It’s a magical spot and no photo can attribute to its magnificence. When you get up close, the only sure thing is that you will be speechless by the beauty that a beach can have. We are talking about the Sheitan (Satan) Ports, on the northeast side of the Akrotiri peninsula in western Crete, 20 km from the city of Chania.
The exotic “devil ports” of Crete and their history
It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful beaches in Crete. Strips of sea penetrate between the hidden rocky shores of Akrotiri creating small coves. In one of them, there is this well-hidden – and accursed – beach. And why do they call it cursed or “devil-port”? The location is known as Sheitan Ports or Stephen Sheitan Beach. The word Sheitan is Turkish, apparently left over from the period of Turkish rule in Crete, and translates as satanic. So the Sheitan Ports are translated as devil harbours.
This characterisation is due to the high risk of the currents in the area. As well as the fact that the cove is located between vertical, steep rocks. It posed a significant risk to ships in older years.
The location is also referred to as Agios Raphael, from the church located at the point where the gorge begins, and as Agios Spyridonas from the old church that is built there inside the rock.
On this beach, you will find both gravel and sand and due to the difficult point in which it is located, only in recent years, it has become a well-known and popular destination. And not unfairly since it is so beautiful.
How to get to Sheitan Ports
The journey from Chania to Sheitan Ports is about half an hour and follows the road to the village of Hordaki. There are several distinct signs now to the beach just after the airport. During the journey, you will encounter wild vegetation, a unique landscape and small villages that look as if frozen in time.
After passing the Chordaki and have taken the right turn to the fork, you will find in front of you the church of Agios Spyridonas or you will find yourself on the antennae in Rizoskloka. In any case, you will see from both places a unique view of the northeastern part of the island. At the end of the ride, there’s a small parking lot to park your vehicle. To reach the beach, you have to descend about 300 to 500 meters on a dirt path with difficult spots, steep cliffs and high cliffs.
As soon as you get there, you’ll exclaim: “It was worth it!”
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Frequently Asked Questions
Sheitan Ports, also known as the "devil harbours," are located on the northeast side of the Akrotiri peninsula in western Crete, approximately 20 km from the city of Chania. The beach is situated between vertical rocky shores and can be accessed via the road to the village of Hordaki.
Sheitan Ports are called "devil harbours" because the word "Sheitan" is Turkish, meaning satanic or devilish. This name was given due to the high risk of dangerous currents in the area and the steep, vertical rocks surrounding the cove, which posed significant hazards to ships in earlier years.
The journey from Chania to Sheitan Ports takes approximately 30 minutes by car. You'll follow the road towards the village of Hordaki, and clear signs directing to the beach are available just after the airport.
Reaching Sheitan Ports requires descending approximately 300 to 500 meters on a dirt path with difficult spots, steep cliffs, and high elevation changes. A small parking lot is available at the top, but the hike down is moderately challenging. However, the stunning beauty of the beach makes the effort worthwhile.
Sheitan Ports is also referred to as Agios Raphael, named after the church located at the point where the gorge begins, and as Agios Spyridonas, named after an old church built inside the rock at the location.
