The Olive Oil Path
Olives and olive oil are, since the dawn of civilisation, two of the most important elements of Cretan life and culture. Let's "walk" together the Olive Path!
First stop at the olive grove of a local farmer who uses organic methods of cultivating. We will walk with him under the olive trees, we will discuss the methods, the secrets and the difficulties of cultivating olive trees, we will see the olive trees planted by his father and at the end we will taste his excellent olive oil at his hospitable small house in the olive grove.
First stop at the olive grove of a local farmer who uses organic methods of cultivating. We will walk with him under the olive trees, we will discuss the methods, the secrets and the difficulties of cultivating olive trees, we will see the olive trees planted by his father and at the end we will taste his excellent olive oil at his hospitable small house in the olive grove.
After that we will drive up to the nearby olive mill of the Melissakis family. It is one of the most modern ones in the entire Apokoronas region, run by the fourth generation of this olive oil producers' family. We will have the opportunity to discuss the modern methods of olive oil extraction, the important things to check when buying olive oil, we will have olive oil tasting and we will discover some of the cosmetics based on olive oil.
Next stop is the Monastery of St. George, an impressive architectural monument, probably the most important in the whole of Apokoronas. There will be a guided tour of the Monastery and the Temple of St. George and, of course, the monumental, old (19th century) olive mill of the Monastery, a real architectural masterpiece with 13 arches!
We will continue to drive up to the mountainous and historical village of Vafes. We will visit a well-preserved old family olive mill, where we will have the opportunity to see how olive oil was pressed in former times, and the difficult working conditions back then.
After that it is lunch time at the nice, traditional restaurant of Stavroula next door, who cooks local recipes using the ingredients of her own garden. We shouldn't forget to taste the home made "soumada", a soft drink based on almonds! Don’t miss on our way, the very interesting Stelios' shop, 'Lotus', with very tasteful souvenirs, to finish up in a nice way a really exceptional tour!
Details
- Start: 10:00 from Vamos Tourist office
- When: Every day upon request (except Sundays)
- Including:
- Local Cretan Food, drinks
- Guide and Transfer (after request with an additional cost) - Duration: Approx 4-5 hours
- Cost: Adult 60 € ,
Child (11 - 16 years old) 40 €
Child (5 - 10 years old) 30 €
(children< 5 years old are Free).
For a private class ask us
Duration: Approx 4-5 hours
Cost:Adult 60 € , Child (11 - 16 years old) 40 € Child (5 - 10 years old) 30 € (children< 5 years old are Free) . For a private class ask us
When: Every day upon request (except Sundays)
Min number of persons: 6 adults, pre-booked at least one day before
Your guide: George Xatzidakis, born and raised in Vamos, has excellent knowledge of local history, culture and customs. He is able to show you amazing places you would otherwise never find, to open doors that you can't, to allow you to try things you've never tried, to meet people you would never meet.