If you find yourself on Domata beach at the height of the Greek summer, you may be one of the few visitors. Despite its undeniable beauty, it remains a pristine spot. The reason for this is that Domata beach is naturally isolated and not easily accessed. To get there you must be prepared and willing to embark on a little adventure in Sfakia, in the southern part of the regional prefecture of Chania.
This heavenly beach is located 58 kilometers south of Chania, in an area known to the locals as “Tseses”. The nearest seaside village is Sougia, 7 kilometres to the east. Domata in Cretan vernacular is the name given to the roofs. This peculiar name stems from the fact that, due to years of water and wind erosion, a very special landscape has formed around the beach, with terraces, ravines and vertical rocks made of stones shaped to resemble roofs.
In addition to this dramatic backdrop, Domata is a beach with fine pebbles in tones of grey and wonderful waters in various shades of blue. If the waters appear a little murky, it is not that they are unclean but rather it is a phenomenon of the mixing of seawater with fresh water from the springs that run underground and underwater in the area. Behind the beach, the landscape is dotted with pine trees, which provide wonderful natural shade, as well as opportunities for rough camping.
Once in Domata, moreover, it will not take long to realize that there are actually two beaches separated by a cluster of rocks. The western one tends to be considered the main one. It is, after all, the largest, but many visitors believe that the smaller eastern one is more beautiful. However, you can only get there by swimming a few metres, as there is no land access over the rocks.
How to get there
Domata beach is accessible both by land and by sea, and the simplest way is the latter. However, it still requires proper planning, equipment, and supplies, as you will need to take the boat from Sfakia to Agia Roumeli, where you’ll have to find a local boatman who will not only take you to the beach, but also bring you back. Of course, those lucky enough to own their own boat can come and go at their own will.
There are two ways to reach Domata beach by land, both of which require considerable hiking experience. In addition to the journey, you have to factor in the return trip, and if you plan to camp on the beach for the night you should make sure you have all the essentials with you.
The first way requires you to reach Agia Roumeli – or alternatively the village of Sougia – and from there follow the European Path E4. Keep in mind, however, that this is an strenuous and at times dangerous route, as for most of the time you will find yourself literally walking on the edge of a cliff up to 700 metres high. The second way is by crossing the Klados gorge, which reaches Domata beach. However, the path is rough and you have to be careful not to get lost.
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