Skalani is a charming spot on Crete that offers more than just scenery. It’s a great place to explore unique local experiences, thanks to its accessible location and authentic vibe. If you’re keen on trying olive oil, sampling local wine and spirits, or diving into the island’s ancient sites, Skalani has options that won’t disappoint. Among these, we particularly love the premium Crete olive oil, wine, raki, and Cretan food tour for its genuine small-group experience and deep local flavor. Meanwhile, if you want a broader overview of Crete’s main attractions, the comprehensive private guided tour stands out.
Below, we review the two best tours in Skalani, highlighting what makes each one special, who it’s ideal for, and whether it offers good value for your money.
1. Premium Crete Olive oil tasting, Wine, Raki and Cretan food!
At just $158 per person, this 5.5-hour private experience offers a chance to truly connect with local Crete. The tour is designed for those seeking authenticity and interaction, steering clear of touristy spots. You’ll start with olive oil tasting, learning how Crete’s renowned extra virgin oil is produced, then move on to wine and raki tastings, including a demonstration of raki distillation—a traditional local spirit. Unlike cookie-cutter tours, this one invites you to explore authentic Crete through visits to a traditional village, local snack stops, and shopping for regional products.
The itinerary includes a visit to a local winery with guided wine tasting, followed by a trip to a traditional village where you sample spirits, wine, and local snacks. The experience is rounded out with time for sightseeing and browsing local crafts. Tour guide Kelly, with her 25 years of local knowledge, makes each stop informative and lively. Reviews consistently praise the friendliness of the hosts and the quality of the food and drinks, with one caller it “the best thing we’ve done on the trip.”
Bottom Line: This tour offers an immersive, hands-on experience, perfect for travelers who want to go beyond the tourist trail and genuinely taste Crete. It’s an excellent choice for food lovers, curious travelers, and those wanting to interact deeply with local producers.
2. Learn all about Crete in one Tour | Private Guided Tour
For around $248 per person, this full-day private tour covers many of Crete’s highlights in 7 to 8 hours. It’s suited for travelers eager to see iconic sights with the comfort of a chauffeured vehicle. The itinerary includes visits to Zeus Cave, Knossos Palace, and an olive mill, along with a stop at a local winery. The day concludes with a traditional lunch at Archanes Village, where you’ll enjoy regional dishes in a relaxed setting.
This tour stands out because of its comprehensive nature—covering archaeological, cultural, and scenic highlights—making it ideal for first-time visitors or those with limited time who want to maximize their experience. The guides have specialist knowledge, ensuring you learn about each site’s history and significance, while the vehicle’s comfort makes the long day manageable. Reviews reflect high satisfaction, with travelers appreciating the personalized service and in-depth insights.
While this tour offers excellent value for a full day of exploration, it is more expensive than the previous option and requires a full day’s commitment. It’s best suited for travelers who want to see a little bit of everything—royalty, archaeology, local food—without the hassle of planning each stop.
Bottom Line: If you prefer a structured, full-package day that hits the major Crete sights with expert guidance, this tour is a great pick. Keep in mind the longer duration and higher price point.
How to Choose Between These Tours
When deciding between these options, consider your interests and how much time you want to spend in Skalani or Crete overall. If authentic local flavors, interaction with producers, and a relaxed pace appeal to you, the Premium Crete Olive oil tasting, Wine, Raki and Cretan food! is hard to beat. It’s perfect for foodies and travelers who want a more intimate experience.
On the other hand, for those eager to see main landmarks like Knossos Palace or the Zeus Cave and combine history with local culture in a single day, the Learn all about Crete in one Tour offers a comprehensive itinerary in a private, comfortable setting. It’s ideal for first-timers or those on a tight schedule.
Both tours are best booked well in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your spot and avoid last-minute disappointment.
Final Thoughts
Skalani offers great options whether you’re after a culinary adventure or a full-day exploration of Crete’s highlights. The private, authentic experience of the olive oil, wine, and spirits tour is perfect for food lovers looking for deep local interactions. Meanwhile, the full-day guided tour offers a broader overview suitable for travelers wanting to tick off archaeological sites and scenic spots in one go.
For a relaxed, immersive taste of Crete’s flavors, book the Premium Olive Oil and Food Tour early. If uncovering the island’s history and major sights appeals more, the all-in-one guided tour makes a good choice. Either way, these tours provide a great way to experience the real Crete, away from crowds and tourist traps.
