Discover the true taste of Crete through two of its most cherished traditions – olive oil and raki. Your journey begins at a family-run olive oil mill, where you will learn about the ancient art of olive cultivation, harvesting, and pressing. Stroll through groves of silvery-green olive trees, see the modern yet traditional methods of production, and taste extra virgin olive oil of the highest quality, accompanied by local bread and Cretan delicacies. Next, step into the warm atmosphere of a Cretan raki distillery. Here, you’ll be introduced to the island’s famous spirit, also known as tsikoudia. Watch the distillation process, discover the secrets behind this centuries-old tradition, and of course, enjoy a glass of raki together with meze, just as the locals do. This experience offers more than just flavors – it’s a journey into Cretan hospitality, culture, and the island’s timeless connection with the land.

Pass by without stopping

Visiting the ancient plane tree in the charming village of Krasi is like stepping into a living piece of Cretan history. In the heart of the village square stands one of the oldest and largest plane trees on the island, believed to be over 2,000 years old. With its massive trunk and wide branches providing deep natural shade, this remarkable tree has been the meeting point for generations of locals. It has silently witnessed centuries of village life, traditions, and stories. Beneath the tree you will find traditional stone fountains with fresh spring water flowing from the nearby mountains, creating a peaceful and refreshing atmosphere. Visitors can relax in the small cafés around the square, enjoy a traditional Greek coffee, and experience the authentic rhythm of village life. A stop in Krasi offers more than just beautiful scenery—it is a moment to slow down, connect with nature, and feel the timeless spirit of Crete.

Step into one of the most iconic landscapes of Crete as you explore the historic Lasithi Plateau, famous for its traditional white-sailed windmills scattered across the fertile plain. Once numbering in the thousands, these windmills were an ingenious irrigation system that helped local farmers draw water from underground to cultivate the rich land of the plateau. As you walk through this unique countryside, surrounded by mountains and traditional villages, you’ll learn about the history and importance of these windmills in the daily life of the locals. Their distinctive white cloth sails created a beautiful and moving landscape, becoming one of the most photographed symbols of rural Crete. During the visit, you’ll have time to admire the peaceful scenery, take photos, and discover how the windmills supported the agricultural life of the plateau for generations. This stop offers a glimpse into the authentic traditions of Crete and the ingenuity of the island’s people.

Journey into the heart of Cretan mythology with a visit to the legendary Zeus Cave, also known as Dikteon Cave, set high above the fertile Lassithi Plateau. According to ancient legend, this sacred cavern was the birthplace of Zeus, king of the Olympian gods. After a scenic drive through traditional villages and sweeping mountain landscapes, we reach the plateau, famous for its stone windmills and rich agricultural heritage. A short uphill walk leads to the cave entrance, where you’ll descend into a dramatic world of stalactites and stalagmites, shaped over thousands of years. Soft lighting reveals the cave’s vast chambers, creating an atmosphere that feels both mystical and awe-inspiring. A visit to Zeus Cave is not just a sightseeing stop—it’s a journey back to the origins of Greek mythology and the soul of Crete.

In the charming village of Psychro, nestled on the Lasithi Plateau, discover one of Crete’s oldest living crafts. Step inside a family-run pottery workshop where age-old techniques are still practiced by hand, just as they have been for generations. Watch the potter shape clay on the wheel, transforming earth into beautifully crafted jars, bowls, and decorative pieces inspired by Minoan designs and Cretan daily life. Learn about the natural materials, traditional firing methods, and the important role pottery has played in rural Crete for centuries. This authentic experience offers a glimpse into local life beyond the tourist trail. Take time to browse the workshop, meet the artisans, and, if you wish, take home a unique handmade piece as a lasting memory of your journey through the Lasithi Plateau. A visit to the pottery of Psychro is not just a stop—it’s a connection to Crete’s heritage, creativity, and enduring traditions.

Step into the heart of Cretan village life with a traditional Greek coffee in Messa Lasithi. Seated in a timeless kafeneio, where wooden chairs line the square and locals gather to exchange stories, you’ll experience a ritual that has changed little over generations. Slowly brewed over a small flame, the rich aroma of Greek coffee fills the air as time seems to slow down. Sip, relax, and take in the authentic atmosphere of the Lasithi Plateau—simple, genuine, and deeply rooted in tradition. This is not just a coffee break; it’s a moment of everyday life in rural Crete.

Discover Tzermiado, the charming capital village of the beautiful Lasithi Plateau. Surrounded by the fertile plains and the majestic mountains of eastern Crete, this traditional village offers a glimpse into authentic Cretan life. Stroll through its quiet streets, admire the stone houses and local architecture, and experience the relaxed pace of the countryside. In the village square, you’ll often find locals gathering at small cafés and bakeries, sharing stories and enjoying the simple pleasures of village life. It is the perfect place to pause, explore, and feel the genuine hospitality that Crete is famous for.

Pass by without stopping

Enjoy a relaxed lunch at a traditional family-run taverna in Kera village, at the heart of the Lasithi Plateau. Here, Cretan hospitality is heartfelt and the food is prepared just as it has been for generations. Dishes are made with local produce, home-pressed olive oil, fresh vegetables, and seasonal ingredients from the surrounding farms. Savor authentic Cretan flavors—slow-cooked meats, handmade pies, fresh salads, goat in tomato sauce and homemade wine—served in a warm, welcoming atmosphere where locals still gather. It’s more than a meal; it’s a genuine taste of rural Crete and a moment to slow down and enjoy traditional island life.