Agia Fotia

Agia Fotia is a small village on the south east coast of Crete, tucked into one of the nicest bays in the area, with a blue-flag beach. The village just a few houses served by a couple of tavernas, a small shop, and a cozy beach-bar serving the quiet, blue-flag beach where sunbeds and beach umbrellas are available for hire.

The village is located roughly half-way between Europe's most southerly town of Ierapetra, and the popular resort of Makrigialos (Makry-Gialos). It lies on the bus route between these two places, and there is a bus stop on the main coast road just above Agia Fotia, but to truly appreciate the treasures of this largely undiscovered corner of Crete a car rental is recommended.

Ierapetra

Ierapetra is 12km from Agia Fotia, and features a small port defended by a Venetian fort, and a sea-front boulevard lined with cafes, bars, and tavernas. During the summer cruises operate to Chrissi island, famous for its crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches. You will also find larger supermarkets and cash machines in town.

There are plenty of opportunities for a more active holiday in the surrounding area. In the mountains nearby, there are a number of hiking trails and scenic drives that allow you to sample the local atmosphere in spots where mass tourism has not yet arrived.

Butterfly Gorge

At 7 km. from Markos Studios, Butterfly gorge is a protected nature reserve. The walk starts in the municipal park at Koutsouras and follows a riverbed up through the gorge. There is occasional scrambling, but this walk is not really difficult. Most people walk between 1 and 1.5 hours to the church, and then return same way back. You can also walk to the mountain village of Orino, which can take up to 6 hours.

Pervolakia Gorge

Pervolaki gorge is not recommended for people who experience vertigo. The foot of the gorge is on the coast, at Moni Kapsa Monastery, 18 km. east of Agia Fotia, and climbs to the village of Pervolakia.

Pefki Gorge

Approximately 12 km. east of Agia Fotia you can drive up to the mountain village Pefki. From here you can walk down to the coast via Pefki gorge. The walk is not difficult, requiring only average levels of fitness, and takes about 2 to 3 hours.

Sarakina Gorge

The Sarakina gorge starts at Mithi, a village just beyond Mirtos, 30 km. west of Agia Fotia. It is the most spectacular in the area and, we hear, comparable to the Samaria gorge for its beauty. It is a shorter walk - about 1.5 hours round trip - but the difficulty level is quite high and can involve some wading.

Gorge of the Dead

The Gorge of the Dead starts near the village of Zakros, near the east coast of Crete, about 1.5 hours drive from Agia Fotia. Drive a little further on, towards the coastal village of Kato Zakros, and you can park up and start near the top of the gorge proper, reducing the walking time down to the coast from about 3 hours to 1.5 hours. The walk is not too difficult, and ends in Kato Zakros, where you will find the remains of a Minoan Palatial complex, said to be the 3rd largest on Crete.

Richti Gorge

The amazing gorge of Richti is located in Lasithi Prefecture, on the north about 1.5 hours drive from Agia Fotia. It starts just outside the village Exo Mouliana and ends at the Richti beach, east of the village of Kalabro. The highlight is, of course the beautiful waterfall of over 15 meters The total length of the route is approximately 4 kilometers and the elevation difference between the starting point and the beach is about 350 meters.