The artificial lake of Agia (Ayia) is located near the village of Agia, at west of Chania. This valley is considered as the most humid of Crete. Agia lake receives water from underground springs originating from Lefka Ori and the river Xekolomenos. The lake was a swamp before the Power Public Corp turned it to artificial, for producing hydroelectric power. Today, the power station is abandoned, but visitors still can see the old mechanisms and a relevant museum. This small lake hosts the largest variety of aquatic plants in Crete, but also hosts very important species of fauna, such as rare species of ferns and frogs. Moreover, the lake is a shelter for many migratory and non-migratory birds. The ecological significance of Ayia is reflected in the fact that it is protected by international laws.

The company “Koukakis S.A” made its first steps as a family business and is active in producing olive-oil since 1979. It was first established in Chania in Crete, but organized work and guaranteed quality, both in providing high quality services and olive-oil resulted in the establishment of the company’s name all over Greece, known for its guaranteed quality, service and reliability. In this way the company’s requirements grew rapidly. It was in 1985 that the company “ KOUKAKIS S.A” replaced the production machinery with ones of greater capacity. In addition, as an extension of the activities the company “ KOUKAKIS S.A” in the year 2012 constructed a special space for the standardization of olive-oil in all types of packing. Simultaneously, the company, which is so far, a family business has all the necessary standards both for the production and the standardization of olive-oil, as: iso 22000:2005, certificate from AGROSERT for the olive-oil production “Protected Geographical Indication” as well as a special permission from the Organization Δ.Η.Ω so as to produce organic olive-oil. Location The company “Koukakis S.A” is located on a key position, where some of the best areas of Chania intersect, which are famous for the excellent quality of olive-oil they produce, and designated as “Protected Geographical Indication”. These areas consist in their majority of a special variety of olive trees, the so called “koroneiki”. This variety, in combination with the exceptional climatic conditions, the proper cultivation and harvesting in the right, traditional way, results in the production of the best olive oil quality that could be offered.

The 20-hectare Botanical Park and Gardens of Crete grew from disaster: a devastating fire in 2004 laid waste to the olive and orange groves around Skordalou village, so the local Marinakis family built the park to showcase the Mediterranean flora and fauna, and encourage hiking. There’s a citrus garden, a tropical garden, vineyards, and an area dedicated to aromatic herbs. Butterflies and birds abound. The White Mountains form a spectacular backdrop to the three-hour walk round the park and your reward is an outstanding restaurant, specialising in local produce. The last time I ate there my aperitif was a plate of sliced citrus fruits, 17 in total, some sweet, some sour and some unknown.