The cold season is also the culinary high season on Crete. As you wander through the lavishly stocked markets, you will be greeted by colorful, seasonal and organic vegetables. As lively as the old town of Heraklion is, the alleyways are a hive of activity. We didn't expect there to be so much going on in winter and found it very pleasant. I think we were the only Germans in Heraklion. At least that's how it felt. The only people around us spoke Greek. It was ideal for immersing yourself in the essence and character of the largest Greek island.
Kafes & tranquillity around the clock
At the end of November in Crete's capital, it's a real pleasure to mingle with the locals after shopping, have a coffee at VAR near the market and enjoy the sunshine or treat yourself to a bougatsa at Cafe Phyllosophies by the Lion Fountain. It's clear that Cretan life takes place outside - which is not difficult, as the thermometer keeps jumping to 20 degrees or more.
Siga, siga
Have the Cretans invented deceleration? On Crete, everything follows its own pace - always with calm. Siga, siga it is. What could be more relaxing than looking out over the deep blue to turquoise sea from a sun lounger or clearing your head on a walk along the beach? In November, the beaches are deserted and those seeking relaxation can enjoy the natural spectacle all to themselves. That's how relaxing the end of the year can be - and it's only a 2.5-hour flight from Munich.
Taste Cretan cuisine
In the fresh sea air, you naturally get hungry more quickly in winter. Now is the time to fill up on healthy Mediterranean food. You can get really good home cooking at reasonable prices in large portions at the Chanioporta restaurant in Heraklion. It was a real surprise for us that in every restaurant in Heraklion, dessert and raki are on the house in 200 ml bottles. In Rethymon at Babakoulis, we enjoyed delicious gemista with lemon potatoes.
Special: On Crete, the hospitality is exceptional and they put their heart and soul into spoiling their guests with regional delicacies. In Ammoudara, Rethymnon, Kokkini Hani and Chania we also experience this warm friendliness, this natural humanity is simply wonderful. At the petrol station we are given oranges and mandarins just like that - we realize once again how wonderful it is to enjoy the little things in life...
In Malia, farmers sell their bananas - healthy soul food... what more could you want?
Koukouvagia - Eating in the owl
The Koukouvagia restaurant in the center of Heraklion is run by former students who are dedicated to producing high-quality Greek food with creative accents. Only products from local producers are used in the show kitchen. We ate the best octopus of our lives here, accompanied by the matching white wine called “ATHMA” - a fruity, light Sauvignon Blanc 2023 - a tempting feast for the palate. The huge dessert was simply overwhelming. A dream of vanilla clouds, accompanied by juicy chocolate cake.
ANTIKRISTO at the Xylouris Tavern
If you want to indulge your meat cravings... At the Xylouris restaurant on Heraklion's waterfront, grilled meat is served crispy using the traditional ANTIKRISTO method. The meal ends with a curious dessert that is well known to Cretans. Ypowrichio, known to insiders as submarine. A sugary-sweet paste made from mastiha and covered with water.
Crete against low moods
If you want to sweeten your winter, Crete is definitely the place to be. The variety of vegetables, fish and meat dishes will make gourmets' hearts beat faster. Cakes, pastries and creamy desserts nourish the soul, and the fruit is close enough to touch - in November you can still find trees with oranges and lemons, everything is in bloom and stretches out towards the vacationer full of Cretan pride.
Vitamin D deficiency is quickly compensated for here, the Cretan sun brings the hormone, which is responsible for our mental well-being among other things, up to scratch in winter. So if your body, mind and soul are famished in winter, Crete is an excellent choice!
Text: Ulrike Engel
Fotos: Stefan Engel & Ulrike Engel
Links:
http://www.facebook.com/chanioporta.restaurant
http://www.facebook.com/varcafe.her
http://www.facebook.com/babakoulis
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