Family Adventure in Samaria Gorge

A Warm Cretan Welcome

After months of planning, our family adventure in Crete has officially begun! Today was all about immersing ourselves in the heart of the island, exploring the Omalos plateau and the fringes of the White Mountains Forest Preserve. It was a day filled with stunning landscapes, warm hospitality, and the promise of incredible hikes to come.


Discover the natural beauty and rich history of Omalos Plateau, Crete's stunning hiking paradise with breathtaking landscapes.

Our day started with a hearty breakfast at Pension Paradise in Omalos. The name certainly lived up to its promise! The owners were incredibly welcoming, making us feel right at home as we enjoyed fresh bread, local honey, and strong Greek coffee. Astrid was particularly thrilled with the homemade marmalade, declaring it the best she’d ever tasted. Fuelled up and ready for adventure, we set off to explore the Omalos plateau. The drive itself was breathtaking, with winding roads offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The air was crisp and clean, a welcome change from the Berlin air we're used to. September in Omalos is wonderfully mild, with temperatures hovering around 26°C during the day.

The Omalos plateau is a vast, fertile plain surrounded by towering peaks. It felt like stepping into another world, a serene landscape dotted with grazing sheep and traditional stone houses. We stopped to take photos, capturing the beauty of the plateau under the clear blue sky. Maximilian, ever the photographer, was in his element, snapping away at every opportunity.

Next on our list was the White Mountains Forest Preserve. While we didn’t embark on a full-fledged hike today, we did explore some of the trails near Omalos. The scent of pine trees filled the air as we wandered through the forest, marveling at the sheer scale of the mountains. Astrid loved collecting pine cones and spotting colorful wildflowers along the path. I made a mental note to return tomorrow for a proper hike; the Pemi Loop looks particularly enticing.


Explore the breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife of the White Mountains Forest Preserve, Greece's natural paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

The journey, not the destination, matters.

For lunch, we found ourselves at Taverna Tarra. The taverna offered a delightful array of traditional Cretan dishes. We shared a selection of mezes, including dolmades (stuffed vine leaves), tzatziki, and fresh salads. The ingredients were incredibly fresh, and the flavors were bursting with authenticity. Astrid surprised us all by devouring the dolmades, a testament to how delicious they were! Maximilian and I enjoyed some local wine, savoring the taste of Crete with every sip. The staff was friendly and welcoming, adding to the overall charm of the taverna. It was the perfect spot to relax and refuel after our morning adventures.


Experience authentic Greek cuisine at Taverna Tarra in Agia Roumeli – where flavor meets tradition amidst stunning natural beauty.

After lunch, we decided to indulge in a little retail therapy at Agora Products Boutique. This charming shop is a treasure trove of local crafts, from hand-painted ceramics to locally sourced olive oil and herbal teas. I was particularly drawn to the handwoven textiles, admiring the intricate patterns and vibrant colors. Astrid, of course, gravitated towards the jewelry, picking out a small, silver charm shaped like a dolphin. We ended up buying a few souvenirs for family and friends back in Berlin, wanting to share a piece of Crete with them.


Explore Agora Products Boutique in Chania for unique gifts and authentic Cretan crafts that encapsulate the island's rich heritage.

As the day drew to a close, we made our way to SAMARIA restaurant for dinner. This restaurant is known for its modern Mediterranean cuisine and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. We opted for a table on the terrace, wanting to soak in the last rays of the sun. The menu featured a variety of fresh seafood and locally sourced meats, all prepared with a contemporary twist. I ordered the grilled octopus, while Maximilian chose the lamb chops. Both dishes were cooked to perfection, and the flavors were simply divine. Astrid enjoyed a simple pasta dish, declaring it the best pasta she’d had on vacation so far.


Experience authentic Greek cuisine at Samaria, where every meal comes with stunning sea views in Agia Roumeli.

One of the highlights of our day was the unexpected encounters with the local people. Everyone we met was incredibly warm, friendly, and eager to share their culture with us. From the owners of Pension Paradise to the staff at Taverna Tarra and the artisans at Agora Products Boutique, we were touched by the genuine hospitality of the Cretan people. It’s these interactions that truly make a trip memorable, adding depth and meaning to our travels.

As I sit here now, writing this blog post from our cozy room in Omalos, I can’t help but feel grateful for the experiences of today. We’ve only just begun our adventure in Crete, but I already know that this trip will be one for the books. The beauty of the landscape, the warmth of the people, and the richness of the culture have already captured our hearts. And with a hike through the Samaria Gorge planned for tomorrow, the excitement is only building!

Tomorrow, we're planning an early start to tackle the Samaria Gorge. We've got our Samaria gorge tickets ready and are looking forward to hiking Samaria gorge. Before we head out for our hike, we'll grab a quick breakfast at Rousios. After our hike, we plan on having lunch at SAMARIA again. To celebrate completing the hike, we'll have dinner at Taverna Tarra. We'll also make sure to stop by POSEIDON COCKTAIL BEACH BAR to celebrate.

Before I sign off, I must confess to a small travel mishap. In my eagerness to capture every moment, I seem to have misplaced the insect repellent and the extra memory cards for the camera! Hopefully, we can find some in a local shop tomorrow morning before we head into the gorge. And I really should remember to pack the portable phone charger. Wish us luck for tomorrow's adventure! It’s moments like these that remind me that travel is not just about seeing new places, but also about embracing the unexpected and learning to roll with the punches. It's all part of the adventure, right?

Until tomorrow,
Anna