LOUTRO
not to be missed
“I felt once more how simple and frugal a thing is a happiness: a glass of wine, a roast chestnut, a wretched little brazier, the sound of the sea. Nothing else.”
Loutro Lies along the southern coast of Crete
facing the Libyan sea.
It’s a charming little village whose sheltered bay, whitewashed houses with blue painted shutters and doors, cling onto the mountainside making it the perfect Greek holiday picture.
In summer, holiday houses, some small hotels provide accommodation, many of them accessible via several steps up the hillside.
On the seashore cafés, tavernas, bars, and restaurants provide tasty lunches and dinners. This is a very tranquil and "feel relaxed” place. Bring books and a deck of cards. Enjoy a restful holiday.
From the moment you arrive, you know that Loutro is the place to let the days drift by as they come.
Swim, eat, drink and relax. There are enough of bars, tavernas, and restaurants here. You quickly find out that Loutro is not a place you visit for sparkling nightlife.
You arrive by boat or you walk, there are no roads into Loutro, (there are a poorly maintained mountain and country track).
However, your arrival here cannot be more spectacular, the crystal clear turquoise blue coloured sea in the bay and the white-painted houses of Loutro positioned on the steep mountainside (as well as most of the accommodation) topped up by a blue sky is breath-taking.
Sleeping in Loutro
Villa Niki Studios and Apartments. Elevated position with great view. Access by steps. Central location. Free WiFi.
Sifis Hotel, restaurant/bistro/cafe on the seafront deck. Nice rooms, terrace with sea views. Free WiFi.
All the above hotels (in no particular order) can be Book direct or you can find them and more alternatives on
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Loutro Beaches
Two main beaches in Loutro,
one in front of the old baths, and a larger one immediately east of the village. Both pebbles and crystal-clear water with vibrant deep blue or green colours.
Nearby Sweetwater beach
can be reached by walking, (45-55 minutes) along, at times, a narrow track and some slightly dodgy footpaths here and there. You can take a boat from Loutro to Sweetwater beach as well.
15 min Boat tour from Loutro to Glyka Nera (Sweetwater) beach
Walkers and Hikers
The international E4 mountain trail goes through Loutro. It’s a good opportunity to get your first taste of the mountain trail and sea edge routes and fantastic views.
N.B. this is for the more experienced walkers and hikers.
For a breathtakingly view walk up to the castle ruins on the hill above Loutro.
How to get to Loutro
The nearest village Hora Sfakia is located about 75 km from Chania (Chania airport) and 155 km from Heraklion (Heraklion airport, ferry port).
No roads leading to Loutro so you can only get to the village on foot or by boat. Once in Hora Sfakia you can take one of the regular Anendyk ferries connecting the villages of south-west Crete or arrange for a seataxi in Hora Sfakion. Deligiannis Lines is one of several. Sea journey around 20 minutes.
Loutro can also be reached by Anendyk ferriy service from Paleochora, Sougia and Agia Roumeli.
Getting to Hora Sfakion by car, taxi or bus
If you plan traveling by car it is not possible to bring your car to Loutro. Leave the car in Hora Sfakia where there is free parking space.
Coming from the North you will need to cross to the South on a good winding road. It is only 40km from the National Road in the North of the island but it will take you about one hour from Vrysses by car.
If you want to arrive by public bus there are only a few buses per day from Chania. If you were to come from Rethymnon or Heraklion you would need to get off the bus in Vrysses in order to catch a bus coming from Chania. There is also a taxi stand in Vrysses and Chora Sfakion.
If you need a taxi transfer we recommend a local taxi company Taxi Sfakia Amiridakis Bros.
Walking to Loutro
The walk on the coastal path from Hora Sfakion takes about 2-3 hours.
The walk from Anopolis descends around 650m on an ancient path and takes between one and two hours (it will very much depend on how confident you are walking down).
Finally if you were to walk from Agia Roumeli it will take you about 5-6 hours walking time to Loutro.