Family Adventure in Samaria Gorge

A Day of Sun, Sand, and Ancient Wonders

Today was one of those days where you feel utterly connected to the place you're visiting, where the past and present intertwine in a way that leaves you breathless. It was a day of exploring hidden beaches and ancient ruins, a true feast for the senses and the soul.

We started our day with a hearty breakfast at Pension Paradise. I opted for the local yogurt with honey and nuts, while Max went for the more traditional eggs and bacon. Astrid, of course, wanted pancakes, which she devoured in record time, fueled by the excitement of the day ahead. The breakfast was simple but satisfying, a perfect start to our adventures. I always appreciate these family moments. It reminds me of lazy summer mornings back in Vimmerby, where life felt a little bit simpler. After breakfast, we packed our essentials – sunscreen, water bottles, and of course, my camera – and set off for Lissos Beach. The weather in Samaria Gorge area was humid with plenty of sunshine.

The journey to Lissos Beach was an adventure in itself. We chose to hike from Sougia, a decision I was slightly apprehensive about, given the warnings about the challenging terrain. However, the coastal path turned out to be absolutely stunning. The views of the Libyan Sea were breathtaking, with the turquoise water contrasting against the rugged coastline. The air was filled with the scent of wild herbs and pine trees, a truly invigorating experience. Astrid, surprisingly, kept up remarkably well, her little legs determinedly carrying her forward. Max and I took turns carrying her on our shoulders when the path got too steep, making it a fun family effort. It took us about 1.5 hours to reach Lissos, but every step was worth it.

As we descended towards the beach, the sight that greeted us was simply magical. Lissos Beach is a small, secluded cove with crystal-clear waters and a backdrop of dramatic cliffs. It felt like we had stumbled upon a hidden paradise. The beach itself is pebbly, so I was glad we had our water shoes with us. Astrid was immediately drawn to the water, splashing and giggling with delight. Max and I took turns swimming and snorkeling, marveling at the diverse marine life. The water was so clear that we could see colorful fish darting among the rocks. I even spotted a small octopus hiding in a crevice. It was moments like these that made me realize how important it is to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life and reconnect with nature. I felt a world away from Berlin and its busy streets.


Discover Lissos Beach, a serene escape in Crete offering stunning natural beauty, crystal-clear waters, and a peaceful atmosphere for relaxation and adventure.

The beauty of Lissos lies not only in its pristine waters but also in the echoes of its ancient past, a reminder that we are but fleeting visitors in a land steeped in history.

After a refreshing swim, we decided to explore the ancient ruins of Lissos. Just a short walk from the beach, we found the remnants of an ancient healing sanctuary dedicated to Asclepius, the Greek god of medicine. It was fascinating to wander among the ruins, imagining what life must have been like in this ancient city. The air was thick with history, and I could almost hear the whispers of the past. Astrid, with her vivid imagination, was particularly captivated by the stories I told her about the ancient Greeks and their gods. She even pretended to be a priestess, offering imaginary sacrifices to Asclepius. These historical sights of ancient Lissos are majestic.

The ruins were not the best preserved I have ever seen, but they had a special charm. There was something magical about the way the ancient stones blended with the natural landscape. I could see the ancient sea level visible on the rocks due to a historic earthquake in 365 AD. We also explored the Ruine eines alten Bauernhauses (Ruins of an old farmhouse), which offered a glimpse into the more recent past of the island. It was a stark reminder of the hardships faced by the local farmers, who eked out a living from this rugged land. I am always very touched when visiting such places, and I feel compassion for the people who once lived there.


Explore the captivating ruins of an old farmhouse in Sfakia, Greece, where history meets breathtaking natural beauty in a tranquil setting.

By late afternoon, we were feeling peckish, so we made our way to Taverna Tarra in Agia Roumeli for a late lunch. This charming taverna is known for its traditional Greek cuisine and its stunning views of the sea. We ordered a selection of local specialties, including moussaka, souvlaki, and a fresh Greek salad. The food was absolutely delicious, bursting with flavor and cooked with love. The service was friendly and welcoming, making us feel like part of the family. Max enjoyed a glass of local wine, while I opted for a refreshing lemonade. Astrid, of course, couldn't resist the ice cream for dessert. It was the perfect way to end our day at Lissos Beach. The feature of Taverna Tarra is serving tasty parfait.


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

After lunch, we did a little bit of shopping at Nature - Cretan natural products. I bought some olive oil soap and a small bottle of local honey, while Max picked up a few souvenirs for his colleagues back in Berlin. I was tempted to buy some of the local beauty products, infused with olive oil and herbs, but I resisted the urge, knowing that I already had too many skincare products at home. I think I might regret not buying a few extra items. I´ll see if I can find some similar products somewhere else. We then took a taxi boat back to Sougia to spare Astrid the walk back.


Explore authentic Cretan natural products and unique gifts in Agia Marina's charming gift shop, a must-visit for every traveler.

As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the landscape, we made our way back to our accommodation. For dinner we went to SAMARIA restaurant. I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the experiences of the day. Lissos Beach had exceeded all my expectations, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, ancient history, and peaceful tranquility. It was a day that I would cherish for a long time to come. I am not always the biggest fan of Greek cuisine, but the food here was delicious! I am glad we decided to eat at SAMARIA restaurant.


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

Tomorrow, we plan to explore Omprogialos and Eleftherios Venizelos House. I am looking forward to discovering more hidden gems of Crete and immersing ourselves in the local culture. But for now, I am content to relax and savor the memories of this perfect day.

Before drifting off to sleep, I reflected on the day's adventures. It struck me how travel can be such a transformative experience, opening our minds and hearts to new perspectives and possibilities. It is not just about seeing new places, but about connecting with different cultures, learning about history, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. And, most importantly, it is about spending quality time with the people we love, sharing experiences that will bring us closer together. As I closed my eyes, I whispered a silent thank you for this incredible journey and for the opportunity to explore the beauty and wonder of the world with my family. I am so grateful for these moments, and I hope that we will have many more adventures together in the years to come.