Major city · Greece
Hora SfakionΧώρα Σφακίων
Half a day: ferry to Agia Roumeli for the Samaria Gorge, or a lunch stop on a coastal drive. One night only if you hike the gorge or want a quiet evening by the sea.
Hora Sfakion is a small harbour village on the southwest coast of Crete, capital of the Sfakia region. Its main draw is the ferry to Agia Roumeli (the Samaria Gorge exit) and the coastal road that runs through it. The village itself has a handful of tavernas, a pebble beach and a relaxed pace. Most visitors spend 2–3 hours here between a gorge hike and the bus back to Chania.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- EUR
- Best months
- May–Jun, Sep–Oct
- avoid Jul–Aug (crowded, hot), Nov–Mar (some ferries and tavernas close)
- Airport
- CHQ
- Nights
- 1
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 10Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…Mine-suspected land still exists in Bosnia and Herzegovin…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Balkans ↗Mine-suspected land still exists in Bosnia and Herzegovina and in pockets of Croatia's former front line: outside towns keep to tarmac and waymarked paths, and treat red triangle signs and taped-off fields as absolute.
- Balkans ↗Serbia refuses onward entry to travellers who reached Kosovo from a third country and then try to cross straight into Serbia; route Kosovo–Serbia legs through North Macedonia or Montenegro, or start the loop in Serbia.
- Balkans ↗Hire cars need written permission from the rental company and valid insurance for every country on the line; Kosovo sells its own border insurance and some contracts exclude Albania, Kosovo or Bosnia outright.
- Greece ↗Greece is in the EU and the Schengen area: check entry rules, the EU Entry/Exit System and any travel authorisation requirement for your passport on official sources.
- Greece ↗Taking stones, pottery or other objects from archaeological sites is illegal; so is exporting antiquities without a permit.
- Greece ↗Do not photograph military sites or border zones; signs mark them.
- Greece ↗Acropolis tickets are sold for one-hour entry slots on the official Hellenic Heritage site (hhticket.gr); in peak season slots sell out days ahead, and you cannot enter outside your hour.
- Greece ↗Businesses must give a receipt (apodeixi) for every sale; ask for one, and do not accept a handwritten note in place of it.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Hora Sfakion100 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Hora Sfakion, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the euro (EUR).Greece-wide
- SIM or eSIMCosmote, Vodafone and Nova sell prepaid SIMs in their shops and at the airport; a passport is needed to register.Greece-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe in Athens, Thessaloniki and most of the mainland.Greece-wide
- TippingTaverna or restaurant: 5–10% in cash on the table; not expected at gyros shops.Greece-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/F. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Greece-wide
- SafetySafe village; watch for uneven harbour steps and the sun on the gorge hike.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsUse cafés (buy something), museums and sites.Greece-wide
- Emergency numbers100 police · 112 fire and ambulance · 1571 tourist police (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysArchaeological sites run shorter winter hours (often 08:00–15:00 or 17:00) and longer summer hours; they close on 1 January, 25 March, Easter Sunday…Archaeological sites run shorter winter hours (often 8:00 AM–3:00 PM or 5:00 PM) and longer summer hours; they close on 1 January, 25 March, Easter Sunday…Greece-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportCHQ Chania International Airport (Ioannis Daskalogiannis) (About 1.5 h by car via the coastal road…
- Getting aroundWalk: the village is tiny.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee (Greek or espresso)€2–4 (≈ US$3–5)
- BeerBeer (local, 500 ml)€3–5 (≈ US$4–6)
- Metro or bus rideBus Hora Sfakion – Chania (one way)check€8–12 (≈ US$10–14)
- Budget bedApartment or studio (self-catering), a night, per room€60 (≈ US$70)
- Mid-range bedDouble room in a taverna or small hotel, a night, per room€70 (≈ US$85)
- High-end bedDouble room in a taverna or small hotel, a night, per room€100 (≈ US$120)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget €50 (≈ US$60) · Mid €80 (≈ US$95) · High €150 (≈ US$180)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- CHQ Chania International Airport (Ioannis Daskalogiannis) (About 1.5 h by car via the coastal road; bus from Chania station to Hora Sfakion (check schedule))
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Feb
Avoid
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Mar
Avoid
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Apr
not flagged
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
May
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Jun
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Jul
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Aug
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Sep
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Oct
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Nov
Avoid
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Dec
Avoid
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Best: May–Jun, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Jul–Aug, Nov–Mar. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)), coolest Jan (9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C) low), wettest Dec (13 rain days), driest Jul (1). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Hora Sfakion: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
12 rd
Feb
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
11 rd
Mar
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
9 rd
Apr
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
6 rd
May
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
4 rd
Jun
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
2 rd
Jul
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
1 rd
Aug
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
1 rd
Sep
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
3 rd
Oct
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
7 rd
Nov
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
10 rd
Dec
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
13 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Walk: the village is tiny. A car is useful for the coastal road and nearby beaches. Buses connect Hora Sfakion to Chania (check schedule; frequency drops outside summer).
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Agia Roumeli (Samaria Gorge)
goDoor to door: 1 h each way
Ferry from Hora Sfakion harbour, about 1 h
The ferry is the only way to reach the gorge exit. Check the return ferry time before you start walking.
Chania
goDoor to door: 1.5 h
Bus or car via the coastal road, about 1.5 h
Venetian harbour, old town and food; combine with a gorge trip.
Paleochora
goDoor to door: 1 h
Car via the coastal road, about 1 h
Beach town with a castle; good for a half-day drive.
Door to door: 1 h 15 min
Car via the coastal road, about 1 h 15 min
Balos and Falassarna beaches nearby; a full day trip.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Hora Sfakion waterfront
Rooms above tavernas and small hotels; convenient for the ferry and bus.
Anopolis (uphill village)
5 min drive; quieter, with views of the Libyan Sea.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- €40–60 (≈ US$50–70) excl. bed
- Mid
- €60–100 (≈ US$70–120) excl. bed
- High
- €100 (≈ US$120)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Double room in a taverna or small hotel1 × 1 night × €70 | €70 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × €80 | €160 |
| Ferry Hora Sfakion – Agia Roumeli (one way)2 × €12 · check | €24 |
| Bus Hora Sfakion – Chania (one way)2 × €10 · check | €20 |
| Samaria Gorge entry fee2 × €5 · check | €10 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | €28 |
| Trip total≈ €156 per person per day, bed included | €312≈ US$400 |
2026 estimate in euros; flights and car rental excluded.
Prices of common things
| Coffee (Greek or espresso) | €2–4 (≈ US$3–5) |
| Sfakian pie (cheese pie with honey) | €5–8 (≈ US$6–10) |
| Beer (local, 500 ml) | €3–5 (≈ US$4–6) |
| Lunch (grilled fish or meat with salad) | €12–18 (≈ US$14–25) |
| Ferry Hora Sfakion – Agia Roumeli (one way)check | €10–15 (≈ US$12–18) |
| Bus Hora Sfakion – Chania (one way)check | €8–12 (≈ US$10–14) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Last ferry from Agia Roumeli departs around 17:00–18:00 in summer; check the current timetable.Last ferry from Agia Roumeli departs around 5:00 PM–6:00 PM in summer; check the current timetable.
- The Samaria Gorge closes in winter (usually Nov–Apr); the ferry still runs but fewer departures.
- Road from Chania is winding and narrow in places; allow 1.5 h driving time.
- Cash is king: many tavernas and rooms do not accept cards.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 100
- Fire and ambulance
- 112
- Tourist police
- 1571
Pocket card
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Hora SfakionΧώρα Σφακίων
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Σε αυτή τη διεύθυνση, παρακαλώTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police100
- Fire and ambulance112
- Tourist police1571
Embassy
Embassies in Athens; consulates in Heraklion and Chania (check).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Ferry to Agia Roumeli: about €10–15 (≈ US$12–18), 1 h (check)
- Bus to Chania: about €8–12 (≈ US$10–14), 1.5 h (check)
- Taxi Hora Sfakion – Anopolis: €10–15 (≈ US$12–18)
Say or show
- Γεια σας — Hello / Goodbye (Yia sas)
- Ευχαριστώ — Thank you (Efharistó)
- Πόσο κάνει; — How much is it? (Póso káni?)
- Ο λογαριασμός, παρακαλώ — The bill, please (O logariasmós, parakaló)
- Πού είναι το πλοίο; — Where is the ferry? (Pou íne to plío?)
- Έχετε δωμάτια; — Do you have rooms? (Éhete domátia?)
Cash is preferred; ATMs in Hora Sfakion may be limited.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Hora Sfakion. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Jun, Sep–Oct · avoid Jul–Aug (crowded, hot), Nov–Mar (some ferries and tavernas close) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Place pages for the ferry timetable, gorge opening dates and bus schedule.
- Eat pages for Platanos Tavern and other waterfront tavernas.
- Sleep pages for Hotel Stavris and Vritomartis Naturist Resort.
- Golden and hostile arrival fixtures for the harbour and bus stop.
Sources
- officialPlatanos Tavern and Rooms
- officialHotel Stavris
- officialVritomartis Naturist Resort
- secondaryWikivoyage: Hora Sfakion, revision 4103176 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
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