15°C
Moving on east, we come to Pervolakia and Timios Stavros beach.
Three consecutive bays house three small beaches: the two westernmost are known as Pervolakia – Small and Large, whilst that at the east is Timios Stavros (the Holy Cross). Isolated and inaccessible by road (they can be reached on the E4 Walking Trail), they have pebbles and rocks, and are favoured by nudists. Quite undeveloped, they lack shade too.
The next beach we meet is that of Glyka Nera, which in 2003 The Times of London judged one of the twenty most loveliest in Europe.
This takes its name (Sweet Waters) from the underground freshwater springs close to the sea (the water is drinkable), and sits at the base of a steep slope rising up some 400 m. The scenery is sensational.
Narrow and small, the almost isolated beach has sand and small pebbles. The land drops away steeply into the deep waters, which are crystal-clear and very cold due to the spring-water. This wells up through the stones and collects in freshwater ponds here and there along much of the strand: the largest have steps down into them so that bathers can enter to enjoy their coolness.
A few tamarisks exist, which offer shade. A café-canteen sits on a rock in the sea : here you can obtain food and water, as well as rent sunbeds and umbrellas. Like others in the area, Glyka Nera is most apt for diving because of the rocky seabed. It is one of the foremost beaches for nudism in Crete.
East of Glyka Nera, on the edge of a small gorge, is the attractive beach of Ilingas.
There are essentially two beaches here at Ilingas (Stunning): both with sand, gravel and pebbles; their clear blue water deepens abruptly. The first, to the west, is the larger: you can park nearby and walk down some steps (3 minutes) to the beach itself. The second, to the east, is more isolated: you will need a boat from Sfakia, or to swim from the first beach. Both are excellent for diving and snorkeling.
On every side exist large caves, open to investigation..
Further along the road to the east, after a kilometer, we arrive at the village of Chora Sfakion, which is wrapped around a natural bay at the foot of the mountain.
Sandy, Pebble
Yes - Limited options
Yes - Limited options
Yes - limited options
In some places
The Rural Greece is an online portal that connects travellers with unique destinations and local businesses in the countryside, offering authentic experiences through activities that highlight nature, traditions and culture.
For the Rural Greece accessibility is fundamental to enhancing an inclusive tourism experience. Following the principles of inclusion and equality, the epaithros Rural Tourism Network and its member businesses are constantly working to enhance the tourism services provided, ensuring that all visitors have the opportunity to experience the authentic beauty of the Greek countryside.
Sustainability in tourism refers to a way of developing tourism that respects and protects the environment while strengthening the local economy and preserving cultural traditions. The aim of sustainable tourism is to provide unique and authentic experiences for visitors without harming the natural and social environment, while ensuring that local communities benefit from tourism activity.
This type of tourism is based on three pillars:
With sustainable tourism, visitors can have authentic experiences, knowing that the impact of tourism on the region is positive and lasting for future generations.
For Rural Greece, localism is one of the most important factors for the development of sustainable tourism, as it promotes a strong link between the tourism product and the local society, economy and culture. Through localism, visitors get the opportunity to explore authentic elements of the destination, such as local products, traditions and culture. This not only boosts the local economy, but also helps to sustain and strengthen local businesses, creating new jobs and supporting the development of local communities.
Furthermore, localism contributes to the sustainability of the tourism sector, as it reduces the use of resources from other regions and encourages the use of local goods and services, reducing the ecological footprint of tourism activities. Thus, integrating localism into tourism practices enhances sustainability awareness, both among visitors and local businesses, creating a more responsible and sustainable tourism destination.
