From Aghia Roumeli (Αγια Ρουμελη) to Loutro (Λουτρό)

The walk starts from the village of Aghia Roumeli.

The E4 trail is marked in black and yellow by posts or painted signs (in some places with red dots)

(S) Head eastwards, towards the “campsite”.

(1) A sign showing the route of the E4 walk (to sound ‘local’, say ‘Epsilon tesserra’!) indicates the path to follow. Cross a small bridge over the river, which flows from the Samaria Gorge, then head up towards a small sheepfold. Don’t forget to close the gate behind you.
The path runs alongside the beach; stick to the upper part of the beach rather than the pebbly section to spot the markings that help you navigate the slightly trickier sections. Avoid walking through the sea!
You’ll reach Aghios Pavloσ (Αγιος Παύλος), with its little chapel and guesthouse, after about 1½ hours.

(2) Continue uphill towards the wooded area. The path continues under the trees and reaches a fork.

(3) Ignore the path leading uphill to Aghios Ioannis (Αγιος Ιωάννης) and carry on straight ahead towards Loutro (Λουτρό).
The shaded section ends; continue along a much rockier stretch overlooking the beach for about two hours’ walk, before descending to Marmara (Μαρμαρά) beach, situated at the exit of the Aradena Gorge (Αράδαινα).

(4) Continue by climbing up onto a small plateau, still skirting the sea, then, via a tricky descent, reach the beach. Look out for the red markings on the rocks to find the path.

(5) Walk along the beach and pass the shaded terrace of a tavern (the E4 sign is clearly visible). This is also a good opportunity to take a break.

(6) Take the steps and walk past the houses to the gate – be sure to close it behind you – then take the road that climbs up to the hairpin bend on the left.

(7) Leave the road and take the stony path leading uphill to the right. You’ll see a gate at the top; go through it and head down towards Finika (Φοινικα). A large gate closes off this part of the bay, which appears to be private, but access is permitted as the gate is not locked. Walk past the small beach and you’ll come to a fork in the path.

(8) Carry on to the right and you’ll reach the magnificent bay of Loutro (E).

(8) You can follow the sign for “Loutro, 700 m”, passing via the summit.

(E) Plenty of bars and restaurants.

I did this walk at the end of June and set off at 6 am as there is little or no shade along the route; make sure you take plenty of water. Allow between 5 and 5.5 hours for the walk, taking your time.

Depending on the time of year, it’s best to set off early as there is no shade. You can return by boat (1.20 pm – 4.50 pm); the fare is €13.80 in June 2024.
You can also continue on to Chora Sfakion (Χώρα Σφακίων); allow an extra two hours.
This hike can also be done starting from Paleochora (Παλαιόχωρα), travelling there by boat in the morning (7.00 am, Thursday to Sunday, arriving at Aghia Roumeli at 8.00 am).