Food & dining in Crete
Nat Geo Day Tour: The Millenary History of Olive Oil
Approximate itinerary and duration of activitiesIntroduction - 15 minutesWalking tour through the olive trees - 30 minutesPause for questions and raki drink - 15 minutesOlive oil factory tour - 40 minutesOlive oil tasting and questions - 55 minutesCooking demonstration and tastings - 30 minutesPlease note the order of activities may vary at your guide's discretion With millennia of experience behind them, it's no wonder the people of Crete produce some of the finest olive oil in the world. You will appreciate the timeless bond between Cretans and their revered olive trees as you trace the long heritage of olive cultivation on the island. Just outside Kritsa village in the hills of eastern Crete, you'll follow Nikos Plevritakis on a brief walk to his olive groves where some trees are 600-800 years old, and learn about olive cultivation from a true specialist. In the shade of the olive trees, you can try local raki known as ‘tsikoudia' with olives to nibble on while discussing the cultural and societal significance of olive cultivation in Crete. Then it's time to visit a local cooperative factory, to see up close how olives are processed into world-class olive oil. Back on the Olive Path, seize the chance to taste fresh figs, almonds, and grapes, see what the locals are growing, and find out all about the Cretan lifestyle and diet. Then, at an olive farm, you can sample olives, fresh tomatoes, and raki before your olive oil tasting session begins – a great opportunity to learn how to taste oils like a professional and compare the flavor profiles of different varieties. Finish off the day with a cooking lesson on various ways to use olive oil in Cretan cuisine. Authentic dishes, such as tzatziki and Greek salad will feature, and you'll find out why the traditional Cretan diet is so beneficial to health and longevity.
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Cretan Evening Events at Lyrakis Family Estate
Make holiday memories with an experience that the world will thank you for. This evening out at Lyrakis Family Estate showcases the very best of Cretan products and produce. Discover the secrets of sustainable and traditional olive oil soap, before munching your way through a menu of local goodies, with a side order of Greek entertainment. Your journey into the heart of Crete's rich heritage starts with a look into the art of olive oil making. Join your guide at the olive oil mill, where you'll learn the tricks behind production, before watching a demonstration of olive oil soap making. See the creation first-hand and taste freshly-pressed oil, with a chance to buy the products, too.Then, it's time to party. Tuck into an open buffet of quality Cretan dishes, all cooked in wood ovens and open fire. And as the drinks flow, the entertainment starts. Groove the night away with an all-singing, all-dancing show to end a night that not only celebrates the natural resources of the island, but gives back to the locals, too.
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Visit a Family-Run Olive Mill with Food Tasting in Heraklion
Discover the timeless tradition of olive cultivation at Kleanthi Olive Farm. Immerse yourself in guided tours, learn sustainable practices, witness olive oil production, and indulge in a sensory tasting experience.
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Falassarna Bay at Sunset with Dinner and Free Time
Falassarna isn't just a beach; it's a slice of paradise where relaxation isn't just promised – it's guaranteed. This sandy stretch is celebrated not only as the best beach in Crete but also as one of the top 10 best beaches in Europe. And on this night out you'll get to experience it in all of its glory. Take a stroll, watch a Mediterranean sunset, and tuck into dinner with a view at a beachside restaurant. What's not to love?
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