A Taste Of Real Crete

The first stop is Melidoni Cave which is a cave full dates back to Neolithic period. Its also called Gerontospilios located approximately 2KM northwest of the homonym village.

In Greek mythology it is mentioned as a place of worship of Talos, the bronze giant who run through Crete twice a day during the Minoan period guarding the island.

However the cave is connected with a tragic page of history.

In January 1824 when the women and children as well as some warriors from the village who had hidden from the Turks did not accept to turn themselves in despite the three month siege, the besiegers set fire to the entrance of the cave causing to their death. In the main hall of the cave.

The “Hall of Heroes” there is a monument with the bones of those people to commemorate the tragedy that unfolded there. Melidoni Cave is very interesting in terms of speleology!

The narrow hallways leading to successive halls and the compositions created by the stalagmites and stalactites are offering an impressive spectacle.

Our next stop will be a famous olive mill, where we will journey through time and learn about the age-old tradition of producing high-quality extra virgin olive oil.

Using methods passed down through generations, we will step back in time and witness traditional techniques that have been refined and perfected over centuries.

You will have the opportunity to learn about every stage of the olive oil production process — from handpicking the olives from our groves to cleaning, crushing, and final bottling.

You will also have the chance to sample different varieties and learn to appreciate the subtle differences in flavor, aroma, and texture.

Our expert guides will explain the characteristics that make Cretan olive oil unique and offer tips on how to best enjoy it in your cooking.

Next, we will visit the Honey Museum of Melidoni. Let us guide you through the fascinating world of bees as we sample different types of honey and delicious beekeeping products!

We will then move south to the famous pottery village of Margarites. With around 300 inhabitants, Margarites is a village with Venetian roots, mentioned by sixteenth-century travelers. In the nineteenth century,

Margarites was a flourishing town, known for its centuries-old ceramic tradition that began at least as early as the Ottoman period. Margarites is undoubtedly the most important pottery center in western Crete.

During our visit, we will stop at a pottery workshop, where we will have the opportunity to observe how traditional handmade pottery is crafted.

Afterward, you will have free time to explore the charming village and enjoy a coffee or lunch before we begin our journey back to Plakias.

DON’T FORGET:

• Good footwear – comfortable clothes
• Hat – Sunglasses – Sun protection
• Photo camera
• Identity card or passport for reduction of children.
• Money for extra fees