Along the south coast, and west, towards Rethymnon, where mountains drop straight down to the sea, only handful of places are developed, but lesser-known spots in between, not always easy to get to, are some of the most attractive in Crete.
Almost everyone seems to have some connection to the land-smallholdings where they grow fresh produce or a village where parents or grandparents still live.
The villages, each with its own character and traditions, are the island’s pulse, where the pace of the year is determined by the agricultural calendar. Here you can still find everyday life lived as it has been for centuries, where potters spin clay into ewers and jars, weavers make rugs in traditional patterns and farmers cart their olives to the local press.
Come along and enjoy real Rural life inCrete with us!
Messaras valley in Central Crete is not only a home to some of the best Cretan wines but a cradle for the world-famous myths – a myth of about abduction of Europe and a myth of the Minotaur and Labyrinth.
Whirlwind mountain road takes us down to ancient Gortyn – where according to the legend Zeus abducted princess Europa in a form of white bull and their union took place. Gortyn - the former Crete’s Roman capital, an archeological site nowadays, alongside number of ancient temples, is also known for its oldest Christian church on Crete and its unique code of law.
Exotic-sounding vilana, kostifali, vidiano are only some of the Cretan indigenous grape varieties. Wine making in Crete can be traced down to antiquity and quite few Cretan winemakers have managed to produce excellent, award-winning wines. On of them – the renowned family-owned winery where we will enjoy the winetasting and learning the wine production and lunch in a truly authentic small family-owned village tavern.
Later we will see the Labyrinth where the legend says is the very same labyrinth of the Minotaur – half man, half bull. Minoan King Minos asked Deadalus to build a prison for the beast, to be hidden. So, he made a Labyrinth. Nowadays, the visitors can have a glimpse of the cave and well imagine the maze of labyrinth through the guide’s story.
Tour 2. Authentic Crete
Getting lost in a maze of cobblestone streets and whitewashed walls, meet the fascinating People and the Culture of Crete.
This journey through the villages forgotten by time in the mountainous inner parts,see and smell orange blossoms, olive groves, cypresses, pine-trees and a profusion of wild flowers.
Spili built at the foot of Voriza Mountain.Due to its fabulous location offers an astonishing view to the sea and the entire surrounding filled with trees, fountains, springs and chapels and churches with wonderful murals.
Meronas village built amphitheatrically, it offers an unobstructed view into the high green oasis of the Amari Valley and the mountainous bulk of Psiloritis.
have a special tour in one of the village chapels to see the unique frescoes from 13th century. Meet the village lady in traditional cafeneio.
Lunch at a hand-picked, truly authentic family tavern
Admire the history and Venetian baroque architecture of Arkadi monastery, located in the scenic surrounding of vineyards
Margarites village near the ancient town of Eleftherna. A village with Venetian roots, mentioned by sixteenth-century travellers and the most important and well-known pottery center of Crete since Minoan Times.
Family Olive Oil Farm visit Taste the precious " elixir" of life. Cretan Olive oil is the best in the world and is part of the very healthyCretan diet that gives the people of Crete long and healthy lives.
Feel like royalty in the welcoming embrace of locals, whose willingness to express their philoxenia always involves the invitation to share a feast.
The unbridled emotion that stirs the heart and makes the soul sing...
