Description
The Olive Oil Mill Festival
Discover the Heart of Crete at the Olive Oil Festival
Ready to dive into the essence of Crete? The Olive Oil Festival Crete isn’t just an event—it’s a journey through time, taste, and tradition that you’ll never forget. Imagine yourself standing on a farm in the picturesque Sissi Village, with panoramic views of the Cretan Sea, the air rich with the aroma of freshly pressed olives and wood-fired cooking. This is your chance to experience the island’s most cherished traditions, all while savoring the flavors that make Cretan cuisine legendary.
As the sun sets, you’ll be transported to a world where olive oil is more than just an ingredient—it’s the elixir of life. This Olive Oil Festival is a celebration of the island’s rich history, dating back to 3500 BC. You’ll walk through olive groves that have been cultivated for centuries, learning the secrets of olive oil production from the old mills of the 18th century to modern, award-winning techniques.
But this festival isn’t just about learning—it’s about experiencing. Taste the difference of locally produced olive oil, savoring its golden richness on fresh bread. Sip on homemade wine, crafted from ancient Cretan grape varieties, as you take in the stunning scenery. And when the Cretan sun dips below the horizon, it’s time to immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of the Cretan Folklore Show Night. The sound of traditional music will have your feet tapping, and before you know it, you’ll be dancing alongside the locals, living the Cretan way of life.
But the Olive Oil Festival Crete offers more than just food and dance. It’s a hands-on experience where you’ll learn to make olive oil soap, discover the magic of local honey production, and even witness the creation of raki—the island’s most famous spirit. Each workshop is a window into the soul of Crete, offering you a unique opportunity to engage with the island’s traditions.
The evening culminates in a feast of epic proportions. As you gather around the table with new friends, you’ll enjoy a buffet dinner prepared with love and tradition. From seasonal greens and fava beans to dishes straight from the wood-fired oven, every bite is a testament to the island’s rich culinary heritage, all centered around the star of the show: olive oil.
Before the night ends, take a piece of Crete home with you. The local products market offers the chance to buy the very best of what you’ve tasted—directly from the producers. Whether it’s a bottle of exquisite olive oil, a jar of honey, or a handcrafted soap, you’ll be bringing home more than just a souvenir; you’ll be carrying a piece of Crete’s heart with you.
Don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience. Book the Olive Oil Mill Festival today and secure your spot for a night of culture, cuisine, and celebration. Whether you’re a food lover, a culture enthusiast, or just someone looking for a unique adventure, the Olive Oil Festival Crete promises a night you’ll cherish forever.
Ready to join us? Book Olive Oil Mill Festival tickets now and prepare to be swept off your feet by the magic of Crete.
Be a part of this unique journey, try our local products and learn interesting facts about our culinary traditions and enjoy the famous Cretan hospitality.
Pick-up's from:
Sissi, Malia, Stalis, Hersonissos (port), Koutouloufari, Piskopiano, Anissaras, Analipsis, Gouves, Gournes, Kokkini Hani, Amnissos. [Check the pick-up table list below to find out which is the most convenient pick-up point & time, near your hotel]
Operating Days:
Every Thursday
Languages:
English, French, German: Thursdays
Tour includes:
✔ Air-conditioned transportation with pick-up and drop-off services from your hotel or a nearby location
✔ Professional Driver
✔ The assistance of a tour escort throughout the tour
✔ Farm Host
✔ Wine Tasting
✔ Buffet Dinner
✔ Local taxes are included in the tour package to avoid any additional charges
✔ Liability insurance coverage by ALLIANZ to ensure your safety and security during the tour
Extra Fees (not included in the price)
Extras payable on the spot: Souvenirs, local products shopping (optional)
Tour highlights:
• Visit a Local Farm located in Sissi Village
• Learn the secrets of the famous Cretan Oil Olive and its production
• Taste quality and homemade wine
• Learn how to make Olive Oil Soap
• See how honey is made from beehives
• Taste authentic food from the village
• Experience how “raki” is made
• Enjoy dancing with locals
• Buy local Products directly from the producers
Essentials to have with you:
• Comfortable shoes
• Jackets
Direction:
Central Crete
Duration:
6 hours approximately - 50 km
Overview:
Educational Part
Workshop: Olive oil
Learn everything from the old Olive Oil Mill of the 18th century to the Award-Winning ecological Olive Mill of the family.
Workshop: Local Honey
Participants will see how honey is made from local beehives and will learn about the activity of bees.
Workshop: Raki
Learn more about how Raki is produced, the most famous alcoholic beverage.
‘’Rakokazano’’, is not just a process of making raki, it is a ritual deeply rooted in Cretan Culture.
Workshop: Soap
Learn how Cretan people make soap from Olive Oil and its important benefits.
Gastronomical Part
Wine Tasting
Taste outstanding wines from local Cretan grape varieties, and distinct flavors and learn all about its production, which goes back to the ancient Minoan Civilization.
Homemade Cretan food in Wood Fired Oven:
People visiting the farm will taste authentic local food cooked in the Wood Fired Oven,
The meal includes seasonal greens, fava beans, French fries as a side dish, and salads from the owners garden accompanied by a wide variety of appetizers. All dishes based on olive oil.
Live Show
Spend a joyful night like a Cretan, dance in Greek rhythms and enjoy out wonderful orchestra and dancers.
Local Products Market:
Participants will have the option to buy local products of high nutritional value and quality that they have already tried directly from the producer during their tour.
Age Definition:
Adults: Over 12 years old (Full fare)
Children: 4-12 years old (50% discount)
Infants: 0-3 years old (Free of charge)
Booking Guiding Lines:
► Your Tour Language: Please check in the description which tour languages are available per day, and make sure your desired language is available on your chosen date
► Your Pick-up Point: Please check the list with all available pick-up points (and hours) from your area, on the table below
PRICING
This excursion includes in its price: Your transfer r/t from your hotel, entrance to the venue, Buffet Dinner and free drinks. The Adult Fare is applied to passengers of any age above 12 years old. The Child Fare applies to children between 4 and 12 years old (50% discount + extra's if chosen) and the Infant Fare to any child under 4 years old (Free of Charge // No seat reserved).
Pick-up Locations
Just to help you see which pick-up suits you best, here's a table of hotel accommodations and their nearest pick-ups:
OLIVE OIL MILL FESTIVAL CRETE EXCURSION Pickup timetable |
|
---|---|
Pick up Location | Pick-up Time |
Sissi | 06:40 PM |
Nikos hotel - Filipidis S/M | 06:30 PM |
Malia church | 06:25 PM |
Malia Bay - Malia Park - Sirens | 06:25 PM |
Drossia - Kernos Beach - Ikaros Village | 06:20 PM |
Alexander - Ariadni | 06:15 PM |
Cactus - I Resort | 06:15 PM |
Mochos Cross (Bus Stop #29) | 06:10 PM |
Stalis (Bus Stop #28) - Blue sea | 06:10 PM |
Nana B/S - Mediterraneo | 06:05 PM |
Belvedere - Eri bus stop | 06:05 PM |
Silva Beach - Pela Maria | 06:05 PM |
National Bank (Ethniki Bank) - Chalkiadakis S/M | 06:05 PM |
Koutouloufari (Esperides Resort) | 06:05 PM |
Piscopiano well (pigadi) | 06:05 PM |
Mathioudakis (Kritikos S/M) - Albatros Corner - Creta Maris | 06:00 PM |
Hersonissos Village (Hotel Accommodation) | 06:00 PM |
Knossos Royal - Royal Mare - Annabelle | 05:50 PM |
Cretan Village - Laguna - Chrissi Amoudia | 05:40 PM |
Serita - Zorbas - Anissa - Bella - Lytos | 05:35 PM |
Analipsi Beach Road | 05:25 PM |
Analipsi Bus stop | 05:25 PM |
Amirantes Bus stop | 05:15 PM |
Gouves Beach Road | 05:15 PM |
Gouves Cross - Lavris | 05:15 PM |
Gournes church | 05:05 PM |
Rinela - Hatzis | 05:05 PM |
Knossos beach - Arina | 05:05 PM |
Karteros - Amnsissos | N / A |
Astoria Hotel - Galaxy Hotel | N / A |
Heraklion port - 18 Agglon Sq. (Koules fortress roundabout) | N / A |
Natural History Museum | N / A |
Talos Plaza (outside Envy Cafe) | N / A |
Giofyros (Meliriton) | N / A |
Amoudara (Gazi) | N / A |
Lygaria: Pick-ups are available from any accommodation in Lygaria via shuttle service to the nearest bus pick-up. |
N / A |
Agia Pelagia: Pick-ups are available from any accommodation in Agia Pelagia via shuttle service to the nearest bus pick-up. | N / A |
LET US HELP! Please don't hesitate to contact us, in order to help you out choose the best pick-up that suits you best!
CANCELLATION
1. Customers who for any reason fail to participate in our excursions are obliged to inform us at least 24 hours in advance. Otherwise, no refund will be given. Cancelling at least 24 hours prior to departure, 100% full refund!
2. VisitCrete.com reserves the right to alter or cancel any tour, due to adverse weather conditions or, insufficient passenger number or, force majeure.
IMPORTANT INFO
► We do return money in case of bad weather (when the excursion is cancelled by the organizer tour operator).
► IMPORTANT: You need to be at least 10 minutes prior to your pick-up time at your pick-up point.
For further information or bookings please call at telephone No. (+30) 2810341560
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