Olive oil is the backbone of Cretan life. The island has millions of olive trees, many of them centuries old, and its oil is some of the most prized in the Mediterranean, often made from the Koroneiki olive, which gives a fruity, peppery flavour. A tour of an olive oil factory outside Chania shows how the fruit is harvested, pressed and tasted, and why the way it is handled makes such a difference to the oil. Visitors see the presses, hear about the stages from tree to bottle, and taste oils side by side to learn what to look for in flavour and aroma. The tour then moves on to a craft brewery, where Cretan beers are made with local ingredients, and ends with a meal that brings the day together. It is an easy half-day or day trip for anyone who enjoys food and drink and wants to see the working side of the island's agriculture. It also gives you the knowledge to choose good olive oil to take home.
How it works
The tour usually collects guests from the Chania area, travels to a village outside the city and visits two producers. Each visit includes a short tour and a tasting, and a meal is served at the end, often with wine or beer. The programme length differs between operators and seasons, so check the duration, the pick-up points and what is included when you book. The olive harvest and pressing season runs from autumn to winter, but the factories can often be visited at other times of year.
What to expect
A relaxed, friendly tour with a good deal of tasting. You learn how to taste olive oil by warming the glass, sniffing and slurping, and you try it on bread. At the brewery you sample several beers and learn about the brewing process. Wear comfortable shoes, bring a hat in summer and carry cash if you want to buy oil or beer to take home. Vegetarians can usually be accommodated, as can some other dietary requirements, if you notify the operator in advance.
Making the most of it
Ask about the olive varieties, the harvest date and the acidity of the oil, which are the clues to quality. Buy a small bottle of the oil you like best, and store it away from light and heat. This tour pairs well with a cooking class, which uses the same ingredients, and with a visit to the covered market in Chania. If you are visiting between November and January, ask about seeing the mill in operation. Children can join, but the tastings are aimed at adults.
Good to know
Look for the terms extra virgin, harvest date and acidity on the label when you buy olive oil, and choose dark glass or tins to protect it from light. A good Cretan oil is usually low in acidity and rich in polyphenols, which give the peppery taste. Ask about the olive varieties and the age of the trees; some groves have trees that are centuries old.
If you are travelling with a carry-on only, pack bottles in your checked bag or buy small sizes, and note that liquid rules apply at airport security. The brewery visit is a pleasant contrast to the oil tasting.
What to expect
The experience
A guided visit to an olive oil factory and a craft brewery near Chania, with tastings and a meal.
Best time
Any season, with the pressing season from autumn to winter offering the most activity.
How long
About four to five hours.
Tips
Learn to taste olive oil with the guide, carry cash for purchases and tell the operator about dietary needs.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Food and drink lovers who want to see how Cretan olive oil and beer are made.
- Families
- Children can come along and enjoy the factory visit, though the tastings are for adults.
- Couples
- A shared tasting day that ends with a good meal.
- Pair with
- The Chania cooking class or a visit to the market.
- Time needed
- Half a day.
Good questions
Can I visit in summer?+
Yes, factories are visited all year, though the pressing itself happens in the autumn and winter months.
Is a meal included?+
Yes, the tour ends with a meal, but check the menu and drinks included when you book.
Can I buy olive oil there?+
Yes, producers usually sell oil and other products. Bring cash in case cards are not accepted.
Is it suitable for non-drinkers?+
You can skip the beer, but check with the operator about alternatives.
Do I need a car?+
No, the tour usually includes transport from the Chania area, but check the pick-up points when you book.
