Chania Loutro

General information

The small seaside village of Loutro is located on the Mouri cape in southern Crete, at a distance of 70 km from Chania Town. It’s really picturesque, and its authentic atmosphere has not been spoiled in the slightest by mass tourism. For instance, you can’t find any big hotels with swimming pools or fancy restaurants in the village. You can't even drive a car! Its name means bath and was possibly taken from the many ancient baths found in the region, whose water was probably coming from the mountainous town of Anopolis.

In Loutro, you can enjoy delicious traditional dishes at the local restaurants at affordable prices. There are also a few cozy cafe bars if you want to have a morning coffee or an evening drink. The choices are limited, but enough to make your stay in the village pleasant and memorable.

Regarding accommodation, you can find comfortable rooms to let and luxurious apartments or studios with balconies, giving you the chance to enjoy the lovely view of the village. The village offers accommodation options for solo travelers, couples, and families.

Brief History

As Loutro provides a safe natural harbor even in bad weather, the place used to be the port of ancient Anopolis during the Hellenistic and Roman times. Later on, it became the winter port of Sfakia. In the Medieval era, it was frequently raided by Saracen pirates who were using it as a base to attack ships sailing south of Crete. The Venetians managed to drive out the pirates and build a small fortress above Loutro to protect the region. The ruins of this fortress are still visible today.

Sights

Around the area, you can explore the remains of long-lost ancient cities such as Phoenix, Loutro, Aradena, and Anopolis. In fact, Aradena (also known as Aradin or Iradin) used to be an autonomous city with its own currency. Remains of it, along with tombs, have survived until today.
In addition, you can find the ruins of a Turkish tower (koule), the largest one in the area, built in 1868. Another not-so-famous fortress, but easily accessible, is the Kastella Fort. It was built on the cliff just opposite the islet of Fanari in Loutro and used to host a small lighthouse. Today, only a few parts of the fortress have survived.
Right in the middle of the village stands the temple of Zoodochos Pigi, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Beautiful palm trees and a well full of water adorn the yard of the church.

Beaches

The charming beaches around the village are perfect for sunbathing or going for a refreshing swim.
Firstly, Loutro Beach is a pebbly shore with very calm waters, preferable for children. It’s partially organized, with sunbeds and umbrellas, and can get crowded easily since it’s a rather small beach. 
Glyka Nera Beach is a lovely pebbly shore with deep blue waters that can be accessed either by boat or on foot. The hike takes around 60 minutes, and, although stressful, the path is considered safe. 
Another option is Perivolakia Beach, which is divided into Small Perivolakia, Large Perivolakia, and Timios Stavros. This pebbly beach is peaceful and secluded, mostly preferred by naturists. It’s located 1 km to the east of Loutro and can be accessed by boat or on foot. 
Lastly, Finikas Beach is the closest one to the village, situated around 1 km away, near the ruins of Ancient Phoenix. It’s semi-organized with some umbrellas, and its rocky seabed is ideal for snorkeling.