This necropolis, the largest of its period in Crete (1390 to 1200 BC), has already provided many objects (including sarcophagi), some of which are in the museums in Rethymnon and Chania. Nearly two hundred tombs in individual chambers dating from the Minoan era have been found and examined. The size of this cemetery suggests that there was a large town in the area.

The road up to the gorge (16km long) passes over the Omalós Plateau (1 050m). After passing through Omalós, the road ends in Xilóskalo on the edge of the gorge. First a flight of wooden steps and then a twisting path goes down into the depths of the gorge to a viewing platform. There is an impressive view of the ravine between sheer rock walls rising to over 2 000m. The path soon reaches the narrowest section of the the gorge where the distance between the vertical walls is no more than 2-3m.

The little abandoned village of Arádena, 4km from Anópoli and 16km from Sfakiá, marks the beginning of Arádena Gorge. There is a stunning view just before the metal bridge spanning it. The magnificent descent of this striking gorge is for experienced walkers and includes negotiating an amazing sheer drop from a rock cliff (there are steps and ropes to help).

The massive outline of the Frankish castle (Frangokástele) is visible from afar; it was built in 1371 by the Venetians as a defence against pirates, Turks and insurgent Sfakiots. It is rectangular in plan with crenellated walls and a square tower at each corner, one of which was reinforced to form the keep. It surveys the empty sea as if it were at the ends of the earth (during the low season at any rate). Over the sea gate the lion of St Mark looks down on the remains of the deserted harbour next to a fine sandy beach.