Glyka Nera beach, literally meaning sweet waters, was named after fresh-water springs gushing at its shore, alongside the transparent, deep-blue waters of the Libyan Sea in southern Crete.
This combination’s uniqueness offers special beauty. The beach seems hidden, off the slopes of the Sfakia region. The source of the location’s fresh water is situated at the Sfakia mountain range, which reaches the coast, forming cliffs as high as 500 metres above this beach.
Glyka Nera, 77 km south of Hania, is a secluded beach lying between the town Sfakia (4 km west) and the village Loutro. Glyka Nera may only be reached by boat or via a trail for experienced trekkers only, as this path has challenging sections. Adventurous travellers making the effort to reach Glyka Nera have been rewarded with the discovery of a stunning beach. In 2003, this beach was rated among Europe’s 20 best by The Times of London, even though such lists tend to focus on beaches that are easier to reach.
The beach is covered with white pebbles, and, contrary to other beaches in Crete’s south, such as Agios Pavlos and Domata, is serviced. Visitors will find umbrellas and sunbeds, at a cost. Glyka Nera also offers considerable free space where visitors may use their own beach umbrellas and mats. Nudism is permitted at the eastern side of the beach. Slightly to the back, tamarisks offer plenty of natural shade, but vacant spots can be hard to find.
The waters at this beach are truly superb and almost always calm as a result of the location’s protection from winds. They feature various shades of blue, mostly dark blue, and are deep, offering a sense of crystal-clear perfection. The springs injecting fresh water into the sea make the waters at Glyka Nera chillier than usual and less salty.
Besides contributing to the location’s overall beauty, these coastal fresh-water springs also serve as natural showers for washing salt off after a swim. Using a diving mask at this beach is recommended for exploring the interesting seabed, rocky and hosting plenty of fish.
Mermaid Island, a small taverna built on a rock at the western edge of the beach, is another feature. A deck connects this taverna to the beach. The spot offers a limited but fine range of foods, including fresh grilled fish, pies, chicken souvlaki, steak, freshly cut fried potato chips and handmade zucchini fritters, as well as coffee and ice cream. Finding a free table at this spot during summer’s peak is not easy. Patience is required.
How to get there
Reaching Glyka Nera is not easy as this beach may only be accessed by boat or via trails, for experienced trekkers only.
The simplest, most convenient way to reach Gkyka Nera beach is by boat. Return service, based on specific schedules, is offered from either Sfakia town or the village Loutro. The procedure is made simpler if travelling to Glyka Nera on a private yacht. The beach attracts many private yachts in the peak of summer.
If preferring to reach Glyka Nera on foot, take the E4 European network trail, whose starting point is 2.5 km from Sfakia town in a direction headed towards Anopoli. The trail takes between 35 and 40 minutes to cover. Trekkers must be fit and equipped with a hat, good sunscreen, water (it will be needed for the way back), as well as durable sports shoes. Trekking experience is also needed as directions are offered by black-and-yellow signs on rocks. The same route can also be taken from Loutro, but it is a longer and more demanding stretch from this staring point, requiring approximately an hour to cover and even greater trekking experience. If you are afraid of heights, do not attempt this longer route from Loutro as one section runs along the edge of a cliff.
Read also:
Agios Pavlos: Secluded beach with superb waters, small Byzantine church
Two beaches in one -Domata, the secluded beach of southwest Crete
