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Things to do in Sougia28 ways to be here

what was already there.

Gorges to walk, a sea to swim in, old stones to find and long evenings by the water. Filter by element below, or go straight to where to eat.

And where to eat

leaving the harbour for LissosSougia

ways to be here

water · sea & boats

the beach

the beachStory · 3 minMore than a kilometre of pebbles, deep water close to shore.On foot

boat trips

boat tripsHidden coves along a coast with no road.From the harbour

Lissos gorge & ancient Lissos

Lissos gorge & ancient LissosStory · 3 minA Hellenistic and Roman port, on foot or by taxi boat.~90 min walk

snorkelling

snorkellingExceptional clarity. Best before the wind rises.Mornings

Agia Roumeli by ferry

Agia Roumeli by ferryTo the southern end of the Samaria gorge.~40–50 min ferry

ancient aqueduct of Syia

ancient aqueduct of SyiaStory · 3 minRoman walls along the road into the village.In the village

Gavdos

GavdosThe southernmost point of Europe. Stay the night.~2 h ferry

Elafonisi beach

Elafonisi beachPink sand and a lagoon you can wade across.By car

sun · light & slow days

sunset in Sougia

sunset in SougiaThe last hour of light, from the beach or the harbour.Evening

first light

first lightThe bay still and quiet, the quietest swim of the day.Early morning

the quiet cove

the quiet coveA small cove past the rocks, almost never busy.On foot

golden hour fields

golden hour fieldsWild grass and low sun above the village.On foot

wind · walks & gorges

when the Sahara arrives

when the Sahara arrivesA few days a year the south wind brings dust from Africa.Spring

Samaria gorge

Samaria gorgeStory · 3 minFrom the Omalos plateau down to the sea.~16 km

Agia Irini gorge

Agia Irini gorgeStory · 3 minGreener and quieter, ends near Sougia.On foot

Ochros summit

Ochros summit807 m directly above the village.~3 h up

Koustogerako & the oak forest

Koustogerako & the oak forestA mountain village and the E4 trail.By car + on foot

Polyphemus cave

Polyphemus caveStory · 3 minThe cave of the Cyclops, below Koustogerako.Start early

coastal walk to Tripiti

coastal walk to TripitiStory · 3 minAlong the cliffs east of the village.On foot

seasons · the year in Sougia

spring gorges

spring gorgesWater still running, flowers along the path.April – May

autumn walks

autumn walksCooler air and long light.Sep – Oct

olive groves

olive grovesStory · 3 minCenturies-old trees around the village.All year

wild herbs

wild herbsThyme, oregano and sage on the hills.Spring

birdwatching

birdwatchingA migration route between Africa and Europe.Spring & autumn

Sougia in winter

Sougia in winterThe version almost nobody sees.Dec – Feb

village & day trips

Saint Panteleimon basilica

Saint Panteleimon basilicaStory · 4 minEarly Christian mosaics in the middle of the village.In the village

Paleochora

PaleochoraStory · 3 minThe nearest town, two beaches and a castle hill.By car or ferry

Moni, Kandanos & Chania

Moni, Kandanos & ChaniaStory · 3 minFrescoes from 1315, a village that remembers, a day in town.By car or bus

Eat & drinkno element, just appetite

We don't cook. We know who does.

AVYSSOS has no restaurant and does not serve breakfast, and we like it that way: Sougia's cafés and tavernas are part of the stay. Mornings first, then evenings, each in the order you meet them as you walk down to the sea. Most open with the season, from spring to autumn.

Evening on the Sougia seafront, people walking past the lit tavernas — The seafront around eight, when the tavernas fill up.Sougia promenade · October

See the map of our cafés and tavernas

Opening times change with the season; ask us when you arrive.

Opening planned for 2027Sougia

Planning a walking week in Sougia? Be the first to know when we open.

AVYSSOS plans to open in 2027 at the edge of the village, five minutes from the beach. Leave your email and we will write to you first when reservations open.

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