Agia Roumeli - Chora Sfakion
This is an easy and very beautiful hike, starting from Agia Roumeli, at the exit of the Samaria Gorge to Chora Sfakion. The path is part of the European trekking path E4 and runs along the southern coast of Crete. It is 22 km long and well-marked all the way to the end. This is an easy hike with great views all the way, yet some care needed. As the trail is quite long, it would be a good idea to break the route and stay overnight at Loutro or you may consider to skip the last part from Loutro to Chora Sfakion, by taking the ferry. In summer the path gets busy so it is best to start early in the morning to beat crowds and the heat. Ensure you wear a hat and proper hiking shoes and take sun cream with you and plenty of water.
The first section starts from Agia Roumeli and leads to the beach of Agios Pavlos where the byzantine church of St. Paul is. After crossing the beach, you rejoin the path and climb above the beach walking through the pines to climb the escarpment, passing the fork to Agios Ioannis. The views are fantastic. You continue well above the sea on a rocky but well-marked path before the steep scramble down to Marmara beach at the mouth of the Aradena Gorge. There you can stop for a quick dive into the crystal-clear waters of the Libyan Sea or you can just eat something at the local tavern. The path from Marmara to Likos is not so pleasant with a very difficult rock section to drop down onto beach. After Likos the path takes you through some restaurants at Phoenix before one final climb up and over the hill before arriving in Loutro. From the scenic village of Loutro, the path heads to the amazing beach of Glyka Nera (Sweetwater Beach) and then ascends along the steep cliffs to meet the paved road to Annopolis. From that point the hike is on the road for the next 2 km till you reach Chora Sfakion.
Agia Roumeli to Loutro: 14 km, 5-6 hours
Loutro to Chora Sfakion: 6 km – 2:15 hours