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Hike to Lissos from Sougia in southern Crete |
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A hike that I'm keen on is the one to Lissos quite close to Sougia in southern Crete. The walk starts at the port located as far west as you can get in Sougia. The hike is easy and takes about 1½ hours if you walk all the way down to the sea. The first part is most spectacular, in places you feel really small.
The aim for the hike is this small beach.
The hike to Lissos begins at the port in Sougia.
The hike is part of the E4 trail and starts and ends in Sougia near Paleochora. |
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On a hike to Lissos. My wife Camilla is visible under the white arrow.
Wild capers grow on the steep rocks.
The hike goes through a very beautiful landscape.
In some places you are treated to wonderful views of the Libyan Sea. |
On the way to the small beach you see in the picture further down.
Lissos is known since ancient times when it was a great city and an important port. Lissos was famous for a temple dedicated to Asclepius - the god of medicine and the son of Apollo. Parts of the temple remain and can be seen. Even parts of the beautiful mosaic floor are intact.
Remains of the ancient city of Lissos.
You can see traces of the old city almost everywhere during the hike. Two very old churches also impress: Panagia (Virgin Mary) and Agios Kirikos (Kirkos). Both churches are from the 14th century. Unfortunately, information signs are missing, so for an amateur, most of it is shrouded in mystery. But with a little imagination...
Remains of the ancient temple where parts of the mosaic floor remain. |
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Panagia church is from the 14th century.
The church bell of the Church of Panagia hangs in a tree.
Agios Kirikos church is also from the 14th century. |
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I am very fond of this hike, partly because it is easy to walk, partly because you feel the breath of history, and partly because the walk ends at the sea. After 1½ hours of sweating, it is wonderful to go for a swim at the cute little beach with a beautiful location. The beach is quite rocky but the water is wonderful.
The hike ends at this small beach.
The beach is quite rocky but the water is wonderful. Bring a snorkel and mask. |
WHAT YOU MUST NOT MISS WHEN YOU ARE IN THE AREA |
