If you are feeling active and want to explore the off
road Crete, why not try a great day out walking, bird watching, visiting a
unique organic olive oil press and sampling home made Cretan food in a typical
inland quiet Cretan village.
Deliana
Gorge
You can park literaly at the end of Deliana gorge and
walk up for as long as you like. The gorge provides
a scenic walk on a
paved track through
it that is not too strenuous.
The track is surrounded
by towering cliffs on either side with Hawks and Griffon Vultures wheeling
overhead. The large flock of vultures lives and nests in that gorge so you are
guaranteed to see them.
A tiny church in a
clearing provides a resting place at the top of the gorge.
Various species of
the Cretan flora are found here. Carob trees, skinos (mastic tree Pistacia
lentiscus).
 |
| skinos |
 |
| Dragon Arum |
From mid April to
end of May one can see many Dragon Arum (Dracunculus vulgaris) mostly in shaded
bits around the river bed.
It is a good idea to
extend the walk through Deliana village and see the lovely houses with vegetable
allotments, flower gardens and fruit trees all very typical of Crete. There are
derelict old buildings including an old olive press.
On a side lane (sign
posted) one can find the very old listed church of Agios Ioannis. Go in and see
the centuries old frescoes. The stunning Venetian arch way above entrance with
a Latin inscription dominates the building.
Lunch at the village square in a little cute tavern
Called Faraggi (gorge) is a must to complete the experience.
The tavern is a Cretan family run place where the
father produces and provides, the house wife cooks and the son serves. Try wonderful Cretan
delicacies such as seasons Kalitsounia (pies) and vilage Chorta (greens). You
will find Fava (yelow lentils mesh), Dakos (Cretan rusk with goats cheese)
ruster Caasserole, goat tsigariasto (sizzled goat).
On the way out do not miss out stopping at Violea
organic olive oil press only 1 Km from the village square.
Violea
Just a few kilometers inland from Kolymbari
and within a Protected Denomination of Origin (PDO) area, are the olive groves
of the Astrikas Estate.
They were acquired by the Dimitriadis family
in the mid-18th century and are farmed today by the 5th generation descendant
Giorgios Dimitriadis who founded Biolea in 1994.
Visiting
Visiting
Biolea specializes in estate-produced
stone-milled and cold-pressed organic olive oil. The company’s aim is to
achieve excellence in the quality of its products by combining the benefits of
the traditional method of oil extraction with modern equipment and knowledge,
while respecting the environment by managing wastes and promoting sustainable
agriculture. Since its inception, Biolea has gained a high reputation in
gourmet and health food markets all over the world.
Biolea is an artisanal olive oil and is a true
representation of its place of origin, reflecting the uniqueness and the
organoleptic properties of the soil and micro-climate in the region.
Biolea’s stone-mill was built specifically to
welcome tourists and to hold presentations and olive oil tastings. The factory
stays open all year: tours are by appointment only. Tel: 28240 23281.
Getting there
The only way is by car so, head east on the
highway towards Chania and at the Melssourgio turn right towards Nochia. Keep
on the same road, passing through the villages of Karthiana, Vasilopoulo
Astrikas (where on the hilltop to the right, you will see Astrikas Estate) and
finally Deliana. Past the village square turn left on the sign to the gorge.
Deliana village is only a few minutes away from Youphoria Chania Sea View Villas.
No real need for walking boots. Just confy shoes will do
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