If you’re planning a trip to Crete and are looking for a beach that’s off the beaten path, Sweet Water beach or Glyka Nera (Greek: Γλυκά Νερά) should definitely be on your list. This beautiful and secluded beach is located in the south of the island, near the village of Sfakia, and is known for its crystal clear, sweet water.
Sweet Water is a relatively small beach, with only about 100 meters of sand and pebbles, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in beauty. The beach is surrounded by steep cliffs and rocky hills, which create a sense of intimacy and privacy. The water is calm and shallow, making it perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
One of the most unique things about Sweet Water beach is the water. Unlike most beaches on the island, the water at Sweet Water is not salty but sweet. The beach gets its name from the Greek words “glika” (sweet) and “nera” (water), and locals say that the water has a slightly sweet taste due to the presence of natural springs that flow into the sea.
Another interesting feature of Sweet Water beach is the nearby waterfall. A short hike from the beach takes you to a small waterfall that cascades into a pool of cool, fresh water. This is a great spot to cool off after a day of swimming and sunbathing.
Despite its beauty and uniqueness, Sweet Water beach remains largely undiscovered by tourists. Getting there can be a bit of a challenge, and the beach is accessible either by sea or by land. There is a narrow path along the cliffs after you drive pass the Iligkas Beach, but this means you will need to park your car on the side of the road which isn’t advisable, and then hike down to the beach for about 20 minutes.
Once you arrive, however, you’ll find that the journey was well worth it. It is recommenced to take the boat from the port of Chora Sfakion as a safer and easier solution.
