Hiking Retreat Crete 2025 01-08 June 14-21 Sep
Embrace Life in Crete – a celebration for all senses
Can you smell the aromatic scent of wild thyme and oregano? Can you taste the Raki, the Nescafé frappé and the olives? Do you hear the sea roaring and the mountain goats bleating?
SOUGIA SOUTHWEST CRETE
A few years ago, I discovered the small village of Sougia in Southwestern Crete. What can I say – this place stole my heart right away. It facilitates surrender to a deeper, slower rhythm. I let go on all levels and become one with the sea, the rocks, and the stars. I allow myself to just “be”. Surrounded by this landscape, I connect to a pristine wilderness and simplicity, healing for body, mind, and soul. Truly magical!
As you notice, I get carried away. I hope I can inspire you with this enthusiasm.
Can you smell the aromatic scent of wild thyme and oregano? Can you taste the Raki, the Nescafé frappé, and the olives? Do you hear the sea roaring and the mountain goats bleating? And the whispering of your soul?
Do you fancy hikes in wonderfully bleak, rough landscapes? Over plateaus dotted with flowering herbs and gnarled olive trees. Through adventurous gorges and dry riverbeds. Along magnificent coastal paths with breathtaking views. Over red earth, rock, and stone. The sun on your skin and the wind in your hair. And a song in your heart.
Are you longing for the chirping of the cicadas and the buzzing of the bees? And the whistling of the Meltemi? Do you love the bright pink of the bougainvillea? Are you dreaming of dozing in the shade of tamarisk trees and losing yourself in the glitter and glistening of the waves? Until eventually, all that you see are stars? And at night, the silver moon over the deep blue sea.
Tasting salt and freedom. Feeling life.
Are your cells already vibrating with excitement?
About Sougia
Sougia is a small, sleepy village on the coast in Southwestern Crete. In the 1970s, it was very popular with the hippies. It has managed to keep this relaxed vibe until today. Sougia is known for its stunning natural beauty. The village is nestled between the Libyan Sea and the rugged mountains of the Lefka Ori (White Mountains), offering visitors a mix of coastal and mountain landscapes. The area is lush and green, with plenty of hiking trails and opportunities for outdoor activities.
You won’t find any large hotel complexes, but mainly simple guesthouses, private rooms, and flats. Two mini-markets, a bakery, and a couple of excellent tavernas, cafés, and bars are available for visitors. There is an ATM, but it does not work reliably – please bring enough cash. Please note that the village does not provide a pharmacy or petrol station. For party people, there is a bar with live music and a club right outside the village.
Sougia boasts a beautiful pebble beach with crystal-clear waters. It is about 1.5 km long and mostly natural, making it an ideal place for relaxation, swimming, and snorkeling. Only a tiny section of the beach remains reserved for sun beds and umbrellas. The beach of Sougia has been awarded the “Blue Flag” for pristine water quality.
Hiking
Sougia’s surrounding area is a hiker’s paradise. Various hiking trails lead into the White Mountains, including the famous Samaria Gorge. We do hikes to Lissos Bay, Irini Gorge, and other walks around Sougia. While exploring wild canyons, a valley with fascinating history, and trails along the stunning coastline, we enjoy breathtaking views. The hikes take 1.5 – 6 hours.
You must be sure-footed and in good physical condition. Please note that it can be very hot during the daytime. The trails are technically challenging to walk and not underestimated. They are similar to an Alpine terrain. Please be aware that the hikes are not suitable for beginners. If you have any doubts don’t hesitate to contact me beforehand.
For more pictures and videos, please check out our Instagram profile!
What else can you do in Sougia?
Ideally, you’ll do nothing at all! In addition to the hikes, we’ve scheduled two rest days — perfect for recharging your energy and simply unwinding. For those with ants in their pants, we can arrange a boat trip along the breathtaking southwestern coast, with stops at the picturesque village of Loutro, the Marmara Caves, and several secluded beaches.
If you have a rental car, you can visit the famous pink sands of Elafonisi (gorgeous, though quite touristy) or explore the more hidden gem of Kedrodassos (an insider’s tip!). Alternatively, enjoy a short hike along a well-marked path that leads to a charming chapel above Sougia, where you can enjoy stunning panoramic views.
Or maybe you’d like to browse the local shops and boutiques for a nice souvenir, such as regional olive oil, mountain tea, honey, or pottery?
For whom
Because of its remote, tranquil location, Sougia is “the place to be” for those seeking relaxation and appreciating the simple life. While enjoying the company of like-minded people, you also welcome space and time for yourself.
You like to be active as much as you appreciate unwinding on an endless beach, watching the waves go by, and reading your favorite books. Or simply doing nothing at all. You feel comfortable in wild, rugged landscapes. You look forward to the relaxed Greek way of life and, of course, Greek cuisine! Jámas!
Starry Social Evening
Alongside our planned group dinners, immerse yourself in a night of stargazing on the beach. The minimal light pollution ensures a spectacular view of the stars, including the prominent Milky Way.
Itinerary* June 1 – 8
Sunday: Arrival day; time to settle in and explore the area. Dinner together in one of the excellent taverns to get to know each other and talk about the schedule.
Monday: After breakfast, a short hike to the ancient neighboring town of Lissos (approx. 1.5 h walking time). Time to discover the magic valley with its excavations like the remains of an ancient amphitheater, the ruins of the Asklepios temple with its beautiful tiled floor, a tiny church, and a 2400-year-old olive tree. Unwind at the remote Lissos beach for the rest of the day. Return to Sougia by a short boat ride.
Tuesday: 2 gorges in one hike! Fun, fun, fun! Combining the remote Figou Gorge with the impressive Irini Gorge (approx. 5 h walking time)
Wednesday: Day off to relax, explore the endless beach and get into the “Sougia-vibe”. Alternatively, a boat trip** to the neighboring beaches with lunch at a fabulous tavern can be organized. Features a visit to Loutro, the Marmara Caves, and other remote beaches for swimming.
Thursday: Short boat ride to Tripiti Canyon. Hike back to Sougia, featuring breathtaking views from Profitis Elias Chapel. Walking time: approx. 6h. If the boat ride is not possible, an alternative hike with a similar length will be offered. For example: take the ferry to Agia Roumeli, climb the Ottoman fortress for a magnificent view of the village and the entrance to the Samaria gorge, then walk along the coast to Agios Pavlos, eat at the taverna, relax on the beach. Return to Agia Roumeli and ferry back to Sougia.
Friday: Take a short boat ride to Lissos; hike to Anidri Beach (3 h walking time), spend some time at the golden sandy beach, hike through Anidri Canyon (1 h walking time) to a cozy tavern with excellent cuisine for late lunch/dinner. Back to Sougia (full-day)
Saturday: Spend the last day in Sougia as you please: time to unwind at the beach, shop for souvenirs, or have a raki with the locals. Dinner together.
Sunday: Departure – Goodbye Sougia! Until next year!
*The itinerary is flexible and subject to change according to weather conditions, availability of transportation, the needs of the participants, etc.
**Subject to additional cost
Climate
June/September: Evenings bring a refreshing coolness, while daytime temperatures can rise significantly. The sea is still chilly/warm.
Minimum/Maximum number of attendees
Minimum number of attendees: 4 / Maximum number of attendees: 7
Arrival
- Fly into Chania/Crete (CHQ). Heraklion is also possible, but further away
- Transfer Chania Airport-Sougia-Chania Airport: bus/taxi/rental car. Traveling time approx. 1.5-2 hours
The journey to Sougia alone is beautiful and adventurous. We head up to the mountain pass of the Omalos Plateau on winding country roads and down again to the coast via serpentines.
Past olive groves, orange plantations, and small villages where time seems to have stood still. Sometimes, the drive is interrupted by herds of goats and sheep calmly crossing the road.
Accommodation
There’s a diverse range available to suit every budget; feel free to reach out if you need guidance or assistance. I tested several accommodations over the years. I suggest making reservations through Sougia Accommodation, although you can also discover available rooms on platforms such as Booking, Viator, or Airbnb.
Cost & Payment
Organization, hosting, and guiding as described in the itinerary: € 450 per person (bank transfer). Payable in EUR. The customer is responsible for covering any transaction fees associated with payments. Prices are valid for payment via bank transfer. Payment with a credit card is subject to a non-refundable service fee. If you prefer payment with a credit card, I will provide a secure payment link (Stripe). You receive the payment details/payment link after registering.
The payment must be settled no later than May 1st, 2025 (June Retreat) and August 15, 2025 (September Retreat).
Cancellation Policy
Cancel for a full refund at least 30 days before the retreat starts. For detailed information, please refer to our Terms and Conditions.
Included:
- 4 guided hikes as described in the itinerary
- Being your host and guide for the entire time of your stay
- Organization of transportation from Chania airport to Sougia and back if requested
- Organization of transportation to/from our hiking destinations (taxi/boat/ferry/bus)
- Info & support with room booking
- Assistance in booking a rental car if requested
- Info & advice on excursions in the area if rental car available
- Packing list (plus other practical tips for your stay) – please also consider reading our Tips & Tricks
Disclaimer: Participation in the hikes is at your own risk and responsibility. We highly recommend taking out *travel insurance offering a mountain rescue.
Not included:
- Accommodation & meals
- Cost for flights/transfers/transportation
- Entrance fees (Samaria Gorge, Agia Irini Gorge, if applicable)
- Cost for excursions
- Insurances*
Cost estimate (prices from 2024):
- Accommodation: Single room starting from € 55 per night
- Breakfast: from € 10; Lunch/Dinner: from € 15.
- Flight: Round trip from Vienna to Chania: € 280 (Ryan Air)
- Taxi from Chania Airport to Sougia (one way) for a single person: € 100 (shared much cheaper)
- Public bus from Chania Old Town to Sougia: € 7,80
- Cost for shared Boat/Taxi to/from trailheads: € 6 – 20 (per ride/per person, depending on group size and distance)
This is an estimate and not binding. It should help you to calculate the approximate cost of your travel.
Cost for boat trip 2024 (optional):
- 6-hour boat trip along the southwestern coastline. We visit the famous Loutro, the Marmara Caves, and other remote beaches. Lunch in an excellent tavern with beach views. Cost: depending on the number of people, approx. € 110,– per person.
BOOK NOW – CLOSING DATES: 30.04.2025 (for June) * 15.08.2025 (for September)
**If you want to register for the September Retreat, please make your room reservations ASAP. September is high season, and it can be hard to find accommodation if not done in time**
BANK TRANSFER
€ 450,– per person
CREDIT CARD
€ 475,– per person; including a non-refundable service fee
