Agiofarago Beach

Agiofarago beach is located at the exit of a small but stunning gorge that runs about a kilometre south of Martsalo. It takes its name from the 300 hermits that lived in the area. The gorge is approximately 1.5 km long and leads to a beach surrounded by high cliffs; the isolated strand has small pebbles and deep, crystal-clear water. Getting there by foot is only possible through the gorge (an easy trek of less than an hour), or by catching a boat from Kaloi Limenes. For those not wishing to hike, you may also reach Agiofarango beach on a ferry from Matala, or Agia Galini.

The beach is popular with freedom campers and hikers but having a boat makes everything easier, as there is no need to carry all the gear through the gorge. About 200 m before the beach is the church of Agios Antonios, built in the 14th century; next to it, there is a well for water.

High up on the cliff-face, to the left of the church, is a huge cavern called Goumenospilios. There is a hole in the roof that offers ample sunlight, and it served as a meeting spot for the hermits during that time. While a lot of the beaches in southern Crete are nudist-friendly, this is not the case here, due to the presence of the monastery and the sanctity of the area.

Don’t forget to climb up to the top of the cliffs on the east side and enjoy the breathtaking views over the Libyan sea. Beyond the beach to the southeast is Vourvoulitis, a sink-hole filled with seawater; that flows through underwater passages. To take a dip in its icy waters, that are more than 10 m deep in certain places, you must follow a dangerous and rough footpath. If you are staying in the area, you can combine your visit with a hike through Martsalo Gorge located nearby. The beach of Agiofarago, is arguably one of the biggest attractions to the area, offering solitude and pristine waters. This is a place where the grandeur of nature is allowed to shine and wild goats roam freely.