The Imposing and Stunning Samaria Gorge: Nature's Majestic Wonder

Vritomartis Naturist Resort - Chora Sfakion

Overlooking the serene Libyan Sea and the majestic White Mountains, the environmentally sustainable resort offers a serene and relaxing environment for naturist enthusiasts from around the world. At Vritomartis Naturist Resort, important steps have been taken to minimize the impact on the natural surroundings, ensuring that guests' stays harmoniously coexist with the pristine beauty of Crete.

Since 1992, Vritomartis has proudly operated as the only licensed naturist resort in Crete, strictly adhering to the guidelines set forth by the International Naturist Federation. With a long-standing commitment to naturism, the resort has garnered recognition as one of the best hotels worldwide.

Guests can immerse themselves in the refreshing waters of the 25-meter swimming pool, perfect for a leisurely swim or invigorating aqua gym session. For those seeking a closer connection with nature, the naturist beach, "Filaki," offers a private sanctuary where you can unwind and embrace the freedom of naturism. And for a truly enchanting experience, the naturist boat trips along the stunning coasts of Crete should not be missed.

At Vritomartis Naturist Resort, guests can indulge in a wide range of activities designed to enhance relaxation and enjoyment. Engaging in garden games, pampering oneself with invigorating massages, or dancing the night away during dance nights featuring international and traditional music are just a few options. Book your stay at Vritomartis Naturist Resort and embark on an unforgettable journey of relaxation, rejuvenation, and unbridled freedom.

Guided walking tours to remarkable locations such as Samaria Gorge, Imbros Gorge, Aradena Gorge, and more are also available, delighting nature enthusiasts and offering an opportunity to connect with the island's rich natural heritage while embracing the freedom of naturism.

Find out more information here

Overlooking the serene Libyan Sea and the majestic White Mountains, the environmentally sustainable resort offers a serene and relaxing environment for naturist enthusiasts from around the world. At Vritomartis Naturist Resort, important steps have been taken to minimize the impact on the natural surroundings, ensuring that guests' stays harmoniously coexist with the pristine beauty of Crete.

Since 1992, Vritomartis has proudly operated as the only licensed naturist resort in Crete, strictly adhering to the guidelines set forth by the International Naturist Federation. With a long-standing commitment to naturism, the resort has garnered recognition as one of the best hotels worldwide.

Guests can immerse themselves in the refreshing waters of the 25-meter swimming pool, perfect for a leisurely swim or invigorating aqua gym session. For those seeking a closer connection with nature, the naturist beach, "Filaki," offers a private sanctuary where you can unwind and embrace the freedom of naturism. And for a truly enchanting experience, the naturist boat trips along the stunning coasts of Crete should not be missed.

At Vritomartis Naturist Resort, guests can indulge in a wide range of activities designed to enhance relaxation and enjoyment. Engaging in garden games, pampering oneself with invigorating massages, or dancing the night away during dance nights featuring international and traditional music are just a few options. Book your stay at Vritomartis Naturist Resort and embark on an unforgettable journey of relaxation, rejuvenation, and unbridled freedom.

Guided walking tours to remarkable locations such as Samaria Gorge, Imbros Gorge, Aradena Gorge, and more are also available, delighting nature enthusiasts and offering an opportunity to connect with the island's rich natural heritage while embracing the freedom of naturism.

Find out more information here

Chania

The Authentic Village Boutique Hotel - Chora Sfakion

The Authentic Village Boutique Hotel is located in Chora Sfakion, just 100 meters from Vrissi Beach and less than 1 kilometer from Ilingas Beach. The hotel embraces an adults-only philosophy centered around the utmost comfort and satisfaction of its guests.

From every angle, the influence of Cretan culture, heritage, and architecture is evident, providing a holistic view of the Cretan lifestyle. Constructed with local grey stone and wood, the materials contribute to a sense of warmth, tranquility, and romance. The entire building harmoniously blends with the surrounding physical environment, preserving the captivating landscape and the local essence.

Living like a local and taking advantage of contemporary conveniences possible here. The Authentic Village is a true embodiment of Cretan tradition, offering unforgettable and personalized experiences.

Take local guided tours with a private guide to incredible destinations. Hike the second most famous gorge in Chania, Imbros gorge, with our local mountain-guide. Explore nature and learn about the Cretan flora & fauna. A stunning gorge with amazing cliff and some 'sporty' parts, Aradena, is the deepest and steepest gorge in Chania. Our local mountain-guide will definitely be a great highlight on this trip, helping you to cross over the gorge, safely.

Find out more information here

The Authentic Village Boutique Hotel is located in Chora Sfakion, just 100 meters from Vrissi Beach and less than 1 kilometer from Ilingas Beach. The hotel embraces an adults-only philosophy centered around the utmost comfort and satisfaction of its guests.

From every angle, the influence of Cretan culture, heritage, and architecture is evident, providing a holistic view of the Cretan lifestyle. Constructed with local grey stone and wood, the materials contribute to a sense of warmth, tranquility, and romance. The entire building harmoniously blends with the surrounding physical environment, preserving the captivating landscape and the local essence.

Living like a local and taking advantage of contemporary conveniences possible here. The Authentic Village is a true embodiment of Cretan tradition, offering unforgettable and personalized experiences.

Take local guided tours with a private guide to incredible destinations. Hike the second most famous gorge in Chania, Imbros gorge, with our local mountain-guide. Explore nature and learn about the Cretan flora & fauna. A stunning gorge with amazing cliff and some 'sporty' parts, Aradena, is the deepest and steepest gorge in Chania. Our local mountain-guide will definitely be a great highlight on this trip, helping you to cross over the gorge, safely.

Find out more information here

Chania

The gorge of Elygia

It is one of the most remarkable gorges of Sfakia, where a few couples of wild goats still live (the seldom Cretan Chamois).

Its passage starts from the village of Agios Ioannis in Sfakia (at an altitude of 780 m and a distance of 92 km from Chania). You need around 1 hour in order to reach the location of Kormokopos, where there are caves with water, before starting descending the gorge (up to that point, you need a guide).

The gorge ends in the very beautiful piny sand beach of the Libyan Sea, after another 2 hours’ walk. From the beach to Agia Roumeli, you have to walk one more hour. The above crossing covers half the gorge. If you wish to cross all of Elygia, you need an experienced guide and at least 2 days at your disposal. You start from the plateau of Omalos and walk via the refuge of Kallergi and the summit of Melintaou (at an altitude of 2133 m) before reaching the location “Potamos” in the White Mountains.

After a vertical descent of 10 m, you reach the bottom of the gorge and walk on up to the coast of the Libyan Sea. The Omalos – Potami trek takes 6 hours and another 6 hours from there to the coast.

Source Region of Crete

It is one of the most remarkable gorges of Sfakia, where a few couples of wild goats still live (the seldom Cretan Chamois).

Its passage starts from the village of Agios Ioannis in Sfakia (at an altitude of 780 m and a distance of 92 km from Chania). You need around 1 hour in order to reach the location of Kormokopos, where there are caves with water, before starting descending the gorge (up to that point, you need a guide).

The gorge ends in the very beautiful piny sand beach of the Libyan Sea, after another 2 hours’ walk. From the beach to Agia Roumeli, you have to walk one more hour. The above crossing covers half the gorge. If you wish to cross all of Elygia, you need an experienced guide and at least 2 days at your disposal. You start from the plateau of Omalos and walk via the refuge of Kallergi and the summit of Melintaou (at an altitude of 2133 m) before reaching the location “Potamos” in the White Mountains.

After a vertical descent of 10 m, you reach the bottom of the gorge and walk on up to the coast of the Libyan Sea. The Omalos – Potami trek takes 6 hours and another 6 hours from there to the coast.

Source Region of Crete

Chania

The gorge of Asfendou

The gorge has its entrance in the almost deserted mountain village of Sfakia called Asfendou (at an altitude of 770 m and a distance of 8 km from Imbros).

You reach the gorge by coming from the area of Ambelos – Tentas – Seli and after walking for 3 hours, you meet the old village of Agios Georgios (former Kolokasia) situated at an altitude of 260 m. The 1700-m long rural road will lead you from there to the main road of Chora Sfakion – Fragokastello and to the new village of Agios Nektarios, 73 km from Chania and 7 km from Chora Sfakion.

Source Region of Crete

The gorge has its entrance in the almost deserted mountain village of Sfakia called Asfendou (at an altitude of 770 m and a distance of 8 km from Imbros).

You reach the gorge by coming from the area of Ambelos – Tentas – Seli and after walking for 3 hours, you meet the old village of Agios Georgios (former Kolokasia) situated at an altitude of 260 m. The 1700-m long rural road will lead you from there to the main road of Chora Sfakion – Fragokastello and to the new village of Agios Nektarios, 73 km from Chania and 7 km from Chora Sfakion.

Source Region of Crete

Chania

Hiking, Hospitality, and Gastronomic Delights: A Unique Experience

Do you enjoy hiking, but find that at the end of a long day, you want to indulge in good food and rest?

Visit Pachnes Bed & Breakfast and treat yourself to a delicious, traditional meal that is perfect after a hard day.

Following that, you can unwind in one of our rooms and resume your excursion the next day.

You can enhance this getaway by combining it with activities such as sea kayaking, hiking, or traversing the Samaria Gorge.

Do you enjoy hiking, but find that at the end of a long day, you want to indulge in good food and rest?

Visit Pachnes Bed & Breakfast and treat yourself to a delicious, traditional meal that is perfect after a hard day.

Following that, you can unwind in one of our rooms and resume your excursion the next day.

You can enhance this getaway by combining it with activities such as sea kayaking, hiking, or traversing the Samaria Gorge.

Chania

Sternes: An International Spelaeological Expedition Unveils a Natural Wonder

In 2023, with the support of international spelaeology organisations, including the World Union of Spelaeology (UIS), the European Spelaeological Federation (FSE), and the National Spelaeological Society of the USA (NSS), along with local support from the Municipality of Sfakia and individual sponsors, the Spelaeological Club of Crete successfully accomplished all of its objectives. It ensured the safe return to the surface of the 50 participants from 7 different countries.

The results of the expedition were remarkable:

Approximately three kilometres of nearly exclusively horizontal cave passages were explored and mapped.

Photographs and mapping recorded the rare and surprising crystalline cave formations, which are not commonly found in the area's landscape. Geological layers and faults were measured at different depths within the cave. These measurements are part of the ongoing research on how the White Mountains were formed. This research is being carried out by the University of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates, the Technical University of Crete, and the Natural History Museum of Crete, as part of the UNESCO programme.

Samples of living organisms have been gathered from significant depths, and there are plans to supply them to research laboratories both in Greece and internationally for further study.

Moreover, a surface survey was conducted to document and record new caves and chasms in the broader Lagonia / Ammoutsera area.

Data on the yearly changes in temperature and humidity were obtained from the nearby Lagonia chasm, where a central glacier is located. This information was gathered using sensors that had been placed there a year earlier by geologists from Greek universities. These very sensors were then reinstalled in the Sternes cave to collect data for the upcoming year.

Sternes Cave

The Sternes Cave currently measures 5.6 kilometres in length and reaches a depth of -616 metres (until further updates). This ranking positions the cave as the third largest in Crete and the sixth deepest in Greece.

Below the depth of 500 metres, there are numerous underground passages of diverse types and intriguing features waiting to be explored.

The Sternes Cave is situated to the south of the peak bearing the same name in the White Mountains of Crete. Its entrance lies at an altitude of 2,080 meters. The cave was initially documented in 1991 within a report by the French Spelaeological Group ‘Group Spéléo d'Orsay’ (GSO). The GSO explored this vertical cave in 1991 and 1992, encountering several challenges, especially in narrow sections. Their exploration ceased at a narrow passage located at a depth of -428 metres from the surface.

The members of the expedition explained that at the -428 metres depth, there was a passage so narrow that only a very slender dog weighing a maximum of 10 kg could fit through, but not a human. This incredibly tight passage remained the deepest point of the cave for the following 13 years. In 2005, the entrance to the chasm was rediscovered by a group of spelaeologists from the Athenian association ‘S EL AS’, who had significant experience in Crete. When exploration was resumed by the ‘S EL AS’ team, they observed a strong airflow that chilled the skin at -428 metres. Although there was no straightforward way to continue exploration, the presence of such an airflow created high expectations for further exploratory efforts. For spelunkers like us, such an airflow is a reason for celebration. Collaborating with spelaeologists from various associations in Crete and abroad, the spelaeologists from 'S EL AS' conducted exploratory expeditions in 2005 and between 2009-2012. However, they managed to advance only a few metres within the narrow passage.

Hence, in 2017, certain members of the Spelaeological Club of Crete, including those who had been part of previous expeditions, made the determined decision to return. They were resolute and committed to the task, firmly believing that through systematic and intense efforts, they could successfully traverse to the other side of the passage.

Little had they anticipated what would unfold six years later:

Prior to the Sternes 2017 expedition: cave depth -428 metres / total route length 552 metres.
Following the conclusion of the Sternes 2023 mission: cave depth -616 metres / total route length 5,600 metres.

In 2023, with the support of international spelaeology organisations, including the World Union of Spelaeology (UIS), the European Spelaeological Federation (FSE), and the National Spelaeological Society of the USA (NSS), along with local support from the Municipality of Sfakia and individual sponsors, the Spelaeological Club of Crete successfully accomplished all of its objectives. It ensured the safe return to the surface of the 50 participants from 7 different countries.

The results of the expedition were remarkable:

Approximately three kilometres of nearly exclusively horizontal cave passages were explored and mapped.

Photographs and mapping recorded the rare and surprising crystalline cave formations, which are not commonly found in the area's landscape. Geological layers and faults were measured at different depths within the cave. These measurements are part of the ongoing research on how the White Mountains were formed. This research is being carried out by the University of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates, the Technical University of Crete, and the Natural History Museum of Crete, as part of the UNESCO programme.

Samples of living organisms have been gathered from significant depths, and there are plans to supply them to research laboratories both in Greece and internationally for further study.

Moreover, a surface survey was conducted to document and record new caves and chasms in the broader Lagonia / Ammoutsera area.

Data on the yearly changes in temperature and humidity were obtained from the nearby Lagonia chasm, where a central glacier is located. This information was gathered using sensors that had been placed there a year earlier by geologists from Greek universities. These very sensors were then reinstalled in the Sternes cave to collect data for the upcoming year.

Sternes Cave

The Sternes Cave currently measures 5.6 kilometres in length and reaches a depth of -616 metres (until further updates). This ranking positions the cave as the third largest in Crete and the sixth deepest in Greece.

Below the depth of 500 metres, there are numerous underground passages of diverse types and intriguing features waiting to be explored.

The Sternes Cave is situated to the south of the peak bearing the same name in the White Mountains of Crete. Its entrance lies at an altitude of 2,080 meters. The cave was initially documented in 1991 within a report by the French Spelaeological Group ‘Group Spéléo d'Orsay’ (GSO). The GSO explored this vertical cave in 1991 and 1992, encountering several challenges, especially in narrow sections. Their exploration ceased at a narrow passage located at a depth of -428 metres from the surface.

The members of the expedition explained that at the -428 metres depth, there was a passage so narrow that only a very slender dog weighing a maximum of 10 kg could fit through, but not a human. This incredibly tight passage remained the deepest point of the cave for the following 13 years. In 2005, the entrance to the chasm was rediscovered by a group of spelaeologists from the Athenian association ‘S EL AS’, who had significant experience in Crete. When exploration was resumed by the ‘S EL AS’ team, they observed a strong airflow that chilled the skin at -428 metres. Although there was no straightforward way to continue exploration, the presence of such an airflow created high expectations for further exploratory efforts. For spelunkers like us, such an airflow is a reason for celebration. Collaborating with spelaeologists from various associations in Crete and abroad, the spelaeologists from 'S EL AS' conducted exploratory expeditions in 2005 and between 2009-2012. However, they managed to advance only a few metres within the narrow passage.

Hence, in 2017, certain members of the Spelaeological Club of Crete, including those who had been part of previous expeditions, made the determined decision to return. They were resolute and committed to the task, firmly believing that through systematic and intense efforts, they could successfully traverse to the other side of the passage.

Little had they anticipated what would unfold six years later:

Prior to the Sternes 2017 expedition: cave depth -428 metres / total route length 552 metres.
Following the conclusion of the Sternes 2023 mission: cave depth -616 metres / total route length 5,600 metres.

Chania