Are you a foodie? A nature lover? A history enthusiast? Or maybe just someone who wants to learn more about olive oil making and the benefits of Greek virgin olive oil?
Whatever your interests are, a visit to the Cretan olive oil farms of Greece should be on your bucket list.
Still not sure if this is the right activity for you? Keep reading to find out why you absolutely need to try a Crete olive oil tour!
Reason #1: You’ll experience the ancient tradition of olive oil making
Olive oil has been a staple in the Mediterranean diet for thousands of years, and Crete is no exception.
Today, we know that olive oil has played a major role in shaping the island’s culture and economy and during your visit to a Cretan olive oil farm, you’ll learn about its history and how it has evolved over time.
By going on an olive oil making tour, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the history and traditions of olive oil production in Crete and gain a deeper understanding of the significance of this unique product.
Fun fact: The oldest olive tree in the world is located at Ano Vouves, a village near Chania, Crete! Now a Natural Monument, the ancient tree is 3000 years old, with a circumference of 12.5 meters (41 feet), and a diameter of 4.6 meters (15 feet)!
Reason #2: You’ll witness the olive oil making process firsthand
When you visit a Cretan olive oil farm, you are not expected to simply watch – you participate!
Join Balos Travel in this once-in-a-lifetime experience and witness the entire olive oil making method up close: from picking the olives from the trees to pressing them to extract the oil, you will see every step of the process.
You will also learn about the different techniques used to extract the oil and how the quality of the oil is affected by each method.
Fun fact: During your tour, you’ll visit a 6-acre organic farm in Metochi where you’ll experience the traditional farm life in all its glory!
Reason #3: You’ll learn about the health benefits of olive oil
Olive oil is not just a delicious and versatile ingredient in the kitchen; according to a plethora of studies available today, we know that it is also incredibly good for our health!
The virgin Cretan olive oil is high in healthy monounsaturated fats, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds, which is why experts suggest incorporating it into our diet.
By going on an olive oil making tour, you’ll have the opportunity to learn more about the many health benefits of olive oil, including its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties!
Fun fact: Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is more nutritious than virgin or refined olive oils and may even help fight cancer and heart disease.
Reason #4: You’ll taste the difference in Cretan olive oil
Cretan olive oil is renowned not only for its high quality, but for its distinctive flavor, too.
Did you know that the island’s unique climate and soil conditions, as well as the traditional methods of olive oil making, contribute to the superior taste of Cretan olive oil and make it so popular among chefs and foodies?
During your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to taste different varieties of olive oil from Crete, learn how to recognize the unique flavor profiles of each one, and how to distinguish between them!
Fun fact: In Crete, you’ll find three well-established varieties of olives. Koroneiki or Psilolia, Chondrolia or Throumbolia, and Tsounati or Mouratolia. Koroneiki is the most famous, accounting for 60% of the Greek production.
Reason #5: You’ll support local farmers and sustainable agriculture
Visiting a Cretan olive oil farm is not just a fun and educational experience; it’s also a way to support local farmers and sustainable agriculture.
Many olive oil farms in Crete are small, family-run operations that exist for decades, handed down from generation to generation.
Going on an olive oil making tour is a great way to support these local farmers and their sustainable agricultural practices and ensure the preservation of centuries-old traditional farming practices in the region.
Fun fact: This is the ultimate way to enjoy your holidays – being a traveler, not a tourist!
Reason #6: You’ll experience the beauty of the Cretan countryside
Last but not least, a visit to a Cretan olive oil farm is an opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the island’s countryside.
Many olive oil farms in Crete are located in picturesque rural areas, surrounded by olive groves, rolling hills and scenic landscapes. Going on an olive oil making tour gives you the opportunity to explore these beautiful areas and experience the natural beauty of the Cretan countryside, not only the beaches that make it a popular summer destination, like Elafonisi and Balos.
If you want to truly explore the places you visit, spend your holidays off the beaten path to connect with nature and escape the hustle and bustle of the city, this is definitely the experience for you!
Fun fact: This is a fun and memorable experience that you’ll cherish for years to come. Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or as a family, an olive oil making tour is a great way to connect with the local culture and make lasting memories of your trip to Crete.
Do you still have questions regarding the quality of Creta olive oil? Here are some of the most popular questions, answered.
How much olive oil is produced in Crete?
Crete is one of the largest producers of olive oil in Greece, accounting for about 1/3 of the country’s total production. The island produces an average of 80,000 and 120,000 tons of olive oil per year, 80% of which is considered extra virgin!
Is Greek olive oil good quality?
Yes, Greek olive oil is known across the globe for its high quality and distinctive flavor. Greece is one of the top olive oil producing countries in the world and has a long tradition of olive oil making, dating back to 4,500 BC!
Which Greek island has the best olive oil?
Many Greek islands produce high-quality olive oil, but Crete is often considered to have the best. The island’s unique climate and soil conditions, as well as the traditional methods of olive oil making, contribute to the superior taste of Cretan olive oil.
Why you should go on an olive oil making tour with Balos Travel
A visit to a Cretan olive oil farm is a must-do activity for anyone visiting Crete!
This is your opportunity to experience the ancient tradition of olive oil making, learn about the health benefits of this multifaceted ingredient, and experience the natural beauty of the Cretan countryside while at it!
With so many reasons to try them, it’s no wonder that olive oil making tours have become increasingly popular among travelers in recent years.
If you’re interested in experiencing olive oil making yourselves, Balos Travel is the ultimate solution, turning olive oil making into a unique cultural experience.
Let us take you to a traditional Cretan olive oil farm where you can witness the entire olive oil making process and get your hands dirty!
With our local knowledge and expertise, we can help you plan the perfect itinerary for your visit to Crete, making it an unforgettable experience that combines history, culture, nature, and culinary delights!
Book your tour with Balos Travel today and discover the magic of Cretan olive oil for yourself!
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