The Olive Trail

While in Crete, don’t miss out on the unique chance to participate in the most authentic Cretan experience and discover the secrets of the famous Cretan olive oil.

The olive doesn’t fall away from the tree

Olive trees and olive oil are deeply connected to Greek history and ancient myths, but are also a part of our modern history, culture, and lifestyle. To understand the importance of olives in the Greek and Cretan cultures, it is necessary to start from their very roots. And by “roots”, we don’t mean it metaphorically… To unveil the secrets of the olives and the olive oil, one needs to start from the olive groves. And this is where our tasting and pairing journey begins.

-Explore local olive groves and traditional paths
The outdoor experience starts in the olive grove. From the moment our visitors step into the peaceful groves, with the sun above the sky, the birds singing, the breeze and the green-sliver color of the leaves, they will feel closer to nature and to the authentic Cretan lifestyle.
Our visitors will have the opportunity for a guided tour under the shade of the olive trees where information will be provided about harvesting, environmentally friendly agriculture, nurturing of the trees, and sustainability. Sustainability, sustainable agriculture, and future generations will be core topics of our discussion. This discussion of course will be accompanied by drinking local raki, along with some of the olives produced by those same trees. Under the trees, our team will answer all questions.

– Visit an award-winning olive mill
Very close to the grove is the award-winning olive mill. Ιn the olive mill, we will see how the olive fruit turns into oil, and learn all about the stages it undergoes: washing, breaking-crushing, malaxation, centrifugation, and bottling. After exploring the olive mill, we will take a small traditional 1,5km-trail, that will lead us to the award-winning olive mill. Along the way, we will have the chance to see centuries-old olive trees, some of them aged 500 to 800 years old. Don’t miss the chance to observe and touch their impressive roots and trunks and get unique pictures of them!

-Olive oil tasting & Cooking masterclass
In the last part of the Olive Trail, our visitors will taste various Extra Virgin Greek olive oils, but also will experience the true essence of Greek hospitality! We will all gather in a local tavern, to taste different types of olive oils based on a wide range of olive varieties. Our visitors will learn how to pair olive oil with food, highlight its aroma, taste, and depth and will also participate in a cooking masterclass and familiarize themselves with different ways olive oil is used in Cretan cuisine. Furthermore, tips on how to cook, bake and fry with it will be provided. The best part comes after the cooking masterclass; our visitors, along with our team, will seat together, enjoy the food, that we will have prepared during this process, and discuss Cretan culture, lifestyle, myths, and of course, olive oil!

The Olive Trail Experience

During the Olive Trail outdoor experience, you will:
learn all about the olive oil and sustainable agriculture,
explore the local groves,
taste Cretan olive oils,
participate in the cooking masterclass and
enjoy traditional dishes with a touch of extra virgin olive oil.

Private Experience

The Olive Trail is ideal for families that wish to explore the Cretan land. Spend quality time with your family in nature. The short hike, the interesting stories and myths, and of course our cooking class and products tasting will keep the kids engaged and entertained. There is nothing more bonding and fun than an experience in nature. Book the Olive Trail and create new experiences with your family! If you are interested in a personalized and privée experience like a private tour or workshop at the comfort of your hotel, don’t hesitate to contact us! Our team will be excited to share its knowledge with you even from your hotel room.

Information

Group capacity: 10-15 persons
Duration:4-5 hours
Book your seat here:
Meeting point: We meet at the car parking in Kritsa at 9.45 am.
Pick-up point: We will pick you up from your hotel.
If you come in your own vehicle, then meet us at our meeting point. See the map below.
Contact us: +306955144533 (also available on whatsapp)

General Information

No special skills are required.
Bring a hat and a jacket.
Wear comfortable walking shoes.
Bring a bottle of water.
Inform us in advance about any food allergies.
Family-friendly experience
Guided tour in English