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- Simply Simpson
- Two charming Partner Hotels
- Waterfront or hillside
- Only accessible by boat
- Mesmerising sea views
- Private taxi and boat transfers included
There’s nothing quite like arriving by boat to evoke a sense of anticipation and excitement, and unless you’re prepared to make your way on foot over the mountains or trek along the spectacular coastal path, it is from the sea that you must catch your first glimpse of Loutro. On the shores of south west Crete, with no roads in or out, it shimmers against the rugged splendour of the dramatic Lefka Ori; its modest sweep of whitewashed guesthouses and tavernas fringed by water so impossibly blue you might begin to suspect a mirage.
Loutro’s powerful first impression is swiftly followed by a profound sense of liberation; stepping from your water taxi, the trials and tribulations of the wider world seem to melt away as this enchanting fishing village begins to cast its spell. The exhilarating contrasts of the landscape are reflected all around; Loutro feels at once both sleepy yet animated, civilised yet untamed, unpretentious yet exclusive. Those in the know consider themselves a pretty privileged crowd and they return again and again; not for the sprawling resort hotels and Michelin starred restaurants (you’ll find nothing so brazen or obvious here) but for the gentle simplicity of everyday life, the honest hospitality of their Cretan hosts and the sheer jaw-dropping beauty of the spot.
Our accommodation, run by the charismatic Alison Androulakakis and her daughter Sophia, is divided between two charming hotels, Porto Loutro on the Beach and Porto Loutro on the Hill. The names tell you almost everything you need to know. Barely a three-minute stroll away from each other, the two hotels offer simply furnished rooms, with supremely comfortable beds and en-suite facilities, and a balcony or terrace to appreciate the astonishing view. It’s a conundrum to choose between them. Porto Loutro on the Beach is very much at the heart of village life, enjoying pole position along the waterfront; the amble from bed to sea takes a matter of moments for a morning dip before a continental breakfast on the hotel’s pretty terrace. Porto Loutro on the Hill is a step removed from the gentle hubbub, with larger rooms and a more contemporary feel. There’s also a restaurant on the elevated terrace where a buffet breakfast is served, though there’s nothing to stop you enjoying an evening meal here, whichever venue you choose.
A dozen or so inviting bars and tavernas fringe the bay, serving local specialities, fresh fish and homemade delicacies; a leisurely stroll from one end of the village to the other takes no more than ten minutes, allowing for an ice-cream stop along the way. What to do then, other than idle the days away on the beach, enjoy a leisurely game of backgammon with the locals, or set off in a kayak to explore the bay? The answer is entirely up to you. All the secrets of southern Crete await should you wish to discover them: a world of hidden coves, formidable caves, tiny chapels and long forgotten ruins. Whether you set off on foot or hire a boat, the wonders and spectacles of this astonishing coast will delight the imagination and stir the soul. For sustenance, take a picnic and enjoy an interlude along the way, or visit one of the few stand-alone tavernas, as modest and welcoming as their intrepid owners. You don’t have to venture far to enjoy the powerful remoteness of the spot and bathe in the heavenly water unobserved, barring the odd goat you may encounter, and a pilgrimage to the mouth of the Samaria Gorge is perfectly doable for those in search of adventure.
If you’re after an all-singing-all-dancing week away with a profusion of mod cons (or even an ATM) then this, perhaps, is not for you. If, on the other hand, you are looking to immerse yourself in life’s simple pleasures and discover the myriad joys of an unspoilt coastline that rivals any you could dare to dream of then Loutro is, most certainly, the place.
Looking for 10 nights..? Why not add a 3-night stay at a hotel in another part of the island to your holiday. To find out more, view our 10-night holidays in Greece.
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In Greece, a tourist tax may apply at your accommodation which will be payable locally, in cash, during the course of your holiday. Please use the link to view details specific to your accommodation. View tourist tax rates here.
Accommodation
Porto Loutro On The Beach
Layout
- 18-room hotel over 3 floors (no lift)
Accommodation
- For details and images of individual rooms please open the Rooms tab
- Double rooms (25m2)
General
- Complimentary WiFi
- Air conditioning
- Shaded hotel terrace and bar
- Continental breakfast included 8am-12pm
- Complimentary bathroom products
- Fridge, safe and hairdryer in all rooms
- Beach towels provided
- Children under 7 not permitted
Porto Loutro On The Hill
Layout
- 18-room hotel over 4 floors (no lift)
Accommodation
- For details and images of individual rooms please open the Rooms tab
- Top floor double rooms (30m2)
- Double rooms (25m2)
General
- Complimentary WiFi
- Air conditioning
- Restaurant and bar
- Buffet breakfast included 8-11am
- Rooms with en-suite shower rooms
- Complimentary bathroom products
- TV, fridge, safe and hairdryer in all rooms
- Beach towels provided
- Shaded hotel terrace
Details for all Porto Loutro accommodation
WiFi
- All properties with WiFi are able to support basic functionality such as web browsing and checking emails. We aim to offer an uninterrupted service but sometimes, due to factors beyond our control, reliability can be affected.
National tourist licence (EOT): 1042K012A0204501 and 1042K010G162400
Hotel access times
- Check-in time – 2pm
- Check-out time – 12pm
Boat hire
- Small boat can be hired for the day from Sfakia
- Speed boat trips can be arranged along the south coast and to Gavdos Island (22 miles offshore)
- Kayaks available
Transfers
- Chania airport to Sfakia by private taxi 1hr 30min
- Heraklion airport to Sfakia by private taxi 2hr 15min (supplement applicable)
- Sfakia to Loutro by private sea taxi 20min
Location
- Beach, tavernas, shops 1min walk
- Finikas bay 30min walk
- Marmara 1hr walk
- Sweet Water bay 1hr walk
Great place to stay. Weather very hot which restricted our options but that just made us more lazy and more relaxed. The hotel restaurant was good but the local alternatives were also great and very reasonable. If you can survive on plonk the local wine was fine and so cheap.
We loved Hotel Porto Loutro on the hill. A great location with stunning views and friendly staff. The breakfast selection is good, we had dinner twice during our stay which was also good. Whilst the hotel is not 5 star it is comfortable and clean and the views more than compensate. If you are looking for a peaceful and relaxing break in a beautiful unspoilt location then you won’t be disappointed .
We only saw the owner of the hotel on our last day and she was very friendly. The young lady who served in the bar was extremely helpful and pleasant. Our tour guide, Jonathan Peat, was wonderful. As usual - we have walked with him before - knowledgeable, helpful, charming and caring.
Having visited Loutro in 1970, I was apprehensive about the inevitable changes, but was not disappointed, in large part due to Alison, the proprietor of Hotel Porto Loutro. She knows what her guests want from her simple but comfortable hotel, and is always there for a friendly chat. Her staff, Celine and Galliana, were excellent too. It helped she upgraded us as she had a cancellation- not every proprietor would do that. I have stayed in the top hotels all over the world. Porto Loutro is the tops. As for Loutro and surrounding area, it delivered- swimming, walking, kayaking and ambiance.
If you are looking for a traditional Greek stay, with lots of sun, swimming , good food and total relaxation, this is the place. We really enjoyed our stay at Porto Loutro on The Hill. The accommodation is as described on the website, it is clean and comfortable with fabulous views out over Loutro. You are a two minute walk from a pebbly cove so can enjoy an early morning swim before breakfast. This is not a place for loud or late nightlife, we enjoyed a nightcap on the terrace, it is low key and exactly what we wanted. Finally, Simpson's travel arrangements were spot on, with taxi and water transfers all on time and great service from the local concierge. This is our third trip with Simpson Travel and it is no surprise that there are many repeat customers who know that they will get a quality holiday with a personal service . Thank you Simpson Travel, once again !!
Late booking but had an excellent holiday experience in Porto Loutro, wonderful place to relax and get away from it all, no cars, mopeds and very safe swimming. Hotel breakfast bar area was beautiful the staff very attentive.
Small and friendly hotel right on the beach. Wonderful location. We will return.
Excellent walking week! A real life enhancing experience; we were wonderfully looked after and Jonathan's temporary Covid absence was admirably filled by Myriam, Leonidas and Marcos. The walks were enjoyably breathtaking in both meanings of the word, with really good taverna lunches. Jonathan brought his own unique style to the walks, and introduced us to Southern Crete's very special 'spirit of place'.
A very chilled, calming holiday with excellent service from the markep6kmad9u" Porto mark8zecq9xbl" Loutro on the Hill team. The village is exactly as described, a very special place!
We loved Porto Loutro and it was exactly as we hoped it to be. A traditional Greek fishing village with no pretensions. Beautifully calm, clear water, which was ideal for swimming, snorkelling, paddle boarding and kayaking, and plenty of tavernas serving great Greek food and wine at reasonable prices. Porto Loutro on the beach, whilst simply furnished, had great views from the balcony, comfortable beds, plentiful hot water and friendly helpful staff. It is literally a few steps from the sea, there is nothing better than waking to the sound of the sea and then being in it a few minutes later!
Our choice of Greek properties is as diverse as the islands themselves, ranging from simple seaside charm to genuine luxury and style. Much of our portfolio is privately owned, and price alone is therefore not a universal guide. We contract all our accommodation in person, and each property has its individual appeal. To help you make the right choice based on your own priorities, we have devised a simple grading guide to be considered in conjunction with each individual property description, awarding up to a maximum of five stars for the below categories.
* For further clarification on Facilities and Amenities, please view the 'Details' tab for each property or speak to one of our experienced sales consultants.
The soaring White Mountains, known in Greek as the Lefka Ori, are at the heart of West Crete’s dramatically beautiful landscape and the villages in their foothills offer traditional Cretan fare in glorious abundance – that’s if Chania’s twinkling harbour lights and waterfront dining don’t entice you first. Spring brings an abundance of flowers, turning hiking trails and gorges into welcome destinations for walkers, and in summer, the many beaches offer sun worshippers a choice of scenic locations to spread their towels.
Visit our collection of handpicked villas, Simpson Hotels and boutique hotels in Chania and West Crete to complete your luxury holiday in West Crete.
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