The village of Agia Roumeli is located at the exit of the Samaria Gorge, 56 km from Chania. It is a magical scenery, quite isolated, which despite its high traffic during the summer, preserves its picturesqueness and authenticity.
It has all the basic amenities, such as rooms for accommodation, cafes, mini market, and taverns with Cretan flavors. Each summer the village is flooded by visitors until late afternoon when the last ships are leaving.
Beaches of Agia Roumeli:
The beaches extend over an area of 3 km. The first beach is Gialos and is located in front of the village. It is a relatively organized beach with many visitors. To the east, after the river that flows from the Gorge, there are beautiful beaches with caves, Zeromouri, and to the west of the bay of Agia Roumeli, there are smaller and secluded beaches. Those who love swimming can visit the Caves in Marmaras, which are located west of the bay.
Sights of Agia Roumeli:
The most popular attraction in the area is the Samaria Gorge. Its course lasts about 6 hours and for many, it is the main purpose of their trip to Crete.
The village of Roumeli is built on the ruins of the ancient city of Tarra. The imposing Byzantine Church of Virgin Mary is situated in the village’s dangers. Continuing your journey, after the church, you will meet the ruined Turkish castle of Agia Roumeli. A beautiful landscape with endless views of the South Cretan Sea. Then you will find the ruins of a second smaller castle.
To the east of the Gorge, there is the chapel of Agios Antonios, built in the cave. Inside the gorge are the ruined houses from the old village of Agia Roumeli, many of which have been restored. The village was destroyed in 1954, due to a flood of the Gorge.
Access to Agia Roumeli:
The most common ways to reach it are either downhill the Gorge of Samaria or with boats from Hora Sfakion, Loutro, Paleochora, and Sougia. Additionally, there is a path from Hora Sfakion to Agia Roumeli or the path from Sougia.
