the most popular beaches of the area? Start hiking to the west, and, after passing “Phoenix” nearby village, you reach “Marmara” beach, at the exit of Aradena gorge. “Marmara” (Marble beach), got its name from its rocks, which look like they are consisted of white marble.
The beach features pebbles and crystal clear waters. The particular morphology of the landscape has created places where you can lie and sunbathe on the rocks, enjoying the scenery. Those rocks are also perfect diving spot. For those who love exploring, there are beautiful sea caves, created between the rocks.
On a higher point of the beach, there is one café-restaurant, where you can take your coffee or a second meal in the afternoon, after your swim. You will love the exceptional, beautiful views of the sea, the coastline of southern Crete and the gorge of Aradena, from above!
The time has passed and this wonderful South Crete boat trip came to its end! Of course, you don’t need to walk back to Loutro. Alternatively, you can take the boat departing from Marmara, at 17.00 o’clock and return to Loutro. The boat departs from Loutro at 18.30 and takes you back at Hora Sfakion.
