Loutro Crete

Loutro is one of the prettiest villages to visit in Chania because of the iconic whitewashed villages. Loutro Crete is a perfect destination to experience different kinds of adventure and enjoy the attractions. It is a small, remote seaside village in southern Crete, located 96 kilometres from Chania. Loutro is about a 2-hours drive away from the main town of Chania. The name Loutro got its name from the Greek word “bath” because of the ancient baths in the area. Loutro Crete was originally the harbour of Anopolis high above Loutro. The village was established on the site of modern-day Loutro known as Phoenix. The village name is preserved in the neighbouring village of Phoenix. The first thing to do in order to reach Loutro is by getting into Chora Sfakion. There are three ways to reach Chora Sfakion: by car, bus and by boat. The most convenient way to reach Chora Sfakion is by renting a car for the tourists. From Chora Sfakion, there are two ways to reach Loutro Crete, it is by foot or by boat. The most convenient way would be by riding a boat. The main reason to spend time in Loutro Crete is to unwind and slow down. Tourists enjoy the beautiful scenic view from the seaside. Living in Loutro is peaceful and quiet, which is ideal for those who seek to distress, reconnect, and reset. Loutro exudes an unmatched tranquillity and authenticity that permeates every corner of the tiny settlement. Generally, the locals living in South Crete have a humble lifestyle.

Loutro is popular with tourists. However, accommodation is limited in Loutro Crete to preserve and maintain its unspoiled charm. There are only a few hotels and rooms to rent because of being such a small village. Moreover, tourists are able to enjoy Loutro Crete at affordable costs while having an amazing view of the whitewashed villages. Even though Loutro is considered to have a peaceful mood, there are interesting activities to do in Loutro Crete such as riding a boat, exploring the village on foot and visiting nearby tourist spots in southern Crete. On the other hand, Loutro Crete is not ideal for those people who want a nightlife. The weather in Loutro throughout the year is predictable. The dry season in Loutro is during the months of May, June, July, and August. The warmest season is in August, and the month of January is the coldest month. Additionally, January tops as the wettest month with 98 mm of rainfall. Visit Loutro Crete in the months of May, October, and November. The months of May, October, and November are most likely to experience good weather.

What is the history of Loutro Crete?

The name Loutro got its name from the Greek word “bath” because of the ancient baths in the area. Loutro Crete was originally a harbour of Anopolis high above Loutro. The village was established on the site of modern-day Loutro known as Phoenix. The village name is preserved in the neighbouring village of Phoenix. Phoenix flourished during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. Later on, it became a liar of Saracen corsairs and slavers. The situation changed when the Venetians arrived in Crete. Venetians drove out the pirates and fortified Loutro as a small fortress whose ruins are still visible today. Furthermore, after the Venetians came the Turk, whose presence there. The importance of the natural harbour of Loutro is demonstrated by the Turkish fort above the village. The Turkish fort was built after the 1866 uprising in an attempt to control the area and the harbour of Loutro. Cretan used the Turkish fort as a base in their frequent revolts. Loutro harbour was used during the Daskalogiannis rebellion of 1770 and the 1821 uprising was declared in Crete at Loutro. Moreover, the Saracen pirates used Loutro as a lair from which to attack ships sailing south of Crete. The Venetians managed to move out, the Saracens and strengthened Loutro with a small fortress, whose ruins are still evident at the moment.

Ferry to Loutro

Where is Loutro located?

Loutro is a small, remote seaside village in southern Crete, located 96 kilometres from Chania. Loutro is about a 2-hours drive away from the main town of Chania. Loutro lies in west Crete between Chora Sfakion and Agia Roumeli, which is the exit to the Samaria Gorge. The whole territory is known as Sfakia.

What is the geography of Loutro?

The majestic scenery of Loutro Crete is known as an asleep fishing village on the southern coast of the Chania Regio, featuring its well-known whitewashed villages of Greece. Loutro village is a rocky islet in the Gulf of Loutro on the southwest coast of Crete in the Libyan Sea. The islet is found close to the end of the Mouri cape, which is administratively part of the municipality of Sfakia. The coastal village of Loutro is approximately 71 kilometres south of Chania. The climate in Loutro throughout the year is predictable. The dry season in Loutro is during the months of May, June, July, and August. The warmest season is in August, which has an average maximum temperature of 32° Celsius. The month of January is the coldest month, with an average maximum temperature of 15° Celsius. Additionally, January tops as the wettest month with 98 mm of rainfall. The months of May, October, and November are most likely to experience good weather with pleasant average temperatures that fall between 20° Celsius and 26° Celsius.

Loutro Castle

How does the Loutro Map look?

Tourists remember Loutro Crete because of the dramatic scenery and the iconic whitewashed village. Accompanying secluded hidden beaches and rocky landscapes with majestic views from the seaside. The map of Loutro Crete gives a glimpse of the route and one understands why it should be part of a bucket list when visiting the island of Crete.

Below is the image map of Loutro Crete.

Loutro Map

How was daily living in Loutro?

Loutro is an odd fishing village on the southern coast of Crete. Living in Loutro is peaceful and quiet, which is ideal for those who seek to distress, reconnect, and reset. Loutro exudes an unmatched tranquillity and authenticity that permeates every corner of the tiny settlement. Generally, the locals living in South Crete have a humble lifestyle. Cretan villages continuously serve dishes that have been for generations, such as dakos salad, a bare rusked salad topped with sun-ripened tomatoes, feta cheese, and olive oil. Crime rates in Loutro Crete are typically low, just like in any other part of Greece.

The Taverns in Loutro

What are the activities to do in Loutro?

The main reason to spend time in Loutro Crete is to unwind and slow down. However, even though Loutro is considered to have a peaceful mood, there are three main interesting activities to do in Loutro Crete, such as Rent a Boat, Walking in the Village area, and visit the tourists attractions.

Listed below are the activities to do in Loutro.

  • Rent a Boat: Renting a boat is a better way to appreciate the pristine sea of Loutro. Rental daily fees depend on the boat to choose. However, the prices start at €80 per day. It is important to remember that the fee is usually necessary to add up the price of petrol. The magnificent sea in the gulf of Loutro is one of the things that have made the village famous. As a matter of fact, Loutro is quite well-known for the stunning colour of the sea, a magnificent palette ranging from light turquoise to deep navy blue.
  • Walking in the Village area: Walking in the village is ideal to venture further into the Loutro Crete. The small village of Loutro is quite east to explore on foot. One of the main features of Loutro is its shape, which is built in such a compact way that keeps everything connected.
  • Visit the tourist attractions: Visit the tourist attractions are the best things to do in Loutro. Take time to discover the popular places to visit in Loutro and the typical landscape of South Crete. Enjoy walking through the scenic and pristine mountain countryside style valleys and gorges.

Loutro Village

How do you get to Loutro?

In order to reach Loutro, the first thing to do is by getting into Chora Sfakion. There are three ways to reach Chora Sfakion: by car, bus and by boat. The most convenient way to reach Chora Sfakion is by renting a car for the tourists. Driving in Crete is a one-of-kind experience, it is a better way to explore the island. Whether the tourists are coming from Chania or from the East (Rethymno, Heraklion or Agios Nikolaos). To get from the north coast of Crete to Chora Sfakion, tourists need to reach the village of Vryses and drive south through the green landscape of Askifou plateau. The road continues passing the gorge of Imbros and then descends towards the sea, leaving tourists right in Chora Sfakion. The whole trip from Vrysses to Chora Sfakion takes about 45 minutes. From Chora Sfakion, there are two ways to reach Loutro Crete, it is by foot or by boat. The most convenient way would be by riding a boat. The boat ride costs about €6 and takes about 20 minutes to reach Loutro Crete.

What are the factors to consider before renting a car in Crete?

Listed below are the factors to consider before renting a car in Crete.

  • Insurance: Car rental insurance protects a passenger against the cost of damage when renting a car. Crete car rental includes insurance for collision damage waiver and a driver’s credit card is required as a guarantee.
  • Driver’s age: The legal age requirement to drive in Crete is 18 years old. One must have a valid driving licence.
  • Driver’s gender: Both women and men are allowed to drive in Crete. As long as the driver is of the legal age 18, driving is allowed in Crete, regardless of gender.
  • Car type: One must learn how to choose the right car to rent in Crete. Travelling with groups or family members requires a much bigger car. Car rental companies in Crete offer a variety of cars to pick from. Selecting a smaller car is best when driving in Crete. The reason for that is that some Greek roads are narrow. The car type is one big factor in how to choose the right car to rent in Crete.
  • Documents needed for renting a car: One important document needed for renting a car is a valid driving licence. However, a credit or debit card are being presented, including a passport or an ID card.

How much does a car rental in Crete cost?

Loutro Crete is an enchanting island with tourist spots that travel using a rented vehicle. Crete car rental costs vary depending on the number of persons, itinerary, car type, destination, and duration. The average cost of renting a car in Crete is around €30 to €40 per day. A car rented for a whole week will cost an average of €250. Renting a vehicle for the weekend will cost around €78. Crete car rental rates differ depending on the car type. Car rental companies offer a variety of cars depending on customers’ liking. Most car rental companies in Crete offer an online booking system, whenever customers want to book a car. Simply follow the process and instantly book a vehicle on their website. Before renting a car in Crete, make sure to check all the requirements needed.

How much does it cost to get to Loutro?

Enjoy the Loutro Crete with affordable costs while having an amazing view of the whitewashed villages. The food in Loutro Crete is affordable yet delicious. Food costs about €20 which is good for two people. In terms of transportation, from Chora Sfakion there are two ways to reach Loutro Crete, it is by foot or by boat. Boats from the port of Chora Sfakion have daily departures from May to October. The boat ticket costs about €6 and takes about 20 minutes to reach Loutro Crete.

Where to stay near Loutro?

Accommodation in Loutro Crete is limited, because of being such a small village. There are few hotels and rooms to rent. The hotels near Loutro are, Porto Loutro, Daskalogiannis and Sofia Rooms. Having limited accommodation is the way how the Loutro Crete manages to retain its unspoiled charm. It is recommended to book a place to stay in advance. Finding a place to stay is much easier for those tourists visiting in May, June, and even late September. Remember that there are no hotels with swimming pools and such amenities in Loutro Crete.

What are the nearby attractions in Loutro?

Listed below are the nearby attractions in Loutro.

  • Balos Beach: Balos beach and lagoon is one of the most beautiful beaches located 51 kilometres away from Chania. Tourists choose to ride between a car or ferry to reach Balos beach. Balos beach is a popular nearby attraction in Loutro. It is a sandy beach with turquoise, crystalline water. The beach becomes overcrowded during the season of summer. It is ideal to visit the beach during the 4th week of October to experience a quiet and relaxing place if tourists want to avoid Balos Beach being too crowded.
  • Elafonissi Beach: Elafonissi Beach is found on the southeast side of Crete, 75 kilometres away from Chania. Travellers won’t have a hard time entering the area of Elafonissi, as it has a paved road with good parking lots. The beach has parasols, sun beds, beach bars, and toilets around the area. Elafonissi has a crystal clear sandy beach and is soft. The best time for a tourist to visit the Elafonissi beach is around September and October, for autumn is an ideal time to swim. The water during that time is warm and calm. Wearing masks and social distancing on the beach is now lifted and no longer mandatory by the government of Greece.
  • Seitan Limania: Seitan Limania Beach is 20 kilometres away from the southeast side of Chania and is mesmerising and has a unique landscape that connects the beach to the deep sea. Unlike the Balos Beach, tourists reach Seitan Limania Beach by car comfortably. However, Seitan Limania Beach does not have any facilities, tourists need to bring everything to the beach.
  • Matala Beach: Matala Beach is a popular destination on the southern coast of Crete, It is found in the region of Heraklion. Matala Beach is a place that shelters a unique hippie atmosphere, and even just one day spent in Matala is enough to feel its vibe and connect with the Bohemian side of Crete.
  • Vai Beach: Vai Beach is situated in the region of Lasithi. It is one of the most beautiful and exotic beaches in Crete and offers a fantastic place to discover. Furthermore, Vai beach is located in the heart of a protected natural palm tree forest, which is known as Finikodasos.

Is Loutro safe?

Yes, Loutro Crete is safe. Crime rates in Loutro are typically low, just like in any other part of Greece. Since there are many police officers on the island, assistance is never far away should an accident occur. Like other Mediterranean islands that have been visited by tourists, Loutro is thought to be a secure tourist destination. The locals in Loutro are welcoming and friendly, anyone is allowed to freely explore the village and feel quite secure and relaxed. However, keeping an eye on one’s belongings and avoiding walking late at night alone are just a few of the sensible things to consider when travelling.

Is Loutro worth visiting?

Yes, Loutro Crete is worth visiting. Absolutely, Loutro Crete is worth visiting and recommended by tourists. Tourists love the magnificent view from the sea, the crystal-clear water, peaceful vibe, secluded beaches, easy hikes and ancient ruins. However, Loutro is not for people who want a nightlife.

Local Taverna in Loutro

Harry Anapliotis
Owner, travel writer and web developer at Rental Center Crete
Harry Anapliotis is the owner, writer and web developer at Rental Center Crete - Car hire.
Rental Center Crete - Car Hire
Car rental Company
Rental Center Crete - Car Hire is a car rental Company offering services in Crete Island, since 1975.