Exploring the Rich History of Crete with Family

Immersing Ourselves in Cretan Culture and Wildlife

Today was a beautiful blend of culture and nature, a perfect reflection of what I cherish most about traveling. We delved into Crete's rich heritage and experienced its natural beauty, creating memories that I know we'll treasure for years to come. It's days like these that remind me why I love exploring new places with my family, each of us finding something unique to connect with.

Our day began with a delightful breakfast at Thigaterra - The Art of Slow Food. As a librarian with a passion for history, I'm naturally drawn to places that celebrate tradition and sustainability. Thigaterra embodies this philosophy perfectly, offering a unique culinary experience rooted in the slow food movement. It’s wonderful to see a restaurant so dedicated to using locally sourced ingredients and preserving traditional Greek recipes. Hans-Peter and Sophia particularly enjoyed the homemade bread and local honey, while I savored the herbal tea, a comforting taste of the Cretan countryside.

After breakfast, we drove to the Lychnostatis Open Air Museum. This museum is a true gem, a living testament to Cretan folk culture. As we wandered through the grounds, I was fascinated by the diverse exhibits showcasing traditional crafts, agricultural practices, and local architecture. The museum is built with local materials like stone, wood and clay, which gives it a really authentic feeling. Sophia was particularly intrigued by the traditional wine-making process, and she even got to try her hand at grinding wheat! The museum is a private foundation created by Yiorgos Markakis, and it’s clear that a lot of love went into building it. Though it's January, the museum was still open and welcoming, offering a peaceful atmosphere to explore Crete's heritage. We spent several hours wandering through the exhibits, each one offering a glimpse into the island's past.


Uncover the cultural treasures of Crete at the Lychnostatis Open Air Museum, where history meets nature in a serene setting.

The best journey always takes us home, even if that home is a place we've never been before.

Next on our itinerary was the Aposelemis Wildlife Refuge. After the enriching cultural experience at the museum, it was time to immerse ourselves in nature. The Aposelemis Wildlife Refuge offered a serene escape, a chance to connect with Crete's natural beauty. The refuge is centered around the Aposelemis Dam, which created a 3km long lake that attracts different types of birds. As we strolled along the shores of the Aposelemis reservoir, we were greeted by a variety of bird species. While I had hoped to spot some of the more elusive migratory birds, we were still treated to the sight of wagtails, wood pigeons, and crows flitting about. I had forgotten to pack my light jacket, so the cool breeze off the water was a bit of a surprise, but the stunning views more than made up for it. Hans-Peter, ever the pragmatist, had brought his binoculars and was thrilled to identify several different species.


Explore the Aposelemis Wildlife Refuge, a stunning sanctuary in Crete, teeming with diverse wildlife and breathtaking landscapes for nature lovers.

For lunch, we stopped at Ta Kalitera, a charming taverna known for its fresh seafood. The restaurant is right on the beach, so we had a beautiful view while we ate. We started with some classic Cretan starters: dolmades, fava, and tzatziki. For our main course, Hans-Peter chose the fried sea bass, while Sophia and I shared the grilled sardine fillets. Everything was delicious, and the prices were reasonable. The service was friendly, and we felt very welcome. It was the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the flavors of Crete.


Discover authentic Mediterranean seafood at Ta Kalitera in Xeropotamos - where fresh flavors meet warm hospitality.

In the late afternoon, we took a detour to To Kaniski, a local shop recommended for its selection of Cretan products. I was on the hunt for some authentic souvenirs to bring back to Leipzig, and To Kaniski did not disappoint. The store had a wonderful range of beautiful foods and gifts, including jewelry created by local artists, cosmetics, accessories, organic honey, and olive oil. I picked up some olive oil soap and natural cosmetics with olive oil, avocado, aloe vera, and honey. I also found a beautiful silver necklace with a small, ancient Greek coin, a perfect reminder of our trip.


Discover To Kaniski in Kissamos - a charming shopping mall offering unique local crafts, organic products, and exquisite fashion accessories.

Finally, for dinner, we indulged in a delightful meal at MonEs. This restaurant is located in a renovated 500-year-old Venetian building, which gives it a unique atmosphere. The restaurant is inspired by traditional Cretan cuisine and international recipes, and every ingredient is locally produced. We started with the honey-glazed pork belly with molasses and pureed celeriac. For our main courses, Hans-Peter had the seafood risotto, while Sophia and I shared the lamb chops. The service was impeccable, and the food was outstanding. It was a perfect end to a perfect day.


Experience exquisite Cretan flavors at MonEs in Chania - where tradition meets culinary innovation in an elegant setting.

Looking ahead to tomorrow, we plan to explore the Cave Ideon Antron and the Rouvas Forest. I'm particularly excited about visiting the cave, as it's steeped in mythology and history. According to legend, it was the birthplace of Zeus, and I can't wait to see it for myself. The Rouvas Forest promises a refreshing change of scenery, with its ancient oak trees and diverse wildlife. We'll start our day with breakfast at Arismari, Cretan Creative Cuisine, followed by lunch at Chagiati. In the evening, we'll treat ourselves to drinks at The Bitters Bar.

Today was a reminder of why I love to travel: the chance to discover new cultures, connect with nature, and create lasting memories with my family. As I reflect on our experiences, I'm filled with gratitude for the opportunity to explore this beautiful island and share its treasures with those I love. Crete, you've captured my heart once again.