Things to do

The fourth day of each week-long course is a rest day from the classes; guests can join an optional excursion, including a guided hike through the stunning Aradaina Gorge on this day, at an extra cost (25 EUR). Individual excursions can also be arranged to numerous gorges, along the coastal trail, as well as boat trips to neighbouring seaside villages and beaches, in addition to snorkelling tripes and scuba diving lessons, at our local scuba diving center.

Area attractions
Most beaches of the region are pebbly, the white of the beach and the turquoise of the water creating a beautiful scene for relaxed swimming and sunbathing. The waters in most beaches actually come from springs high up in the White Mountains, so they are literally crystal clear. The village beach, Vrisi (Spring), is just 10 minutes walk away from the house.

lligas (Vertigo), 1.5 km out of the village has been awarded a Blue Beach Award for its pristine waters. Filaki (Prison), approximately 2 km away offers a nudist choice. Amoudi (Sandy Beach), 1.5 km away is the quietest beach around. Glika Nera (Sweet Water) is our favorite pick. Its name refers to the fresh water springs that are found under the sand and that give the sea its magical clear color.

It can be accessed on foot (30 minutes walk along the coastal path) or by kaiki (small boat, 10 minutes from Sfakia). Frangokastelo (Frankish fort) and Orthi Ammos (Vertical Sand, literally), are two adjacent sandy beaches 15 km away from Sfakia. Frangokastelo takes its name from the very well preserved Frankish (Venetian) castle built by the shore. There is actually a legend that just as dawn is breaking in late May-early June, the image of men on horseback, exiting the castle and riding into the sea, can be witnessed in the early morning mist – these are the mysterious Drosoulites (mist-men).