This lies at the mouth of the impressive gorge of Aghia Irini: an old city (once termed Syia, or the Place of Hogs), it too acted as a harbour-town for Elyros.
Elyros was a Doric city-state and one of the largest centres of population in west Crete. Its floruit was in the Classical period (500-350 BC), and it eventually fell victim to the Saracen Arabs when invading in the 9th century AD. Its ruins are to be found on the Kefala hill, close to the village of Rodovani.
The beach here is again remarkable for its beauty: 1.5 km in length, it has pebbles and sand, and green icy waters which drop away suddenly. Quite popular, it has been developed with umbrellas, sun-beds and showers .. various sports, and a lifeguard! All along the beach grow tamarisks, where you can camp and enjoy their shade. A small cove at the east end is quite unspoilt, isolated and frequented by nudists.
During a stay here in the quite well-appointed town, with rooms and eating places of diverse sorts, there are many things for you to do. All summer long, boats journey thence to Palaiochora, Loutro, Chora Sphakion and Aghia Roumeli.
You can visit the gorge of Aghia Irini with its oaks (hence all the pigs once!): it is but 20-30 minutes walk away: walking the gorge itself needs some 4 hours. To the west is a church, that of Aghios Panteleimon: it is noted for some splendid mosaic pavements of the 6th century AD, depicting scenes from nature and Christian symbols .. like deer and peacocks.
Proceeding east from Sougia, you will find the beach of Aghios Antonios.
