After picking up our hire car from Chaniá, we decided to head for Omalos to see if we could reach the snow capped mountains.
We were on the look out for a taverna stop on the way, and was intrigued by the swan signage for Cafe ?????? on the lake. We were delighted to find this lovely taverna right on the edge of the water, with a choice of tables set in a shaded garden terrace. The scent from the wisteria wafting on the breeze and the sound of water tinkling as it runs along channels in the patio, all added to this picturesque setting.
The menu is available in English and initially I was a little disappointed with the small choice of Greek cuisine which was limited to different sizes of mezze or a sharing platter. Our waitress gave us a welcome jelly, which was refreshing and served with glass of water. We decided to order the platter and it was definitely more than enough for 2 people.
Lake Agia was created in 1923 to create electricity and is one of two fresh water lakes in Crete. It’s very peaceful, not touristy like Lake Kournas, and has since become the best wetland site for birding in Crete. The stone ruin on the right as you turn off the main road was the prison, and the area was previously known as Prison Valley, where the German paratroopers landed to attack Chaniá in WWII.
Our food arrived, and it was a feast of typical meat sausages and pastries. Our favourite was a torpedo spicy shaped meatball, which was explained is usually served with a tomato sauce and pasta.
We were treated to some lovely fresh fruit of apple, banana and kiwi which was sprinkled with nuts and drizzled in honey. Followed by a shot of Raiki.
What a fabulous lunch, our instinct had led us to a delightful place, it was a shame we didn’t have more time to explore the footpaths for some bird watching and fresh water turtle spotting.
