Agios Kirikos beach (Lissos)
The beach of Lissos is located at position Ai-Kyrkos (Agios Kyrikos) about 71km south of Chania city and 3 km west of Sougia. It is the site of ancient Lissos, which was actually the seaport of another town called Elyros. The ruins of Elyros are located close to today's village Rodovani.
The beach of Lissos is secluded, completely unorganized, with large pebbles and open to the south winds. Near the beach there are several trees that provide shade to campers and visitors. It can be accessed either by boat (20 ') or by hiking (90'-120') from Sougia. The path from Sougia passes through the dispersed ruins of ancient Lissos. Near the beach, there is the picturesque church of St. Kirikos, which celebrates on July 15. If you're in the area on the previous day, you should join the feast of St. Kirikos; boats with pilgrims arrive at the beach from Sougia, people visit the church, participate in the ceremony and then celebrate all together.
Lissos flourished in the Hellenistic period until the 9th century, when it was destroyed by the Saracens. It was famous for its asclepion, i.e. the healing thermal baths, where patients from all over the island visited. You can still see the mosaic floors of asclepion, which was destroyed by an earthquake. During a stroll in the valley of Lissos, you will see that the area is full of ancient ruins, such as capitals. You'll see the Roman cemetery with the vaulted graves and the remains of the ancient theater. Dozens of statues and coins of Lissos were found in the region. This is an evidence that Lissos was very well developed, more than it's mother city Elyros. The main statues are those of the Goddess Hygeia (i.e. Health), Asclepius and Pluto, which are exhibited in Archaeological Museum in Chania.
