One of my favourite places is Crete. The road from Chania is full of twists and turns, with plenty of ups and downs, but in my opinion, it’s worth the trip if you’re looking for a quiet and peaceful environment. The beach is covered in pebbles, and the water becomes deep almost immediately after you step in. The sea is also usually cold. There’s plenty of space to set up your own umbrella or tent, and if you arrive early, you might even find some trees to camp under. The local taverns are mediocre, it’s fine to eat there, but don’t expect the same flavour or quality you might find in other parts of Crete. Overall, this place isn’t for everyone especially if you’re looking for the comfort of warm, shallow waters and sandy beaches. But if peace and quiet are what you’re after, it’s one of the best spots around.

Love this beach, it's small pebbles with sand, the water is deep and it's a little sun trap even in mid October. The tavernas are right on the beach so it's great for couples if you want to chill on a lounger and have beers delivered to us it was perfect. If you go make sure you visit 'To Tziziki sto Almiriki' the best taverna in town!

I really enjoyed this beach, mainly because it is different to those on the West. It is a pebble beach so l recommend wearing beach shoes to protect your feet. The most beautiful thing is that the pebbles are of different colours (black, grey, white, green, yellow, red), which makes this beach unique. Two beds and umbrella were €5 for the whole day. There are lots of restaurants along the beach where you can grab food and drinks. It was not crowded at all on the day that we went so we loved the peace and quiet.

A World Away From Your Troubles Situated in the southwest part of Crete beyond the White Mountains of Chania Prefecture, the cozy little seaside village of Sougia is right out of a Kazantzakis novel. One road in, one road out, this pebbly wonder is one of my favorite places on the island since I got lost and discovered it back in 2014. Bottom line- Go here and pull up a shade tree right by the Libyan Sea. Amazing! Note: Be prepared for a windy mountain road or two going in and out. First off Sougia beach has pebbles large and small but its a long superb beach and there are lots of tavernas nearby for your lunch or snacks. For us the beach, despite the pebbles was brilliant for its perfectly clear water and calm bay. We wore lace up plimsoles in the water which were just perfect for someone like me who is a bit of a nervous swimmer, especially getting through stones. I have never enjoyed myself more. The weather was heavenly, and just swimming in that fine clear warm water was divine. Car parking no problem. The little village has a really nice vibe about it. A bit touristic but not overly since it is a small place. Take the local speedboat out for a trip with the captain or go to Lissos the ancient site where you can walk around a while, even swim there and get the boat back. Dont miss it.

One of the best in crete. If not wavy then is perfect. Deap water. Small rocks. Clean. Some places are for nudity. Perfect for couples. Maybe with Marmara beach are one of the best at the South create. While swimming in not so deep waters I saw also a lionfish. Not polluted by small noisy sea boats. Just lovely.

Peaceful little harbour village. Friendly people. Food is excellent. And if you are a Camper you can pitch a tent on the beach.

Awesome beach, there are hiking slopes nearby. There are restaurants near the beach that have low prices. The water is clean and warm. There is no sand, it is pebble.

The owner was looking at us like a potential threat since we made a short stop with the car of 30 seconds in front of her garden.She told us to leave as soon as possible. This behavior in unacceptable regarding tourists behaving as normaly as possible. I cannot recommand to stay there.

Perfect spot metres from water, quiet, large balcony. Kitchenette. Everything brand new and tastefully finished. Book in advance only one night left which we loved would have loved to stay longer and enjoy Lazy hazy days in sweet Sougia.

Beautiful guesthouse in best location run by a very friendly and helpful local family. Covered in flowers and just a few steps from the beach. The rooms are quiet, light and airy with excellent views from the balconies. Very clean and well-maintained throughout. Highly recommended!!!

Lovely friendly welcome. Rooms are not the latest thing but are clean and functional. The garden is a riot of colourful scented flowers. Close to beach, shop and cafe. Very good value. Safe quiet location.

Lovely hosts,amazing location just a couple of steps from the beach,mountain and sea view….we stayed in one of the renewd rooms…Ours had a little kitchen,a great shower,big confortable bed and lovely quiet balcony… All well maintained and clean

Very comfortable and clean with air con and free wifi. Large mountain view balcony was overlooked by others but for one night this did not matter. We would come here again.

Very nice, cozy apartment hotel in a beautiful garden with sea view. Very friendly hosts. Very peaceful surroundings

We felt like guests, not customers. The staff and owners weren't intrusive at all, and we felt cared for in every way. The best place I've ever been. The town of Sougia is the perfect place for a quiet, relaxing vacation. Everything is on site, from a well-stocked shop and a restaurant serving delicious local food, to even a weekend hairdresser. The beach and water are excellent for both children and snorkeling. There's a lifeguard. We highly recommend Sougia and the Santa Irene hotel.

Just arrived having booked a sea view double a year ago. Been placed in a 3 bedded studio directly facing another unit with just glimpse of sea to side. When questioned with the manager this was met with a shrug and a ‘what do you want me to do?’ No sorry, or offer of anything to compensate. He then told me this happens a lot. Room is clean , well equipped with good air conditioning but not what I booked so very disappointing. Guests need to pay €10 for 2 beach chairs. Just be aware of this when you book.

Gorgeous location right on the beach. I had a delicious fresh salad and the service was outstanding. Highly recommend.

we have only taken a Greek breakfast. it was very good. service is perfect.

We stopped here for breakfast. Had some nice Greek coffee and an OK omelette with feta and tomato and a toast with feta. The fresh orange juice we ordered didn't come so I had to remind them. When it came it was very good. However they messed up the bill and were not at all apologetic when we corrected them (multiple times). When they verbally summarised our order as they calculated the bill they included two orange juices, we only ordered one, we corrected them on this. After paying 29.50 we checked the total because it didn't sound right. They had still included two juices, even though we had clarified this. So we went to the desk to check. We said we think two juices were included, but she denied this. The lady listed the items and prices, added the wrong price for one item (we corrected her), then calculated a different wrong total (26). I pointed out the total was 25, so indeed they had wrongly included two juices. We got the 4.50 back, but with multiple mistakes, and no apology whatsoever it was not a good experience. If you go, check your bill carefully!

Here everything is created for enjoyment! A small family hotel, exceptionally clean, with pleasant apartments and rooms.Sunbeds provided for hotel guests on the beach for a minimal fee, a snack bar sufficient for every need. The place is managed by the experienced hand of the host and his employees. Cretan hospitality and distance from mass tourism is at its peak here.

Great cafe/bar right on the beach. Ate and drank here on a couple of occasions, excellent Cretan salad and fresh fruit salad with yoghurt. Good prices too!

It’s well worth the trek to get to this sacred site. The gate is unlocked so you can visit up close unlike other Ancient Greek sites but be careful not to step on the mosaics they are fragile. Bring a water bottle to refill at the spring water fountain, this water has been diverted from the site but was once running though the medical center. Pretty amazing experience to feel what it would of been like in ancient times to pilgrimage to this site, receive healing and water therapy.

A must visit for anyone interested in history, mythology and ancient Greece's spiritual traditions.

Simply beautiful !! Must see if you are around! More than 2000 years old mosaic!

Hidden underneath mountain rocks which have fallen during an earthquaqe, it was discovered in 1957 by Nicholaos Platon, who subsequently excavated and unveiled the site for the next three years. He found a number of inscriptions which are yet to be properly studied and published. Asclepieion is open to the public, there is only a fence around it but its door is open. One of the many interesting things one can admire at the Lissos archeological site!

Nice place.

(Translated by Google) If you are hiking from Sougia to Palaiochora or the other way around, take some time to see the archaeological site and also The ASCLIPIOU OF LISSOU. The path passes by, so it is an opportunity to rest, but the water that springs up near the ancients is also well known. You have to see up close the mosaic floor really wonderful and the location it was not there by chance and it is true for all archaeological sites. (Original) Αν κάνετε πεζοπορία απο Σουγια προς Παλαιοχωρα η το ανάποδο αφιερώστε λίγο χρόνο να δείτε τον αρχαιολογικό χώρο αλλά και Το ΑΣΚΛΗΠΙΟΎ ΛΙΣΣΟΥ . Περνάει το μονοπάτι από δίπλα οπότε είναι ευκαιρία και για ξεκούραση αλλά είναι και γνωστό το νερό πού αναβλύζει κοντα στα αρχαία. Πρέπει να δειτε από κοντά το ψηφιδωτό πατωμα πραγματικά θαυμάσια και η τοποθεσία πού δεν ήταν τυχαία εκεί και ισχύει για όλους τους αρχαιολογικους χώρους.

(Translated by Google) Lissos is a beautiful, quiet place with surprising archaeological finds from Roman times. The Askleipion is the highlight. There is a fence around it. You can open the gate in the fence yourself, but close it again to prevent the goats from getting in. The walk from Sougia through the Lissos Gorge to it is not too difficult and beautiful. Tip: on the way back, do not turn right to Sougia, but follow the circuit to Sougia further through the gorge on a path with beautiful views. Furthermore, it can only be reached by boat. (Original) Lissos is een mooie, rustige plek met verrassende archeologische vondsten uit de Romeinse tijd. Het Askleipion is het hoogtepunt. Er staat een hek omheen. De poort in het hek kun je zelf openen, wel weer afsluiten om te voorkomen dat de geiten erin komen. De wandeling vanuit Sougia door de Lissoskloof er naar toe is niet al te lastig en mooi. Tip: ga op terugweg niet rechtsaf naar Sougia, maar volg de rondtocht naar Sougia verder door de kloof over een pad met mooi uitzicht. Verder is er alleen met een boot te komen.

(Translated by Google) Walking there and back is exhausting. You can use a water taxi. There are not many ancient ruins left on the site. (Original) Dotarcie na miejsce i powrót pieszo jest wyczerpujące. Można skorzystać z taxi wodnego. Na miejscu nie wiele zostało ze starożytnych ruin.

(Translated by Google) Gifts after wonderful and close route Amazing beach. (Original) Regalos tras ruta maravillosa y cercana Playa increíble.

It took us 2 hours and 20 minutes from the starting point (up) to the taverna oasis which is 7km. If you take a taxi from moni to drive to the starting point it is 30 euro. I expected the hike to be more difficult, I would have walked down and up next time. Hiking shoes are better to use but jogging shoes can do it. Beautiful landscape, relatively wide so you get sun from 10:30.

Very nice, easy-moderate hike,60% area is covered under trees. It's 11.5km hike, not 7km. Definitely recommend hiking shoes. Three rest areas are inside the gorge also toilets are available. Each end you can get a taxi to go back to your starting point. Taxi is 35 euro for 17km.

Great trail with soaring cliffs either side. Slow going mostly due to the rocky terrain. A taxi can be arranged back to the start from the cafe for 25€ per couple/ group.

Surely not the easiest hike, and I’m not sure how one could do it in 2,5 hours - it took us 4 hours! Some areas you even have to go crawling (through the boulders). Wear COMFORTABLE shoes, don’t forget to rest when you have a chance. During summer heat it’s quite a challenge. Despite all this, the views were incredible, real wilderness, practically no people around (we met maybe 5 other couples through all route).

Beautiful gorge 7,5 kilometer hike which we really enjoyed. Lovely vistas and peaceful areas to rest and look at flora and fauna. No water in the gorge in early October. Some parts are easy, some parts quite craving if one has any mobility issues, so it is inappropriate to call this hike easy! We hiked from the top to the bottom which was less taxing but harder on the joints. We enjoyed spinach pies and a smoothie at the Oasis Taverna and the charming hostess called a cab for us. We started out with a coffee at the Taverna at the Agia Irini entrance. Also kind and helpful hosts.

7km hike north to south, not that hard, yet, did this in August, so it was more challenging than it should be. Though most of the trail is in shade, you still feel the heat. Ther are signposting every 1km, and at the 2nd, 3rd and 4th km there are rest areas and drinking water, though the water at the 3rd km were tea hot, and the tao at the 4th km was not working... The scenery is dramatic, cannot compare to Samaria as was not doing that trail. At the end there is a Tavern, but don't expect too much, good for a refreshment. They were kind to helo us call a taxi back to the starting point. Took us 3.5 hours of a slow walk with kids (little one is 11yo). Overall very nice trail, I assume spring time is much better, maybe there is still water in the gorge

Probably the second best gorge hike on Crete. Starting at the tavena Porofarago in Agia Irini, the first part of the hike is really easy. But this hike has the most rocks and stones than any other gorge hike we did. It offers quite some variation, and is certainly not as crowded as the Samaria hike. Needless to say that good hiking boots/shoes and enough to drink are required. At the Taverna Oasis you can ask them to call a taxi to bring you back to Agia irini, if you don't want to walk to Sougia.

Fantastic Cretan hospitality and fresh food is served all day! My fish was so fresh that it tasted as if it jumped right out of the ocean and onto my plate.

We enjoyed our lunch here. It was very delicious and filling. The portions here are huge so while you are ordering consider that otherwise you risk not being able to finish. Grilled octopus was great. Baked feta was amazing. My mom and aunt said they were very happy with their fish soup. I highly recommend it.

We had a wonderful breakfast with a few other visitors, some local cats, and the gentle waves of the beach..a very comfortable and relaxing way to start the day.. The eggs and coffee were tasty, the service was friendly, and we really enjoyed our time here.. highly recommend for anyone who visits Sougia..enjoy!!

Excellent food to very good prices. Very nice service even when they were busy. We had three starters an a shrimp plate and a fish plate. Excellent. Th he Fisher draft bear was smooth. The desert was huge

Good food, a different variety. Fruit salad, tasty bread sticks. We ordered spagetti shrimps. Mustard goat.

We came here in late May and had the feta stuffed red peppers, the blue cheese steak, and the lamb souvlaki. The peppers were sweet and amazing, and the meats were delicious and cooked perfectly. We also had a mojito and a Mai Tai (these cocktails did not appear on the website menu but they were on the restaurant menu). I loved that they told us right away that we could substitute the sides. I was so sick of potatoes and it was lovely to just get vegetables. It was our favorite meal in Sougia.

Great food, good service that is sometimes perceived as slow, but you’re on holidays, so why the rush? Staff and owners are friendly and always try to accommodate special wishes. Ask for the daily specials, home made goodness!

This place,is paradise! The stuff is amazing,very generous and helpful. The dishes were amazing,i had the best experience and i loved the food, totally recommend 👍🏼

One of the Best Greek Dining Experiences in Crete! The menu is diverse and impressive, featuring dishes that proudly showcase authentic Greek cuisine. Each dish is prepared with care and precision, reflecting a deep understanding of flavors and truly high-quality cooking. The service was warm, efficient, and with a smile – just what you need to complete a great dining experience. Don’t miss the chance to eat at this excellent restaurant – one of the best we encountered in Crete!

I visited Anchorage for the first time 3 years ago. I came back to Crete this year and going back to this restaurant was top of my list, that’s how good it is. During our stay in Sougia we tried different restaurants, all very good, but in the end we always ended up back at Anchorage (went there 5 nights in a row). Everything we tried from the menu was packed with flavor and freshness (so much attention to detail!). The service always had a smile on their faces and makes you feel really welcome.. the whole experience was more than just sitting down and having some nice food. Congrats on the great work and keep it going, until next time ❤️

The Food was incredible. We went here every day during our one week stay in sougia.

Let me start by saying that I regularly visit Crete and visit various restaurants and tavernas in search of the best seafood cuisine. While the Anchorage restaurant undoubtedly has its merits, it's definitely not a place for seafood lovers. In any case, it doesn't meet my standards. I also didn't find any typically Greek delicacies, which are based on simplicity and freshness. The restaurant seems to aspire to some Western European standard that I don't understand. Sorry. As if catering to tourists. Or Greeks bored with their traditional food. The dishes are unnecessarily complicated, too much twisted and bizarre, as if the owners lack faith in the traditional customs of their own cuisine. I ordered the prosaic fried squid. The portion was simply small. Instead, there were tons of sides: lettuce, grilled peppers, a slice of eggplant, zucchini, half a mushroom, and a spicy red sauce reminiscent of Hungarian Ajvar. Not what I expected. Well-prepared squid or calamari really doesn't need anything more than a quarter of a lemon, a pinch of salt, and perhaps a drizzle of olive oil. Every true seafood lover knows this! Why distract from the flavor with grilled vegetables? If you want it you can always add them to your dish. I demand nothing more from a portion of fried squid than a decent portion of squid. 🤷‍♂️ I had to order another portion to avoid being hungry. I also ordered shrimp saganaki. This portion was quite large (eight large shrimps) and quite tasty. However, the shrimp themselves were a bit overdone, so they were quite tough. The sauce tasted interesting – very strongly spiced, but unfortunately incredibly salty. The house wine, on the other hand, was very well-balanced, aromatic, cold, and delicious. At the end, we were served (besides the rakia served in almost every greek tavern) a slice of chocolate cake soaked in sweet syrup with whipped cream. I consider this a completely inappropriate dessert at temperatures around 30°C and not good pair for strong alcohol. Enough about our food. Now for the atmosphere. The atmosphere of the place confirms my suspicions of being too touristy. Loud covers of pop and soft rock classics play from the speakers. The service is friendly and professional, but you have to wait super long. You also won't get the feeling of being a guest, as you might in other Greek tavernas. Well, maybe if you're a relative or friend of the waiter. Otherwise you are just a customer there. The conclusion is: If you don't like traditional mezze or you are bored with it / you are not a fan of fish or seafood / you are allergic to cheese, nuts, or shellfish, and you hate it when a waiter you just met treats you like a long-lost family member, you might like this place. Maybe I'm a bit old-fashioned, but when I travel, I look for authentic experiences, not touristy fare at twice the price of a classic Greek dinner.

Anchorage is an absolute SERVE. Hunny, if you want fierce Greek classics with a modern and mouthwatering twist, then you can’t miss this place. The staff is turning it, always, full stop. I’m gagging for another meal and my kitty is shaking when I think about my dinners here. Run, don’t walk, diva.

Great restaurant in Sougia. Amazing salads, fresh fish and super staff. One of our fave meals in Crete.

The place overall was nice and the guy from service was friendly (but a little over-attentive with recommending the fresh fish). As was mentioned in some other reviews, we already thought that this would be a bit of a pricey option... We had two starters and a small mixed fish plate. Our drinks came after the starters - that was a bit unlucky that he forgot that; but the starters were great. I can not recommend the fish plate. The grilled sardines were bitter and the small fried fish and the fried calamari tasted kind of like old oil - and so did the fries. The grilled octopus legs were on point and the (really) small dorade on top was good. We were very disappointed because until now the restaurants in Sougia were really great to ok.

One of the best places to eat in Crete. Good atmosphere, beautiful view to the sea and the beach. Friendly, helpful staff. Quick meal prepatarion and delivery. Very tasty meals. Traditional cuisine options. Overall great experience.

Incredible service, both the young and the experienced staff did a great job with the recommendations and creating a lovely atmosphere. We ate there 7 times in 4 days. Recommend the fish soup (have to order a couple of hours in advance), moussaka and the dips are all amazing. Will miss you, guys!

We came here and had some excellent fresh fish. We chose fagri (a bit like sea bream, but bigger) and the owner showed us the available fish to choose from. They looked good, and we chose the smallest one. He told us the price per kilo and weight so we knew it would be around 40 euros (for 750g). Good fresh fish can be a bit expensive, but when it came it was really worth it. Simply and beautifully cooked (grilled, with oil and parsley) it was absolutely delicious. The garlic dip (skordalia) we had was also amazing, and the grilled vegetables that came with the fish were really tasty. Other dishes also good. Friendly service, well worth a look if you want some good fish.

We went to Livikon on the recommendation of a local and did not regret it! Not only was the food really good along with the spectacular view on the beach, but the service was unexpectedly attentive, warm, and kind. The gyros were to die for! The portions are excellent for the money (not once was I able to complete an entire meal in one sitting!). We had such an enjoyable experience, that we came back to eat here all 3 days during our brief stay in Sougia! Will definitely come back the next time we're in Crete.

Authentic greek cuisine! Right on the beach. Family run taverna. Quality/price excellent. Fair prices. Honest. I tried breakfast, lunch and dinner. Everything fresh. Watermelon for dessert on the house. Nice staff. They have beds and umbrellas service, to relax, enjoy the atonishig views, while having a delicious drink. Great place to expend the day at the beach. Thank you Livykon! I definitely came back!

Nice bar, have good cocktails and good music, sometimes have live music, worth vising!