TRAVELLING TO CRETE
There are two international airports in Crete:
Daskalogiannis Airport Chania (CHQ) located in the north-west of the island, around 14 km from the city centre of Chania. There are direct flights from Athens and Thessaloniki and charter flights from countless destinations within Europe. We recommend you opt for a flight to Chania airport as this is the closest airport to Sougia.
Nikos Kazantzakis Airport Heraklion (HER) located in the central north part of the island, around 4 km from the centre of Heraklion. There are public bus services from Heraklion to Chania, which travel across all four prefectures of Crete. The public transport is commonly used as a cheap and safe option. The bus ride to Sougia lasts three hours. Alternatively, you may rent a car from the city of Heraklion and reach Sougia in approx. four hours.
Flights from Athens: Flights depart from Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos” about every hour in the summer and lasts about one hour. The main domestic airline flying to Crete is Aegean Air, but you may also consider booking your flight with a low-cost airline.
Boats from Athens/ Pireaus: The Chania-Piraeus ferry route connects Crete with Athens and is currently operated by 2 ferry companies. The Minoan Lines service runs up to 7 times per week with a sailing duration of around 6 hours 31 minutes, while the Anek Superfast service runs up to 12 times per week with a duration of around 9 hours.
GETTING TO SOUGIA
Public transport to Sougia: there are two return buses a day from Chania to Sougia; the journey is about two hours. For more information on the timetable and prices, please visit the website of the public bus services.
Summer 2024 Public Bus Routes:
CHANIA to SOUGIA; (every day) 05:00 08:45 13:45 16:00
SOUGIA to CHANIA; (every day) 07:00 12:30 18:15^
^Departure after the arrival of the Ferry Boat from Agia Roumeli
Taxi: there are only two taxis based in Sougia. Please note that if you need a taxi, you may need to book it in advance as it may be busy. For organizing an airport transfer from Chania airport to Sougia you may contact:
Eftichis I. Vittorakis at https://www.sougiataxi.com (mini bus service for up to 21 passengers)
Meletis Nempavlakis at https://sougiataxi-meletis.gr (minivan service for up to 8 passengers)
Car rental: Please note that there is no car rental company based in Sougia. In case you want to book a car please make sure to reach out to one of the many car rental branches in the centre of Chania or Herakleion.
ACCOMMODATION
Sougia offers a range of accommodation options to suit every budget and need; from affordable, simple rooms to private ensuites and beautiful studio apartments designed for small groups and solo travelers alike.
Sougia is certainly not a mass-tourism destination. However, we recommend to research and reserve your accommodation well in advance as the village frequently welcomes a stream of tourists, locals and backpackers during the summer season and especially on weekends.
For further info on accommodation in Sougia, please visit sougia.info and visitsougia.com Alternatively, contact us if you require specific assistance.
SAFETY/CARE
Nature Loves Courage aims to be a safe space from sexism, racism, homophobia/transphobia and aggressive and reckless behaviour. This festival aims to provide a positive communal setting for its attendees.
Look after one another. If someone looks unwell or if someone is harassing others, please report it to the festival team immediately.
PROHIBITED ITEMS
Glass bottles and containers, weapons, fireworks, illegal substances, electrical systems or tools with high energy consumption. Moreover, alcohol is not allowed in; the organizers reserve the right to deny the entry and/or to confiscate liquors
SECURITY
Security will be provided in the festival area.
LOST PROPERTY AND INJURY
The organizers do not bear any responsibility for stolen or lost goods, neither do they bear responsibility for any injury or medical issue suffered onsite. Basic first aid services can be provided, but for any urgencies please bear in mind that the nearest medical center is situated at Kantanos, 27 km away from Sougia. If you lost something, please contact us and we’ll come back to you in case it has been found.
ANIMALS
Pet animals are allowed οn the festival grounds. However, they need to be on a leash and guarded by their owners at all times.
LITTER
We ask everybody to respect the beach and the venue and to help us by keeping the festival area clean. Please use the recycling bins.
LIFE ON THE BEACH
Leave no trace behind. That includes cigarette butts, cans/cups, trash. Keep it clean & pick up litter as you go. No grilling, fires or fireworks.
PARKING
There’s plenty of off-road parking along the coast (approx. 300 meters from the venue). Parking space is wide open with no shading. Each hotel also provides a limited parking capacity.
CAN I WRITE A FEATURE / PUBLISH PHOTOS?
Please contact us should you intend to document the festival.
OTHER
There are no banks. There is an ATM (cash point) but don’t assume that it will always be working. Please make sure you bring enough cash with you from Chania or Herakleion.
Internet: many cafés have free WiFi internet. So do the hotels.
Cigarettes and tobacco will not be available for purchase at the venue so please arrange accordingly. There is a local convenience store nearby.
There is no petrol station. The nearest stations are quite far away (Agia Irini, Kandanos and Paleochora) so do not arrive in Sougia with an empty petrol tank. It’s recommended you have it filled already, in Chania.
Refund Policy
On the occasion that the event is cancelled, the full value of the tickets will be refunded, otherwise tickets remain transferable.