Exploring the Rich History of Crete with Family

Tasting Crete: A Day Among Vineyards and Flavors

Today was a day dedicated to the senses, a true immersion into the flavors and aromas of Crete. We ventured into the heart of the island, eager to explore its renowned wineries and indulge in the local culinary scene. It was a day filled with laughter, discovery, and the kind of simple joys that make traveling with family so incredibly rewarding.

Our day began with a delightful breakfast at Thigaterra - The Art of Slow Food. The name itself intrigued me, promising a departure from the hurried pace of everyday life. And it certainly delivered! The restaurant was a short drive from our cozy Airbnb, nestled in a serene landscape.


Discover Thigaterra: A premier destination for authentic Greek slow food in Ag. Dimitrios, celebrating local flavors with every dish.

The interior was charming, with rustic wooden tables and chairs, adorned with colorful cushions. The aroma of freshly baked bread and brewing coffee filled the air. We ordered a selection of traditional Cretan breakfast items: dakos (a barley rusk topped with tomatoes, cheese, and herbs), sfakianopita (a thin pancake filled with myzithra cheese and drizzled with honey), and, of course, Greek coffee. Hans-Peter, ever the coffee aficionado, declared it the best he'd had so far on our trip. Sophia devoured her sfakianopita with gusto, her face smeared with honey. It was the perfect start to a day of gastronomic exploration. The restaurant truly lived up to its name, emphasizing the importance of savoring each moment and appreciating the simple pleasures of life. Everything about the restaurant’s ethos resonated with my own values, especially the focus on local products.

In wine, there's truth, and in good company, there's joy.

Our first winery visit was to Lyrarakis Winery. The drive there was scenic, winding through olive groves and vineyards, with the majestic Psiloritis mountain range as a backdrop. The winery itself was stunning, a beautiful stone building surrounded by rows of grapevines. We were greeted by a friendly sommelier who guided us through a tasting of their signature wines. I was particularly impressed by their Vilana, a crisp white wine with notes of citrus and herbs, and their Kotsifali, a robust red with hints of spice and dark fruit. Even Sophia enjoyed sniffing the glasses and pretending to be a wine connoisseur.


Experience the best of Cretan winemaking at Lyrarakis Winery, where tradition meets taste in a stunning setting.

What I appreciated most about Lyrarakis was their commitment to preserving indigenous Cretan grape varieties. As a librarian, I understand the importance of preserving cultural heritage, and it was inspiring to see a winery dedicated to safeguarding the unique flavors of Crete. Hans-Peter, of course, was most interested in the technical aspects of winemaking, peppering the sommelier with questions about fermentation and aging processes. I made sure to buy a bottle of their Vidiano to bring back home to Leipzig. I think it will pair nicely with some traditional German dishes.

Next on our itinerary was Domaine Paterianakis, an organic winery known for its sustainable practices. This was a completely different experience from Lyrarakis, offering a more intimate and personal touch. The winery is family-owned and run, and we were greeted by one of the sisters, Emmanouella, who shared her passion for organic viticulture. We toured the vineyards, learning about their biodynamic farming methods and their commitment to biodiversity. I found it fascinating to learn how they avoid synthetic chemicals and fertilizers, relying instead on natural methods to cultivate their grapes.


Explore the enchanting Domaine Paterianakis Winery in Melese, Greece, where exquisite wines meet breathtaking landscapes for an unforgettable experience.

The wine tasting was equally impressive. We sampled a range of their organic wines, each with its own distinct character. Their Vidiano was particularly noteworthy, with a more pronounced minerality and a long, lingering finish. Sophia was delighted to meet the family dog, a fluffy white Samoyed who seemed to enjoy the attention. I purchased a bottle of their 3.14 Kotsifali-Merlot, intrigued by the blend of local and international grape varieties. It will be interesting to compare it with other wines from the region. Domaine Paterianakis is a true gem, a testament to the power of sustainable agriculture and family tradition.

For lunch, we stopped at Marilena Restaurant, a charming taverna known for its traditional Cretan cuisine. Located in a picturesque setting, the restaurant offered stunning views of the surrounding landscape. We ordered a selection of mezze, including dolmades (stuffed grape leaves), keftedes (meatballs), and tzatziki (a yogurt-based dip). Everything was fresh and flavorful, a true celebration of Cretan ingredients. Hans-Peter, a big fan of seafood, ordered the grilled octopus, which he declared to be the best he'd ever had. Sophia, surprisingly, devoured the dolmades, a testament to their deliciousness. The atmosphere was relaxed and welcoming, and we lingered over our meal, soaking in the warm sunshine and the stunning views.


Experience authentic Greek cuisine with stunning coastal views at Marilena Restaurant in Schisma Eloundas.

After lunch, we made a quick stop at the Temple Gift Shop, where I picked up a few souvenirs for friends and family back home. I found a beautiful silver pendant with a Minoan design for my sister, and a small wooden toy for my nephew. I always enjoy finding unique and locally made gifts to share with loved ones. I find it’s a great way to bring a little bit of the trip back home.


Explore the Temple Gift Shop: A treasure trove of handmade souvenirs and stunning mosaic lamps in the heart of Chania, Crete.

As the day drew to a close, we made our way to Arismari & Varsamo for dinner. Located in the heart of Heraklion, this restaurant is known for its modern take on traditional Cretan dishes. The ambiance was elegant and sophisticated, with soft lighting and contemporary decor. We started with a selection of appetizers, including a beetroot salad with goat cheese and walnuts, and a zucchini fritter with mint and yogurt. For our main courses, I opted for the lamb chops with rosemary and garlic, while Hans-Peter chose the sea bass with lemon and capers. Sophia, surprisingly adventurous, tried the rabbit stew, a local specialty. The food was exquisite, a perfect blend of traditional flavors and modern techniques. The service was impeccable, and we felt pampered and well cared for. It was the perfect ending to a day of culinary exploration.


Savor authentic Greek cuisine in the heart of Iraklion at Arismari & Varsamo – where tradition meets culinary artistry.

Tomorrow, we plan to delve deeper into the island's history with visits to the Natural History Museum of Crete and the Historical Museum of Crete. I'm particularly excited to see the exhibits on Minoan civilization, as it ties in so closely with my work as a librarian. I think Sophia will enjoy the Natural History Museum. I am sure she will be fascinated by the diverse flora and fauna of the island. We also plan to visit Hunky Funky Cocktail Bar. It might be fun to enjoy some cocktails and relax after a long day of sightseeing.

As I reflect on today, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to experience the flavors and aromas of Crete with my family. It was a day of simple pleasures, of laughter and discovery, of savoring each moment and appreciating the beauty of the world around us. These are the moments that make traveling so incredibly rewarding, the memories that we will cherish for years to come.