Sfakia is located in the south-west of the island of Crete and is the southernmost point of Europe. It is a region comprised of mountains up to 2453 m in height. The region stretches from Agia Roumelli on the west coast to Kalikratis at the eastern end of Lefka Ori.
The region has a total population of two thousand five hundred inhabitants and the small capital of the region, Chora Sfakion has approximately four hundred. Unlike Northern Crete the region currently remains unspoilt by mass tourism. The mountain ranges which can reach over 2500m in height have been a central factor in restricting the development of a major tourist infrastructure.
The region is characterised by its history of resistance towards invaders, unique flora and fauna, its hospitable people, pleasant climate and dramatic landscape, which provides plentiful opportunities for walking and hiking and a chance to enjoy the secluded beaches. The White Mountains which dominate the region contain over one hundred and eleven peaks over 1500 m in height. The range is split by over fifty gorges, the largest of these being the Samaria gorge.
References
Welcome to Sfakia Crete- Introduction (2009) [www] http://www.sfakia-crete.com/sfakia-crete/sfakia-crete.html (June 9th 2009)
About The Sfakia (no date) [www] http://www.chora-sfakion.com/index.php?p=2 ( June 9th 2009)
