If you are planning to visit the charter operator’s destinations at the north coast of Crete, well, this is probably not the website for you. On the other hand, a few weeks away from the most popular tourist places would almost certain do both you and your friends or family good. Crete is so much more than the overcrowded places at the north side. Rent a car and explore the island by yourself. You will meet a very proud and friendly people either you are on the north or south side. And you will always find accommodation in Crete, even in the high season.

Loutro

The moon over Loutro

The seaside of  the village Loutro is located at a distance of about 74 km. south of Chania, at the end of Cape Mouri. It is believed that this was the site of the ancient city of Finikas, and was the port of ancient Anopolis. Later, it became the winter time port of the town of Sfakia, due to the fact that the enclosed bay and the small island in its entrance create a natural harbor where ships can be safe even at very bad weather conditions. The only access is by boat or as you wish, by foot ! Find accommodation in Loutro.

Loutro is a place for those people who want something different. There are no big hotels with swimming pools. There are no overcrowded streets, restaurants and beaches, there are no cars. A small picturesque fishing village in south west Crete, not yet spoilt by mass tourism. Discover the beautiful beaches like Glyka Nera (Sweetwater), Lykos and Marmara.

Sougia

Sougia with the beautiful beach

Sougia is a small village located by the Libyan sea, about 75 km from the city of Chania. No tour operators offering package holidays are to be found here. The fact is that Sougia, despite its long beach and its beautiful sea has remained one of the quietest and most relaxing place to spend a holiday on Crete, away from mainstream tourism. Despite being a very small village the facilities are excellent: Sougia has a good choice of accommodation at affordable prices, the restaurants offer well above average food, the long beach is never crowded and the sea was nominated as one of the cleanest in the whole of Greece in a national study made in 1999. Look for accommodation in Sougia.

If you start touring the South-West Crete coast in Paleochora, you can move to Sougia by the ferry 08.30 in the morning. Ten minutes after 09.00 you will arrive in Sougia. Sougia is a great starting point for walks along the coast and inlands as well. The ancient city of Lissos can be reached in less than 90 minutes. Further you can take the ferry to Agia Roumeli, Loutro and Sfakia. From the airport in Chania you will need about 2 hours to Paleochora by car. Or you can take the bus. Returning from Sfakia to Chania, 90 minutes with car/taxi or about 2 hours with the bus.

Plakias

Mirthios, high above Plakias

Plakias, a village on the south coast of Crete, about 30 kilometers south of the city of Rethymnon, has a 1300 meters long sandy beach and several other beaches within walking distance. The strong summer wind on the beach in Plakias gives you plenty of space (and sand), but the beaches nearby (Souda, Damnoni, Ammoudi and Skhinaria) makes your trip to Plakias worth the effort.
High above Plakias you will find a small village, Mirthios, with 3 very good restaurants (and a stunning view!) and some very nice and inexpensive accommodations.
Look for accommodation in Plakias and Mirthios.