Family Adventure in Samaria Gorge

A Day of Exploration Beyond the Gorge

Today, our family ventured beyond the well-trodden path of Samaria Gorge to discover some of Crete's lesser-known natural wonders. It was a day filled with exploration, a touch of adventure, and a whole lot of appreciation for the raw beauty of this island. Leaving the crowds behind felt liberating, and I was eager to see what hidden treasures awaited us.

We started our day with a hearty breakfast at Taverna Tarra. The warm Cretan sun was already high in the sky as we enjoyed fresh bread, local honey, and strong Greek coffee. Astrid, of course, opted for a large glass of orange juice, while Maximilian enjoyed some yogurt. It's funny how even the simplest meals taste extraordinary when enjoyed in such a beautiful setting.

With our bellies full, we set off towards Kormokopou Cave. The drive itself was stunning, with winding roads offering panoramic views of the coastline. As we got closer, the landscape transformed into a rugged, mountainous terrain. The weather in September is still warm, around 26°C, but with a light breeze, making it perfect for hiking.

The hike to the cave was a delightful trek through forest Kormokopou. The air was filled with the scent of pine and cypress trees, a welcome change from the city air of Berlin. Astrid was particularly excited, pointing out every interesting rock and flower along the way. I made a mental note to look up some of the plant species later; my interest in sustainable living always leads me to appreciate local flora.

Reaching Kormokopou Cave was like stepping into another world. Though it lacked stalactite formations, the cave's sheer size and unique shape were impressive. Astrid's imagination ran wild as she pretended to be an ancient Greek goddess hiding within its depths. The cave also has a spring with fresh water. The cool interior offered a refreshing break from the sun, and we took a few moments to simply soak in the tranquility of the space.


Discover the mystical Kormokopou Cave in Crete, a stunning blend of natural beauty and rich mythology, perfect for adventurous travelers.

The best journeys are those that lead us off the beaten path, revealing the hidden heart of a place.

Next on our itinerary was the canyon Eligia. This gorge runs parallel to Samaria Gorge and is known for its wild and impressive landscape. The trail to Eligia starts in Agios Ioannis, a charming village nestled in the mountains. We drove there after our visit to the cave. However, we decided to only explore a small portion of it, since reports indicated that the entire gorge (13km) requires an experienced guide and two days to cross.

Even a short hike into Eligia was enough to appreciate its rugged beauty. The canyon walls towered above us, creating a sense of awe and wonder. Maximilian, ever the adventurous one, was keen on exploring further, but I reminded him that we needed to be mindful of Astrid's little legs. We promised to return someday, perhaps with a guided tour, to fully experience the canyon's depths. According to some sources, there is also debris from a Belgian aircraft that crashed there in 1976.


Explore the stunning natural beauty of Canyon Eligia in Crete, a hiker's paradise with breathtaking views and diverse wildlife.

After our canyon adventure, we decided to treat ourselves to a late lunch at SAMARIA restaurant. We enjoyed traditional Cretan dishes, savoring the fresh, local ingredients. Astrid, surprisingly, devoured a plate of grilled octopus, a testament to her adventurous palate. It's moments like these that make traveling with family so special – sharing new experiences and creating lasting memories.

As the day drew to a close, we made a stop at Kyma Cafe & Bar for a relaxing drink. Overlooking the sea, with the gentle sound of waves in the background, it was the perfect way to unwind. I enjoyed a glass of local wine, while Maximilian savored a cold beer. Astrid, of course, was happy with her sparkling water and a small plate of ice cream.


Discover the perfect blend of relaxation and vibrant atmosphere at Kyma Cafe & Bar in Agia Roumeli, where stunning sea views meet delightful refreshments.

Reflecting on the day, I realized that sometimes the most rewarding travel experiences are the ones that aren't planned to the last detail. Letting curiosity guide us led us to discover hidden gems and create memories that we'll cherish for years to come.

Tomorrow, we're planning to explore the forest Kormokopou and hike the Papakefala summit and Kormokopos cave trail. I'm particularly excited about the panoramic views from the summit and the opportunity to delve deeper into the natural beauty of this region. We'll also stop by the Olive wood Art Shop. It is located near the trail and I'm hoping to find some unique souvenirs to remind us of our time here.

As I sit here, writing this blog post, I can't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to share these experiences with my family. Travel is more than just seeing new places; it's about connecting with each other and with the world around us. And as a translator, I always find it fascinating to observe how language shapes our understanding of different cultures and landscapes. Perhaps I'll pick up a few new Greek phrases during our stay!

Good night from Crete!

Anna