Xyloskalo

Samaria Gorge


Perched just over the spectacular drop of Samaria Gorge, with eagles occasionally circling outside its wraparound windows, this cosy restaurant dishes up classic Cretan and Greek meals, and offers the last chance to use indoor plumbing before you set off to hike the gorge. The owners also have a cafe (open 7am to 1pm) at the gorge entrance.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Samaria Gorge attractions

1. Museum of National Resistance

7.63 MILES

Close to the village centre, this small museum chronicles Crete’s resistance movement from 1941 to 1945. There's limited information in English. The…

2. Botanical Park & Gardens of Crete

7.73 MILES

On the main Hania–Omalos road south of Fournes, the excellent Botanical Park is well signposted about halfway between Fournes and Lakki. It was created by…

3. Lissos

8.74 MILES

The ruins of ancient Lissos are a pleasant 3.5km hike from Sougia on the coastal (though not waterfront) path to Paleohora, which starts at the far end of…

4. Manousakis Winery

9.95 MILES

A family-run business for over 25 years, this pretty winery in the village of Vatolakkos – 16km southwest of the centre of Hania – is well worth a visit…

5. Sweetwater Beach

12.99 MILES

West of Hora Sfakion, lovely Sweetwater Beach is accessible by a small daily ferry, by taxi boat (one way/return €25/50) or on foot via a stony and partly…

6. Cretan Brewery

13.38 MILES

Established in 2007, Charma was the first beer to be produced in Hania and you can sample the excellent brews at the slick operation here, set up by a…

7. Halikia Beach

14.19 MILES

Halikia Beach is Paleohora's pebble beach, on the eastern side of Paleohora's peninsula. It can occasionally be better protected from the wind than sandy…

8. Vrissi Beach

14.28 MILES

Abutting the western edge of the village, this tiny grey-sand cove is the closest beach for unfolding your towel or a quick dip. There's a taverna on the…