Learn about traditional Cretan olive oil and wine on this tasting tour through the island of Crete.
Begin your tour at the Kanakis olive oil mill, and learn all about the process of making olive oil. Hear experts describe the steps of production and afterward, enjoy a taste of their exquisite virgin olive oil.
Continue on to one of the best wineries of the region, Dourakis Winery. There, enjoy a half-hour guided tour to learn about the history, tradition, and production of Cretan wine. After the tour, move to the wine tasting room, where you can taste up to five types of Cretan wine.
Finally, end the tour with a visit to either the village of Nipos or Vryses (depending on the weather and the day). Both villages offer up beautiful natural views alongside a traditional delicious lunch.
This will be an unforgettable tasting day for you and your friends exploring the mainland of Chania and discovering the non-touristic locations of Apokoronas province. In a few hours, you’ll have the chance to meet the local producers and taste the pure and authentic delicacies of Crete.
Commencing at a local olive mill, the tour affords you the opportunity to witness the intricacies of olive oil production and gain insights into the craftsmanship of the highest quality olive oil, namely extra virgin. The entire olive oil production process, from harvesting to the palate, promising exquisite tastes and flavors.
Subsequent to the olive mill exploration, the tour extends to the realm of “Tsikoudia” or “Raki” production, the renowned Cretan spirit, through a visit to a local distillery in a traditional village. Both the tour of the time-honored conventional distillery and the contemporary professional one will provide an understanding of the production of this esteemed beverage, culminating in a tasting session.
Through a fantastic route passing by villages of the province, you will arrive in the White mountains’ foothills. In the village of Embrosneros, you will first stop to a bakery to taste the local bread, cookies & biscuits and then to a traditional cheese factory. The secrets of “Graviera”, “Anthotiros” and “Mizithra” cheese will be revealed in front of your eyes. After explaining each cheese’s production, you will taste them combined with local honey and rusk (dry bread).
The last stop will be in a local coffee shop (“Kafeneio”), where the Cretans are also enjoying meals. Incredible flavours and traditional recipes are waiting for you in the charming square of the village of Fres. The customary lunch will immerse you in various facets of Cretan cuisine and gastronomy. It is often said that taste is our most refined sense. Following this tour, your palate will be enriched with new flavors, enhancing your tasting memory.
Explore the famous Samaria Gorge on a trip along the northern coastline of Crete and through the White Mountains up to the Omalos Plateau. Samaria Gorge became a National Park in 1962 and today, it is the last natural refuge for the Cretan goat species known as Kri-Kri.
Depart early in the morning and board a coach which will pick you up from your hotel. After a comfortable drive, arrive at the plateau of Omalos for a small break before heading to the entrance of the gorge. The start of the hiking trail through the gorge is at a height of 1200m. On the route, pass by rich vegetation and through the tall rock walls known as the “Iron Gates”. Fill up your water bottle at one of the springs in the gorge.
At the end of the 17km walk, reach the Libyan Sea. There, at the beach of Ayia Roumeli, enjoy a refreshing swim or sit at one of the taverns until a ferry takes the group to Chora Sfakion where the bus will be waiting for you to return you back to your hotel.
This tour is for those who would like to get to know Cretan culture and traditions while enjoying a four-hour off-road excursion. You will visit a modern olive mill, so that you can see how olive oil is produced, and you can also enjoy the opportunity to sample some of the oils.
After this, you will explore some myths and stories hidden
After that you will climb 600 metres above sea-level on an off-road route. You will travel through the Lefka Ori woods and you will be stunned by the panoramic views from the trail. Later, you will meet a shepherd who will show you how Cretan cheeses are made and you can try some of the cheeses he makes himself.
Finally, the evening will come to a close with a traditional evening meal. There will be lots of food and traditional dishes for everyone to enjoy, and the evening will leave you with fond memories of your day spent exploring Crete.
Located 38km east of Chania and 21km west of Rethymnon, Kalivaki is the furthest beach to the west in the bay of Georgioupolis. Nestled near the exit of the Almyros and Boutakas rivers, which maintain a steady flow of water year-round, Kalivaki is a gorgeous sandy beach. The water here is particularly cool, owing to the influence of the rivers and freshwater springs. Kalivaki is a well-appointed beach, complete with umbrellas, water sports facilities, and nearby restaurants. Its protective positioning relative to the other Georgioupolis beaches makes it an excellent choice for children, especially on windy days.
Georgioupolis, a small coastal town located 38km east of Chania and 21km west of Rethymnon, is a seaside resort nestled in a verdant valley crisscrossed by rivers and springs. Situated on the western edge of a sprawling 10km beach, the town’s beach spans 2km to the east, beginning at the Almiros river and terminating at Kavros beach, a natural continuation of the former. The beach in Georgioupolis is sandy, dotted with dunes, and has shallow waters.
The beach is well-maintained and child-friendly, with lifeguards on duty. Caution is advised during windy conditions due to sea currents. Amenities such as umbrellas, showers, and food and drink stalls are available for beachgoers. Approximately 700m east of the port, the Perastikos river bifurcates the beach, which then widens as it continues eastward. On the opposite end, west of Georgioupolis’s port and near the Almyros river’s exit, lies the picturesque Kalivaki beach.
Situated approximately 20km east of the city of Chania, Kera beach can be found on the southern coastline of Souda Bay, near the scenic villages of Kalives and Plaka. This beach, adorned with soft sand and the occasional pebble, is nestled amidst a breathtaking landscape of towering cliffs. The sea at Kera is shallow and boasts crystal clear waters. Although it lacks organization, the surrounding area offers numerous choices for lodging and dining. Those preferring less crowded spots will find Kera an ideal choice. The beach offers a striking view of Karga island and features a unique elongated rock in the sea towards its west end. This rock, named Karavos (meaning ship) by the locals, resembles a boat.
Close to the beach is the 19th-century church of Panagia Kera (or Dame Virgin Mary), erected on the location of a former monastery. According to local legend, when pirates once tried to invade the area, the inhabitants sought divine intervention from the church of Panagia Kera. In response to their prayers, the Virgin Mary turned both the pirates and their boat to stone.
Almyrida beach is a tranquil resort offering basic facilities along with a magnificent seafront. Almyrida is situated 23km east of Chania city and nestled on the southern edge of Souda Bay near Cape Drapanos. The surrounding pristine countryside and verdant olive groves provide perfect opportunities for hiking and exploration.
A short distance of just 1km to the east lies the scenic village of Plaka, the largest in the area, renowned for its welcoming atmosphere and healthy climate. The coast stretching to Drapanos Cape is dotted with numerous sea caves, presenting a breathtaking natural spectacle. Plaka is also celebrated for its charming, narrow lanes and well-preserved, traditional houses.
Each July, the village hosts the Plakiana festival, a tribute to the renowned lyre musician Michael Papadakis, or Plakianos, showcasing the area’s rich cultural heritage. Among the unforgettable experiences here is the mesmerizing sunset, a truly memorable sight.
Declared a region of infinite beauty in 1977, Almyrida boasts two beautiful sandy beaches with shallow waters. On calm days, they’re safe for children to play in. These two beaches are separated by a small rocky peninsula featuring a quaint white chapel. Ideal for water sports and windsurfing, the area is also renowned for its seaside taverns serving fresh fish and delicious traditional Cretan cuisine. Regular bus and taxi services connect Almyrida and Plaka to Chania city.
Directly across from the beach is the small island of Karga, a haven for birdlife and a popular spot for excursions and fishing. The island still bears traces of ancient Phoenician walls and shelters constructed by the Germans during World War II.
Almyrida is thought to have been a Phoenician colony, hence the nearby location Finikia. Here, you can find ancient ruins and tombs. At the entrance to the village lie the remnants of a 6th-century triple-aisle Christian basilica with well-preserved mosaics. Almirida also played a role in Crete’s history as the site of the last battle against the Turks in 1896.
For those interested in sightseeing, just four kilometres east of Almirida is Kokkino Chorio or Red Village. A small village with intriguing fortifications built by the Germans during their occupation (1941-1945) to safeguard the military port of Souda. This was also a filming location for the famous movie “Zorba the Greek”. Today, it hosts a small factory producing handmade glass using traditional blowing techniques.
Aptera is a highly significant archaeological site in West Crete. Established in the 8th century BC, the ancient city of Aptera was strategically located to control Souda Bay and prospered during the Hellenistic period. However, it was abandoned during the Arab years due to pirate attacks. The city relied on the ports of Marathi and Kalives, which made Aptera one of Crete’s most important commercial centers, if not the most important one.
Tradition has it that the city was named after the Sirens who lost their wings in a musical contest against the muses, rendering them wingless (aptera in Greek). However, it seems that the name actually comes from Aptera Artemis (wingless Artemis), who was worshipped in the area, as evidenced by the city’s coins.
Aptera was fortified with a strong wall, of which a large part (4km) still stands today. Within the city, one can find a sanctuary from the 5th-4th century BC, enormous Roman vaulted cisterns, a carved-in-ground theater, a “parliament,” and a nearby necropolis. Various artifacts have been discovered, including vases, coins, figurines, inscriptions, and sculptures.
The city of Aptera was renowned for its skilled archers who served as mercenaries in various areas outside Crete, bringing wealth back to their homeland. The valuable silver they introduced enabled the city to mint its own coins. These intricate coins typically featured the goddess Artemis on one side and the city’s founder King Apteras on the other. Other designs depicted Apollo or Hera and a torch, bee, or bow.
Aptera is situated 13 km from Chania and is most conveniently reached by car, as there are no direct public buses to the site. Alternatively, you could take any bus heading towards Rethymno or Heraklion and get off at the crossroads leading to Aptera. However, keep in mind that this option requires a 45-minute uphill walk to reach the archaeological site.
Located near the quaint village of Fylaki in the Apokoronas region of Chania, you’ll discover the vaulted tomb of Fylaki. Constructed during the post-Minoan times (after 1200 BC), it shares many similarities with the domed grave of Stylos at the Azogyres site.
This well-preserved and clean tomb features a lengthy entrance aisle, and its pyramid-like roof is truly striking. One particularly fascinating element is the massive carved boulder situated at the upper part of the entrance.
Finding the tomb can be somewhat challenging. Just 30 meters past the turnoff to Kastelos village, you’ll spot a small group of cypress trees near the tomb.
South of the archaeological site of Aptera and near the village Stylos, at position Azogires, we come across the domed tomb of Stylos that was discovered in 1961, having already been looted, by archaeologists Nikolaos Platon and Kostas Davaras. This impressive tomb belonged to a local lord and features a circular stone chamber and a long, road corridor (20.80 m long).
The relieving triangle above the entrance housed 12 cups from the Hellenistic period, a detail that verifies that ceremonies were conducted there. Similar Hellenistic pottery was also discovered in the corridor.
Located at Tria Kamarakia, near the Rethymnon-Chania highway, the Holy Cross “St. Raphael” Foundation is a quaint, informal monastery with a primary focus on charity work. Its main temple is a three-aisled basilica dedicated to the Neomartyrs (Raphael, Nicholas, and Irene), the Holy Cross, and Saint Ephrem.
The historical monument of Sarakinas Monastery Complex at Mournies, which is a dependency of the Megisti Lavra Monastery at Athos, features neoclassical buildings encircling a one-aisled temple that was rebuilt in the 19th century. The complex also includes cells and storage rooms for crops.
Dedicated to the Virgin Mary and Saint Athanasius the Athonite, an inscription reveals that the monastery was constructed during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Nikiforos Fokas in the 10th century.
The Chrysopigi Monastery can be found 3km south of Chania city. Its temple features Mount Athos triconch architecture with a dome and is dedicated to the Panagia Zoodochos Pigi (Life Giving Virgin Mary) (celebrated on the Friday after Easter). Thousands of believers visit this monastery to pay their respects to the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary. The monastery complex has an elongated rectangular shape, with the temple at its center. The nuns’ cells and other buildings surround the temple, and their outer sides form a fortification wall. The arched gate of the monastery is located in the northern part of the wall.
Throughout the centuries, the monastery has gone through periods of prosperity and decline. It has suffered numerous attacks and significant damages from Turkish and German conquerors of Crete. Since 1976, the monastery has been operating as a female nunnery. Today, the nuns engage in activities such as painting, preserving old books and icons, bookbinding, and ecclesiastical embroidery. The monastery is well-known for its ecological and environmental initiatives. The nuns organically cultivate around 130 acres of land, growing olive, tangerine, orange, avocado, fig, and apricot trees, as well as vegetable gardens. They primarily sell organic oil to promote organic farming. The monastery’s organic waste is converted into compost for use as fertilizers, and the rest is recycled. Additionally, the nuns offer environmental education programs for schoolchildren from all over Europe!
The Chrysopigi Monastery is also responsible for the restored Agia Kyriaki Monastery in Varypetro, which houses the Orthodoxy and Ecology Center where educational programs are conducted. Furthermore, church and folklore museums operate in Chrysopigi, open daily from 8:00 to 12:00 and from 15:30 to 18:00. The church museum displays old icons, sacred vessels, ecclesiastical gold embroidery from the 18th and 19th centuries, crosses, blessings, books, official documents, and woodworks. Meanwhile, the folklore museum showcases folk embroidery, traditional costumes, examples of secular and ecclesiastical woodwork, photographs, paintings, traditional agricultural tools, and more.
Besides the church of Zoodochos Pigi, the monastery is home to chapels dedicated to St. John the Theologian (celebrated on September 26 and May 8), St. Catherine (November 25), St. Haralambos (February 10), St John Kalivitis (January 15), and St Arsenios from Cappadocia (November 10). Additionally, the Monastery of Agia Kyriaki (July 7) houses the church of the Transfiguration (August 6) and is near the cavernous chapels of St. Anthony (January 17), the Holy Seven Children (August 4), Saint Silouan the Athonite (September 24), and the Martyrs of Crete (June 23).
Tucked away in the picturesque village of Alikampos, Dourakis Winery is conveniently located just a short drive from the renowned wine regions of Rethymno and Chania. Annually welcoming over 20,000 visitors from around the globe, the winery offers tastings and guided tours of the estate. Additionally, guests can book the venue for private meetings, exhibitions, and other special events.
The story of Dourakis Winery began in the early 1980s with founder Andreas Dourakis, who officially opened it to the public in 1988. Initially starting with just a few barrels in an old shed for storing wine, the winery has evolved into a fully operational solar-powered boutique establishment. It now boasts extensive vineyards and a large underground wine cellar. With unwavering dedication and passion, the Dourakis family produces world-class wines that are exported across Europe, China, Canada, and the USA.
Tucked away in the picturesque village of Alikampos, Dourakis Winery is conveniently located just a short drive from the renowned wine regions of Rethymno and Chania. Annually welcoming over 20,000 visitors from around the globe, the winery offers tastings and guided tours of the estate. Additionally, guests can book the venue for private meetings, exhibitions, and other special events.
The story of Dourakis Winery began in the early 1980s with founder Andreas Dourakis, who officially opened it to the public in 1988. Initially starting with just a few barrels in an old shed for storing wine, the winery has evolved into a fully operational solar-powered boutique establishment. It now boasts extensive vineyards and a large underground wine cellar. With unwavering dedication and passion, the Dourakis family produces world-class wines that are exported across Europe, China, Canada, and the USA.
The Diktamos Canyon, nestled within the White Mountains, commences 21km to the east of Chania, near the Katochori village at an elevation of 300m. It concludes 8km further east, at the Faragi village, situated at a height of 40m and in close proximity to the Stylos village in the Apokoronas province. Consequently, it is also referred to as the Katechori Gorge or Stylos Gorge. The canyon’s stream serves as the primary tributary of the Kiliaris River, gathering water from the northern slopes of the Mavri peak and discharging it onto the Kalives beach.
Navigating through the canyon can be challenging, with certain areas requiring extra caution and approximately 3 hours to traverse. The canyon is a stunning, verdant landscape filled with towering trees and steep inclines, home to dittany or diktamos, a herb endemic to Crete. In Stylos, you have the opportunity to explore the ancient church of Apostle John (Agios Ioannis Theologos), refresh yourself at the local springs, and replenish your energy at the village’s taverns.
The Kapni Gorge, one of Eastern Sfakia’s most stunning canyons, remains largely undiscovered. The gorge begins as an open stream south of the Akones peak at Hionistra, located on the road between Askyfou and Asfendou villages. It concludes in the village of Nomikiana in the Sfakia province. In Hionistra, two streams in calcareous soils converge to form the Kapni Gorge after an hour’s walk. The canyon is extensive, requiring around four hours to traverse. It is among Crete’s challenging and perilous trekking gorges, with a rugged riverbed that forms dry waterfalls in certain areas, necessitating climbing.
It is not advisable for those inexperienced in mountaineering. The riverbed features several small caves that were previously used as sheepfolds. In one of these caves, there is drinking water, the only source in the harsh Kapni region. This water source is hard to find unless one is very familiar with the area. Kapni is home to beautiful vegetation, including maples and oak trees, and stunning walls of platy limestone in several places.
The name Kapni, meaning smoke, traces back to a story from the Venetian era. East Sfakia was once densely forested, providing refuge for Cretans fighting the Venetians. To counter this, the Venetians burned these forests, including the one in Kapni, which was so dense that the fire burned for weeks. The narrowness of the gorge created an oven-like effect, trapping the fire and significantly raising the temperature. The intense heat baked the mountain rock, similar to a lime kiln, and smoke lingered for days after the fire ceased. That autumn, a massive flood swept through the bare, fire-scorched hillsides, moving rocks with immense force to the gorge’s exit. This event resulted in a large deposit of sediment, creating the most impressive scree (locally known as sara) in Crete, visible from miles away. This scree starts at the gorge’s exit and extends to the village of Nomikiana.
Situated in the Sfakia province, Imbros Gorge is Crete’s third most frequented gorge, following Samaria Gorge and Agia Irini by Sougia. These are all part of the E4 European hiking path. The gorge’s breathtaking landscape and easy trail make it perfect for family trips. The gorge spans 11 km and the hike takes about 2-3 hours.
The journey begins in the quaint village of Imbros, nestled 700 meters above sea level.
The gorge’s initial section, known as Porofarago or Porolagos, is fairly broad. The trail starts off as a descent with relatively low sidewalls. As you go further, the canyon gradually narrows, the sidewalls rise, and the views become awe-inspiring. The canyon’s sides start to close in and rise, revealing various caves. The vegetation includes ancient cypresses, oaks, and maples emerging from the rocks.
Throughout the gorge, remnants of the old stone-paved path, once the main route from Sfakia to Chania, can be seen. The canyon has witnessed numerous battles between the Ottomans and the Christians during the Turkish Occupation of Crete, notably in 1821 and 1867.
Further along, you’ll pass the spot known as Airplane, where a German plane crashed during World War II (the wreckage is displayed in the war museum at Askyfou). Following this, you’ll come across the gorge’s first narrow passages and then reach the position Gournia (i.e. basins), where several small rock basins fill with water in the winter.
Next, you’ll arrive at the gorge’s most magnificent section, Stenada. Here, the gorge walls close in to 1.6m and reach a height of 300m! The rocks are adorned with stunning formations.
After this narrow stretch, the canyon broadens and you’ll near a rest area at position Mesofarango. Here, you’ll find a Venetian water cistern and the gorge guard’s hut.
A few meters ahead, you’ll cross a landslide and shortly after, the striking narrowing at Gremnaria. Following this, you’ll see another gorge trademark, the stone arch Xepitira. As you continue, you’ll navigate some narrow passages and soon arrive at the gorge’s exit by the village Komitades. Several taverns are located near the exit, providing a perfect spot to rest and grab a bite.
There are multiple bus services from Chania to Imbros during the summer. To catch the bus to Chora Sfakia, Imbros (where many hikers park their cars at the gorge’s entrance), or Chania, you’ll need to either walk 4 kilometers towards Chora Sfakion (be sure to check the schedules) or take a taxi from the gorge’s exit (which can be quite pricey).
The Sfakiano Gorge, also known as Gorge Vartholoma or Gorge Lago, concludes around 2km east of Chora Sfakion within the Sfakia province. It originates from the Trikoukia area of the White Mountains at a height of 1200 meters and culminates at the Fylaki Caves of the South Cretan Sea. The gorge spans 6.5km and it’s a breeze to traverse along its riverbank.
The suggested hiking trail within the gorge initiates from the Niato plateau (close to Askifou Plateau) and heads towards the abandoned village of Kali Lakki. The gorge, one of Crete’s greenest, begins just before reaching Kali Laki and boasts an incredibly diverse plant life. Oaks, cypresses, and pines are the dominant trees within the Sfakiano Gorge.
The gorge’s starting point is home to the Byzantine church of Saint Paul (Agios Pavlos), constructed by the locals in 1407. The gorge meets the main road to Chora Sfakion near the exit, at the Porolago location. It’s certainly worthwhile to continue your adventure towards the sea, as the gorge bed leads to the breathtakingly beautiful Fylaki fjords, some of the most captivating beaches in the Sfakia region.
Featuring pool views, Villa Vardis Heated Pool provides accommodation with a balcony and a coffee machine, around 33 km from Archaeological Museum of Rethymno. It has an infinity pool, a garden, mountain views and free WiFithroughout the property.
The villa with a terrace and sea views features 3 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 2 bathrooms with a walk-in shower. Towels and bed linen are provided in the villa.
The villa offers a picnic area. Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at Villa Vardis Heated Pool, while fishing can be enjoyed nearby.
Historical – Folklore Museum of Gavalochori is 12 km from the accommodation, while Ancient City of Aptera is 23 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International, 43 km from Villa Vardis Heated Pool, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€44
/night
Featuring mountain views, Villa Chrysallis with heated pool provides accommodation with a balcony and a coffee machine, around 32 km from Archaeological Museum of Rethymno. This villa has a private pool, a garden, barbecue facilities, free WiFi and free private parking.
The villa with a terrace and sea views features 6 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 7 bathrooms with a bath. Towels and bed linen are provided in the villa.
A car rental service is available at the villa.
Historical – Folklore Museum of Gavalochori is 11 km from Villa Chrysallis with heated pool, while Ancient City of Aptera is 22 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International, 44 km from the accommodation, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€384
/night
Boasting pool views, Villa Inati offers accommodation with a patio and a coffee machine, around 32 km from Archaeological Museum of Rethymno. This property offers a private pool, free WiFi and free private parking.
The villa is fitted with 3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a balcony with mountain views.
Staff at the villa are always available to provide information at the reception.
Villa Inati has a garden and sun terrace.
Historical – Folklore Museum of Gavalochori is 11 km from the accommodation, while Ancient City of Aptera is 17 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International, 36 km from Villa Inati, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€454
/night
Located in Fílippos, Villa Gianna by PosarelliVillas offers accommodation with a private pool, a patio and pool views. This property offers access to a balcony, mini-golf, free private parking and free WiFi.
The villa with a terrace and sea views features 4 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 3 bathrooms with an a bath or shower. The air-conditioned villa also provides a seating area, washing machine and 3 bathrooms with a hair dryer.
The villa offers a barbecue. A outdoor play equipment is also available at Villa Gianna by PosarelliVillas, while guests can also relax in the garden.
Archaeological Museum of Rethymno is 30 km from the accommodation, while Historical – Folklore Museum of Gavalochori is 12 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 45 km from Villa Gianna by PosarelliVillas.
from
€315
/night
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