Lissos Gorge is positioned in Sougia alongside the southwest coast of Crete. Whereas it doesn’t rival the gorges of Samaria, Aradena, and Katholiko, it marks the start of a extremely gratifying round hike—stuffed with shifting landscapes and lovable, vocal, and playful goats.
The serpentine mountain street connecting Chania on the north coast with Sougia on the south coast is superb and sufficiently large. This was our first day driving throughout Crete and we have been unjustifiably apprehensive concerning the street situations. Relaxation assured, Crete’s street community is superb. Nonetheless, it’s essential to drive cautiously, as a result of goats and sheep roam about freely and even sleep on the roads.
The tiny seaside village of Sougia was nearly totally shut down throughout our March go to, other than the Smaragdus taverna (Google Maps), the place we savored a scrumptious lunch after our hike.
Although this hike is reasonable in honest climate, sturdy climbing boots and adequate water are important. The house owners of Smaragdus taverna knowledgeable us that individuals have died within the gorge from warmth stroke (and stupidity).
Lissos Gorge Mountaineering Map
Lissos Gorge Hike Description
From the trailhead automobile park (Google Maps), stroll west alongside the coast within the route of the sheltered harbor. When the street divides, bear proper alongside the E4. The left street results in the Sougia pier, the place taxi boats and ferries join Sougia to Paleochora and Agia Roumeli.
Aftering passing the Sougia harbor, the path turns to gravel and also you’ll see a “Lissos” path signal. Move via the livestock gate and remember to safe it after. The path crosses the higher a part of a pebble seashore, inhabited by goats, after which turns inland.
The doorway of Lissos Gorge couldn’t be extra apparent, due to the plethora of indicators.
Hint the clear and easy-to-follow path via the gorge. You’ll see white-red and black-yellow painted waymarks.
The trail meanders between boulders (very mild scrambling wanted) after which smooths out rapidly.
The spotlight of Lissos Gorge is strolling beneath the graceful, ochre-colored overhanging wall.
When the path divides, bear proper. The left path results in the traditional metropolis of Lissos and Lissos seashore (elective detour).
The fitting path, signed Sougia Spherical Stroll, continues to comply with the gorge mattress after which climbs as much as a rocky plateau, strewn with pine. At all times comply with indicators to Sougia.
With time, the path develops right into a excessive coastal path with sweeping views of the Libyan sea and the rugged shoreline.
The Sougia-bound path runs parallel to a livestock fence after which bends to the correct and later to the left. Take note of the indicators and painted waymarks.
When the path intersects with a gravel street, flip left and comply with the street all the way down to Church of St Irene (Agia Eirini Church), the place an exquisite outlook in the direction of Sougia awaits.
From the chapel, it’s a 40-minute return to the seaside village. Comply with the gravel farm street, bordered by a fence on one facet. After passing via one other gate, flip proper, becoming a member of the paved street all the way down to the coast.
We actually loved this brief hike, due to the ever-changing surroundings and naturally the various goats.
The place to Keep
Sougia
Sougia is a down-to-earth seaside village with a pleasant pebble seashore, a row of beachfront tavernas, and modest lodging. Among the many best-rated are Syia Lodge, Idomeneas Residences, and Irtakina.
For those who’re keen to remain additional away from the coast, 3-star Monastery Property Retreat presents a restorative keep within the Cretan Countryside. The property is made-up of 8 rooms, every geared up with its personal personal swimming pool. Additionally they handle the next-door Monastery Property Guesthouse.
On the opposite facet of the Chania-Sougia street, you’ll discover To Spiti Mas presents pretty, air-conditioned residences.
All lodging in Sougia.
Chania
Crete’s second largest metropolis is filled with life and character—a spot that pulls you in. Spend just a few days exploring its maze-like streets, tasting daring native flavors, and absorbing the vitality of charming Chania.
For the very best expertise, keep at a lodge only a brief stroll away from Chania’s historic middle—the place the magic of the city is correct at your step. Nonetheless, in case you’re renting a automobile and also you need to keep in a seafront location, check out Tanneries Lodge & Spa and Elia Sea Suites.
The place We Stayed – Finances/Midrange | Theta Seaside Boutique Lodge is a contemporary boutique lodge positioned between the Venetian Port and Koum Kapi neighborhood. We cherished the situation, our fashionable sea-facing room, geared up with a nespresso machine and kettle, and the hospitality. We parked throughout the road within the free automobile park.
Midrange | Set within the coronary heart of the Previous City, 3-star Malmo Historic Lodge presents tastefully-furnished rooms and breakfast, served on the terrace.
Midrange-Luxurious | Aisha Lodge presents a major location within the Previous City with suites both going through the town or the Venetian Harbor (e book a deluxe suite with sea view). Throughout excessive season, the realm can get energetic attributable to close by golf equipment—one thing to remember in case you’re looking for a quieter keep.
Luxurious | Monastery Property Venetian Harbor presents minimalist design suites–some with personal terraces and sizzling tubs–together with spa services and a scrumptious breakfast, served within the lodge courtyard. The lodge is housed in a restored Sixteenth-century mansion of a Venetian nobleman that later served because the residence of a senior Ottoman official and his harem. In the course of the restoration course of, archaeologists uncovered historical Roman partitions, that are seen right this moment underneath a glass show.
Luxurious | Nestled inside a lovingly-restored Seventeenth-century Venetian villa, AZADE Chania enchants with its superbly designed rooms and scrumptious Cretan breakfast—an irresistible retreat within the coronary heart of the Previous City.
All lodging in Chania.
Extra Crete Journey & Mountaineering Guides
Chania:
Mountaineering:
