The hike to Agiofarago Beach in Crete has been on our bucket list for a few years and we finally checked off the hike during our September 2023 Greece trip. Although a short and easy hike, getting there was a huge nail biter!
Location
The hike to Agiofarago is located in South Central Crete. We drove from our hotel in Agio Galini and the drive is 34 km from there and it took us just over an hour. The drive is 69 km from Heraklion, 85 km from Rethimno, and 128 km from Leptera.
Driving to Agiofarago Trailhead
Reminiscent of other hikes we have driven to in Crete, the hike to Agiofarago Beach was not easily assessable. We had been on part of this road in the past when we hiked to Martsalos Beach in 2021 so it felt somewhat familiar. Although most of the drive from our hotel in Agia Galini to the Agiofarago Trailhead was good, it wasn’t until we turned off of the paved road on to the dirt road that the drive became gnarly. This dirt road is unimproved and also is for the most part one lane. Luckily we did not meet any other traffic on our path but still, not our favorite drive ever. I definitely would not want to be on this road when it rains. Although the dirt road was only 2.5 km of the trip, it was very slow going and took us about 20-25 minutes.
The Hike to Agiofarago Beach
Agiofarago Beach is the type of beach we like to hike to in Crete. As a matter of fact, we enjoy a good hike through canyons, swim at the beach, rest, relax, snack and hike back up! I have heard Agiofarago referred to as a secluded beach but I think the word is out. Although it is in a remote area, there were a good amount of cars in the parking lot and we saw more people than we expected. The trailhead is well marked and the path is easy to follow.
Like most gorge hikes, the trail has loose rocks and careful footing and also good shoes are needed. This particular hike has a very gradual descent, which therefore made for easy hiking there and back. The scenery was pretty with more shade than I had planned on and the cliffs above the gorge were beautiful.
Agios Antonios Church
About halfway to the beach, stands Agios Antonios Church (St. Anthony). Built in the 14th century, this Greek Orthodox Church is a bit of a surprise to see in this area, although Greece is known to have churches just about everywhere. From what I have read, this church was once part of a monastery as many hermits once lived in this gorge. There is also a well outside of the church which supplied water to the hermits. My understanding is you can fill your water bottles here but we were well supplied so did not check it out.
Close to the church is a small cave with a door called the Cave of Goumensopilio. According to legend this cave is historic due to it being a gathering place for the once 300 hermits who lived in Agiofarago Gorge. They gathered on the feast of the Resurrection and that was the only time they communicated with each other during the year.
Agiogarago Beach
Shortly after the church, we made it to the beach. The hike took us just over 20 minutes which also included stopping for photos. Although it was still morning, the sun was already quite hot and we were more than ready for a swim. The beautiful blue water of the Libyan Sea was very refreshing and so very clear. There were only about a dozen people at the beach and just a few were swimming, so we felt we practically had the place to ourselves.
After a good swim and a snack, Steve went exploring while I took a short nap. Afterwards we hiked back to the parking lot. Again, the ascent was minimal so the hike did not feel at all strenuous other than the heat. We did notice more people arriving at the beach both by boat and by hiking. I was glad we started early.
Drive to Elounda
After our morning adventure we took our time driving to our destination, Elounda, where we would stay over the next few days. It is a bit of a drive but we enjoyed driving first along the sea and then up through the mountains and small villages.
Where We Stayed
As we approached our destination, we were very excited to see our destination, Elounda Peninsula All Suites Hotel. This is the third time we have stayed here and it is probably our very favorite place to stay. The room and facilities are wonderful and the staff are so very hospitable. You can read about this wonderful hotel by clicking here.
Conclusion
If you are in Crete and like to hike and swim, Agiofarago Beach is one of the wonderful places to visit. Having been on our bucket list for awhile, it was fun to check it off of our list.
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You can also read more of my posts from my Greece Trips by clicking on the following links!!
2023 Trip
Preveli Beach, the Easy Way-Sept 2023
Swim at Kourtaliotiko Falls-Sept 2023
Boating on the South Central Sea in Crete-Sept 2023
A Challenging hike Loutro to Marmara Beach, Crete-Sept 2023
Anopolis, Arradena Bridge and Lykos Beach in Southen Crete-Sept 2023
Aptera Crete, Closed on Tuesdays Sept 2023
Return to Chania, Crete September 2023
2022 Trip
Our Favorite Restaurants, Plaka and Athens 2022
Santorini by Dune Buggy Part 3 2022
Off the Beaten Path Tour Santorini, Sept 2022
Delfino Blu Hotel, Corfu, Sept 2022
Shopping in Old Town Corfu, Sept 2022
Exploring Old Town Corfu, Sept 2022
To the Top of Angelokastro, Sept 2022
NW Coast of Corfu by boat, Sept 2022
Exploring the Beaches of NW Corfu, Sept 2022
Hike to Giali Beach, Corfu Sept 2022
E-Bike Tour of Meteora, Greece Sept 2022
Hike to Ypapanti Monastery, Greece Sept 2022
Ancient Delphi, Greece Sept 2022
Crete 2021
Ancient City of Lato, Sept 2021
Aforesmenos Lighthouse, Crete, Sept 2021
Avli Lounge Hotel, Rethymno, Sept 2021
Matala Beach Caves, Crete, Sept 2021
Hike to Martsalos Beach, Sept 2021
The Chapel at Georgioupoli, Sept 2021
Koutalas Beach and Sea Cave, Sept 2021
A Walk Through Chania, Sept 2021
Crete 2019
Elounda Peninsula Hotel, Sept 2019
Knossos Palace, Crete Sept 2019
Seitan Limania Beach, Sept 2019
Katholiko Monastery, Sept 2019