| Loutro lies on the south coast of Chania | | | | from the small pebble beach, have a beer in a |
| Prefecture in west Crete, between Chora Sfakion | | | | taverna, enjoy the peace and quiet and feel the |
| and Agia Roumeli, the exit to the Samaria Gorge. | | | | stress and tensions of everyday life melt away |
| The whole area is known as Sfakia and the | | | | into the unruffled water. |
| inhabitants, the Sfakians, are fierce, proud | | | | If at some point you do get bored of sunning |
| mountain dwellers. They have taken part in every | | | | yourself, drinking cold beers and looking lazily at |
| struggle against the foreign invaders of Crete, | | | | the sea, Loutro offers a wide range of fun |
| whether Venetian, Turkish or German. | | | | choices providing a little exercise: |
| Loutro is a small place but it too has a rich history. | | | | - A short walk to the Turkish fortress. |
| This is the site of the ancient city of Phoenix, an | | | | - A stroll to the ruins of the Venetian castle. |
| important harbour in Hellenistic and Roman times. | | | | - Hire a canoe and paddle around Loutro bay. |
| Today nothing remains of ancient Phoenix except | | | | - Take the morning boat to the nearby beaches |
| the name preserved by the small village in the | | | | of Marmara and Glyka Nera. Glyka Nera is one of |
| bay west of Loutro. | | | | the most beautiful beaches in Crete and is usually |
| Later the Sfakian pirates used Loutro as a lair | | | | popular with nudists. |
| from which to attack the ships sailing south of | | | | - Walk along the path to Glyka Nera. It's an easy |
| Crete. The Venetians managed to drive out the | | | | route and takes about an hour. |
| Saracens and fortified Loutro with a small fortress | | | | - Walk to Marmara, about one and a half hours |
| whose ruins are still visible today. Another fortress | | | | away. |
| preserved in better condition in Loutro is evidence | | | | - Walk up to Anopoli along the path starting on |
| of the Turkish presence here. | | | | the east side of Loutro. You climb up to about |
| The only way to get to Loutro is by ferry from | | | | 700 metres above sea level, with the stunning |
| Chora Sfakion. There is no road there, which is | | | | view unfolding before you all the way. |
| part of its unique charm. The boat leaves the | | | | - Take the ferry to Agia Roumeli and walk up the |
| harbour at Chora Sfakion, travels past the steep | | | | Samaria Gorge. This is known as the "lazy way", |
| coastline with its caves and cliffs dropping sheer | | | | as it's only 3.5 km from Agia Roumeli to the |
| into the deep blue water, and enters the calm | | | | "Sideroportes" (Iron Gates), the narrowest point |
| bay of Loutro where a row of white houses | | | | of the gorge. |
| comes into view, crowning the small beach hidden | | | | - If you love adventure and extreme sports, you |
| in the arms of the Sfakia mountains. | | | | can enjoy a plunge into nothingness by bungee |
| Every house in Loutro gives the impression that | | | | jumping from the high bridge over the Aradena |
| it's trying to squeeze in next to the sea. In Loutro | | | | Gorge. |
| you drink your coffee, eat and sleep next to the | | | | - If you prefer a bit of a trek, walk along the |
| sea. From your window you can gaze out at the | | | | Aradena Gorge. The entrance is just past Anopoli |
| sapphire sea in the daytime and watch the moon | | | | and the exit is at Marmara beach, from where |
| reflected in the calm dark waters at night. Swim | | | | you can return to Loutro along the coast path. |