Loutro Village

description

Loutro is such an incredibly soporific place, where there's absolutely nothing ( ... almost ) to do but eat, drink and laze - and where you fast lose any desire to do anything else.

There are hundreds of people who walk down the Samaria Gorge each day in the summer. After a drink at one of the tavernas in Agia Roumeli where the gorge opens to the sea and perhaps enjoying a swim, most board the ferry taking them to Chora Sfakia (Sfakia).

There, waiting for buses transport the aching crowds back to Chania. On the way, the ferry calls in at Loutro, and many vow to visit it one day - few do so!

Loutro is peaceful - it is small and feels like a village even if 95% of the people here in the summer are visitors. It takes less than five minutes to amble from one side of the bay from Sifis Hotel & Maestrali Bar (Vangelis'), past Daskalogiannis Hotel, the tavernas, mini-market, the Blue House, the pebble beach, Hotel Porto Loutro, Notos, "Fat Stav's", a couple more tavernas and then Keramos rooms and fish taverna.

This is a magic place to relax, swim, read, write your own book in western Crete, Sfakia region.

Don't forget the church, second mini-market, and a few other buildings - more rooms including perched-on-the-hillside Villa Niki - that's it!

Loutro evokes some great emotion - produced perhaps by the unique combination of the steep, harsh, rock mountainsides - audibly decorated with the clinking of goat bells - the sun visibly changing the panorama in view as its ark lights different aspects of the slopes forming the bowl - the bay that houses Loutro, the often-warm sea, the history, and the people. This magic place.

No road leads here - therefore no mopeds, cars, and trucks disturb contemplation, conversation, and consumption of food or drink. A port of shelter for St Paul we hear, and one of the best shelters from a stormy workplace or busy professional life.

Small, stunningly beautiful - no nightlife or discos, just a multinational, multi-everything group of visitors staying in its closely grouped buildings. During the day even when all rooms are full, Loutro can be almost empty - many have gone to sauté gently on nearby beaches, or tackle books, strolls, walks, and - let's be serious - hikes.

You are left to act as your own custodian of the semi-circular bay, with a small pebble beach, edged with the hotel, domatia, and waterside tavernas. So gaze at the ruins on the hilltop, measure the approaching ferry, decide whether to read a few pages more, walk over the hill to the taverna of Phoenix, or plot your ascent to Anopolis a thousand meters above...it's up to you. Time passes.

Loutro village was named after the baths (Loutro or Loutra) found in the area, and from which water was directed to nearby Anopoli Village. Loutro also served as the port of ancient Anopoli. Later it became the winter time port of the town of Sfakia, due to the fact that the enclosed bay and the small island at its entrance create a natural harbor where ships can be safe even in very bad weather conditions.

Mountains rear straight up from the sea deep wooded gorges, ravines, and valleys, stand proud, and act as a magnet to the eye and the imagination. The Sfakia region has been the site of heroic deeds, ancient civilizations, and constant intrigue for thousands of years, and the home of brave tough people made so by their labors on the land and their experiences.

Really Loutro is a place to let days flow by as they will. When you meet people who are poetic utterances appeal - converse, when striding rocky paths is the urge - proceed, when the water beckons - shout back / get in; eat and relax. You shouldn't come here expecting entertainment - the reward is being in Loutro and listening to what your heart desires...

How to get there

Unless you come by private boat or yacht you will take the 20-minute ferry rides from Chora Sfakia, there are about 4 ferries a day in the summer months (see ferry schedules and bus schedules). Some of the domatia / small hotels will pick you up there if you arrive outside ferry schedule hours.

If you arrive at Chora Sfakia at night, stay there and take the ferry in the morning - far better. You can hire a water taxi if you wish to spend 12 to 14 times this figure. Hikers may walk along the path, which has a few precipitous moments but is generally of medium effort to the practiced; it takes 1.5 to 2 hours.

From May through mid-October there are direct charter flights to Chania and Heraklion Airport. Tickets can be bought in advance for almost all flights via our partner website.

The journey is the thing". A superb way of enjoying the journey to Crete is to fly to Athens and take the ferry from Piraeus (Pireas) - the port serving Athens. A still-romantic way to travel by the overnight ferry from Piraeus to Chania-Souda Port or Heraklion Port. Tickets can be bought in advance for all ferries via our website.

If you want to explore the region while you're here, we recommend that you rent a car, other means of transport are limited and/or infrequent. We suggest our sister website, which offers competitive prices and you can collect your car at either airport.

In case that you would like a Taxi Transfer from Chania or Heraklion Airport to Sfakia Village, you could book your taxi transfer online easily and safely from the airport or port to any location via our website.

Where to stay

Almost everywhere has a sea view. Most places are part of the horseshoe frontage -in Loutro for the most part you are no more than one building from the seafront).

- Our favorite has to be one of the two buildings that comprise the Hotel Porto Loutro; the building on the beach (Porto Loutro on the Beach) is the original and it shares with its recent partner which is perched just on the hill (Porto Loutro on the Hill), a collection of light, bright, airy, simple and uncluttered rooms. All have balconies with great views worth traveling for. Both have a bar with breakfast served in wonderful day-welcoming settings.

Hotel Loutro Bay & Despoina's Suites, a small family-run hotel with very generous hospitality, recently renovated rooms, a one-minute walk from the beach, cafes and restaurants, wondrous sea and mountain views, endless choice of walks and climbs.

Pantelitsa Rooms, another small, family-run hotel, authentic, hospitable, simple, with great respect for humanity and its needs in the rear neighborhood of lovely Loutro Village, right behind Virgin Mary's church.

- If Loutro is too busy for you (how could that be?), then Phoenix (walk there in 15 minutes or take the boat that leaves the pier in front of Maestrali"Vangeli's" each day at 11) is pleasant and has rooms to rent. The place does not have the magic of Loutro - but some devotees of simplicity and quiet return every year.

Credit cards are not useful in Loutro - remember "cash is king"! There is an ATM (cash) machine in Sfakia, at the gift shop, next to the post office. You need to have your Visa or Mastercard pin number.

What to see & do

- The long beach at Sweetwater and the smaller pebble beach at Marmara can be reached by walking on at times narrow and severe paths (Sweetwater about 30-45 minutes, Marmara 45-60 minutes). There are boats that leave at 11 for each of these and return at around 16.30.

- Visit the castle and ruins on the hill above Loutro. Walk (E4 path goes through Loutro). Walk a little or strenuous hikes - this is the perfect place to get your first taste of the mountain and sea-edge paths or to enjoy a  challenge if you are athletically inclined.

- Walking to Phoenix: 15-25 minutes; historic village of Anopolis - a 50 -90 minute vertical climb rewarded by the village and plateau and first-rate Sfakian cheese pies, breathtaking views, wildlife, spring flowers. Anopolis Village, offering great views of the plateau and the mountains, nothing like this village to taste Chania’s most delicious treat, the Sfakian pita

- Aradena and the Aradena gorge - depends on where you climb and then descend into it -60 minutes to 3 hours; the virtually un-populated old village of Livaniana - 60-90 minutes (a small taverna is open some of the year at the entrance to the village - best for a drink to replenish and rest at after the walk).

- We often walk these routes in shorter times - but you really do not need, nor is it advised, to race - take care and favorite walking shoes, hat, and water.

- Frangokastello has the remains of a Venetian fortress - little actually remains apart from the walls. This is a bus ride from Chora Sfakia (check carefully to match bus times to ferries and so on). The beach is good and there are places to eat and drink.

- The Imbros Gorge has not so far seen the crowds of the Samaria Gorge. You can take the first ferry to Chora Sfakia and then the next bus to Vrysses and Chania, as far as Imbros. Cafes there serve Sfakian Pies - good fuel for the walk - the walk takes two to three hours,  more if you are to walk back to Chora Sfakia.

- For those staying longer or feeling momentarily restless, hop on the ferry and take a ride to Agia Roumelli and back, an economical coastal cruise. You can also take the ferry into Sfakia (Chora Sfakia) and spend a half hour or a few hours there for a change of scene (check ferry schedules). All walking times are for one direction only.

- Join us for a great Sea kayak Tour starting from Illingas Beach.

- Or what about a Sailing & Sea Kayak Trip To Gavdos Island & Best Beaches Of South Chania 

Find more exciting activities in Chania Region.

Where to eat & drink

Eat anywhere! All the tavernas have good food - the Blue house, easily found by its deep blue-framed windows, may have the biggest selection. Some specialize in grilled (over charcoal) food - most have fresh fish as available, and variously lamb, goat, mezes, salads, and many traditional taverna dishes - variety is good.

Traditional Tavern Stratis will offer you the best food in Loutro - traditional Greek cuisine, the meat and yogurt (in spring) coming from the family herds, fresh salads, delicious homemade pies, infamous Pantelitsa's Kalitsounia, with greens and/or cheese, good local wine and extremely friendly service.

Helios Restaurant, Helios serving cooked dishes, at least two grills with tasty local meat on the coals, and you may even get fresh fish if you’re lucky. Whatever you choose, don’t forget to try traditional Greek specialties and especially Chania dishes, such as boureki and Sfakianes pites (sweet cheese pies).

- Chisostomos or Dialiskari or Marmara Tavern at this pebbly Marmara Beach (nearby Loutro), there's this charming little taverna with authentic Cretan cuisine and maybe one of the best goat in oven or tsigariasto (stewed). A great gem in lovely Crete.

- The superb and interesting Notos specializes in wonderfully prepared interesting Meze and romantic Italian pasta and salads (the blue cheese salad is stunning) suitable for both a snack or a very full meal.

- The re-opened Keramos, on the far side of the bay, is fish supreme accompanied by truly superb simple salads and the best dakos (classic Cretan rusk with tomato and special cheese). You may wait longer to be served here - it's worth it.

- Sifis hotel (opposite side of the bay!) has a restaurant with good souvlaki, fish and daily selections - swordfish is good. For those sweet-toothed temptations, Maria's bakery was one big favorite.

- For a change of setting walk over the hill (15-20 minutes) to Old Phoenix taverna - a terrace by the sea, good salads, fish, and a standard menu.

Location

Honest Reviews

The reviews for the Loutro Village

Reviews ( 2 )

  • Debora

    I cannot wait to be back in Chania and especially, to stay overnight in Loutro. Thanks to you, this dream will be a reality! I had already reserved a car before I contacted you, but thank you for your offer. Your CreteTravel.com site is excellent! I will definitely recommend your site to my friends. You have been absolutely incredible with such quick and friendly service! (Δεν μπορώ να τα πω όλα αυτά στα ελληνικά!!) Ευχαριστώ παρά πολύ για όλα! Καλό Πάσχα για σένα και η οικογένεια σου! Ντέμπορα

  • Mr Bill

    This is where I feel nearer to my own spirit than anywhere else I have been. Each time I arrive I sit back in a chair and breather a deep sigh of relief and homecoming. The people here are amazingly warm and welcoming. I have been staying in Faros Rooms since 2010 and only Covid has stopped me from going at least once a year.

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