Sfakia

A mountainous area in the southwestern part of the island of Crete

Sfakia is in the Chania regional unit. It is considered to be one of the few places in Greece that have never been fully occupied by foreign powers. Sfakia is one of the largest and least densely populated municipalities on the island of Crete. The etymology of its name is disputed. According to the prevailing theory, it relates to its rugged terrain, deriving from the ancient Greek word σφαξ, meaning land chasm or gorge.

The road from Chania to Sfakia crosses the island from north to south, through the village of Vryses. From this village the route crosses the White Mountains to Hora Sfakion by the Libyan Sea. Halfway from Vrisses to Hora Sfakion is the fertile plateau of Askifou, surrounded by high mountain peaks. From here to Hora Sfakion the road is particularly spectacular. The road hugs the western slope of the Imbros Gorge offering scenic views. Another scenic route is that leading from Kapsodasos to the plateau of Kallikratis, northeast of Hora Sfakion.