For those who love the outdoors and elect to visit Crete, there are unforgettable experiences in the wildest parts of the island. One section of Europe’s E4 trail in the remote southwestern part of Chania Prefecture waits for those who are bold enough to venture beyond the ordinary.
“It’s not because things are difficult that we dare not venture. It’s because we dare not venture that they are difficult.”
― Lucius Annaeus Seneca
One of the most challenging sections of the E4 trail in Crete, the coastal trek from Sougia to Agia Roumeli is as rewarding as it is difficult. For those hikers seeking a captivating experience on Crete, this mountainous trail is right out of an epic film. Sougia is located at the end of a long gorge 75 kilometers Southwest of Chania town. The ride through the White Mountains is scenic and quite windy, so the journey is just over 2 hours by car from Chania.
The trail begins at ancient Syia (Sougia) and winds to Agios Antonios as Charei, about 20 kilometers distant. Experienced hikers should be able to complete the trek in 8 to 9 hours. The well-marked path first traverses an uphill course to the site of ancient Pikilasos and the Voukelasi Fortress. For stunning views, it’s worth the time to visit the nearby chapel of the Prophet Elias. Then, continuing the journey, hikers descend the E4 to the bottom of Tripiti Gorge, which exits at the Libyan Sea.
From this point, we follow a coastal path that runs past Sendoni Beach, after which we begin another ascent. Here the way is clear, and the route leads to the magnificent beach Domata at the exit of the wild piney gorge of Klados. The most demanding and beautiful part of the E4 in Crete begins here.
The part of the Sougia to Agia Rounali trail starts uphill through pine trees and on the cliff’s edge. It reaches an ultimate altitude of 550 meters before making a very steep descent to the seaside village of Agia Roumeli, which is also at the end of the famous Samaria Gorge.
The small village of Sougia in the southwest of Crete is one of the islands that has managed to remain unaffected by the growth of tourism in Crete. As for Agia Roumeli, this remote Cretan village is a wonderfully peaceful place between breathtakingly high and wild mountains and a beautiful fine pebble by the deep blue that is kissed by the crystal clear Libyan sea.
For the journey back, hikers can find the ferry schedules from Agia Roumeli to Sougia at the Anendyk Seaways website here. Remember, there is no car access to the southern end of Samaria Gorge, so a ferry ride back to Sougia and the starting point makes the most sense. For more info on Sougia, we suggest consulting the village’s official website here. Original Crete also has some good information on this E4 segment.
Adventurers who decide to spend the night in Agia Roumeli before heading back (a great idea) should contact Artemis Studios just 50 meters off the beach. You can contact the owners via mobile at +30 697-336-9373 or book one of the apartments via their Airbnb listing.
