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.
Agriles
Find below list of things to do near Mountain Bliss Guesthouse 1 next to Sougia:
This trek walks the 18 kilometres of Samaria Gorge from the Omalos plateau to the Libyan Sea, with pick-up along the Rethymno coast and a guide who meets you at checkpoints along the way. Samaria runs through the White Mountains and is one of the longest gorges in Europe, ending at Agia Roumeli where a ferry carries walkers on to Chora Sfakion. PLATANOS TOURS runs it over 9 to 12 hours from €35.20, and it holds a 4.61 rating across 1,743 reviews, the largest review base of any experience on this site.
The day moves from coach to gorge to ferry to coach. Four stages fill it.
First is the drive from the Rethymno coast up through the White Mountains to Omalos, with a breakfast and coffee stop before the entrance, reviewers report reaching the gorge around 09:00. Second is the descent, 18 kilometres through the riverbed and the rock formations, past thousand-year-old forest and the Iron Gates. The guide leaves the group at the top and follows behind, positioning themselves at checkpoints to help anyone struggling. Third is Agia Roumeli on the south coast, where the guide waits at an agreed restaurant with the ferry tickets. Fourth is the boat to Chora Sfakion and the coach back.
The operator is explicit that this is challenging: 18 kilometres over rocky terrain, not recommended for children under 6, pregnant women or anyone with health problems.
The route crosses the White Mountains from the north coast to the south.
The €35.20 covers the transport and the guiding, with the two fixed fees paid on site.
Included:
Not included:
Non-EU visitors pay the €10 entrance from age 5 with no senior discount.
We recommend this version for the guiding model, which is smarter than it first looks. The guide does not lead the walk, they let the group go at the top and follow behind, then appear at checkpoints. One German group described meeting their guide, Pia, several times along the route, always ready with advice, and finding her waiting at the agreed restaurant in Agia Roumeli with the ferry tickets already in hand. On an 18-kilometre descent where everyone walks at a different pace, that is exactly the right way to run it.
The scale of the review record matters too. At 1,743 ratings this is the most-booked experience we list, and a 4.61 average across that many bookings tells you far more than a perfect score across twenty would.
Reviewers are consistent on the two things that decide your day. Shoes come up in almost every review, sturdy boots or at least solid trainers for rocky terrain. And times vary widely: one group took 6.5 hours top to bottom, another 6 hours without breaks, and a French reviewer found it easier than expected. Fitness and footwear, not luck.
Three things to weigh honestly.
The day is long and ends late. GetYourGuide’s own review summary says travellers find the schedule could be tighter, with long waits for the ferry and an extended return. A British reviewer put it plainly: be prepared for a late return. The listed duration runs 9 to 12 hours, and the upper end is real.
The extra fees add 70% to the price. €10 entrance plus €15 ferry on a €35.20 ticket is €25 in cash you must have with you. Value for money is the weakest dimension at 4.5 out of 5 and this is why.
It is genuinely hard. A Dutch reviewer who trained beforehand still found it exhausting. If anyone in your group is uncertain, the shorter Imbros gorge is the better first walk.
Wear boots, carry €25 in cash, and clear your evening.
Give your hotel name and location at booking; the pick-up point and time arrive by email. The trek takes 5 to 6 hours of walking and the day runs 9 to 12 hours.
Bring a hat, hiking shoes, sunscreen, water and trekking gear. The operator does not recommend this trek for children under 6, pregnant women or anyone with health problems.
The walk is 18 kilometres, taking 5 to 6 hours, inside a day that runs 9 to 12 hours in total.
You pay €10 entrance and €15 for the ferry in cash on site, with reductions for children and EU seniors.
The guide follows the group and waits at checkpoints rather than leading, then meets everyone at Agia Roumeli with the ferry tickets.
Fit enough for 18 kilometres of rocky descent. Reviewers who trained in advance still describe it as exhausting, and it is not recommended for children under 6 or anyone with health problems.
Expect a late return. GetYourGuide’s review summary notes ferry waits and an extended return leg, and the listed duration reaches 12 hours.
Hiking boots, or at minimum sturdy trainers. Footwear is the single most repeated piece of advice across the review record.
Check dates and prices for the Samaria Gorge trek from Rethymno.
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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