Be the Soapmaker: Private Workshop in Crete | by Helleo

Overview

Be the soapmaker — not just a visitor. Step into Helleo, a small family-run soap lab, founded by Manos and Stelios, and discover their world of olive oil, botanicals, handmade craft and creative experimentation.

Just 7 km from Heraklion, 5 km from Knossos and 5 km from Archanes, Helleo is an easy addition to your day in Crete. Meet the people behind the brand, discover how their family’s fresh extra-virgin olive oil, herbs, fruits, clays and fragrances become handmade soaps.

In this private, hands-on soapmaking workshop, choose the ingredients, textures and scent you love and create your own blend. Give your soap its own identity, make it with your own hands and take it home together with your personal Soapmaker’s Card.
And the journey can continue after you leave: share your creation and its story with Helleo, and it may become part of the Helleo Soapmakers’ Collection — giving your creation the chance to go further.

Come as a visitor. Leave as a soapmaker!

Itinerary

1. When you arrive at Helleo, you’ll meet Manos, Stelios and their team and get a short introduction to the lab and the soapmaking process.
   
   You’ll see the tools and ingredients they use — from their family’s extra-virgin olive oil to herbs, fruits, clays and fragrances — and discover how these become handmade soap.
   
   Then it’s your turn.
   
   Choose your ingredients, texture and fragrance, mix your blend and pour it into your mould, with the Helleo team guiding you through each step.
   
   Your soap is ready to take home at the end of the workshop, together with your personal Soapmaker’s Card and Blend ID.
   
   Before leaving, you can browse the Helleo concept store, featuring handmade soaps, natural fragrances, ceramics and other creations made at the lab.
   
   And if you’d like to take it one step further, scan your Soapmaker’s Card and submit your creation to the Helleo Soapmakers’ Collection.

Meeting and pickup

Our workshop is located at the HELLEO head office and Lab, in Vasilies village, just outside Heraklion (7km), close to the historic Knossos Palace (5km) and the picturesque village of Archanes (5km). You will find our entrance with a wooden fence on the main road on your right hand.

Good to know

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Please note: The workshop takes place in our production area in the basement, accessible by stairs.
• For any allergens on ingredients or scents please let us know

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.