How to get to Loutro and the Old Phoenix

The Old Phoenix sits on a stretch of coast with no direct road access from the rest of Crete — getting here is part of the journey. Most guests start from Hora Sfakion, reached by road from Crete's two airports: about 90 minutes from Chania, a little over 2 hours from Heraklion.

Stage 1: Getting to Hora Sfakion

By car
Hora Sfakion is situated by the Libyan Sea, 75 km from Chania (and Chania airport), 155 km from Heraklion (160 km from its airport), and 80 km from Rethymnon. From the north, drive the National Road and turn off at Vrisses, then it's a 40 km drive south on a good but very winding (and scenic) road to Sfakia. Alternatively, if coming from the southeast, a coastal road connects directly. Hora Sfakion has ample parking, for a small fee.

By taxi
A standard taxi from Chania airport to Hora Sfakion costs about €115 and takes around 90 minutes; from Heraklion airport, about €190 and 2.5 hours. Sfakia Taxis, a local company, offers lower rates (2026: Chania–Sfakia €105 for 1–4 people, €150 for 5–8; Heraklion–Sfakia €175 for 1–4, €230 for 5–8) and can arrange for a driver to meet you at the airport — contact them directly to arrange.

By public bus
A direct bus runs from Chania to Hora Sfakion at 8:15am, 11:00am and 2:00pm, returning at 7:00am, 11:00am, 5:30pm and 7:00pm (times subject to change — check current timetables or call the KTEL bus station in Chania on 28210 93306). The trip takes about 1 hour 45 minutes. Coming from Rethymnon or Heraklion, get off at Vrisses and catch the bus from Chania there.

By ferryboat
Coming from Paleochora, Sougia or Agia Roumeli, Anendyk runs a ferry to Loutro and on to Hora Sfakion (May–October, weather permitting).

Stage 2: Hora Sfakion to The Old Phoenix

By boat (the easiest way)
A regular boat line runs directly from Hora Sfakion to us, four times a day — see their location in Sfakia on Google Maps.

Alternatively, frequent boats run between Hora Sfakion and Loutro (more often in summer, less in spring/late autumn) — about 20 minutes, €5 with Deligiannis Lines or Athitis Lines, or €11 with Anendyk. From Loutro you'll need a short boat hop onward, or a 20-minute walk (not easy with luggage).

Coming from Paleochora, Sougia or Agia Roumeli, Anendyk runs a ferry to Loutro and on to Hora Sfakion (May–October, weather permitting).

Outside scheduled times, call a taxi boat — from Hora Sfakion, Loutro, or while on the ferry. Taxi boats can't be pre-booked days in advance, since they can't know your arrival time will hold; call once you're on your way to Hora Sfakion with a firm arrival estimate.

By car
If you'd rather drive all the way, take the road from Hora Sfakion up to Anopolis, on toward Aradena, then left to Livaniana, and down the winding mountain road to Finix. It's only about 24 km but takes close to an hour, as the road is very winding. We don't recommend driving it at night unless you're already familiar with it.

On foot
From Loutro, it's a 15–20 minute walk over the hill to us. If you're unsure where the path starts, ask any local for the way to Finix. You won't be able to pull a suitcase on this path.