80€

Sfakia – Loutro

This is a lovely trip in one of the most protected areas in Crete, very close to the famous Samaria gorge. Previous experience is not required. Starting point is about an hour driving from the town of Chania and is suitable for those staying in west Crete (along with Kalyves trip) and or near Rethymno town. Of course anyone is welcome to join from any part of Crete but check first the driving distance (takes 3 hours from Heraklion). The distance that we will paddle is about 15km and there will be plenty of time for swimming and snorkelling on remote beaches not accessible by cars. All paddling equipment is provided for the trip plus of course the guide.

Starts from Chora Sfakion
Paddling distance: 15 km
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OVERVIEW OF THE TRIP

There will be a short introduction to paddling for those that have no experience and afterwards we will start paddling towards Loutro. On our way we will make stops for both; swimming and snorkelling. All stops will be on different beaches.
There are sea caves and wonderful beaches for swimming and snorkelling along our way to the small village of Loutro where we will stop for lunch. You can either eat in a taverna or you can bring your own. The food in the village is excellent and there is a wide variety including many recipes for vegetarians.
Single or tandem (double) kayaks are available. People with no experience will be given a tandem kayak as those are easier to paddle. Experienced paddlers can get superb boats from Nigel Dennis, Valley, North Shore and P&H.

Kayak Sfakia
Exploring sea caves

 

About Loutro

Loutro believed that this was the site of the ancient city of Finikas and was the port of ancient Anopolis. Later, it became the winter time port of the town of Sfakia, due to the fact that the bay and the small island in its entrance create a natural harbour where ships can be safe even at very bad weather conditions. Loutro is most likely the most protected bay for kayak in Crete and is only access by kayak or any other boat plus of course by foot.
There are no big hotels with swimming pools and no overcrowded streets, restaurants, beaches and also there are no cars!

If you don't want to have lunch in the taverna be sure you pack your lunch. Other than that you will need 1.5lt of water (ideally in small bottles),sun glasses, hat, sunscreen, swimsuit,lycra shirt or any tshirt ideally with UV protection. You will also need shoes that you do not mind getting soaked as you will get your feet wet. Ideally a light neoprene shoe will work great. Is is not required to wear shoes but they will help as the majority of the beaches are with small rocks.
Check out the following link for the exact meeting point, it is at Ilingas beach, just 2.5km west from Chora Sfakion. If you travel by bus let us know in advance and we will arrange a pick up
https://goo.gl/maps/SrZsjh69hdCGTKxS9
Use the "BOOK NOW" button located on the top of this page as the booking form has extra details that we need. After submitting the form you will get an email within 1-2 days (usually same day) with a link to pay the 20% of the cost to confirm booking. Rest of the money either by cash when we meet or via credit card payment two days prior the starting date as we need the funds to have cleared by the date of the trip.
We start by 10 am and finish between 4-5pm. If time change for any reason you will be notified by email.
Transport is not available for this trip. You will need to meet us at our base in Ilingas beach.