On this Cretan adventure we will drive you away from the town to the less travelled road heading to the southern coast of the island. After meeting us, enjoy a two-hour ride that will take you to a seaside village away from tourist hordes.

Upon reaching this small, laid-back village, you’ll follow an easy trail heading to the ancient city of Lissos. During ancient times, Lissos was one of the most powerful trading and fishing hubs of the area that was totally abandoned all of a sudden, due to a destructive earthquake. Till nowadays, the ancient city hasn’t been totally excavated, and it is believed that some important buildings such as the temple for the goddess Diktinna are still underground.

Hike under the old pine trees and from the top of a hill to admire the breathtaking scenery with the namesake gorge beneath you and the bright blue sea in the distance. Then, following the trail, you’ll reach a barrel plateau with views over rocks that meet the sea. This is the place of the ancient Asclepieion, a healing temple, built in the third century B.C.E and dedicated to the god Asclepius.

You’ll have two hours to explore the area of Asclepieion, walk around the ruins, drink ‘healing water’ from the spring used in the ancient ceremonies and the therapeutic sessions, and learn from your guide the herbs and flora used in the Cretan diet.

Please keep in mind that the full walk through the trail is approximately 90 minutes with stops, with elevations of 250 metres up, and almost 400 metres down.

Then, after half an hour of easy walk, you’ll approach a sandy beach with fine pebbles. For the next hours, soak up the sun, dive into the crystal-clear waters, and enjoy some fresh fruit.

Afterwards, you’ll hop on a fishing boat to go back to our starting point, Sougia village.

Next, you’ll visit a remote charming village where you’ll enjoy a 3-course farm-to-table local menu and wash it down with local wine!

Your Cretan exploration of this unspoiled island’s corner comes to an end but before we part ways, don’t forget to ask us for more hints and tips on how to get the best of your trip to amazing Crete.