Located in Agrilés, 44 km from Botanical Park & Gardens of Crete and 50 km from Limnoupolis, Mountain Bliss Guesthouse 1 next to Sougia offers a terrace and air conditioning. It is situated 31 km from Samaria Gorge and features free WiFi and free private parking.
The apartment with a balcony and mountain views has 2 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with an oven and a microwave, and 1 bathroom with a shower. Towels and bed linen are available in the apartment.
The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 66 km from the apartment.
Find below list of things to do near Mountain Bliss Guesthouse 1 next to Sougia:
Through this route we will discover the wild side of southern Crete and end up at one of the best beaches of Crete with crystal clear waters
Our first stop is the Minoan Farm where we will have the opportunity to learn how Cretan honey and Cretan olive oil are produced as well as to get to know Cretan herbs up close. Our stop really fills us with Crete.
Then we arrive at traditional village of Archanes where we will have about 40 minutes of free time to be enchanted by the architecture of the houses, the narrow streets of the village and to relax under the plane trees
Then through a beautiful route we reach the foot of the constellations and climb to an altitude of 850 meters
This is where the wild side of Southern Crete begins to appear and the landscapes are truly beautiful and dreamlike
Crossing the beautiful gorge we find ourselves at one of the best beaches of Crete with crystal clear waters
Here we enjoy a wonderful meal and take a bath
On our way back through a beautiful route we end up at the Monastery of Epanosifi with the Byzantine churches and we will get to know the life of the Cretan priests
With what better images we end up at the hotel
This route will imprint deep in your mind the best memories from Wild Unknown Crete !!!!
Embark on a full-day guided trip to the Samaria Gorge from Chania. Arrive in Omalos in the heart of the White Mountains, and enjoy breakfast before trekking along the longest gorge in Europe, 4,000 feet above sea level.
After breakfast, enter the Samaria Gorge. Walk at your own pace with your English-speaking guide at the end of the group to help out if you need them.
Hike over rocks and stones, through a forest of thousand-year-old trees and along a river, passing by fresh-water springs along the way. Enjoy views of Crete’s most beautiful mountain range and see mountain goats roaming in the wild. Feel the exhilaration of challenging yourself with a long hike.
At the end of the trek, visit the village of Agia Roumeli, where you’ll find a number of taverns, bars, and shops. Enjoy some free time to take a swim or have some lunch. A meeting point will be arranged so you can collect your ferry tickets from your guide.
Late in the afternoon, you’ll board a boat that will take you from Agia Roumeli to Sougia, where the bus will be waiting to transfer you back to the starting point about 7.30 PM.
Embark on a guided hike in the Samariá Gorge on a day trip from Rethymno or Chania. Get your daily dose of exercise, enjoy the panoramic views and take a swim.
Discover the longest gorge in Europe, an area of stunning natural beauty. See its many flowers and herbs and the crystal-clear spring waters that flow from the mountains.
Following an early morning pickup from the nearest point to your accommodation in Rethymno or Chania, travel through the mountains passing the plateau of Omalos.
Arrive at some wooden stairs at the start of Samariá Gorge. You can opt to start the walk straight away or get some breakfast at the taverna before you begin. Hike for approximately 6-7 hours and experience the magnificent landscape on a 16-kilometer walk.
Once you have finished the hike, there will be ample time for a swim and lunch at a taverna in Agia Roumeli.
Take a day trip from Rethymno to set out on an outdoor adventure into Samaria Gorge National Park. Hike at your own pace with a guide over rocks and stones, through a forest of thousand-year-old trees, along a river, and by fresh-water springs. Keep an eye out for mountain goats roaming in the wild.
Begin your full-day excursion to Samaria Gorge with pickup and a drive to Omalos, in the heart of the White Mountains, where you can enjoy breakfast before you start the hike. Challenge yourself with 18 kilometers of walking over rocky terrain.
Be accompanied by a mountain escort who speaks English, German, and French. Get briefed about your hike and get your tickets for the entrance and ferry boat from your escort. These fees have to be paid to the guide upon arrival.
After breakfast, enter the Samaria Gorge. Walk at your own pace as your guide will be at the end of the group to help out if you need them. At the end of the trek, visit the village of Agia Roumeli, where you’ll find a number of taverns, bars, and shops.
Enjoy some free time to take a swim or have some lunch. A meeting point will be arranged so you can collect your ferry tickets from your guide. Late in the afternoon, board a boat to go from Agia Roumeli to Sfakia, where the bus will be waiting to transfer you back to the pickup point.
Our amazing off-road adventure begins by crossing a valley full of orange and avocado trees, and many vegetables gardens. Climbing up the foothills of the White Mountains where we make our coffee stop at Deres to enjoy our morning break. Continuing we drive through the Cretan villages of Vatolakos, Alikianos, Fournes, Meskla, Zourva and Therisso getting a taste of the mountainous Crete in the foot of the White Mountains, following an off road route up to the shepherd’s hut called “Mitato” far away from tourist areas. We are traveling on uncharted routes where only a four wheel drive can approach and we enjoy the magnificent panoramic views of northern Crete and, if lucky … to marvel some wild eagles and goats from up close giving us a good reason to stop and capture the moment. A small rocky road will lead us up to our trip’s highest point of 1350 meters altitude in the heart of the White Mountains of Crete, where you will find out all about the lifestyle of a shepherd. We will learn where the famous Cretan “Graviera” cheese was produced and explore an original Shepherd’s hut called “Mitato”.
On our way back we will enjoy the best panoramic view of Chania from above, until we arrive at Therisso village for a short walk in the historic village and a visit in a small Cretan family tavern for our lunch. After our lunch we will follow the road through the amazing gorge of Therisso that will lead us back to the city of Chania.
Find below list of beaches near Mountain Bliss Guesthouse 1 next to Sougia:
Sougia is a charming village situated at the entrance of the beautiful Agia Irini Gorge, 75km west of Chania city. Once a 70’s hippie haven, it now serves as a peaceful getaway offering relaxing vacations amidst scenic landscapes, equipped with necessary amenities. The village features a variety of restaurants, taverns, accommodation choices, cafes, bars, and mini markets, though larger facilities like gas stations, hospitals, pharmacies or banks are not available in this secluded paradise.
The village is home to a beautiful, long beach adorned with pebbly sand and crystal-clear deep water. The beach stretches an impressive 1.5km from the quaint harbour of Sougia at the Lissos Gorge exit to the east, concluding in a private cove surrounded by rocks. This part of the beach, largely undeveloped, is a favourite among naturists. The beach section facing the village, however, is well-equipped with facilities including umbrellas, showers, sports facilities, and a lifeguard tower. Tamarisk trees dotted along the beach provide ample shade.
In the summer, daily ferries carry tourists from Sougia to various destinations such as Chora Sfakion, Paleochora, Agia Roumeli, Gavdos Island, and Loutro.
Historical Importance and Nearby Attractions to Sougia
Known as Syia (“place of hogs” in Greek) in ancient times, Sougia was once a hub for pig herding due to the region’s abundant oak trees. Today, you can still see the oak trees while trekking through the majestic Agia Irini Gorge, a popular tourist spot in West Crete.
Consider exploring the remains of the Doric town of Elyros, with Syia acting as its port in the past. The ruins are located on Kefala hill, near Rodovani village. Elyros flourished from 500 to 350 BC, being one of the main cities of southwest Crete with approximately 16,000 inhabitants. Known for its weapons manufacturing, Elyros even had its own currency.
Other points of interest include the Church of Saint Panteleimon, built on the site of Syia’s early Christian Basilica, which houses ancient mosaics depicting natural scenes from the 6th century AD. Although the church is usually closed, keys can be obtained at the local kiosk.
Near Sougia, the archaeological site of Lissos, Elyros’ secondary seaport, contains remnants of an ancient theatre, thermal baths, and the Asclepeion, fed by the Lissos spring. Accessible by a boat or a hike through the Lissos Gorge, the ruined city is a two-hour walk away.
Lastly, a two-hour hike east on the E4 trail towards Agia Roumeli will take you to the picturesque St. Anthony Chapel, situated in a scenic cove, and further on, the legendary cave of Polyphemus.
Lissos Beach, situated in the Agios Kyrikos region, lies about 71km south of Chania city and 3km west of Sougia. It was historically the seaport for the nearby town of Elyros, the remnants of which can now be found near the modern village of Rodovani.
Lissos Beach is a secluded and unspoiled spot, characterized by large pebbles and exposure to the southern winds. Visitors and campers can find shade under the beach’s abundant trees. Access to the beach is either via a 20-minute boat ride or a 90 to 120-minute hike from Sougia, a journey that passes through the scattered ruins of ancient Lissos.
Near the beach stands the charming Church of St. Kirikos, which holds a celebration on July 15th. If you happen to be in the area the day before, you can join in the festivities. Pilgrims arrive by boat from Sougia to participate in the ceremony and subsequent celebration.
Lissos experienced its golden age during the Hellenistic period, flourishing until the 9th century when it was razed by the Saracens. The town was renowned for its asclepion, or healing thermal baths, which attracted patients from across the island. The mosaic floors of Asclepios, despite being damaged by an earthquake, are still visible today.
A walk through the Lissos Valley will reveal an array of ancient ruins, including capitals, a Roman cemetery with vaulted graves, and the remains of an ancient theatre. The discovery of numerous statues and coins in the region suggests that Lissos was more prosperous than its parent city, Elyros. The most notable statues, those of the Goddess Hygeia (Health), Asclepius, and Pluto, are now displayed in the Archaeological Museum in Chania.
On the European E4 trail linking Sougia and Paleochora, you’ll come across the stunning small beach of Astropelekita with its deep blue waters. This sandy beach, situated to the east of the rocky Plaka cape, is encountered before beginning the ascent to Flomes or Elide Cape, on the way to the ancient Lissos. This little cove offers a perfect opportunity for a refreshing swim while trekking the E4 trail.
Astropelekita, translating to ‘thunderbolt’ in Greek, is named after a local myth. The tale suggests that the area’s distinctive whitish rocks were created when the Olympian Gods hurled a thunderbolt at the region.
The rocky beach of Tripiti is located 5km east of Sougia and 68km south of Chania city, at the ending point of the wild gorge of Trypiti. It is absolutely secluded, like all the beaches of the wider Sfakia area. Access to Tripiti is possible either by boat or by walking on a difficult path from Sougia (three hours). The vertical cliffs near the beach provide natural shade. If you walk 500m east to the beach, you’ll meet the much nicer pebbly beach of Sendoni, used by beekeepers.
Tripiti is believed to be the site of the ancient town Pikilasos with the protected natural harbour. The port has been converted to a reef with incredible formations after some geological changes during the 4th AD century. Inscriptions have been discovered in the area, revealing the existence of a temple dedicated to Serapis (Greco-Egyptian god of antiquity). Moreover, archaeologists have discovered several tombs, carved in the rocks.
On the beach, there is a cistern with water, a goat pen and the picturesque church of Agios Nikolaos. If you are in the area on July 19, you can take part in the celebration of the Prophet Elijah, which celebrates on July 20. The pilgrims arrive by boat in the afternoon on the beach of Trypiti and then walk on the path leading to the chapel of Prophet Elijah, 400 meters above sea level. They spend the night there with food and traditional Cretan songs and leave the next day. On the peak of the same hill, there are the ruins of Fort Voukelasi.
Find below list of gorges near Mountain Bliss Guesthouse 1 next to Sougia:
Situated on the western flank of the White Mountains in the Selino province, the Agia Irini gorge owes its name to the nearby village of Agia Irini (Saint Irene), a mere 46 km from Chania.
The trail of Agia Irini Gorge commences just below the Agia Irini village and concludes at the Oasis Taverna. The track, which descends approximately 500 meters, extends for 7.5 km and requires nearly three hours to navigate. It is a well-preserved and predominantly shaded path, embellished with pine trees, plane trees, and oleander bushes.
The journey from the exit of the gorge to the village of Sougia covers about 5 km along a lightly used road with scarce shade. On sweltering days, arranging transportation to Sougia is recommended. The gorge, which is open all year round, is graced with a small river, but certain sections may become inaccessible or dangerous after heavy rain. From April to October, during the tourist season, a nominal fee is collected at the entrance (or exit for those hiking uphill) of the gorge. This fee aids in maintaining the path, collecting trash, and general upkeep to ensure a pleasant experience for all visitors.
The gorge forms part of the European footpath E4. Its southern entrance is positioned 5 kilometers north of Sougia. It is included in the NATURA 2000 protected areas and has been declared a wildlife reserve by the Ministry of Agriculture. The gorge is home to the endangered Cretan ibex, agrimi, and boasts a variety of microenvironments and habitats for an array of wildlife species. The diverse flora, including trees (cypress, pine, maple, plane, oak, holm oak), shrubs, brushwoods, and fine herbs such as dittany, is of significant importance.
The gorge holds immense significance, not only for its rich biodiversity and aesthetic appeal but also for its historical and cultural significance. At the “Polla Spitakia” area within the gorge, rebels found refuge from the Ottomans. This is where the “Fygou” path begins, which served as an escape route from the gorge to the Omalos plateau. The area houses the Byzantine Church of Christ (1358 AD) and the dilapidated church of Saint George (1460 AD). The gorge, second in popularity to Samaria in the Chania prefecture, remains open for a longer duration.
Located just half an hour above the Lissos archaeological site, in a concealed location known as Lichnou Laki, is a small yet stunning canyon. This gorge is situated in the Selino district, beneath the village of Prodromi, to the south of Chania. It can be accessed via a dirt road that leads south from the village. This petite canyon is lush with greenery and is divided into two distinct sections. The first section is predominantly populated with lentisks, junipers, and oaks, while the second section is blanketed with pine trees, despite a previous fire that ravaged the area.
The gentle riverbed of Lichnou Laki canyon doesn’t feature any waterfalls or other impediments. At the canyon’s most striking point, there is a picturesque rock shelter forming a triangle. Towards the lower exit, a plateau is scattered with ceramic fragments, a clear indication of a former ancient settlement.
The trail linking Sougia to ancient Lissos runs through the grandeur of the Lissos or Skevroto gorge. This lengthy canyon is characterized by its majestic towering walls. However, the path to Lissos only covers a fraction of this route, taking approximately one hour to traverse.
Upon exiting the path on the Lissos side, one encounters the historical remnants of ancient Lissos. Notable landmarks include the Asclepius temple with its floor mosaic, the scattered ruins of the ancient city, tombs, the Roman theatre, and the Panagia and St. Kirikos churches. These churches were erected on the foundation of a previous early Christian church.
Returning to Sougia is possible either by embarking on a boat ride from the picturesque Lissos beach or by retracing the path on foot.
Fygou Gorge, a small yet stunning sub-gorge of the renowned Agia Irini Gorge, is situated near Sougia. This narrow canyon played a significant role in history, serving as an escape route for local rebels to the Sfakia mountains during various revolutions, hence its name ‘Fygou’, meaning escape.
In present times, many trekkers embarking on the Agia Irini Gorge trail, the second most popular gorge in Crete after Samaria, choose to commence their journey from Fygou Gorge. After approximately an hour of walking, they meet the Agia Irini Gorge.
A beautiful path winds through Fygou, weaving between a picturesque cypress and pine grove. An abandoned settlement and a Forest Service outpost can be found at the location known as Polla Spitakia. Near the point where Fygou Gorge meets the Agia Irini Gorge, the historic Hirotrypa cave is located. This site marks a tragic event from 1822 when two local hermits were murdered by the Ottomans.
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