Glyka Nera Beach in Crete

Glyka Nera Beach in Crete

Sfakia, Crete

Glyka Nera, also known as Sweet Water beach, is a 300 m long gravel beach, with crystal clear waters that stand out for their deep blue color. The impressive cliffs boarding it rise straight up from the beach and reach a height of up to 500 m above the sea level. Its name comes from the clear fresh and potable water springs, in fact, you can see bubbles coming out from the rocks while snorkeling. 

It’s located at the south coast of Crete, 4 km al oeste de Chora Sfakion. This part of the island is very isolated. If you have a car (or a scooter), you can easily reach Chora Sfakion. Otherwise, the only way to get there is by bus from Chania. You can check the bus schedules (Chania – Chora Sfakion).

Once you are in Chora Sfakion, you can reach Glyka Nera either by boat or by foot. Some people go walking and then take the boat back, as the hike along the shore and the view of landscapes are worth the effort. Depending on that you can decide where you leave the car:

• Round trip by boat: You can leave the car at the harbor (here) and take the boat to Glyka Nera. It takes 15 minutes and the price is 4€ (one way). In Chora Sfakion you will find many companies doing this route, for instance: Deligiannis lines.
  Booking in advance is not needed. Bring some cash as not all the companies accept credit cards.
• Both ways by foot: You can leave the car at “the beginning of the hike” (here). It’s not a parking lot, it’s a small space on the side of the road, so you should go early in order to get a spot.
• Way to the beach walking, way back on a boat: In this case you will have to leave the car at the harbor and walk up 30 extra minutes on a road until you reach “the beginning of the hike” (here). On this section you will find many goats along the way, you will pass by Ilingas Beach, where you can rent a kayak and visit some caves and even a beach that is only accessible from the sea. When you take the boat, this will drop you off next to your car. You can also do the opposite, or leave the car at “the beginning of the hike”, it’s up to you.

The hike from “the beginning of the hike” (here) to the beach will take you around 20 minutes. This trail is a bit tricky as the path is full of rocks, but it’s equipped with ropes at the most difficult sections. Just go slowly and enjoy the astonishing views. Bear in mind there is no shade on the whole path.

On the beach there is a tavern on a platform on the water where you can have a drink, a snack or a more elaborate meal.

Natural shade is scarce. You will only find it under the few Tamarisk trees in the eastern part. If it’s too sunny, the tavern offers sunbeds and umbrellas for rent at the grotesque price of 7€ (only sunbed 3€).

It’s a typical spot for campers. Actually, you will see some tents on the beach under the trees. Like everywhere else in Greece, the eastern part of the beach is usually naturist.

The view of the cliff and the beach from the elevation next to the tavern is stunning.

Although the whole region is very isolated, Chora Sfakion and Loutro are popular destinations and Glyka Nera is one of the main attractions of the area. Don’t expect to be alone on the beach, in fact, boats will arrive and depart quite often.

If you like walking, you can continue along the coast and reach Loutro (45'), a beautiful fishermen town with cyclades architecture. On the way you will see some remote beaches and chapels.

It’s a special place, a must if you are in the area. It’s a pity there is not more shade.