Family Adventure in the Samaria Gorge

A Day of Discovery in Crete

Today, on the fifth day of our family adventure in Crete, we decided to delve deeper into the island's rich history and culture. Leaving the majestic Samaria Gorge for a day, we ventured out to explore remnants of Roman ingenuity, traditional Cretan crafts, and the age-old process of olive oil production. It was a day filled with learning, laughter, and a deeper appreciation for this enchanting island.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Pension Paradise. Greta enjoyed some local yogurt with honey, while Marko devoured a stack of pancakes. Fuelled up, we set off to find the Roman Aqueduct. I was excited to see this feat of ancient engineering. It's fascinating how the Romans were able to construct these aqueducts to provide water to their cities.


Explore the ancient Roman Aqueduct in Anatolikos Selinos, a stunning marvel of engineering and a glimpse into Greece's rich history.

Journey Through Time at the Roman Aqueduct

Finding the aqueduct was a bit of an adventure in itself. We drove through winding roads, passing picturesque villages and olive groves. The landscape was dotted with wildflowers, adding splashes of color to the already stunning scenery. When we finally arrived, I was immediately struck by the scale and ingenuity of the structure. Parts of the aqueduct are still visible, a testament to the advanced engineering skills of the Romans. I tried to imagine what life must have been like when the aqueduct was fully functional, supplying water to the bustling city.

I explained to Marko how the aqueduct worked, pointing out the different sections and explaining how the water flowed. He was fascinated, asking questions about the Romans and their building techniques. Greta and I were thrilled to see him so engaged, learning about history in such a hands-on way. It’s one thing to read about these things in a book, but it’s entirely another to stand before them and experience them firsthand. The aqueduct at Chersonesos stretched for an impressive 14 kilometers, sourcing water from two distant locations. The reliable water supply supported the city's growth and economic activities.

The past is never dead. It's not even past.

A Taste of Tradition at the Olive and Oil Museum

Next on our itinerary was the Olive and Oil Museum, also known as the Dermitzakis Folklore Collection. This museum is housed in an 18th-century olive oil factory, offering a glimpse into the traditional methods of olive oil production. As we drove towards the museum, the landscape transformed into rolling hills covered in olive trees, their silvery leaves shimmering in the sunlight. The air was filled with the scent of olives and wild herbs, a truly authentic Cretan experience.


Explore the Olive and Oil Museum in Vatolakkos for an unforgettable journey into the heart of Cretan culture and the art of olive oil production.

Upon arrival, we were greeted by the museum's friendly owner, who gave us a tour of the facility. He explained the entire process of olive oil production, from harvesting the olives to pressing them and extracting the oil. We saw the old stone mill, the wooden presses, and the various tools used in the process. It was fascinating to learn about the history of olive oil in Crete and its importance to the local culture. The Dermitzaki Folklore Collection features over 100 vintage objects displayed according to their original function. Most were used in olive oil production, agriculture, or household duties.

Marko was particularly interested in the donkey that was used to power the mill. He kept asking if he could ride it, but unfortunately, that wasn't allowed. Instead, he got to try his hand at grinding some olives, which he thoroughly enjoyed. Greta and I appreciated the museum's dedication to preserving the traditional methods of olive oil production. It's important to keep these traditions alive, especially in a world that is becoming increasingly industrialized.

The museum is housed in a fabrica, the only surviving pre-industrial building in the Chania prefecture. The building was restored to its original form and now serves as a monument to local traditions. The collection includes agricultural tools, machinery, furniture, and household objects.

Artisan Treasures at Jacobs Little Shop

After immersing ourselves in history and tradition, we decided to indulge in some retail therapy at Jacobs little shop - Hand made ceramics/jewellery & gifts. I had read about this shop online and was intrigued by its collection of unique, handmade items. It was a delightful little shop filled with colorful ceramics, intricate jewelry, and other handcrafted gifts. Greta was immediately drawn to the jewelry, while Marko was fascinated by the ceramics. He picked out a small, hand-painted bowl with a picture of a Cretan goat on it. I decided to buy a ceramic vase for our living room in Heidelberg, a reminder of our trip to Crete.


Explore Jacobs Little Shop in Agia Marina for handcrafted ceramics, unique jewelry, and unforgettable gifts that embody local artistry.

We spent a good hour browsing the shop, admiring the craftsmanship and chatting with the owner, who was incredibly friendly and welcoming. She told us about the local artisans who created the items and their dedication to preserving traditional crafts. It was inspiring to see such passion and talent, and we were happy to support their work. Chania is known for its unique handmade products, including island knives, jewelry, ceramics, and natural Cretan products.

Culinary Delights and Evening Reflections

For lunch, we stopped at Rousios, a charming taverna that came highly recommended. We enjoyed a delicious meal of traditional Cretan dishes, including dakos (a barley rusk topped with tomatoes, cheese, and olive oil) and kalitsounia (sweet cheese pastries). The food was fresh, flavorful, and a true taste of Crete. We sat outside, soaking up the warm sunshine and enjoying the lively atmosphere of the taverna. The kids loved the kalitsounia and we all agreed it was one of the best meals we had so far on the trip.


Experience authentic Greek cuisine at Rousios in Agia Roumeli, where tradition meets stunning landscapes and unforgettable flavors.

As the day drew to a close, we headed to Taverna Tarra for dinner. The restaurant had a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere, and we were looking forward to trying some more traditional Cretan cuisine. The restaurant was bustling with activity, filled with locals and tourists alike. The aroma of grilled meats and herbs filled the air, making our mouths water in anticipation.


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

We ordered a variety of dishes to share, including lamb chops, grilled vegetables, and a fresh salad. The food was cooked to perfection, and the flavors were incredible. Marko even tried some of the lamb, which he surprisingly enjoyed. Greta and I savored every bite, knowing that this was a meal we would remember for a long time. Taverna Tarra, with its friendly service and authentic cuisine, was the perfect ending to a perfect day.

As we drove back to our accommodation, I reflected on the day's adventures. We had explored ancient ruins, learned about traditional crafts, and indulged in delicious food. But more importantly, we had spent quality time together as a family, creating memories that would last a lifetime. It was a day that truly captured the essence of Crete: its rich history, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality.

Tomorrow, we plan to visit the Greleskas Observatory and Zarana's caves. I'm particularly excited about the observatory, as I've always been fascinated by astronomy. Marko is looking forward to exploring the caves, and Greta is eager to see the stars. Before that though, we will start the day with breakfast at SAMARIA.

It's amazing how much there is to discover in this corner of the world.