south Crete, Krete, Creta, Kreta, Agia Roumeli, Faraggi Samarias, Chania
Agia Roumeli, a small village with 120 permanent residents, is situated in South Crete, at the exit of Samaria gorge, and it’s built on the place of Tara, the ancient city which flourished mainly during the Roman period.
The village is quiet most of the time, besides late spring and of course summer, when there are a lot of people, mostly walkers from the gorge. But once the last small boat with temporary visitors leaves the small harbor, the village resumes its usual calm and peaceful beauty.
The access to the village is possible only by boat from Chora Sfakion, or Paleochora, Sougia and Loutro. Also one could walk to the village through the Samaria gorge, which starts from the Omalos mountain valley. Every year thousands of visitors choose this relatively hard, but popular way to reach Agia Roumeli. If you’re strong enough, you can also walk here from Chora Sfalion or Paleochora, following the European walking route E4.
The access to the village is possible only by boat from Chora Sfakion, or Paleochora, Sougia and Loutro. Also one could walk to the village through the Samaria gorge, which starts from the Omalos mountain valley. Every year thousands of visitors choose this relatively hard, but popular way to reach Agia Roumeli. If you’re strong enough, you can also walk here from Chora Sfalion or Paleochora, following the European walking route E4.
The village beach has fine dark-colored pebbles, it is very good and the water is crystal clear. This territory is special because it’s protected from the winds by the high mountainous massive on the west and on the north. So western, northern and west-northern winds, bothering southern Crete very often in summer, are not at all a problem for the village!
Therefore, Agia Roumeli is the best for quiet, peaceful holidays close to the nature. There are no bars, cafeterias or night clubs, only a few traditional coffee-shops and small taverns.
In Agia Roumeli you’ll visit the ruins of the ancient city Tara, where the ruins of a temple are preserved. Most probably, this temple was dedicated either to Apollo or to Artemis. Also there is a church of Our Lady. Close to the village there are remains of a medieval fortress on a hill. At the distance of one hour by foot a Byzantine monastery of AgiosPavlos (St.Paul) can be found, on the homonymous beach.
In Agia Roumeli you’ll visit the ruins of the ancient city Tara, where the ruins of a temple are preserved. Most probably, this temple was dedicated either to Apollo or to Artemis. Also there is a church of Our Lady. Close to the village there are remains of a medieval fortress on a hill. At the distance of one hour by foot a Byzantine monastery of AgiosPavlos (St.Paul) can be found, on the homonymous beach.
Agia Roumeli represents a very special and unique place due to the authentic Cretan background. It is a place with strong character and soul, surrounded by the breath-taking wild mountains, and naturally, the Libyan Sea.
