 Sfakia
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Sfakia is a land both wild and formidable, yet at the same time beautiful and captivating. It is a place truly forgotten by time—not only in the appearance of its rugged landscapes and the well-preserved old villages but especially in the mindset of its people. The Sfakians remain authentic, proud Cretans, always ready and resilient, as the saying goes.
Sfakia is built on the southern and eastern slopes of the White Mountains, approximately 75 km from Chania. The terrain is barren, and the landscapes are harsh, evoking a sense of awe and fear. When one beholds the majestic Sfakian Madara, as the locals call the peaks of the White Mountains, they are spellbound by the grandeur of nature.
This wildness of the land, combined with the sea, shaped the history of Sfakia. Its inhabitants were the only Cretans engaged in maritime trade during the Ottoman period. Thanks to the region¢s geography and, most importantly, the courage of the Sfakians, the area became a center of revolts and fierce conflicts but remained unconquered. Sfakia is the only region where the Turks never dared to set foot.
A distinctive feature of the Sfakians¢ wealth is their beautiful stone houses—both single-story and two-story—which are three to four centuries old, with enclosed courtyards and small windows.
The Sfakians have a unique culture. They are deeply attached to traditional customs and refuse to follow the “progress of civilization.” They are proud people who still hold many superstitions. It is no coincidence that the practice of vendetta—self-justice and revenge—flourished more here than anywhere else. Even today, it exists, albeit on a smaller scale.
During your stay in Sfakia, it is worth visiting the 15th–16th century fortress known as Sfacia or Sfachia, from which the region takes its name. The Monastery of Panagia Thymiani is also notable, famous for the popular assemblies held there during Ottoman rule. Finally, you should visit the cave of Daskalogiannis, where a mint operated during the Revolution, accessible only by boat.
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