Sfakiá is a mountainous area in the southwestern part of the island of Crete, in the Chania regional unit. It is considered to be one of the few places in Greece that have never been fully occupied by foreign powers. With a 2021 census population of 2,002 inhabitants living on a land area of 467.589 km2 (180.537 sq mi), Sfakia is one of the largest and least densely populated municipalities on the island of Crete. The etymology of its name is disputed. According to the prevailing theory, it relates to its rugged terrain, deriving from the ancient Greek word σφαξ, meaning land chasm or gorge.
Sfakia landscape around Hóra Sfakíon
Sunset in Sfakia.
Traditional dancers at "Sfakian Liberation Festival".
Chania, also sometimes romanized as Hania, is a city in Greece and the capital of the Chania regional unit. It lies along the north west coast of the island Crete, about 70 km (43 mi) west of Rethymno and 145 km (90 mi) west of Heraklion.
View of the "Venetian port" of Chania.
Hellenistic head of a woman from the cemetery of ancient Cydonia in the Archaeological Museum of Chania.
The old harbour during the Venetian era.
Venetian shipyards.