The Beginning of a Dream
I was so excited about this trip. It was something completely new for me — the first group journey I ever organized under Greece Unplugged.
When I decided to do the trip back in the spring, I didn’t realize how much work it would take. Between planning, organizing, and my full-time job as a flight attendant, I didn’t have much time to advertise it properly. But after a busy (and beautiful) summer, the time for Chania 2025 finally arrived.
Four days before the trip, everything changed. The hotel we had reservations with suddenly closed. Just like that — we were without accommodations. After 48 stressful hours searching (most of the hotels in Chania’s Old Town were already booked), I finally found a brand-new place: Deluxe Hotel & Suites. It was in a beautifully renovated building, perfectly located near the Old Town and the new city — ideal for pickups and drop-offs. We were their very first guests!
This trip was full of “firsts”: the hotel, our driver, even the young woman who gave us a tour of the only synagogue in Chania.
I arrived two days before everyone else, met my friend Dimitra, and tried to calm my nerves over dinner at the restaurant I had chosen for our welcome evening. I walked along the Venetian harbor, visited the beach, and of course met Eleni — my new friend and collaborator in Chania. She owns Balos Travel and runs one of the most authentic Cretan cooking classes together with her mother. She helped me shape the itinerary and the entire experience I wanted to create for my guests. I feel so lucky to have met her.
Marina arrived the night before, and we had an amazing dinner together. The next day Claire arrived around noon, followed by Paula and Louanne in the afternoon. Our welcome dinner set the rhythm for the week — relaxed, friendly, and full of laughter. I was sure everything would be great.
Exploring Old Chania
Our first day began with a walking tour of Chania’s Old Town.
Ariadne, our local guide, was fantastic — she shared stories, legends, and insider tips on how to make the most of our stay.
Later that day, we met Manolis from Psiloritis Omilos Chanion, who introduced us to the rich world of Cretan music and dance. He explained how each region’s rhythms and steps tell a story about its people. We danced, we laughed, and we learned — the girls loved every minute of it.
The next day we visited Charma Brewery, a local craft beer factory with panoramic views of the valley. Our guide there was one of the best I’ve ever met — passionate, knowledgeable, and proud of what they create. We learned about their vision, their respect for the environment, and of course tasted their delicious beers with a light meze.
Taste of Crete — Eleni’s Cooking Class
After the brewery came one of my favorite experiences: Eleni’s Cretan Cooking Workshop. Returning to that farm felt like visiting family. Eleni and her mother are inspiring women — what they created ten years ago is truly ahead of its time.
We cooked while traditional Cretan music played in the background, learning about olive oil, wine, and the Cretan way of life. The garden was overflowing with herbs and vegetables, and the atmosphere felt like pure magic.
After four wonderful hours, it was dinner time. We sat down to enjoy everything we had prepared — eating, drinking, laughing, and sharing stories. At one point the girls asked which was the most dangerous animal on the island. Eleni smiled and said, “The Cretan man.” I couldn’t agree more!
We joked afterward that every waiter and guide we met in Crete must have been chosen after a casting call. It was one of the most joyful days of the trip.
From Mountains to Myths
Day Three took us to Imbros Gorge.
I had hiked Samaria years ago — beautiful but exhausting — so this time I chose Imbros, which was supposed to be shorter and easier. Let’s just say it had its own challenges! You definitely need good shoes and hiking poles (μπαστούνια).
It was tough but unforgettable. After the hike we reached the southern coast, relaxed on a beach with a Venetian castle, and ended the day with yet another amazing dinner. The food in Chania was truly out of this world.
Day Five was our cultural day — and the only time we left the Chania region. We visited Knossos Palace, the heart of the Minoan civilization, the first organized civilization in Europe (older even than the Parthenon). Then we explored the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, one of Greece’s finest. On the way back, we stopped in Rethymno for coffee by the sea. It was a long, beautiful day filled with history and inspiration.
When the Wind Changed Our Plans
Day Six was supposed to be our Balos and Gramvousa boat trip followed by dinner in Falasarna. I was so excited, but the weather had other plans. The winds were too strong to sail west, so we switched to Plan B — and it turned out perfect.
We spent the morning at Marathi Beach, a favorite local spot with calm waters, cozy tavernas, and plenty of sunbeds. After swimming and relaxing, we headed to Agia Triada Monastery, a peaceful place surrounded by olive groves. The monks there produce their own vegan wine from a single grape variety. Our tasting was guided by a man who knew so much about wine and travel that the visit felt like an inspiring conversation.
We even explored their old stone cellar — the kind of place that makes you joke, “I should have my wedding here!”
Since we couldn’t watch the famous Falasarna sunset, we followed my friend Maria’s advice and went to Koukouvagia Café, overlooking Chania. The sunset was breathtaking, and their desserts were simply to die for.
Discovering Apokoronas Villages
The Apokoronas villages were new to me, and I’ll admit I was a little nervous. But as soon as we met George in Vamos Village, I knew the day would be special. Another pioneer — when everyone was chasing the beaches, George was creating rural tours that connect visitors with local producers.
Our first stop was Natalia, who introduced us to carob (χαρούπι) — its uses, benefits, and its place in Cretan life. We tasted her products and talked about herbs and natural healing. She also runs a small mountain guesthouse, a place where your heart instantly calms.
Next was the Melissakis Olive Mill, where we learned about the harvest process and tasted the first olive oil of the season — liquid gold.
Then came Piperakis Winery, a small family estate producing the exceptional Vidiano wine. Mr. Piperakis and his wife welcomed us with cheese, laughter, and open arms. Their front yard was paradise; none of us wanted to leave.
We had lunch at Kolympos Taverna, a simple local place with great food and more of that wonderful wine. Our final visit was a local cheesemaker, where we learned how Cretan cheese is made and finished the day with yogurt and honey. A perfect sweet ending.
The Road to Heaven — Elafonisi Beach
Our final day took us to Elafonisi Beach, truly a slice of heaven.
The one-and-a-half-hour drive was breathtaking — through gorges, tiny mountain villages, and even a hand-carved one-way tunnel. When Cretans want something, they make it happen!
Along the way we met local vendors selling honey and homemade raki (the island’s beloved spirit). One man, especially funny and charming, offered us tastings of every flavored raki he made — and of course we bought some honey.
Raki deserves a story of its own. It’s the drink that accompanies life in Crete — served before, after, and often during meals, but most traditionally with dessert. Sharing raki is a gesture of friendship, a small glass of Cretan hospitality.
Elafonisi itself was beyond words — turquoise waters, pinkish sand, and a feeling of complete peace.
A Farewell to Remember
After the beach, we drove a few minutes to Kohylas Taverna for our farewell dinner.
The owners, Ino and her husband (the fisherman), greeted us with warmth and pride. The food was exceptional, the wine flowed easily, and her father — sweet and full of stories — joined our table.
It turned out he had served his military duty in my hometown fifty years ago! Listening to his memories felt like the perfect full circle to this journey. We laughed, we toasted, and we celebrated everything we had shared together.
The next morning we left the island, our hearts full. Chania 2025 had come to an end, but it left something deep inside me — gratitude, pride, and excitement for all that’s ahead.
Reflections — My First Greece Unplugged Journey
Looking back, I loved every single person I worked with on this trip. Each of them helped me offer a true Greek experience and gave me the confidence to keep creating more journeys like this.
But most of all, I want to thank my small but amazing group. Like I told them at the end, they might forget about me someday (I hope not!) — but I’ll never forget them. They will always be my first.
Marina, my first sign-up.
Claire, the easiest “yes,” who decided to come after our very first layover together.
Paula, the first who trusted me completely and even recommended me to someone else.
And Louanne, the first guest I didn’t know personally, yet who believed in me anyway.
Their trust means everything. Because of them, Greece Unplugged isn’t just an idea anymore — it’s a living, breathing journey full of laughter, friendship, and unforgettable memories.