Wandering in the surrounding nature, in the olive groves, winter or summer is an experience itself.
A picnic under the shade of olive trees and the sounds of the Cretan countryside will be a beautiful experience.
Visiting the nearby olive mills during the winter months will give you the opportunity to taste the authentic, pure Cretan extra virgin olive oil right at the time of its production and if you wish, you can also participate in the harvesting of the olives. At this time of year the plain is filled with people for the beating of the olive trees.
A visit to olive mills, now museums, takes us back to the past and to a different and forgotten way of producing olive oil. Oranges, when you taste them in the orange groves, have a special taste as well as when you cut the vegetables yourself from the garden, for your salad. The hike to the chapel of the Holy Spirit, on the mountain, is worth it with the view over the whole plain.
We recommend visiting the surrounding villages even on foot for hiking lovers as the distances in some of them are short. If you are simply looking for peace, tranquility and human contact, let yourself go and enjoy your stay on our island.
Come and get to know each other and surely Crete will become your shelter for your next vacation.
Raki Distilleries
There are many rakokazana (raki distilleries) in the region, where the production of Cretan tsikoudia (raki) is now strictly regulated and allowed only with a state license. Tsikoudia is a fundamental part of Cretan culture. During your stay on the island, you’re certain to be offered several small glasses—often by complete strangers who may never see you again. It’s considered an obligation, as hospitality runs deep in the Cretan DNA.
When tsikoudia is being distilled, it becomes a celebration: meat is thrown on the fire, potatoes roast on the coals, and everyone gathers to taste the new batch.
Wineries
Our area is home to many wineries that produce exceptional wines from native grape varieties—many of which have won international awards. Most are open to visitors, and the owners are happy to give you a tour and share the story and process behind their wines.
Mitata – Traditional Cheese Huts
Mitata are traditional mountain cheese huts. There are many in the area due to the abundance of local shepherds and their flocks of goats and sheep. These are resilient, proud people—some still wear traditional trousers, Cretan boots, and the black woven headscarf.
They’ll happily guide you through the traditional cheese-making process, offer you warm myzithra cheese to taste, and even serve you authentic antikristo lamb. Modern dairies also operate in the area, supplying the market with excellent PDO-certified cheeses.
Village Visits
Kastelli – Just 5 km from Santa Veneranda, this is the main village of the region. You’ll find restaurants, cafés, supermarkets, a medical center with specialists, and pharmacies.
Thrapsano – One of the oldest pottery centers in Crete. Here, the Minoan tradition of crafting large ceramic vessels lives on. Many of these are exported around the world, and local potters are happy to share their knowledge. We also recommend enjoying a coffee in the village’s lovely square.
Myrtia – A perfect day-trip destination. Home to the Nikos Kazantzakis Museum, it honors the internationally acclaimed Cretan author and Nobel laureate.
Olive Mills
Modern olive mills are scattered across the area and operate during the olive harvest season. Cretan olive oil is of outstanding quality and is key to the locals’ longevity and health. It’s a staple of the Cretan diet and deeply cherished.
During harvest, the countryside buzzes with activity—villages come alive as even those who have migrated return home for the season. Cretans consider the olive tree sacred. Even today, they offer olive oil and wine to the church and use olive oil to light the vigil lamp (kantili) in honor of the Virgin Mary.
Old olive mills—known as fabrikes—are now open year-round as museums.
Churches and Monasteries
As you explore the countryside, you’ll be struck by the countless small chapels nestled among the olive groves. Many are centuries old and feature beautiful Byzantine frescoes.
Some larger churches, like that of Saint Panteleimon in the middle of nowhere, offer surprising architectural beauty in the most unexpected places.
Several monasteries also exist in the region, such as the Monastery of Agia Marina, which during the summer feast becomes so popular it’s difficult to reach.
Another is the Monastery of Agkarathos, one of the oldest and most significant monasteries in Crete, dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
Hiking and Cycling Trails
For active nature lovers, Crete offers endless opportunities:
Hiking, cycling, horseback riding, rock climbing, paragliding, off-road motorbike tours, 4×4 jeep safaris, hot air ballooning, water sports, waterparks, golfing, cave exploration, and unforgettable gorge hikes that lead to hidden beaches.
Even something as simple as swimming in turquoise waters or sunbathing on beaches with soft pink sand, cedar trees, and wild lilies—just like those depicted in Minoan frescoes—is an experience to remember.
Crete’s landscape is uniquely varied. Its contrasts over short distances are what make it so beautiful: on the same day, you can hike snow-capped mountains in late spring and swim in warm seas just hours later.
And the adventures don’t stop there.
SUMMER OR WINTER
Pedestrians, bicycles, horses, motorcycles, cars… the adventure begins.
TOP PLACES TO EXPLORE
- HERAKLION – The island’s administrative capital
- KNOSSOS – The famous Minoan Palace
- COUNTRYSIDE VILLAGES
- Thrapsano – Where the ancient pottery art lives on
- Myrtia – Home to the Nikos Kazantzakis Museum
- Archanes – A vibrant village rich in history
- MOUNT GIOUCHTAS – A mountain shaped like a resting human, rich in herbs
- VATHYPETRO – The oldest wine press in Europe
- OLIVE GROVES & MILLS – Explore the island’s green treasure
- RAKI DISTILLERIES – Where tradition turns into celebration
- WINERIES – Open year-round for tastings and tours
- MONASTERIES & CHAPELS – Ancient and sacred landmarks
- HIKING – E4 Minoan trail to Dikteon Cave, Lassithi Plateau
- HOT AIR BALLOONING – Over the Lassithi Plateau
- CAVES – Ancient pilgrimage sites
- PARAGLIDING – Soaring with breathtaking views
- GORGES – Easy to challenging routes ending at stunning beaches
- WATER SPORTS – From windsurfing to jet skiing
- SPINALONGA – Visit the historic island fortress
- PROTECTED ISLETS (NATURA)
- Chrysi
- Koufonisi
- WATERPARKS – With thrilling slides and pools
- GOLF – For sport and relaxation
- THEME PARKS
- Cretaquarium® – Discover marine life
- Dinosaur Theme Park – A prehistoric adventure for all ages
