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Sougia is located at the end of the gorge of Agia Irini.
This valley starts above the village of Agia Irini (at the
water dividing line between north and south Crete) and narrows
to a gorge a little south of the village. This is the point
where most people enter the gorge for their walk.
The most convenient way to do this walk from Sougia is to
either take the public bus to Hania in the early morning
and get off at the entrance of the gorge (the driver will
know where to stop) or to take a taxi there.
Although the gorge of Agia Irini is less spectacular than
the gorge of Samaria it is far far less crowded and very
beautiful.
The walk back to Sougia takes a total of 4 hours and can
be done throughout the year, provided that it hasn't rained
in the preceding days. The path in the gorge was improved
considerably a few years ago and is, for the most, without
difficulties and easy to follow with plenty of shade. There
are several resting places where you can theoretically get
water (but the taps don't always work so make sure you bring
your own supply).
After about 2 hours through the gorge the valley widens
and you will see a sign pointing towards the left to a cafe.
This is where you will meet the road again and it is probably
easier to follow it than continue in the river bed to Sougia
where the walking can get tedious.
Bear in mind that the last part of the walk to Sougia (which
takes about 1 1/2 to 2 hours) offers little shade. |
