• Location75 km southeast of Chania
• HistoryUnsubdued by conquerors from the Arab period through the Turkish occupation
• ActivitiesHiking on the E4 trail, exploring gorges, visiting beaches
• BeachesVrysi, Ilingas, Glyka Nera, Sfakiano Ammoudi, Filaki, Plakakia
• AttractionsSamaria Gorge, ruins of a Venetian fortress, picturesque mansions
• InfrastructureTaverns, cafes, bakery, pharmacy, boats to Gavdos and Agia Roumeli

The historic town of Chora Sfakion is a captivating location on the southern coast of Crete, about 75 km from Chania. Nestled between the imposing White Mountains and the shores of the Libyan Sea, Chora offers an authentic Cretan landscape, rich in history and traditions that remain alive through time.

The region of Sfakia has long been renowned for the resistance of its inhabitants against invaders. The wild and rugged mountains, along with the gorges running through the area — including the famous Samaria Gorge and others like Klados, Elygia, Aradena, Sfakiano, Imbros, Asfendou, and Ilingas — provided natural protection to the locals, helping them maintain their independence for centuries. Sfakia is famous for its fierce resistance against conquerors, from the Byzantine and Venetian periods to the Ottoman era. In fact, Chora Sfakion played a key role in Cretan revolutions during Venetian and Ottoman rule, with the Sfakians organizing revolts from their mountain passes.

Upon arriving in Chora, visitors are greeted by the town's Venetian history, with the ruins of a fortress standing as a testament to the Venetian presence. Narrow alleys lead to old mansions, hiding the Cretan charm that remains unchanged.

The village has about 300 inhabitants who are mainly engaged in fishing, tourism, and livestock farming. The tourist infrastructure of Chora includes taverns, cafes, mini-markets, a butcher, a bakery, and basic services like a pharmacy and ATM. From the small port of Chora, boats depart for the seaside villages of Loutro and Agia Roumeli, as well as the remote island of Gavdos.

The beaches of Chora Sfakion and the surrounding area are among the most beautiful in southern Crete. Within Chora, at the small, new port that embraces the settlement, beneath the shops, lies a small beach. However, the main beach is located west of the harbor and is called Vrysi. This organized beach features sand and small pebbles. For those willing to travel a few kilometers west and east of the village, numerous other beaches await.

Westwards are the beaches of Ilingas, Glyka Nera, Perivolakia, and Timios Stavros, while eastwards are Agios Charalambos, Sfakiano Ammoudi, Filaki, and Plakakia. It's worth noting that the eastern beaches, Sfakiano Ammoudi, Agios Charalambos, and Filaki, located near the nudist hotel Vritomartis, are recognized nudist beaches. The nudist beaches begin approximately 1.5 km from Chora Sfakion, forming several consecutive coves, the first of which is called Sfakiano Ammoudi. This beach is connected to the village by a rough dirt road, making it perhaps more suitable to access on foot. The beach consists of small pebbles, and one of its most notable features is the many impressive caves along the edges and behind the beach, including the famous Phoca cave, used by seals as a nesting ground.

A few meters eastward, following a path, visitors will find the church of Agios Charalambos, which stands inside a cave. Nearby is the beach of the same name. Another way to access it is via the paved road connecting Chora Sfakion with the Vritomartis hotel. The beach is organized and features fine pebbles. Continuing toward the Vritomartis nudist hotel, visitors will reach the Filaki beach. This beach is easily accessible by car via a paved road. The Filaki beach is about 3 km from Chora Sfakion and consists of pebbles with some rocky areas. It features umbrellas and a canteen for essential supplies, while a nearby tavern caters exclusively to nudists. About 100 meters east of Filaki, at the exit of the Sfakiano Gorge, lies the Plakakia area with its small but beautiful coves. These beaches have fine pebbles, and some of them are located inside caves.

Heading west from Chora Sfakion, about 1.5 km away, visitors will find the enchanting beach of Ilingas, with its coarse, iridescent sand and crystal-clear waters. The beach is at the end of the Kavi or Ilingas Gorge. Shade is provided by the rocks in the area, as the beach is not organized. However, a tavern and rental rooms are available nearby. Eastward is a second beach that can only be accessed by boat. In the Perivolakia area, near Loutro, visitors will find two isolated coves and the beach of Timios Stavros. These continuous coves feature pebbles and stones, with no shaded areas. Visitors can reach these beaches either on foot or by boat.

One of the most significant attractions in the area is the European E4 trail, which starts from Chora Sfakion and passes through Loutro and Agia Roumeli. Hiking along the E4, through the gorges and beaches, is one of the top activities for visitors. For those who love hiking and exploring nature, the gorges and mountains of the area offer endless options.

Regarding the village's history, it is mentioned for the first time during the Arab raids on Crete. After the conquest of Crete by the Saracen Arabs in 824 AD, the Sfakians refused to submit and organized their own autonomous community with their own authority, called the senate.

During the campaign of Nikephoros Phokas to recapture Crete, the Sfakians provided significant support and aided him in the siege of Handakas (Heraklion). After the Byzantines' victory, Emperor Nikephoros Phokas allowed the Sfakians to maintain their local governance and granted them privileges.

In 1204, after the first fall of the Byzantine Empire, Crete came under Venetian control, where it remained until 1669. During this period, at least 27 revolts took place on Crete, many of them originating from the region of the White Mountains, where the Sfakians operated. The Sfakia region remained outside the direct control of the Venetians.

During the Ottoman occupation, the Sfakians fought fierce battles to overthrow the conquerors. Nearly half of the military force of the revolting Cretans came from Sfakia. After the liberation of Crete and its union with the Greek state, the Sfakia region became a province and, since 1998, a municipality.

The area derives its name from the word "Sfax," meaning gorge, due to the many gorges in the broader region. Another theory suggests that it was initially called Sfikia, and the toponym resulted from corruption. Finally, some claim it originated from the "sfaka" plant.