The Cretan South
Cross the White Mountains to reach the Libyan Sea. The wildest, most authentic, and fiercely independent side of Crete.
The Itinerary
Chania
Arrive in Chania. Skip the harbor and eat where the locals eat in the Nea Chora district.
Omalos
Drive up into the White Mountains. Stay in a mountain lodge and eat antikristo lamb.
Samaria/Agia Roumeli
Hike the Samaria Gorge. Emerge at the car-free coastal village of Agia Roumeli.
Loutro
Take the ferry (or hike the coastal path) to Loutro, a village reachable only by boat.
Sfakia
Ferry to Chora Sfakion, the stronghold of Cretan resistance. Try the local Sfakian pie with honey.
Plakias
Drive the winding coastal road to Plakias. Swim at the Preveli palm forest beach.
Triopetra
Relax at the massive sand dunes of Triopetra beach. Dinner at a cliffside taverna.
Rethymno Mountains
Drive inland to the Amari valley. Visit ancient monasteries hidden in the hills.
Heraklion/Chania
Return to the north coast for departure.