About Sfakia

The district of Sfakia, with its main village Chora Sfakion, is a very special part of Crete, far away from the mass tourism of the north coast. It is located at the Lybian sea in the southwest part of the island and is shaped by the fantastic mountain range called “White Mountains”, dominated by Pachnes (2453 m.), the second highest mountain in Crete.
The rough and dramatic landscape of this area is softened by olive trees, tamarisk and pine trees and the gentle sound of sheep and goats’ bells. The region is famous for its independent spirit and was the center of resistance against the Venetians and the Turks.

Chora Sfakion

Chora Sfakion (commonly called Sfakia) is a characteristic traditional village of about 300 inhabitants, where locals outnumber tourists. Shepherds can still be seen in local dress and many of the older houses in the area are of traditional architectural style with large stone arches.
Sfakia offers a variety of facilities: cafes, restaurants, mini markets, a bakery, a post office, taxi and taxi boat services and a car rental office. There is no commercial bank, but you will find two cash machines in town and some businesses accept credit cards.
Besides there is a medic for emergency supply in town and the nearest hospital is determinated in Chania (a little bit more than 1hour from Sfakia).
Although Sfakia was very isolated in earlier days, it is now readily accessible from the north coast by car and public transportation (bus). Chora Sfakion is perfectly situated for day trips into the nearby mountains or along the coast by boat.
A wonderful selection of long and short hikes starts from the village along old shepherds’ paths and through the many nearby gorges. Spring and autumn are ideal periods for such activities.

How to get to Sfakia

If you have arrived on the island, you can reach Sfakia by bus, taxi or your own hire car.
Coming from the north- way you first reach Vrisses (beetween Chania and Rethymnon), from there to the high plateau of Askifou and loops in a breathtaking manner along the Imbros canyon down to the sea.

Aside also exists an alliance from Plakias, which leads across Frangokastello along the westerly south coast.

Timetable of Intercity bus lines Chania –  Sfakia

Chania – Sfakia (Chora Sfakion) : 08.00 and 14.30 every day

Sfakia (Chora Sfakion) – Chania : 07.00  11.00   17.30

Ticket Price = 6,80 € | Journey time = about 2 hours

Source: chora-sfakion.com