Agia Roumeli
Agia Roumeli, at the southern entrance of the gorge
of Samaria is a fairly new village (Old Agia
Roumeli was located about 2km inland right at the entrance of
the gorge) which came into existence mainly because of the increase
in people walking through the gorge of Samaria.
This area is one of the most
stunning parts of Crete and a good place if you want plenty of
nature, great beaches and very quiet nights.
Location of Agia Roumeli
Getting there
Is not so easy because there are no roads leading to Agia Roumeli. But this is also what makes this place special. You can either walk (along the coast or though the gorge of Samaria) or take the ferryboat from Hora Sfakion, Sougia or Paleochora
Atmosphere
Agia Roumeli was often referred to as a crowded place without any atmosphere. This is because people who described it as such only experienced it during a brief stay after walking through the gorge of Samaria, waiting for the ferry to take them back to the road head in either Hora Sfakion or Sougia. This is the busy time. But in the morning and after the ferries (and crowds) have left Agia Roumeli is one of the most peaceful places in western Crete.
Accommodation
There is a good choice of simple (but still very good) accommodation. Generally it is not a problem to just turn up and find something but in August it fills up with Greek visitors so can get very busy.
Restaurants
A number of restaurants are open during the day time to feed the hungry gorge walkers but a few also stay open in the evening for overnight visitors and provide very good food.
Shopping
Two mini-markets which provide most basic needs.
Activities
Apart from relaxing the only other activity is walking. The area is one of the wildest and most beautiful in Crete. But a lot of the paths will necessitate a steep ascent and can be challenging to walk.
Nightlife
Night time is very quiet.
Beach
A good beach varying from large (east part) to very fine pebbles and sand (west part). The beaches a little away from the village are usually deserted. The sea is very clear and the bay is well protected from the wind. See more about the beach here.
Agia Roumeli on the web
The gorge of Samaria www.agiaroumeli.com www.pachnes.gr The Samaria Experience
