The charming white village of Loutro, Crete, is isolated at the foot of mountains around a little cove.
Reachable only by boat or on foot, its white houses contrast with the stunning landscapes.
Below is my guide to help you plan your visit including: things to do Loutro, map, how to get there and photos.
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Why visit the white village of Loutro in Crete?
Loutro is a small white village that cannot be reached by car.
It is always really enjoyable to visit a place so isolated!
It is considered the Postcard-perfect village for good reasons.
The colors and contrasts are mesmerizing: the water is emerald and dark blue, the mountains brown and orange, while the buildings are mostly white. As you can see in the picture below, the mix is a success !
A small islet creates a natural harbor where it is easy to disembark. It makes the cove pretty quiet. And even if you don't do long hikes, you can walk around Cape Mouri.
White village of Loutro and its bay
Is Loutro worth it?
You will find people saying on the Internet that it is not interesting and not worth going because it is not a traditional fishing village anymore. This is true, all buildings are now tourist accommodations and restaurants. But I still think this is one of the most beautiful corners of Crete in term of landscape and it deserves a visit.
Virtual tour of Loutro - video
Below is a short video to give you an idea about the experience of visiting Loutro, one of the best places to visit in Crete:
More photos after the planning tips.
Planning Tips & Map - Loutro Village Crete
Where is the village of Loutro in Crete - Map
- Located on the South Coast of Crete
- East of Chora Sfakion
- West of the National park of the Samaria Gorge
- You can drive only to Chora Sfakion
- Chania to Chora Sfakion = 1h30 drive
- Rethymno to Chora Sfakion = 1h30 drive
- Heraklion to Chora Sfakion = 3h drive
- Below is a map to help you visualize and locate Loutro:
Map of Loutro in Crete - Location
This highlight is included (with GPS coordinates and practical tips) in my Travel Guide eBook that helps you easily plan your road trip around Crete:
Be overwhelmed by the beauty, not the planning!
- 5 easy-to-plan Maps
- 60+ scenic locations - pre-selected
- 16+ extra photo stops and places
- Planning info to make the most of your time
- GPS coordinates for peace of mind
- 150+ original photos to help you choose
How to get to Loutro Crete?
- First, you need to drive to Chora Sfakion (also written Hora Skafion or Sfakia). The easiest is by car.
- Chora Skafion is also accessible by bus from Chania (2h one way, not frequent)
- Boat - the easiest option is to take the ferry or one of the tourist boats from Chora Sfakion (20 min ride) - more info on the next section - Ferry timetable here
- Hike - the other option is to hike the E4 trail from Chora Sfakion (2h) or from Agia Roumeli (6h) - see the last section of this article
- Kayak - The 3rd option is to hire a kayak and row between the 2 villages
- Loutro day trips - If you don't drive, day trips may depart from Chania or Rethymno - check out what is available
Need to rent a car in Crete?
My tips:
- My option 1 - Check out the local company Rental Center Crete - excellent ratings and a zero-excess insurance policy included
- My option 2 - Compare prices on Discovercars.com - one of the best rated comparison sites!
- Choose the car and company you prefer (with enough power for comfort on mountain roads)
- Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!
Tips for visiting Loutro
- I recommend taking the first ferry in the morning. It is the big boat and it will be less crowded at this hour.
- There are many restaurants to choose from for lunch
- Bring walking shoes to be able to explore the surroundings
- Bring your swimwear to enjoy the crystal-clear waters that are always calm in this protected cove
- You can stay overnight, away from the busy world - check out the best rated accommodations in Loutro
Where to stay in Crete?
My tips:
- For a charming town with lots of activities - See best rated accommodations in Chania
- For a sandy beach and some nightlife - See best rated options in Malia or in Bali
- For a mix of history, beach and central location - See best rated options in Rethymno
- For the main city - See best rated options in Heraklion
- For stunning scenery, away from the large crowds - See best rated options in Palaiochora
- For a very quiet area - see best rated options in Mochlos
More tips on my article about where to stay in Crete
Best time to visit Loutro
It is a tiny village, so it can get crowded quite quickly.
During peak season, in Summer, it is essential to take the first ferry, if you want to have a little bit of space before the crowds arrive. And during the day, teamperatures reach the 30°C.
Weather and crowds will be more enjoyable during the shoulder months, especially May and October (with temperatures between 16 and 24°C)
Boat trip from Chora Sfakion to Loutro (ferry)
Several companies are operating boats between Chora Sfakion and Loutro in Summer.
However, the biggest one with frequent transfer in Summer and transfer in Winter is Anendyk.
Plus, they also operate to Agia Roumeli (Bottom of Samaria Gorge) and all the way to Palaiochora, so you can explore more.
In the pictures below, you can see their largest ferry. This is the first one in the morning leaving Chora Sfakion.
There is plenty of seating outside and some of seating inside.
You can find the Timetable of the ferries HERE.
You can purchase your ticket at the booth at the port. Below is a picture.
Otherwise you can reserve online (which can be good if you want to take the ferry from Agia Roumeli to Chora Sfakion at the end of the afternoon when everyone comes back from the Samaria Gorge hike - it gets full!)
The boat ride is quite enjoyable with views of the mountains dropping into the sea.
You first get a better view of the charming village of Chora Sfakion as you can see in the picture below.
This is the main town of the area, but not a big one!
Further, you can notice a small beach with a few trees. This is Glyca Nera also called Sweet Water Beach.
A small boat from another company can take you to this beach from Chora Sfakion.
The particularity is that fresh water flows to the beach and then through the pebbles.
Can you understand why this was one of my favorite boat tours in Crete?
Glyca Nera also called Sweet Water Beach
At other hours, the ferry between Loutro and Chora Sfakion by Anedyk, maybe a smaller boat such as the one you can see in the picture below.
Its comfort is fine too.
Arriving at the Loutro pier
View of Loutro
The ride is quite short, you don't get bored with the beautiful views.
And then you notice a little white point in the distance.
Getting closer, you notice it is the village with white houses in a little cove.
The cliffs above are 600m high.
History of Loutro
It is a really small village as you can see, but it has been inhabited for a long time.
Because of its natural harbor for all seasons, it was a good place for a settlement.
It was the site of the ancient city of Phoenix (Finikas), which flourished during the Hellenistic and Roman times.
Today the next bay is called Finikas; it was one of the 2 ports.
The ancient city has not been excavated, but it was mentioned in Paul's voyage to Rome (for those interested in religious history).
Later, pirates used to Loutro to attack ships sailing along the South of Crete.
But the Venetians took over and fortified the village.
Later, the Turks also added fortifications.
Loutro beaches
As I wrote before, the water is always calm in this natural harbor.
It is because it is facing East and has an island closing the bay.
There are 2 beaches. But be aware, there are quite small for the quantity of tourists!
Middle Loutro beach
The first one is in the middle of the village (pictures above and below).
It is made of small pebbles and lined up with sunbeds.
I think it is the better beach with a little bit of sand and a flat lying area.
East Loutro beach
Or you can continue to the end of the village where the hiking trail start.
You can find another small beach.
It is also made of pebbles and has sunbeds; However it is not as flat and even smaller!
Note: if you go snorkel in the area you might spot turtles.
Loutro village - accommodations and restaurants
Nowadays, the entire village is only accommodations and restaurants for tourists.
You have a large choice, and you are always close to the water!
There are lots of fresh fish and good salads to be enjoyed for lunch or dinner.
Spending a night in such an isolated place can be quite a great option, although in Summer the village can be a little loud when it is full of tourists.
You won't find a large resort with swimming pools.
All accommodations are small hotels or rentals.
You can consider:
- The Molos apartments (see picture below) - beautifully decorated apartments with kitchenette and balconies - Check out photos and book
- Or see all accommodations in Loutro
Note that if you stay longer and are not eating at the restaurants, there are only small mini-markets in the village. You need to bring your food.
Kastella fort ruins in Loutro - best views
Except from enjoying the beach and eating, the main thing to do in Loutro is walk towards the West.
The take path left of the pier. It is an easy walk.
You first arrive at the ruins of the Kastella Fort. It was small and built on the cliff facing the islet Fanari of Loutro.
Only the base of the ruins remains, but you can understand the strategic position it had.
The views from around the ruins are stunning. This is the best place to admire the mix of colors:
- emerald water near the coast, deep blue further
- the white of the village
- the orange of the mountains
Other things to do in Loutro
Kayaking & Snorkeling
The area is very popular for Kayaking with quiet waters and magnificent views.
Plus de water is clear, making snorkeling experiences really enjoyable.
Walk to Sotiros Christou church
You can easily keep walking past the Turkish fortress.
Go through the fence (but don't forget to close it back).
Just a few minutes further, you will reach the chapel.
The path is paved up to the chapel, but not further.
It is the church of Sotiros Christou, painted in white and surrounded by a cemetery.
Hike further
Continue further, the path is easy and the views are great all along the path with beautiful rock and colors.
As I still wanted to go to Agia Roumeli during the day, we walked back towards the village but you can continue to the small beach of Finikas and do a loop coming back via the inland path and the Koules fort (see next section).
Hike to Koules fort above Loutro
If you are ready to climb a bit more, you can also take the old mule track. But it is very steep.
It takes you above the village, to the old Turkish fortifications where you will see the ruins of the tower and an old fort.
It was built after the 1866 uprising to control the harbor, which the Cretans were using as a base in their revolts.
Things to do near Loutro
If you have decided to stay longer in Loutro, you can enjoy other beaches and walks in the area.
Finikas
You can walk to the other side of Cape Mouri where you will find Finikas with a small beach and a few buildings.
Marmara Gorge
There is someone offering boat trips to the nearby Marmara beach.
It is a small protected pebble beach with turquoise water.
And right way you can walk and enter an impressive narrow gorge.
In Summer there is a tavern on the rocks.
Agia Roumeli
You can continue further with the Anendyk ferries and reach Agia Roumeli.
It is a small village with a large pebble beach.
But it is famous for being the arrival point of the long Samaria Gorge hike, the most well-known on the island.
So you can take the ferry to the beach and walk part of the bottom section of the gorge with its impressive walls and narrow sections.
Imbros gorge
On the other side of Chora Sfakion, the Imbros Gorge is another splendid place to admire.
You can enjoy it from the road or hike down surrounded by high mountain walls and lush vegetation.
This hike takes 2 to 3 hours
Hiking to Loutro, Crete
I did not complete the hike from Chora Sfakion to Loutro, but below are the essentials to know:
- It takes 2 hours
- It is 6km (3.7mi)
- You can stop at Sweet Water beach along the way
- It is on the E4 path
- It is not technically difficult, but always with the drop of the mountains on the side (see picture below where you can notice the line of the path and someone on it)
- You can find a video of the hike here
Want to see more of the best Crete has to offer?
- 20 best things to do in Crete - read article
- The 27 best beaches in Crete - read article
- The most beautiful archaeological sites - read article
- The most beautiful churches and monasteries in Crete - read article
- The best destinations in Crete, where to stay - read article
- Advice for planning your road trip in Crete and your itinerary - read article
- Tips for driving around Crete - read article
- The most beautiful boat trips around Crete - read article
Planning a trip to Crete?
Check out my travel guide eBook to help you plan:
Be overwhelmed by the beauty, not the planning!
- 5 easy-to-plan Maps
- 60+ scenic locations - pre-selected
- 16+ extra photo stops and places
- Planning info to make the most of your time
- GPS coordinates for peace of mind
- 150+ original photos to help you choose
And keep track of your own trip!
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