Sweetwater Beach Crete Guide: Getting There, Hiking Tips & Hidden Spring Water Revealed

Sweet Water Beach, also known as Glyka Nera Beach, is an impressive hidden gem situated between Loutro and Sfakia/Hora Sfakion. Unlike most beaches, it has a remarkable secret: there’s natural mountain spring water flowing straight onto the shore. 

The pure and crisp taste of the spring water is truly fascinating. Finding it takes a little effort, but that’s what makes it special. This guide covers how to get to Sweetwater Beach, hiking tips, and exactly where to find the hidden spring water.

How to find the hidden mountain spring water at Sweetwater Beach, Crete?

The natural mountain spring flows UNDER THE PEBBLES and meets the sea at Sweetwater Beach in Crete. However, you need to do a bit of digging to find it. 

I was blown away when I saw the cafe owner at the beach looking for the spring water and showing us how to dig it out. The water is drinkable, pure and delicious! Even though it is so close to the sea water, it is not salty at all! The effort is well worth it, the water is clean and refreshing, and unlike anything you’d expect to find on a beach.

Finding the spring is a truly unique experience you won’t want to skip.

Tips: Don’t forget to bring a water bottle to collect some of this refreshing drink during your visit.

How to get to Sweetwater Beach in Crete, Greece?

Sweetwater Beach can only be accessed by ferry or an adventurous hike from Sfakia or Loutro, the beach cannot be reached by car. Below is the detailed information:

1. Take a ferry from Sfakia or Loutro to Sweetwater Beach

Ferries from Sfakia and 🔗Loutro to Sweetwater Beach run daily from late April through September. The journey takes around 10 minutes and costs roughly €3–5 each way (water taxi prices vary).

Ferry schedules change day to day, so it’s worth checking the timetable at the port when you arrive in Sfakia.

If you want to check before you arrive in Sfakia, here are ferry operators’ official website/Facebook page:

• ANENDYK (the main and biggest operator).
• Athitis Lines (a smaller local boat service with small yellow boats).   
• Deligiannis Lines (sea taxi service).

About how to get to Sfakia by bus from other cities in Crete Island, you can check the KTEL official bus website https://www.e-ktel.com/  (choose “Chora Sfakion” as the destination).

If the website doesn’t work in your country, try using a VPN and connect to either the UK or Greece, they both work! Or you can Email KTEL directly: [email protected] to ask for a bus schedule.

2. Hike the E4 trail from Sfakia or Loutro

Another way to visit Sweetwater Beach from Sfakia or Loutro is on foot.

Note that the walk from Sfakia is shorter than from Loutro. I walked the full route and it took me 1.5 hours from Loutro to Sweetwater beach, and 50 minutes from the beach to Sfakia.

Important Information: If you choose to walk instead of taking the ferry, please make sure that you wear comfortable, proper shoes. This hike is not as easy as the locals would tell you. 

The E4 is a challenging trail, you will encounter coastal paths, cliff edges, steep sections, and strong winds along the way. It’s really an adventurous hike, so please go prepared and take care.

Also make sure you pay close attention to every step you take, and FOLLOW THE BLACK AND YELLOW SIGNS ON THE ROCKS along your path. 

However, even with the signs, I lost track of the path when I wasn’t paying attention for a few minutes, and I got lost. That is why I strongly advise you to pay attention while walking. If you are interested in hearing the story, you can find it 🔗here. 

Food and drink at Sweetwater Beach, Crete

There is a little tavern at the Sweetwater beach, providing umbrella hire, drinks and some food, but not with many options. 

You can bring your own snacks or eat at 🔗Loutro or Sfakia before your hike. 

The restaurant called 🔗Taverna Delfini in Sfakia by the sea offers really great food, and beautiful sea view. The staff are genuinely nice, they might not like those that are super friendly and passionate, but quiet and thoughtful, understanding, kind and are like philosophers. I highly recommend you eat there! 

Hotels near Sweetwater Beach, Crete, Greece

There is no hotel at the beach, however, there are many 🔗sea view hotels in Loutro and 🔗Sfakion. And you can just take ferries or hike to Sweetwater Beach from either place.

But as Loutro is just a small village, there are not many accommodation options, so you might want to book it in advance, especially during peak summer months (July–August). 

More useful information for Crete Island

• For a trustworthy website to buy ferry tickets to Crete and other Greek islands, you can check the ferry price and availability to Crete from Athens and other island 🔗on this Greek website or 🔗this international transportation booking site I always use.  In my opinion, Minoan Lines ferry company offers comfortable seats(VIP seats) and cabins. 
• 🔗6 must go picturesque, magical places in Crete Island, Greece