Crete is famous for its numerous attractions of natural origin. The most famous are the gorges, of which there are quite a few. Samaria Gorge is considered to be the most popular and largest one. The gorge called Agia Irini Gorge or the Gorge of St. Irina is not less interesting and beautiful place located to the west of Samaria Gorge.

Unlike Samaria, it is not so popular among tourists and is great for quiet and lonely walks. You can get into it passing by the village having the same name.

The gorge is located across the western slope of Pilafi Mountain. Its length is about 8 kilometres. It will take you at an average 3 hours to cover this distance. The tour has an easy level of difficulty. It is quite suitable for both adults and children. There are no difficult rises and large elevation changes (the maximum difference is 500 meters).

A small cafe was built in front of the gorge, where you can refresh yourself or recharge while having a cup of invigorating coffee. There are also the springs with drinking water. Further the road leads to the forest.

Walking along the gorge, it is impossible not to see the rich flora. Plane trees, pines, cypresses stretch on both sides of the road. In addition, a lot of wild herbs and spices grow there.

On the way there will be places where you can relax and get a bite to eat.
 The springs with clean drinking water are located throughout the route. In the spring time you may be lucky to watch the picturesque waterfalls.

The climate of this area is comfortable for walking. Even on a hot summer day, you will be protected from the glaring sun in the shade of the trees. Due to the fact that there are a large number of trees here, you will not get tired of the heat and will always be surrounded by fresh air and refreshing coolness.

At the end of the gorge there is also a cafe in which you can regain some strength and have refreshing drinks. Then we will go to the village of Sougia, one of the main attractions of which is a beautiful pebble beach.

A distinctive feature of Sougia Beach is a wide coastline. Even in high season, the beach is not crowded with tourists. The resort has everything to satisfy the needs of the vacationers:

• Sun beds;
• Umbrellas;
• Shower;
• Changing rooms.

Not far from the beach there are small taverns and cafes where you can taste the local cuisine. Also, there are small, but cosy and comfortable hotels and apartments nearby.

How to sign up for a tour of the Gorge of Agia Irini?

Sougia Beach is a perfect place to rest from the city rush and to plunge into a calm and moderate rhythm, enjoy the beauty of nature. During the tour you can not only relax, get acquainted with the nature of the island, but also take fantastic photos.

An exciting journey will bring a lot of new, positive emotions and unforgettable impressions. In order to sign up for a tour at a reasonable cost, please draw up an application with Moysidis Travel at: +30 699 280 0329, +49 1577 559 3278 or via mail: moysidistravel@gmail.com.

• Agia Irini Gorge
• Sougia Beach