Hiking Friendly Sougia Taxi – Taxi in Sougia for hikers and gorges

Sougia taxi Meletis Suggests the following trails around Sougia

Sougia is considered to be a hikers starting point, because its very close to many gorges and trails. The E4 trails specifically crosses Sougia’s village.

In case you are looking for a White Mountains tour guide we can certainly recommend Pari Vigli on her phone (+306978210806) or either of her social media. Pari is a local and quite popular i might add, tour guide from Samaria, living in Chania during Winter time with a wide experience in climbing the White Mountains. From small and easy paths, to every little detail about the E4 European hiking path that extends along South Crete she can find the perfect path for you and your friends. If you are just planning going down Samaria gorge or simply finding a hidden gem, concerning beautiful Flora and Fauna of the area you are lucky! A former citizen of Agia Roumeli  and well known from the locals she is mostly recommended for your hiking experience if you are  a beginner or searching for another challenging hike.

Pari Vigli Contact Details:
https://www.instagram.com/vigli_pari/
https://www.facebook.com/paraskevi.vigli

We have gathered some of our favourite trails in this page so you can explore on your own. On the first few hiking routes we can be of service and transfer you to Omalos or take you to Paleochora and hike back to Sougia.

But first, some information about the White Mountains or Lefka Ori as it called in Greek. White mountains is a mountain range in Western Crete, that are made of limestone and the main reason they are called White mountains is because they are covered in snow until late spring. At summer time the sun reflects on the limestone and makes them appear white. You can find about 50 gorges on the White mountains with the most famous being Samaria Gorge and around 58 summits that go higher than 2000m.

Omalos Plateau, Xyloskalo – Gingilos Peak Trail by Sougia Taxi Meletis

The summit of Gingilos is probably one of the most popular mountain hiking walk in the White mountains. The hike can start from Xyloskalo on Omalos Plateau and you can climb on the summit at 2080m. This summit is one of the most impressive ones with superb views. Greek mythology has it that one of the Titans that were living on Crete slashed the land open with his knife to create the gorge and meanwhile somewhere in Crete the God of Greek Mythology Zeus, were born and later on place his throne on top of Mt. Gigilos and raced his chariot on the nearby plain of Angathoti.

The path is well marked and about 2/3 of it have recently been improved and well marked, but still is a demanding hike as it might be quite steep at places and the terrains are generally rocky. During the winter time full mountaineering equipment is needed and a tour guide or someone with previous experience, since the snow might hide big holes or chasms that might be dangerous for the hiker. During the summer months it is advisable to hold a light jacket for sun and wind protection.

 

Omalos Plateau, Xyloskalo – Psari Peak Trail by Sougia Taxi Meletis

Psari Peak at 1850m (or Ψαρή in Greek) is one of the peaks of White Mountains range of Crete. Psari is located high above Europes longest Cayon, The Samaria Gorge. It is located almost at the centre of the mountain range thus offering great panoramic vews. In the Psari hiking route you come upon many cave-like landscapes on its slopes and has a very steep route. The best start for this climb is Xyloskalo, the entry of Samaria gorge and the one we suggest. On the lower slopes you can find endemic Allium subhirsutum, a beatiful species of wild garlic/leek. The hike is about 7 hours long with about 900 m of ascend.

 

The best trailhead for the climb of Psari is Xyloskalo, the entry to the Samaria Gorge. From there you can reach the base of the mountain by a long and winding dirt road, which is only used by local shepherds. Except for the wintertime the central Levka Ori Range is very dry, with only few plants surviving the early days of spring. High on the ridge, near the Psari summit, however, you can find spring crocuses until late in May. On the lower slopes you can find the endemic Allium subhirsutum, a beautiful species of wild leek/garlic.

 

 

Agia Irini – Sougia Trail by Sougia Taxi Meletis

Starting point is Agia Irini village (Agia Irini Gorge). The path is easy with a distance of 7.5km and since its with smaller descent than Samaria gorge it is a lot easier on the knee strain. It should be mentioned that it is open all year around and it ends up about 5 km from Sougia. You can book your taxi from Sougia to Agia Irini gorge, or to take you from the exit of Agia Irini to Sougia. Most of the walk is under shade and it is certainly less crowded than Samaria Gorge.

 

Samaria gorge (Xyloskalo) – Agia Roumeli trail by Sougia Taxi Meletis

You can get to Samaria gorge by public transport, private transfer or a Sougia Taxi. If you have a private transfer or decide to get a taxi to Omalos, you can save the first 4km and drop you at the entrance of the Gorge.

The trail starts on the first two km with a zigzaging descent. The descent is pleasant with cypresses, pines and some chestnut trees. The whole trail has drinking water points every 1 or 2 km. The access to Samaria gorge opens at 7.45 and the ferry to Sougia leaves at 17.30. You can check more details about Samaria gorge on our dedicated page or the official Omalos – Samaria National park page.

 

Samaria gorge – Sougia Trail by Sougia Taxi Meletis

Starting at Samaria gorge and ending up in Sougia is a trail of 20km. You can find more detailed information about this beautiful trail here. You can book with us your Sougia taxi to omalos.

Sougia – Lissos Trail by Sougia Taxi Meletis

The trails is intermidiate. It involces a 4-5 hours of walking and starting behind Sougia’s harbor on the far right side you end up on ancient Lissos.  You can find more detailed map and information here.

 

Sougia – Agia Roumeli trail by Sougia Taxi Meletis

The A4 part that goes to Agia Roumeli from Sougia is one of the most difficult trails in Crete. It takes total of 9-10 hours of walking on difficult terrain in some cases. You should leave before dawn to have more time margin.

On the first part you will not meed many difficulties, excpet some crossroads. When closing in Tripiti some difficults begin. It quite steep and slippery.

Until Sentoni beach, the  route is close to the coast and after that after that you head to Kladou gorge.

After passing the Kladou gorge, we find the beautiful beach of Domata and begin a constant climb that leads to the highest point of the 520 m. Experience is needed here, because a large part is in bad condition. From here we begin the descent towards Aghia Roumeli, first passing through Xeroporta. The route is 20.6 km with a highest elevation of 496m.

Caution.
-the telephone coverage along the entire stretch is ensured by the tower on the opposite island of Gavdos.
-It is possible to interrupt the itinerary in Tripiti and return to Sougia using an on-call Sougia water taxi service.
– Always be safe doing those trails with professional hikers.

 

Sougia – Polyfimus cave –  Agios Antonios Church trail by Sougia Taxi Meletis

A moderate difficulty trail with highest point of 322 m and a total distance of 13.7 km. You can find more detailed map, photos and information here and some information about Agios Antonios chapel and beach here.

 

Tripiti – Volakias – Katsaromoura trail by Sougia Taxi Meletis

A complete and good tour with wonderfull views that starts from a beach near Sougia, Tripiti.  A long walk but with breath talking views. For an experienced hiker, Samaria gorge might be a bit crowded as happenned in this case, so let us follow this route in more details here.

The start is a tripiti beach, that you choose to go from Sougia or get a Sougia water taxi service. Highest point of elevation s 2.11 km with a total distance of 66.8 km.

 

Prodromi – Gialiskari trail by Sougia Taxi Meletis

Take a taxi to Prodromi, walk down to to where the dirt road meets the Paleochora – Lissos – Sougia path (E4) and turn right towards Paleochora. The route takes approximately 4.5 hours at a distance of 8.9km and the highest point at 554 m with a moderate difficulty. More information.

Livadas – Koustogerako trail by Sougia Taxi Meletis

In Livadas you go up the asphalt road for a few hundred metres. When the road turns abruptly to the left, you turn right into a path to Koustogerako, marked with red dots. The trail is about 5.5 km with a maximum altitude of 536m and an easy difficulty. On the way back you can take the asphalt road. It is a bit longer but easier.

 

Koustogerako – Polyphemus cave – Sougia by Sougia Taxi Meletis

Starting at the historical village of Koustogerako, you can follow the path to Polyphemus Cave, about 3,5 km away. After that you can continue your way on the path to Sougia, another 5 km. The difficulty of this trail is easy and its mostly a downhill.

Sougia Taxi Meletis is a hiking friendly taxi. We love nature and can bring you in contact with local tour guides to help discover Sougia.

 

 

 

 

Dont forget, if you want more information  or a special tour guide for an adventurous hiking experience on the White Mountains contact Pari Vigli.

Pari Vigli Contact Details:
Cell: +306978210806
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vigli_pari/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paraskevi.vigli