Kato Gouves
Beach resort on the north coast east of Heraklion.
All villages & towns · Hersonissos












What sets this tour apart is its raw authenticity and deep respect for Cretan tradition. This is not a show for tourists—it’s a real morning spent with real locals doing what they’ve always done: making soap with herbs and olive oil, pressing liquid gold from their groves, and pouring wine and raki that speak of soil and soul. You’ll visit small, family-run businesses where stories are shared, not staged, and every stop offers something handmade, heartfelt, and rooted in the land. With no crowded buses, no tourist traps, and no fluff, this experience is ideal for curious travelers who want to taste, learn, and connect. It's a short tour with a long-lasting impact—leaving your afternoon open but your mind and heart full. Come hungry for stories, not souvenirs.
Beach resort on the north coast east of Heraklion.
All villages & towns · Hersonissos
A handful of sandy beaches along Kato Gouves, easy and popular with families.
Sandy beaches · Hersonissos
One of the largest aquariums in the Mediterranean.
Museums · Hersonissos
Coastal village east of Heraklion, home of the Cretaquarium.
All villages & towns · Hersonissos
Inland village above the beach resort of Kato Gouves.
All villages & towns · Hersonissos
A big sandy beach at the mouth of the Aposelemis river, with a small wetland full of birds.
Sandy beaches · Hersonissos
A huge cave and ancient Minoan sanctuary.
Caves · Hersonissos
Seaside village east of Heraklion, next to a Minoan villa.
All villages & towns · Hersonissos
A family resort beach with free sunbeds, showers and steady wind for watersports.
Sandy beaches · Hersonissos
A small unorganised local beach with views of Dia island and planes landing.
Sandy beaches · Hersonissos
A string of small sandy beaches with lifeguards and shallow, light blue water.
Sandy beaches · Hersonissos
A Minoan villa full of ceremonial axes.
Archaeological sites · Heraklion
Small sandy beaches in front of big resorts, with a rocky seabed that is good for snorkelling.
Sandy beaches · Hersonissos
The eastern end of the long Karteros beach, close to town with beach bars and soft sand.
Sandy beaches · Heraklion
A sandy beach east of town popular with SUP and kite surfers, with beach bars on one side.
Sandy beaches · Hersonissos
A charming family-run space where tradition and creativity meet! Nestled in a peaceful village setting, here you’ll discover how Cretan olive oil transforms into fragrant, skin-loving soaps. Watch the artisan process up close, learn about natural ingredients, and take home handmade bars infused with herbs, flowers, and care. A down-to-earth experience that smells as good as it feels!
1 hour 15 minutesPolitakis Olive Mill Factory is where authenticity flows like fresh olive oil. This family-run mill blends tradition with modern technology to show you the real journey—**from tree to bottle**. No glossy filters, just the truth behind Cretan extra virgin olive oil.
Visitors witness the full process: olive selection, cold extraction, and bottling—all explained with clarity and pride. Tasting is the highlight, where the subtle bitterness and fruity notes tell their own story. It's not just a visit—it’s a grounded, hands-on look into Crete’s most sacred ingredient.
In the Village, not gar away form Heraklion city, will find a true slice of Crete. This family-run spot welcomes you into their vineyards and rustic cellar, where local wines and traditional tsikoudia (raki) are crafted with care and character.
Here, you’ll taste the land—through robust reds, crisp whites, and fire-kissed raki—while learning the honest, timeworn process behind each bottle. No fluff, no show—just real Cretan hospitality and flavors that speak for themselves.
A member of our team will reach out to you the day before your tour to reconfirm your exact pick-up time and location. For guests staying at hotels or Airbnbs within Heraklion city, the common meeting point is the **Private Parking Lot at GDM Megaron Hotel**.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.