A well hidden paradise of wild beauty and tranquility is Agiofarago in Crete, on Heraklion's southern coast. A stunning beach awaits you at the mouth of the small yet impressive gorge for swims in the turquoise waters of the Libyan Sea.
Crete is renowned for its dreamlike beaches. Many of them are famous and often feature on lists of Europe's most beautiful as well as the world's. Others, meanwhile, seem uncharted and pristine.
One of the island's most striking, secluded beaches lies in the south of the Heraklion region, about 80 km from the city. We're talking about Agiofarago, the beach at the mouth of the gorge of the same name. The wonderful waters of the Libyan Sea and the imposing sheer cliffs create a scene of rugged beauty in this corner of southern Crete that you can reach either by boat or on foot.
The Gorge of the Saints
Agiofarago is a small gorge south of the famed Matala and west of Kali Limenes in the Heraklion region. Dozens of hermits once practiced asceticism in the caves of this gorge. According to tradition, the hermits lived isolated from one another and met once a year at «Goumenospilio» to be counted and see how many had died. Crossing the gorge you'll admire its rare beauty, the hermits' caves, as well as the lovely Church of Saint Anthony with the small well, which was once the area's religious center.
The enchanting beach on the Libyan Sea
After an easy 20-30 minute walk, at the mouth of the gorge, one of southern Crete's most impressive, well-hidden beaches awaits for dips in the waters of the Libyan Sea. Naturally, there are no facilities, so make sure you bring the essentials. The beach is encircled by sheer cliffs and has fine pebbles and wonderful, cool waters, which are usually calm. A beautiful natural arch forms to the west of the beach, beneath which you can swim.
The beach at Agiofarago is a favorite spot for hikers who descend from the gorge of the same name. Alternatively, you can visit by caique from Agia Galini, Matala or Kali Limenes. If you choose to come by road, you'll reach it via a dirt track from the Odigitria Monastery near the village of Sivas. From the monastery you'll follow the signs to Agiofarago and then leave your car at the clearing you'll find, to continue with a hike through the gorge.
