Explore the Secrets of Wine and Olives in Rethymno

If you’re anything like us, you’re probably imagining a day wandering through charming villages, learning about age-old traditions, and tasting some of the best local produce Crete has to offer. This wine and olive tour in Rethymno promises just that—a chance to uncover the island’s culinary secrets while soaking up stunning scenery. From what we’ve gathered, it’s a well-rounded experience that combines culture, taste, and relaxing vistas.

One of the things we really appreciate about this tour is the focus on authentic, local experiences. Visiting a family-run winery and a traditional olive mill gives you a peek into Crete’s culinary roots, not just a quick tasting. Plus, the scenic drives through villages and along coastline roads let you really appreciate the landscape. A second highlight is the small-group setup, which keeps things intimate and relaxed—perfect if you’re after a personal touch without feeling crowded.

That said, it’s worth noting that this tour isn’t suitable for everyone. It’s quite a full day—around 6.5 hours—and involves a fair bit of driving and walking, which might be a challenge for some travelers, especially those with mobility issues or young children under seven. Also, if you’re expecting an old-world, “authentic” vibe at every stop, you might find some parts more polished than rustic. Still, for anyone eager to learn, taste, and see Crete from a local’s perspective, this could be a great fit.

This experience seems best suited for curious travelers who want more than just a scenic drive—they want a taste of local life, beautiful views, and a relaxed day out that combines learning with leisure.

Key Points

• Small group size ensures a more personalized experience.
• Comprehensive visits to both a winery and olive mill with tastings.
• Includes a traditional Cretan lunch with local delicacies.
• Scenic drives and viewpoints offer plenty of photo opportunities.
• Transportation in premium off-road vehicles adds comfort.
• Not suitable for young children, pregnant women, or those with certain mobility issues.

This tour offers a blend of cultural insights, culinary delights, and eye-catching scenery. It begins with a visit to Klados Winery in Panormos. Here, the owner personally guides you through the process of wine-making, sharing stories and revealing what makes Cretan wines special—long-lived, flavorful, and rooted in tradition. The wine tasting that follows isn’t just a sip-and-go; it’s an opportunity to understand the region’s history and unique varietals, even if some guests felt a bit disappointed about not tasting wine directly from the barrel, as one reviewer mentioned.

Next, you’ll journey along coastal roads passing through picturesque villages like Sisses and Aloides—expect stunning views of the Psiloritis mountain and the Mylopotamos countryside. The highlight here is the visit to Vosakos Monastery, a historic site that once sheltered rebels during the civil wars. The monastery’s location offers sweeping vistas and a quiet sense of history that many find memorable.

The olive oil segment is equally fascinating. You’ll explore both traditional and modern olive mills in villages such as Doxaro, Apladiana, and Agia. These stops give you a real sense of how olives are transformed into the beloved oil that’s a staple in Greek cuisine. You might find the process more modern than expected, but the chance to taste freshly pressed olive oil makes it worth it. One traveler shared that they enjoyed the flavors, and it’s a great way to appreciate just how important olives are to Crete’s identity.

Lunch at a local tavern in Melidoni offers a chance to unwind and indulge in authentic Cretan cuisine, featuring local cheeses, bread, and other delicacies. It’s a relaxed, friendly setting that exemplifies genuine hospitality.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary in Detail

The day kicks off with pickup from various locations around Rethymno or nearby areas like Georgioupoli and Platanes, making it flexible for different accommodations. The journey involves several stops, with a mix of scenic drives and activity time. The winery visit lasts about 50 minutes, giving ample opportunity to ask questions and soak in the surroundings. The monastery visit is 30 minutes, providing both sightseeing and a moment of reflection.

Moving on, you’ll spend time at the olive oil producer, with a photo stop in Paraschakis Olive Oil, which is also an off-road adventure for those who love a bit of excitement. The highlight is the lunch in Melidoni, where you’ll enjoy about 80 minutes to relax and savor local dishes.

Throughout the day, the vehicle remains comfortable, with premium off-road SUVs driven by bilingual guides. The small group size (up to 8 people) ensures you won’t feel like just another face in the crowd, and the relaxed pacing allows you to truly enjoy each location without feeling rushed.

The Experience and Its Value

The tour costs around $107 per person, which includes all entrance fees, tastings, lunch, and transportation. When you weigh this against the number of stops and the quality of experiences, it offers quite good value. You get a rich taste of Crete’s culinary traditions and scenic beauty in a single day, without the hassle of planning or self-driving.

Some reviews mention that the tour didn’t fully meet their expectations of old-world authenticity, especially regarding the winery and olive mill. However, others appreciated the professional guidance and scenic variety. The views alone—over mountains, coastlines, and charming villages—are worth the price, especially if you love discovering lesser-known spots.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is ideal for curious travelers interested in local food and drink traditions. It’s perfect if you enjoy small-group tours, scenic drives, and historical sites. It’s also well-suited for those who appreciate comfortable transportation and a relaxed pace.

However, it’s not recommended for very young children, pregnant women, or people with certain mobility or health issues due to the length and nature of the stops. If you’re after a rustic, old-fashioned experience, you might find some parts a bit modernized, but overall, this trip offers a well-rounded taste of Crete’s best culinary and scenic highlights.

What makes this tour stand out is its ability to combine beautiful landscapes with authentic culinary experiences in a manageable, relaxed format. The visits to the winery and olive mill are especially worth doing, providing insight into Crete’s food culture in a way that’s accessible and enjoyable.

While not perfect for everyone—especially if you’re seeking a rustic, purely traditional vibe—it’s a good choice for travelers who want a comprehensive, scenic, and tasty snapshot of the island. Expect to leave with a fuller belly, better understanding of local traditions, and plenty of photos of breathtaking vistas.

If you love discovering local flavors, scenic drives, and historic sites without the hassle of planning every detail, this tour could be just what you’re looking for in Crete.

Is the tour suitable for children?
This tour isn’t recommended for children under 7, mainly because of the length, walking, and some activities involved. Plus, there are no baby seats available.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes and a camera are essentials. The tour involves some walking and scenic stops, so be prepared for a full day out.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
Yes, if you notify ahead of time, they can cater to food allergies or specific dietary needs during the lunch.

How long does the tour last?
It runs for about 6.5 hours, including pickups, sightseeing, and lunch.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the vehicle is a premium off-road SUV, driven by multilingual guides, ensuring a comfortable ride through the countryside.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible if your plans shift unexpectedly.

What if I want to buy wine or olive oil?
Purchases are not included in the tour price, so if you find something you like, you can buy it directly at the winery or olive mill.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
It’s not recommended for those with mobility or back problems, or for anyone who needs wheelchair access, as some stops involve walking or uneven terrain.

This comprehensive tour offers a rich experience of Crete’s tastes and landscapes for those eager to explore beyond the usual sights. It’s a day that combines learning, tasting, and relaxing—perfect for travelers who enjoy a more personal, flavorful look at the island.

You can check availability for your dates here: