Keeping It Local
Local Walks
Pefki Gorge
This is one of the most magnificent small gorges in Crete, with impressive rock formations and rich forna and vegetation. It begins south of Pefki village and ends up a little north of Aspros Potamos, Makrigialos. There is a very well landscaped footpath which follows the watercourse for almost its entire length. It’s approximately 2km long in total and the elevation difference between entrance and exit is about 300 metres.
Kapsa Montastery
Kapsa is situated 7 km from Makrigialos. According to the most widely accepted view, Kapsa Monastery was founded in the 15th century, though other sources indicate it may have been established as early as the 13/14th century.
In 1471 the Turks raided it from the sea and destroyed a large part of the monastery. The area passed through many hands and was named after one of its owner’s who was called Kapsas.
The half ruined monastery was restored 400 years later by the monk Joseph Gerontoyiannis, who made it famous throughout Crete and indeed Greece.
Kapsa monastery was a centre of resistance to the German occupation in the period 1941-44. Greek and British resistance operatives came here to seek refuge before being taken to Egypt by British submarines. The abbot at that time was Hilarion Syntychakis was forced to abandon the monastery along with other Monks in November 1943 by the order of the Germans. After the war, however they returned.
A beautful part of history with wonderful views.
Butterfly Gorge
Koutsouras is near Makrigialos in South East Crete. The gorge links the villages of Koutsouras and Oreino. The entrance to the gorge is on the Koutsouras side in the community park. From here it takes 3-4 hours walk to Oreino Village.
In spite of its name you won’t see as many butterflies as expected as recent years they have only appeared in the spring. This is probably due to the huge wildfire in 1993 devastating the local woodland.
Despite the fire damage, Koutsouras is a lovely place with dense vegetation, rich plant and animal life.
There are marks blazing the trail through the gorge.
At the end of the track through the gorge, as you approach Oreino Village, there are small springs and beautiful waterfalls (winter and spring months).
Cretan Cuisine
Dont Look For A Pill That Can Subtitute The Cretan Diet. There Is No Such Thing. (Serge Renaud, Medical Professor 1998)
The Cretan diet is famous world wide for its health benefits and life longevity. This is due to the fresh ingredients used in their cooking, including lots of fresh greens, fish, lean meat and of course the virgin olive oil. Many Cretans are still cooking the same way their ancestors did many years ago.
Due to adverse conditions during the island’s occupations, the cretans learned to live off the land and use many of the wild greens(over 500) found on the island in their cooking. This creating the delicious healthy dishes they have to offer today.
You will find the majority of restaurants, tavernas and Kafe Neons are run by locals and are using these recipes passed down to them from generation to generation. All tend to use their own rich olive oil pressed from the crop they harvested themselves during the winter months.
Please find below a few examples of the delicious food Crete has to offer.
DAKOS
A starter or Meze that is made up of paximadi( dry rusk bread) with a little water and olive oil to moisten. Topped with grated tomato, then Feta or Myzithra cheese and finished off with a little salt and oregano to season. You can also add a little more olive oil if you wish and as you can imagine, most Cretans do!
SPANAKOPITA OR HORTOPITA (Spinach Pie or Green Pie)
Pies served as a Meze or starter which are made with filo pastry or olive oil dough, filled with spinach or greens(Horta) found on the land.These can be baked in the oven or deep fried. You can also add Myzithra cheese if you wish.
