Discover Crete - wines, olive oil, and nature

Crete is a land filled with stories, beauty, and genuine warmth. From ancient palaces and rugged mountains to sunlit vineyards and peaceful villages, every corner of the island invites you to slow down and connect. Hospitality here is more than tradition — it is a way of life, shared through local wine, home-cooked meals, music, and laughter. Crete welcomes visitors in every season. Spring and autumn are ideal for exploring nature and village life, summer brings long beach days and lively festivals, while winter reveals a gentler side with mild weather and quiet charm. Whether you come for history, landscapes, or the Cretan way of living, Crete does not just welcome you, it embraces you.

Holiday rental home Tonia’s Cottage is the perfect base to discover and enjoy it all.

Wineries

Explore Crete's Rich Wine Tradition

Crete boasts a 4000-year-old wine tradition, with archaeological finds of Europe's oldest vineyard in Kato Zakro and the oldest wine-press in Archanes.

The island offers extensive opportunities for wine tourism, with many wineries primarily located in Chania and Heraklion. Visitors can explore vineyards, taste local wines, and enjoy Cretan hospitality.

While traditional methods are still cherished, Cretan wine-makers also incorporate modern knowledge and technologies to enhance wine quality and variety.

Closest to Cottage:

• Lyrarakis Winery: Founded in 1966 by brothers Manolis and Sotiris Lyrarakis, Lyrarakis Winery is dedicated to reviving rare Cretan grape varieties like Dafni, Plyto, and Melissaki. The winery is committed to sustainability, using organic waste for fertilizer and adapting to climate change.
  What makes this place special: Reviving rare Cretan grape varieties and sustainable farming practices.
  Tours Offered: Wine tastings, customizable tasting packages, and picnic experiences in the vineyard.
  Location: 4 min drive from Tonia's Cottage.
  ✨Tonia's favorite wine: Queens - Kotsifali 100%.
  

• Domaine Paterianakis: Located in Melesses in the Peza wine region of Crete, Domaine Paterianakis was founded in 1988 by Giorgos Paterianakis. Now run by the third generation, Emmanuela and Niki Paterianakis, the winery produces authentic Cretan wines through organic farming. Unique for its integration with the natural habitat of bees, the winery preserves local flora and fauna. Visitors can enjoy three different tours and lunch with wine pairing.
  What makes this place special: The harmony between organic farming and the local bee population.
  Tours Offered: Three different tours and lunch with wine pairing.
  Location: 5 min drive from Tonia's Cottage.

Hidden gem:

• Stilianou Winery: Established in 1922 in the Knossos wine region near Heraklion, Stilianou Winery spans five generations of winemakers. Known for its natural and bio-organic wines from five indigenous grape varieties, the winery is located in the scenic Archanes region.
  What makes this place special: Evening tastings in a historic wine region with panoramic vineyard views.
  Tours Offered: Evening tastings, day tours, and customizable experiences with wine and olive oil tastings.
  Location: 15 min drive from Tonia's Cottage.
  ✨Tonia's favorite wine: Great Mother Red - Mandilari.

Olive oil tasting

Discover the essence of Cretan olive oil

Crete, an island steeped in olive oil tradition since ancient times, offers visitors a chance to taste this liquid gold amid some of the oldest olive groves in the Mediterranean.

Olive oil tours:

• Kleanthi Olive Farm: Located in the sun-drenched hills of Heraklion, Crete, Kleanthi Olive Farm has been a symbol of Cretan spirit and sustainability for decades. Known for its "Pure People, Pure Olive Oil" promise, the farm combines traditional methods with eco-friendly practices like water conservation and organic farming to produce exceptional olive oil.
  What makes this place special: A deep commitment to sustainable farming and the purity of their olive oil.
  Tours Offered: Guided tour of the olive grove, olive mill exploration, and a curated tasting session with artisanal bread, cheeses, and local delicacies.
  Location: 16 min drive from Tonia's Cottage.
  

• Koronekes Olive Mill: Situated in Archanes, Crete, Koronekes Olive Mill is managed by the Koutoulakis family. They specialize in First Cold Pressed extra virgin olive oil, maintaining full control over the cultivation, production, and bottling processes. Their dedication to organic farming and preserving the natural flavors of the Koroneiki olives sets them apart.
  What makes this place special: Producing high-quality olive oil using the First Cold Pressed method.
  Tours Offered: Extra virgin olive oil tour and tasting, cooking demonstration and lunch, cooking class, olive oil soap workshop, and sensory play for children.
  Location: 18 min drive from Tonia's Cottage.

Nature - hiking

Explore Crete's stunning landscapes

Crete offers diverse hiking trails, ranging from scenic mountain paths to historic routes.

Recommended Crete hiking trails (Next to the Cottage):

• Nikos Kazantzakis (Alagni) Loop: A 29.9-km loop near Agios Vassilios, offering panoramic views and moderate challenges suitable for mountain biking as well.

• Alagni, A Hike Through Time: Discover ancient windmills, Venetian churches, and the fortress of Tholi on this circular hike around Alagni Village.

Other notable hiking trails include (Close to the Cottage):

• Archanes - Afentis Christos on Mount Giouchtas: A scenic 3.4-km trail offering historical insights and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

• Mount Jouchtas Loop: A 7.4-km trail known for its biodiversity and ideal times for visiting between May and July.

Crete Hiking Trail E4: The E4 European Walking Path in Crete covers 500 km from Kastelli-Kissamos to Kato Zakros. It's ideal for experienced trekkers, offering diverse landscapes from rugged gorges to mountain trails. Marked with yellow signs, it includes both alpine and coastal routes, requiring thorough preparation due to its challenging conditions.

Cycling

Pedal through Crete's scenic routes

Explore Crete on two wheels with various cycling routes suitable for all levels.

Cycling routes:

• Fourni Playground: Discover routes ideal for families and beginners, known for panoramic views and historical significance.

• Cycling Creta: Explore technical trails and endurance routes, perfect for experienced cyclists seeking a thrilling ride.

Wildlife & nature - bird watching

Discover Crete's avian diversity

Crete is a prime birdwatching destination with diverse habitats like mountains, gorges, and coastal areas. It hosts a wide range of resident and migratory birds (with over 412 species recorded), including Griffon Vultures, Red-billed Choughs, and Little Crakes.

Bird watching sites in Crete - A not to be missed:

• Asterousia Mountains in southern Crete, characterized by rugged terrain, steep cliffs, and sparse vegetation, host diverse bird species including Bearded Vultures, Bonelli's Eagles, and Red-billed Choughs. Access is via a challenging 22 km road from Sternes village, leading to Koudoumas monastery, offering excellent birdwatching opportunities at a raptor observation hide along the way. Read more about birding spots here.

• Discover more birdwatching trails in Crete - Explore the top-rated trails with hand-curated maps, driving directions, detailed reviews, and photos from fellow hikers, campers, and nature enthusiasts like you.

History - museums & archeological sites

Explore Crete's historical and cultural heritage

Delve into Crete's rich history through its museums and archaeological sites.

• Knossos Palace: Explore the ancient Minoan palace and archaeological site, a testament to Crete's rich history and culture.

• Heraklion Archaeological Museum: Located in the town center, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum is one of the oldest and most remarkable museums in Greece, housing representative artifacts from all periods of Cretan prehistory and history, spanning over 5,500 years. It is renowned for its Minoan collection, considered the Museum of Minoan Culture par excellence.

• Historical Museum of Crete: Located in Heraklion, this museum offers a comprehensive overview of Cretan history from early Christian times to the modern era. It also houses a significant collection of artifacts from the Cretan Renaissance and the struggles for freedom during Ottoman rule.

• Kazantzakis Museum in Myrtia: Explore the life and works of Nikos Kazantzakis, one of Greece's most famous authors, at his family home in Myrtia. The museum showcases personal items, manuscripts, and first editions of his works.

Unique experiences

Dive deeper into Cretan culture

Immerse yourself in special activities like cooking classes, ceramic workshops, and more.

Cooking classes:

• Bakaliko Cooking Class: Learn about Cretan products and cuisine, followed by a hands-on cooking session.
  Location: 22 min drive from Tonia's Cottage.

• Minoan Tastes Cooking Class and Meal: Experience ancient Minoan flavors with experts in Minoan food and culture.
  Location: 1 h 20 min drive from Tonia's Cottage.

Ceramic workshops:

• Koumoulia Pottery Workshop: Explore traditional ceramics and create your own pottery pieces in Heraklion.
  Location: 45 min drive from Tonia's Cottage.

Olive oil soap workshop

• Koronekes Olive Oil Soap Workshop - master the art of olive oil soap making in Archanes. Learn age-old techniques and create your own soap while embracing the essence of Cretan culture.
  Location: 16 min drive from Tonia's Cottage.
  
  

Tonia’s favorite ✨

• Koulouvaxata Pottery - In central Heraklion, Koulouvahata Pottery Workshop offers handmade ceramics, from mugs and plates to candlesticks and everyday items. Their modern designs and vibrant colors bring a fresh and distinctive touch to traditional pottery.
  Location: 32 min drive from Tonia's Cottage.

Other activities

Discover other special activities in Crete, such as sailing, kayaking, horse riding, and hot air balloon rides.

• Tonia's Favorite ✨ Sailing: Experience the turquoise waters around Crete and visit secluded spots like Dia Island.

• Kayaking: Explore coastal caves and pristine beaches on a kayaking tour in Kaloi Limenes.

• Horse Riding: Ride through the Cretan mountains or along sandy beaches with guided tours suitable for all levels.

• Hot Air Balloon Rides: Soar above the Lashiti Plateau for breathtaking views of Crete's landscapes.

Explore real Crete: hidden gems

These lesser-known places show Crete’s science, culture, and local crafts, giving you a deeper, more meaningful experience. From hands-on workshops to small museums and family-run studios, you’ll get a closer look at the island’s creativity and heritage.

Nature and science venues: unveil Crete's scientific legacy

• Skinakas Observatory: Located on Psiloritis Mountain, this observatory invites you to marvel at astronomical wonders during public open days. Immerse yourself in modern astrophysics while enjoying panoramic views of the Cretan landscape.

• Cretan Plants & Herbs with Botanists (Organized Tour): Dive into Crete's extraordinary biodiversity with a knowledgeable botanist. Explore how 1750 recorded plant species thrive amidst challenging climates, geology, and human influences.

Connect with Heraklion's vibrant community

• Social and Alternative Projects Tour in Heraklion City (Organized Tour): Delve into the dynamic socio-economic fabric of Heraklion through innovative civic initiatives. Explore projects that enrich the cultural tapestry of this historic city, offering unique perspectives on local life.
  

Cultural museums: explore Cretan artifacts and traditions

• Museum of Traditional Instruments: Uncover a collection of traditional Cretan musical instruments and delve into their cultural significance at this museum in the heart of Heraklion. Immerse yourself in the sounds and history of Cretan music through exhibits that celebrate local craftsmanship and heritage.

✨ Tonia's Favorite:

• Museum of Ancient Greek Technology Kostas Kotsanas: Housed in a 15th-century Venetian building in Heraklion's historical center, this museum showcases the advanced technological achievements of ancient Greeks through interactive exhibits. Discover the ingenuity of ancient Greek inventions brought to life.

For more information, reach out, and I’ll happily arrange your stay and guide you to Crete’s hidden treasures.