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Sougia in the south of the island of Crete must be one of my favourite villages to relax and chill out for a couple of days. There is no need to rush for anything in this remote and peaceful village with its beautiful beach. It's been on our destination list for a couple of times and it's definitely a place to return to. There are good tavernas along the coast, special visitors, and there is a sense of wild freedom in the air.

The area of Sougia is also very suitable for making interesting walks, and if you feel like doing nothing at all there is that gorgeous beach in front of the village. You just take your book and your sun lotion, read a bit and make a few dips in the clean water. The people in this village are very kind.

There are also two small supermarkets that sell products from the area, like the raki that they put in the recycled plastic water bottles. Don't mix those two up like I did one morning when I wanted to make a quick cup of coffee, ahah! The local raki is delicious by the way and you definitely have to try it. Drink it very cold, and best in good company outside on your balcony. In one of the two supermarkets we met a woman from Holland that once went for a short visit to Sougia to celebrate that she just got her diploma, and she never returned. Instead she got married and she still lives in this tiny village, which shows you what magic you can be captured by once you have been here.

Sougia is a romantic place. You can have lovely local food in the tavernas with a few tourists and inhabitants of the village, but don't be surprised if you are suddenly in the company of a goat. Sougia is authentic and friendly and the real old Greece.

Update 2007: in 2007 umbrellas and sunbeds have been placed on the beach. The people seem to be happy and talk about an "upgrade". This was no upgrade to us though: the beach has become much more busy.

The beach village of Sougia is situated 70 kilometers south from the old capitol Chania. You can reach it from Chania in a 2 hours drive through beautiful green mountains. The westbound boats from Hora Sfakia stop here as well on their way to Paleochora. Sougia is a small village with not many houses on the beach. It will probably stay this way for much longer. Sougia is a historical site where a lot of excavations still have to take place. This is the reason why it is not allowed to build houses and no land is given out for sale, so an etra guarantee that it will not be exploited for mass tourism.

Sougia's ancient name was Syia, and it was a port of the Roman empire (most remains are now beneath the sea). West of Sougia are the ruins of ancient Lissos. One can admire the tiny Dorian temple of Asklipios, the ancient theatre and the vaulted tombs. I tried to make it to this ancient Lissos one day but I didn't succeed :(, instead we got lost on the track. If there is anybody out there that thinks he/she can be of help, write me, be my guide!! We spoke to several people who made it there and it's supposedly very special.

Although there is a sign opposite the tavern on the corner of the main road saying that 'nudism is prohibited' Sougia is mainly a nudist beach. It is long stretched and beautiful with pebbles and sand, the atmosphere of the village is cosy, and the people very friendly. Sougia has some tourist services, such as small supermarkets, rooms to rent and small hotels and tavernas. Behind Sougia there is the start of a second gorge, a bit smaller than the one at Samaria, another opportunity for an interesting walk.

If you want to see a short realplayer movie of Sougia beach click here and for a short realplayer movie of the ferry sailing along the coast click here. If you don't have realplayer you can download it for free.

For all hotels, apartements and studios in Sougia on Crete - click here.

The restaurant in Sougia on the corner of the main road / entrance to the village and the beach. There is a very extensive menu to choose from and you can have breakfast, lunch or dinner here. We have had quite a few meals here. On our last visit we tried the Galini salad (which is fun - with a little bit of everything), the saganaki (fried cheese) and the chicken nuggets. Nothing to complain about, straight forward Greek food, nice portions. The only downside is the cappuccino with too much milk and not really hot.

Our verdict: an 8 out of 10

Just 15 metres from the beach, Lotos is located in Sougia Village and offers a bar and a snack bar. It features air-conditioned accommodation with panoramic views over the Libyan Sea. Free WiFi access is available in all areas. Opening to a furnished balcony, all rooms of Lotos have a mini fridge. Each comes with a private bathroom with a shower. Guests may enjoy light meals and refreshing beverages at the on-site snack bar, whilst watching the sea views. Drinks are served at the bar. A supermarket for the general supplies and a restaurant can be found within a short walk. The scenic Chania Town with its Venetian harbour is at a distance of 60 km. Souda Port is at a distance of 65 km and Ioannis Daskalogiannis International Airport is 75 km away. Free, public parking is possible on site.

Check availabilities and prices & book Lotos in Sougia - click here.

Just 10 metres from Sougia Beach in Crete, Santa Irene features a snack bar with a furnished terrace. It offers free Wi-Fi throughout and self-catering units with views over the Libyan Sea or the garden. Opening to a balcony, all studios and apartments of Santa Irene are air conditioned and have a well-equipped kitchenette with dining area. A safe, a satellite TV and a bathroom with a shower and hair dryer are available. Guests can start their day with a continental breakfast served daily at the dining area. Drinks, coffees and light meals can be enjoyed at the sea side snack bar. Taverns and mini markets are within a short walk. Chania Town is located 60 km from Santa Irene, while Chania International Airport is 78 km away. The small coastal town of Paleochora is 34 km away. Free public parking is possible on site.

Check availabilities and prices & book Santa Irene Studios & Apartments in Sougia - click here .

Located by the Libyan Sea, in the quiet village of Sougia, Idomeneas Apartments is only 300 metres from the pebble beach. There is free Wi-Fi throughout the property, and accommodation consists of self-catered units with private balconies. Idomeneas' spacious, air-conditioned studios and apartments feature kitchenettes with utensils, fridge and hob. All units also include seating area and bathroom. Their large balconies are furnished and have relaxing views to the garden, countryside and the sea. Sougia is about 75 km from the city of Chania. Idomeneas serves as a convenient starting point for exploring the beaches of South Crete. Free on-site parking is possible.

Check availabilities and prices & book Idomeneas Apartments in Sougia - click here.

Located 30 metres from the beach of Sougia, Pension Irene offers air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi and balcony overlooking the Libyan Sea. Taverns and shops are within a 3-minute walk. A fridge and flat-screen TV are included in all rooms at the Pension Irene. Each has a private bathroom with shower. Sougia Port with daily boats to Palaiochora, Agia Galini and Agia Roumeli is just 100 metres away. A bus stops within 40 metres of the property. Staff at the 24-hour front desk can offer information on Chania Town 60 km away.

Check availalbilities and prices & book Pension Irene in Sougia - click here.

Situated just 200 metres from the beach of Sougia, 3-star Syia Hotel offers self-catering rooms with private balcony. Free Wi-Fi access is available throughout the hotel. Syia open-plan studios and two-room apartments are bright and very spacious. They include a well-equipped kitchenette with coffee maker, toaster and fridge. Climate control, a satellite TV and a hair dryer are included. Guests can start their day with the breakfast served at the property's dining area. They can also enjoy a drink from the bar either at the lounge area or at the furnished terrace overlooking the Libyan Sea. Syia serves as a convenient starting point for exploring the beaches of South Crete, such as Palaiochora located a 30-minute drive away. Free on-site parking is possible.

Check availabilities and prices & book Syia Hotel in Sougia - click here .

Located within 300 metres from Sougia Beach, Galini offers accommodation with furnished balconies overlooking the Lefka Ori mountain range. Rooms are equipped with fridge and a TV. Studios and Apartments Galini feature air-conditioned units with coffee-making facilities. Most accommodation types include kitchenettes. Room cleaning is provided daily. Family-run Galini Studios & Apartments offer free Wi-Fi access in all studios and apartments. There are barbecue facilities in the garden as well as a common kitchen. Free private parking is possible on site. The scenic Sougia village is located by the Libyan sea, about 70 km from the city of Chania. There are many tavernas and shops for everyday necessities. Samaria Gorge and Agia Irini Gorge are easily accessible by boat.

Check availabilities and prices & book Galini Studios & Apartments in Sougia - click here.