Samaria gorge
The best known walk in Crete. Down from the Omalos plateau through the White Mountains to Agia Roumeli, then the ferry back to Sougia along the coast.
Length~16 kmStartOmalos, by early busReturnFerry to Sougia
Read the full walk 
Gorges and walks from Sougia
wind
The wind comes down the gorges and in off the open sea.
The wind here does not come from one direction. It funnels down the gorges from the White Mountains and comes in off the open Libyan Sea.
On summer afternoons it cools the beach and keeps the water clear. In spring it carries the smell of thyme down to the village. The paths it opens through the mountains are the oldest roads on this coast, and most of them still start within walking distance of the residence.
Ways to move throughgorges, summits, caves
ways to move through
Agia Irini gorge
Greener and quieter than Samaria, the gorge whose winter stream reaches the sea at Sougia. Plane trees, oleander and a path you can walk down to the village.
From our own walks · Stavros & Petra
[A short personal note from your own walk through the gorge.]when the Sahara arrives
A few times a year the south wind carries dust from Africa across the Libyan Sea. The sky over Sougia turns orange, the mountains disappear, and the whole village waits it out. By the next morning the air is clear again.
Good to know
Most likely in spring. Stay in, close the windows, and watch the light change.
Ochros summit
The local mountain, 807 metres directly above the village. About three hours up, the White Mountains ahead and silence in every direction.
Koustogerako & the oak forest
A mountain village above Sougia and an old oak forest on the E4 trail.
Polyphemus cave
The cave of the Cyclops, a signed path below Koustogerako. Start early in summer; there is no shade.
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coastal walk to Tripiti
Along the cliffs east of the village, with the sea below you all the way.
Opening planned for 2027Register your interest
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