“Kalos orisate” or “Welcome” in Greek to Kleanthi Olive Farm Experience!
Immerse yourself in the rich history and tradition of olive cultivation by booking our exclusive Olive Farm Tour and Tasting package. At Kleanthi, we open our doors to enthusiasts who wish to delve into the journey of olives, from grove to bottle.
What’s Included:
Guided Tour of the Olive Grove:
Venture into the heart of our family-run olive grove nestled in the breathtaking landscapes of Crete. Our knowledgeable local guide will walk you through the ancient olive trees, sharing insights into the cultivation process, the significance of each tree, and the sustainable practices we uphold.
Olive Mill Exploration:
Step behind the scenes of our state-of-the-art olive mill. Learn everything about the careful extraction process that transforms handpicked olives into our exquisite, award-winning olive oil. Our experts will demystify the milling techniques, showcasing the precision involved in creating the liquid gold that is Kleanthi Olive Oil.
Culinary Journey:
Indulge your senses in a curated tasting session. Learn to discern the nuanced flavors and aromas of our various olive oil blends. Accompanied by artisanal bread, cheeses, and many other local delicacies, this tasting experience will elevate your appreciation for the diverse notes our olive oil encapsulates.
Unearth the secrets of Kleanthi Olive Farm as you savor the essence of our heritage through this exclusive tour and tasting. Book your spot now to embark on a sensory journey through the world of olives and the unparalleled craftsmanship of Kleanthi Olive Oil.
Join a tour with all of Crete’s most iconic products. All the areas that you will visit are famous for their vineyards, the olive groves, and their wine production since the Minoan era. Even today they are considered the largest areas in Greece for cultivating grapes and high-quality olive oil.
Stop at a local olive mill and take a tour of the olive grove and after the olive mill where you can taste fresh olive oil. The second stop is a family-owned winery that uses organic methods for cultivating. You will get a tour around the vineyards and the winery and taste 5 wines.
The next stop is a unique distillery with an ancient wine press. Raki is the most famous Cretan spirit. Take a tour of the distillery and then enjoy a traditional lunch at a local tavern. Before finishing off the tour with a visit to a pottery studio located in a traditional village that is famous for its pottery.
*The pottery lab is not available on Sundays
In this tour you will have the opportunity to try the best quality of Cretan pure virgin olive oil, as we start by visiting an Olive Oil Mill. You will learn about the olive oil production now and in the past and enjoy a tour in the facilities. You will understand first-hand, that what makes Cretan olive oil stand out is not only its high quality and distinctive flavor but also the process of preserving its nutritional values on the production stage. Next stop is to a local winery, where you will try 3 different varieties of wine. It appears that passion can be bottled, and this must be the ingredient that makes Cretan wine taste so unique along with the fact that the wine history on the island stretches back at least 3500 years! Furthermore, in a Cretan “kazani” that we will visit next you will learn about the traditional way of producing Cretan raki and through this process you will understand where past and future overlap. If you are curious to understand the traditions and ways of raki distillation, this is an experiential path. This tour would not be complete, without a stop in a Cretan Restaurant. If you haven’ t tasted a Greek meal before, be prepared to be surprised. As the whole experience will cultivate your imagination, openness and awaken your senses, it will lead to a deep understanding of the Cretan values and customs. It is a travel in time that will make you eager to connect and explore more.
Settlements in Knossos date as far back as the Neolithic period. Neolithic remains from around 7000 BC are found throughout Crete. Explore the ruins of the ancient Minoan civilization and enjoy a skip-the-line tour of the Knossos Palace.
The Knossos Palace was built from 1700 to 1400 BC. Advanced architectural techniques were used in its construction, and sections of the palace stood up to 5 stories high.
It featured 1,300 rooms connected by corridors, and a theater and extensive storerooms, which held large clay containers of oil, grains, dried fish, beans and olives – often with gold hidden beneath.
The Karteros Bay, situated at the exit of the synonymous Karteros Gorge, lies 7km east of Heraklion and stretches 3.5km to the east. It pays homage to the Byzantine General, Krateros, who in 824AC attempted to liberate Crete from the Saracens by landing his ships on the bay’s beach, but unfortunately, he was defeated. The bay encompasses two villages, Karteros and Amnissos, which have now merged due to the area’s rapid evolution. The area’s development can be attributed to its proximity to Heraklion and the presence of an exquisite beachfront featuring fine golden sand.
You’ll find numerous hotels, eateries, and beach bars in close proximity to the bay. Karteros Bay is exposed to the northern winds, and as a result, the water tends to be wavy. The water is shallow with almost no rocks, except for a few areas. The least crowded part of the beach is situated next to the “Nikos Kazantzakis” airport, 7km west of Heraklion, known as Florida. This part got its name from an old tavern that no longer exists and is the most serene of all the beaches. Compared to the easternmost beaches, Florida has fewer umbrellas and facilities. The river from the Karteros Gorge empties into Florida, creating a small wetland on the beach, which dries up during the summer. It’s certainly worth a visit, especially in the spring.
While in Florida, you should stop by the old Church of St. John and St. Nikon Metanoite, constructed within a large cave. Moreover, don’t be startled if you spot horses on the beach as it’s home to the Heraklion Riding Club.
Situated 15km east of Heraklion lies the well-liked tourist resort of Vathianos Kambos. It derives its name from the nearby village of Vathia, found just a few kilometers to the south. The region is known for the Vathianos River that drains into the area and dries up during the summer. It is characterized by several contiguous bays with golden sands and shallow waters. Due to its north-facing beach front, the area experiences regular wave activity in the months of July and August, leading to the construction of numerous small piers that help to break the waves, retain the sand, and safeguard swimmers.
The most developed beach of Heraklion is found in the westernmost part of Vathianos Kambos, within the Estavromenos settlement. It is widely recognized as Arina, named after a local hotel. This extensive sandy beach attracts thousands of locals who flock there daily for a swim. The beach is teeming with umbrellas, bustling beach bars, and offers a plethora of beach sports options.
Moving east of Arina, you’ll come across the small bay of Agii Theodori. Here, you can still find the carved Minoan shipyard visible in the sea. Further on, you’ll encounter the successive coves of Vathianos Kambos, hidden from the main road due to the hotels interspersed between them. These bays are somewhat protected due to the presence of small piers. Only a handful of locals are privy to these secluded beaches, which extend all the way to Kokkini Hani.
Situated 15km west of Heraklion and to the west of Vathianos Kambos, Kokkini Hani is a thriving resort, nestled amidst numerous crops grown in the region’s fertile plain. Its name, meaning “Kokkinis’s Inn,” harks back to the early 1900s when an inn run by a man named Kokkinis provided a resting place for weary travellers en route to Heraklion.
The resort boasts numerous beaches, safeguarded by artificial mini piers. Characterized by sandy shores and shallow turquoise waters, these beaches, though located in front of hotels, are open for public access. The resort is replete with shops and restaurants, and the beaches are well-equipped with umbrellas, lifeguards, and water sports facilities, providing all the necessary tourist infrastructure. In comparison to Malia and Hersonissos, Kokkini Hani’s nightlife is rather subdued.
Close to Vathianos Kambos, on Kokkini’s eastern side and near the coast, lies the small archaeological site of Niros Villa. This mansion from the Late Minoan Times served as the dwelling of a high-ranking Minoan priest, presumably overseeing the local Minoan harbour. Open to the public, this site offers visitors a glimpse of the architecture of a Minoan religious structure from 4000 years ago. Excavations at the villa have unearthed several large bronze axes – the emblem of the Minoans, along with jars, offering tables bearing raw clay, and a host of other smaller artefacts.
Located 16km east of Heraklion, between Kokkini Hani and Kato Gouves, lies the tourist resort of Gournes. The area of Gournes, originally a separate village, is now part of a 23 kilometer stretch of unified beachfront that begins in Vathianos Kambos and ends in Malia. The fertile plains of Gournes are abundant with vegetable crops and olive groves.
The name ‘Gournes’ is derived from the Latin word ‘urna’ which means water troughs for livestock. However, there is another theory suggesting that the name comes from the Minoan larnakes (urns) that were found in the area.
The beaches of Gournes, like most on Crete’s north coast, are exposed to north winds. The beachfront is dotted with small artificial piers constructed to absorb wave impact and to preserve the sand. This has resulted in the formation of several sandy coves between these piers. The area’s long beach, located on the west part of Gournes, is well organized with lifeguards and umbrellas.
As you head east, the coast becomes rockier and you’ll come across a small torrent. A kilometer further east, you’ll find the former American Airbase of Gournes, which was abandoned in the early 1990s. Despite the derelict buildings, the area is home to the International Exhibition Center of Crete, the Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), the City Hall, and the Aquarium. There is also a small port and the longest beach of Gournes, a beautiful sandy stretch that extends to the beaches of Gouves. Particularly noteworthy is the well-organized municipal beach of Gouves, located west of the Old Base boundary.
During your visit to Gournes, don’t miss the chance to see the old church of the Annunciation in the old village and the picturesque church of Agios Ioannis Pezetis with its ancient frescoes. An excavated Minoan settlement and cemetery nearby have revealed many vases, figurines and seals. One of the most popular attractions in Gournes is the Cretaquarium. Once the largest aquarium in southern Europe, it continues to attract thousands of visitors daily and is located within the former U.S. base.
Perched atop the rocky hill of Prophet Elijah (Profitis Ilias) near Smari, at an elevation of 590 meters, lie the remnants of a fortress surrounded by a robust defensive wall. This location offers sweeping views over the fertile plains of Kasteli and Smari. Archaeologist Hadji-Vallianou believes this fortress to be the site of ancient Lyttos mentioned by Homer. The city was continuously inhabited from 1800 BC to 630 BC before being deserted by its residents.
Inside the city walls, three oblong structures can be found, and a sanctuary of Athena Ergani was identified on the northern side, confirmed by ceramic plates depicting the goddess Athena. These plates are considered the oldest representations of Athena in Crete. A settlement was constructed around the peak, enclosed within a secondary wall. A stone-paved street connects the village to the citadel. Large buildings, likely used as warehouses and workshops, were located outside the second wall.
The terraces outside the citadel are also fascinating, as they demonstrate how the city’s inhabitants managed to preserve the minimal soil in the area and cultivate wheat. Furthermore, the city’s development in such a rugged and rocky location would not have been possible without the presence of the water spring now found inside the Prophet Elijah church, situated just a few meters below the peak.
The archaeological site of Fourni can be found on a hill with the same name, situated 17km south of Heraklion and southwest of Kato Archanes. To visit the site (which is not always open, but you can contact the guard), you can either walk along the Minoan path that starts from Kato Arhanes and crosses the stunning artificial grove of Fourni, or climb the stairs from the Apano Archanes ring road.
At Fourni, archaeologists have identified a preminoan cemetery (2800BC-2200BC) which is, in fact, the largest prehistoric cemetery in the Aegean Sea. Additionally, more graves have been discovered, dating back to the period between 2200BC and 1200BC. You can also see the quarry from which the materials for the cemetery’s construction were extracted.
Archaeologist Ioannis Sakellarakis began excavations in 1964, and so far, 26 buildings have been uncovered, with most of them being graves. The objects found in these graves suggest that ancient Archanes had strong connections with the Aegean, Egypt, and the East.
Due to its significant findings, Fourni is considered the most important Minoan cemetery on Crete. The most notable discovery was the unlooted sarcophagus of the “Queen,” containing jewelry (over 140 pieces) of immense value and other items believed to accompany her to the next world. Remains of an ox and a horse sacrifice were also found. Many of these findings are exhibited in the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion and the Archaeological Museum of Archanes.
At the location known as Anemospilia, situated on the northern slopes of Mount Jiouchtas, archaeologists Giannis and Efi Sakellarakis discovered a small Minoan-era sanctuary in 1979 that took the global archaeological community by surprise. This modest sanctuary provided the first evidence of human sacrifices in Minoan Crete.
The two-story structure was constructed in the 17th century BC and was later destroyed by an earthquake a few decades afterward. To date, four sites have been uncovered, but there could potentially be more.
In the temple’s first room, numerous utensils were discovered, including around 150 pots of various shapes. The main room was filled with the largest temple utensils, pots, and jars. The east room, where bloodless rituals occurred, contained many objects and a stepped altar on which all worship utensils were placed. The bloody sacrifices took place in the temple’s west room, which had fewer findings.
The most significant discovery of the excavation was the presence of four human skeletons. Scientific investigations revealed that three of them (including one woman) were killed by the collapsing roof and a simultaneous fire. They were likely two priests and a priestess. The fourth deceased individual was the most intriguing discovery, as he was found lying on a trapezoidal table with a short sword or spear in his body. According to anthropologists and forensic experts, this man was a victim of human sacrifice, and the scene was preserved for posterity due to the earthquake.
Jiouchtas, in ancient times, was considered a sacred mountain, primarily because it resembles a human face that looks to the sky from the northwest. Even today, the mountain’s anthropomorphic shape sparks interest. According to legend, this is the face of the Greek god Zeus, and the mountain is his tomb. Indeed, the name Jiouchtas is a corruption of the Latin word for Zeus, Jupiter.
The mountain was very important for the Minoans, as it was the first mountain they saw while their ships approached the shores of Crete. Here, they built at least two Minoan sanctuaries, one at the highest point of the mountain (Psili Korfi) and the second at the position Anemospilia.
The sanctuary of the Giouchtas peak is the most important and largest peak sanctuary in Crete and was directly dependent on Knossos, with covered and open spaces for accommodation, storage, and rituals.
The Psili Korifi peak hosted an 8mx5m worship building with a precinct surrounded by a cyclopean wall, in the sanctuary of which archaeologists have revealed many idols of men, women, animals, body parts, offering tables, inscriptions on Linear A script, bronze and silver pendants, bronze axes, and golden items. The natural trench of the sanctuary on the mountain’s rock, where many of the archaeological findings were found, was used for placing the devotees of the worshippers.
The Rodia nunnery, also known as the Holy Monastery of the Virgin Mary, was established in 1990 by Bishop Nektarios Papadakis. The land for the monastery was generously donated by Agapi Sbokou to the Archdiocese of Crete for the purpose of founding the monastery.
In the center of the monastery’s courtyard, visitors can find the temple of the Virgin Mary, along with the cells, guest houses, and other facilities. The small, aisle church is constructed in the Aegean style and holds a celebration on November 21.
Located on a pine-covered hill by the sea at an elevation of 30m, the Pantanassa Monastery (Panagia Pantanassa) is situated approximately 14km west of Heraklion. This relatively new female monastery is dedicated to the Nativity of Mary, with celebrations held on September 8.
Initially, Pantanassa was established to perform charitable work, similar to the Kalyviani Monastery near Mires. Unfortunately, its founder, Bishop Nikolaos Xenos, passed away before he could realize his ambitious dreams of creating an orphanage, nursing home, kindergarten, nursery, and more.
Located in Ellinoperamata, Malevizi district, on the road to Rodia village, the Monastery of Agia Fotini the Samaritan was established in June 1991 by Archbishop Timotheos of Crete. Within the monastery, you can find the church of Agia Fotini, the chapel of St. Fanourios, the nuns’ cells, and the tomb of Timotheos, the monastery’s founder.
Martyr Fotini, who originated from the city of Sihar in Samaria, is mentioned in the life of evangelist John (D’1 – 38). Agia Fotini dedicated her life to spreading the Gospel throughout Africa and Rome during Emperor Nero’s reign (54-68 AD). She was ultimately martyred alongside her sons and five sisters.
The church observes celebrations on February 26th and the Sunday of the Samaritan woman.
Located along the road to the University Hospital of Heraklion, the Holy Monastery of St. Theodore was established by Timothy Tzannis circa 1980.
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The Astrakiano and Kounaviano canyons are two verdant gorges that converge near Skalani village and empty out onto Karteros beach. The combined length of these canyons is roughly 21 km. Situated to the east of Heraklion city, these gorges are part of the broader Mount Jiouktas area. They offer easy walking trails, making them perfect for families and children.
The longer of the two, Astrakiano, begins at the Paliarda location in Kolomodi and extends to the area beneath the deserted Kato Astraki village, after crossing the picturesque Astrakiani Kamara bridge. From Kato Astraki, a brief trail leads to the Neraidospilios site, known for its stunning pond and gushing water caves.
The path along the Karteros river commences from this point, offering a lush green trail equipped with wooden bridges and railings. After crossing the Aitania bridge at Kaki Rachi, we reach Kali Rachi where the Astrakiano and Kounaviano Gorges, originating from Peza, merge. From Kali Rachi, the river continues to Karteros along a well-structured path. This section, known as Karteros Gorge, passes by ancient water mills and the historic Saint Nicholas Church (Agios Nikolaos). Near the Karteros gorge exit, at the Mesa Karteros spot, you’ll find an old inn and a second chapel dedicated to Saint Nicholas. This location, accessible by car from Karteros, is an ideal picnic spot.
The Astrakiano canyon (Astraki – Kali Rachi) measures about 7km, with a hiking duration of 3-4 hours. The Kounaviano Gorge (Peza- Kali Rachi) is roughly 4km long, requiring about 2 hours for trekking. The shared section of the Karteros gorge (up to the second Saint Nicholas chapel (Kali Rachi – Mesa Karteros)) is approximately 6km.
The canyons’ route is abundant in natural, morphological, aesthetic, historical, and cultural aspects. The landscape boasts exceptional natural beauty, featuring springs, ponds, rivers, mini waterfalls, and lush vegetation. Prior to World War II, the canyon housed 10 watermills, and locals would fish for eels and crabs, some of which still exist today.
The Kounaviano gorge, known for its lush vegetation, is the greenest canyon in the entire Heraklion prefecture, serving as a verdant oasis in the heart of Pediada province. The gorge is named after the village of Kounavi in its district, even though it actually begins from the village of Peza, hence it could be referred to as Pezzano Gorge. This gorge is a tributary of the Karteros river and runs parallel to the Astrakiano gorge. The Astrakiano and Kounaviano gorges converge at the Kaki Rachi area near Skalani, forming the Karteros Gorge. Kounaviano’s entrance is situated at the northernmost point of the fertile Peza plain, collecting all the area’s water. It has numerous springs along its bed, some of which retain water throughout the year.
In recent years, the gorge’s trail has been marked and cleared, with the addition of small bridges, wooden railings, and informational signs. Walking along this trail is a delightful and easy experience, shaded by perennial plane, oak, and other trees. The riverbed walk is simple, without significant altitude changes or difficulties. At the gorge’s starting point, two small waterfalls can be seen. Old watermills, once used to grind the area’s cereals, can be found at three different points along the trail. This region has always been one of Crete’s most productive. Additionally, limestone kilns and various fruit tree gardens can be spotted. A walk from the gorge’s entrance at Peza to its exit at Kaki Rachi near Skalani takes approximately 2 hours.
The Agia Anastasia Gorge commences from Kenourgio Horio in the Pediada Province (at an elevation of 160m) and concludes at the coastal village of Gournes. It’s named after the cavernous chapel of Saint Anastasia situated near its entry point. The stream that flows within it collects water from the region east of Sgourokefali and originates near Agia Triada.
Its plant life mainly consists of oleanders and the gorge narrows at various points along its path. A descent through the gorge typically takes around three hours. Regrettably, the gorge has been heavily polluted by trash and waste from nearby sheepfolds. Despite ongoing appeals from hiking clubs to the Hersonissos municipality, the situation remains dire.
The Spiliotissa gorge, situated approximately 24km to the south of Heraklion, is a verdant chasm that originates from the Houdetsi village, passes through Agios Vasilios, and terminates in the Peza valley, where its waters feed into the Kounaviano gorge. The most picturesque section of the gorge is the 1.5km stretch between Houdetsi and Agios Vasilios. Starting from Houdetsi, where parking is available in the village, a well-kept trail leads down to Agios Vasilios, meandering through dense foliage and groves of orange and olive trees, irrigated by the stream.
At the beginning of the path, two Byzantine churches, Saint John the Baptist and Saint Nicholas, are encountered, along with two former grain mills. After approximately 500m, the historic Sinai Monastery of Panagia Spiliotissa can be found, which lends its name to the gorge. A quick exploration of the small monastery with its cave-like church is followed by a continued journey into the verdant heart of the canyon, towards Agios Vasilios. A beautiful fountain and the Byzantine church of Saint John are located just outside the monastery.
Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, pool view and a balcony, Villa Luna is located in Skalánion. This property offers access to a terrace, ping-pong, free private parking and free WiFi.
Featuring a PS4, the villa has a kitchen with a dishwasher, an oven and a microwave, a living room with a seating area and a dining area, 5 bedrooms, and 4 bathrooms with a bath and a shower. Towels and bed linen are provided in the villa.
Spa and wellness facilities including a hot tub and a fitness room are at guests’ disposal during their stay at the villa. A an indoor play area is also available at Villa Luna, while guests can also relax in the garden.
The Palace of Knossos is 4.3 km from the accommodation, while Venetian Walls is 10 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 8 km from Villa Luna.
from
€49
/night
Offering a garden, Scalarea Estate Residences offers accommodation in Skalánion. Heraklio Town is 9 km from the property.
The accommodation features a satellite flat-screen TV. Some units are air conditioned and include a seating and/or dining area. There is a private bathroom with a shower in every unit. Towels and bed linen are featured.
Scalani Hills Boutari Winery & Resi also includes a terrace. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant.
Hersonissos is 19 km from Scalarea Estate Residences, while Bali is 40 km away. The nearest airport is Nikos Kazantzakis Airport, 7 km from the property.
Situated in Skalánion, 4.8 km from The Palace of Knossos and 11 km from Venetian Walls, Studio Flower offers a garden and air conditioning. This property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.
The apartment has 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with garden views.
Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 11 km from the apartment, while Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos is 15 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 8 km from Studio Flower.
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€44
/night
Located in Skalánion, Crete’s Hidden Treasure: Family Villa with Pool and Majestic Views provides accommodation with a private pool, a balcony and garden views. This property offers access to a terrace, free private parking and free WiFi.
The villa is equipped with 6 bedrooms, a flat-screen TV with cable channels and a fully equipped kitchen that provides guests with a dishwasher, an oven, a washing machine, a microwave and a fridge. Towels and bed linen are provided in the villa.
Guests can relax in the garden at the property.
The Palace of Knossos is 4.9 km from the villa, while Venetian Walls is 11 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 6 km from Crete’s Hidden Treasure: Family Villa with Pool and Majestic Views.
from
€655
/night
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