Sfakia is in the southwest of Crete and it's famous as the most authentic region of Crete. Here you can find the last pieces of the old Cretan culture and nature, far away from mass tourism.
Anopoli is one of the best places to be in Sfakia region. It offers the visitor the choise of visiting natural beaches, ancient ruins, going on mountain hiking, swimming, diving, fishing or just sit and relax on the breath taking view in Agia Ekaterini.
Sfakia is a place hidden from the masses by huge mountain ranges of almost 2500 metres high. Anopolis is a small village (consisting of 8 hamlets and totalling about 350 inhabitants) spread on a fertile plateau at the foot of the White Mountains. Anopolis was very significant under the Turkish occupation, with a much larger population, because it had managed to remain free of the invader, preserving Cretan traditions and way of life. Today, Anopolis and the region still remain one of the most traditional part of Crete.
Anopoli lives mainly from agriculture and animal farming. All Anopoli products are natural and you are welcome to come and taste the traditional cook of Eva's. Fresh fish, meat and home grown vegitables are waiting for you in platanos tavern in the village square. The drinking water is mineral water from wells deep into the mountains. You can get honey, tsikoudia and local herbs directly from the producers in low price and excellent quality.
The only road leading to Anopolis is the 12 km serpentines road from Hora Sfakion. The road was recently reconstracted. You can visit anopoli with a bus as well. The bus departs around 4.00pm from Hora Sfakion and returns from Anopolis at around 6.30am. You can also get a taxi from Hora Sfakion which will take you to Anopolis in 10 minutes. About 2 km west of Anopolis, the abandoned village of Aradena offers beautiful examples of ancient Cretan architecture.
When you arrive by plane on Crete, you have the choice of 2 airports: Heraklion and Chania. If you have the chance, take Chania. This one is far more close to Sfakia, but even more important: it's small and quiet: check out is very quick and outside you can take the local bus, a pre-ordered taxi from Sfakia or rent a car. A one-and-a half hour's drive through the impressive White Mountains range down south brings you to paradise!
