Discover Crete’s centuries-old olive culture during a 5-hour moonlit olive harvest experience. You’ll handpick olives in scenic groves, learn traditional techniques, and savor local olive oil and wines. This intimate, immersive tour is limited to just 10 guests, taking place in the breathtaking Armenoi region with stunning views of the White Mountains. You’ll gain insights into the island’s olive heritage and production processes while immersing in the rhythmic sounds and aromas of the harvest. For those seeking an authentic, hands-on encounter with Crete’s agricultural traditions, this experience promises an unforgettable journey.
Key Points
- Immersive 5-hour experience to handpick olives under the full moon in scenic olive groves in the Apokoronas region of Chania, Crete.
- Limited to 10 guests for an intimate encounter, including tasting of local extra virgin olive oil and wines.
- Learn about Crete’s rich olive harvesting traditions and the significance of the full moon in the olive harvest.
- Breathtaking views of the White Mountains and easy access to the olive groves from the meeting point in Armenoi.
- Entrance fees, tastings, and transportation options from Chania International Airport included in the tour.
Overview of the Experience
The Full Moon Olive Harvest in Chania, Crete, is a unique 5-hour experience that invites participants to handpick olives in scenic olive groves under the glow of the full moon.
The activity is limited to just 10 guests, ensuring an intimate and immersive encounter with Crete’s olive culture and traditions.
During the harvest, you will learn about the olive picking process and taste local products like extra virgin olive oil and wines.
The tour also includes entrance fees for all activities and tastings, as well as taxes and insurance.
Guests will meet the tour guide at a designated meeting point in or near the olive grove in the Armenoi area of the Apokoronas region, offering stunning views of the White Mountains.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Armenoi.
Highlights of the Activity
Handpicking olives under the full moon, tasting local products, and learning about olive culture are the key highlights of this immersive experience.
Participants can expect to gather olives by hand in picturesque olive groves, taking in the serene atmosphere of the night. After the harvest, they’ll have the chance to taste the region’s renowned extra virgin olive oil, as well as local wines.
Throughout the activity, knowledgeable guides will share insights into the rich olive harvesting traditions of Crete, providing a deeper appreciation for this centuries-old practice.
With a maximum group size of 10, the experience offers an intimate and authentic glimpse into the island’s agricultural heritage.
Meeting Point and Location
The tour guide meets participants at a meeting point in or near the olive grove in Armenoi.
The tour takes place in the Apokoronas region of Chania, Crete, which is known for its stunning views of the White Mountains.
Getting to the meeting point is up to the participants, as transportation isn’t included in the tour.
The location itself provides:
- Breathtaking vistas of the Lefka Oroi mountain range
- Easy access to the olive groves where the harvesting takes place
- A serene and authentic setting to take in Cretan olive culture
Olive Harvesting Under the Full Moon
Participants handpick olives from the groves under the light of the full moon, an age-old tradition that allows them to enjoy Crete’s olive harvesting culture.
As dusk settles, they venture into the olive orchards, the silvery leaves casting a soft glow across the landscape. With baskets and gentle hands, they carefully pluck the ripe, plump olives from the branches, working together to fill their containers.
The rhythmic sound of the olives falling into the baskets is punctuated by the crickets’ song, creating a serene atmosphere. Participants learn the techniques of traditional olive harvesting, gaining a deeper appreciation for the olive’s journey from tree to table.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyTasting Local Olive Oil and Wines
After the rhythmic work of handpicking olives, participants have the chance to savor the fruits of their labor by tasting the local extra virgin olive oil and wines.
The tour guide leads them through a guided tasting, allowing them to appreciate the distinct flavors and aromas that have been shaped by Crete’s unique terroir. Participants learn about the olive oil’s production process and the winemaking traditions of the region, developing a deeper understanding of the quality and care that goes into these beloved local products.
The tasting includes:
- Sampling the freshly pressed, peppery olive oil
- Trying a selection of bold, full-bodied red wines
- Pairing the olive oil and wine with traditional Cretan delicacies
Learning About Olive Culture
Throughout the experience, the tour guide enthusiastically shares insights into Crete’s millennia-old olive culture, illuminating the deep-rooted traditions that have shaped this beloved local industry.
Participants learn how the island’s unique climate and soil have produced exceptional olive oils for generations, with the ancient olive groves serving as a living testament to Crete’s agricultural heritage.
They explore the traditional methods of olive harvesting, from hand-picking the fruit to processing it using time-honored techniques. The guide explains the significance of the full moon in the olive harvest, a practice that has been passed down through the centuries.
Participants gain a newfound appreciation for the care and craftsmanship that goes into creating Crete’s renowned extra virgin olive oils.
Included in the Tour
The tour package includes entrance fees for the activities and tastings, as well as all applicable taxes and insurance coverage. Participants can look forward to savoring local products, including the island’s renowned extra virgin olive oil and regional wines, as part of the immersive experience.
A chance to handpick olives in the olive groves under the captivating light of the full moon.
Opportunities to learn about the rich olive culture and traditions of the Armenoi region.
Tastings of these local delicacies that exemplify the flavors and aromas of Crete’s bountiful olive harvest.
Transportation and Access
The tour takes place in the Armenoi area of the Apokoronas region in Crete, with participants responsible for arranging their own transportation to the meeting point. The nearest major airport is Chania International Airport (CHQ), located about 40 minutes drive from the meeting point. Participants can rent a car, take a taxi, or use public transportation to reach the location.
| Transportation Options | Approximate Travel Time | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Rental Car | 40 minutes | €30-€50 |
| Taxi | 40 minutes | €50-€70 |
| Public Bus | 60 minutes | €2-€4 |
Once at the meeting point, the tour guide will lead the group to the nearby olive groves for the full moon olive harvest experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Dress Code for the Event?
The dress code is casual and comfortable. Participants should wear closed-toe shoes, long pants, and layers to stay warm in the evening. The event involves outdoor activities, so dressing for the weather is recommended.
Is the Activity Suitable for Children?
The activity is generally suitable for children, as it involves light physical work in an outdoor setting. However, the late hours and wine tasting may make it more appropriate for older children. Parents should consider their child’s age and stamina when deciding to participate.
Are There Any Dietary Requirements Catered For?
The activity accommodates various dietary requirements. Participants can enjoy local products, extra virgin olive oil, and wines that cater to different dietary needs, such as vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, during the included tastings.
Can We Purchase Additional Olive Oil and Wines?
Participants can purchase additional olive oil and wines during the activity. The tour includes tastings of local products, and there will likely be opportunities to purchase extra virgin olive oil, wines, and other traditional Cretan goods.
Are There Any Nearby Accommodations Recommended?
The tour operators don’t provide accommodation recommendations, but there are several hotels, villas, and B&Bs in the Armenoi and Apokoronas regions near the olive grove that could serve as convenient lodging options for participants.
Recap
The ‘Full Moon Olive Harvest’ tour in Chania, Crete offers travelers a truly immersive experience, allowing them to connect with the region’s centuries-old olive traditions.
Participants can handpick olives under the ethereal moonlight, savor local olive oil and wines, and gain insights into the cultural significance of the olive in this magical corner of Greece, leaving with a deeper appreciation for the rhythms of life in Crete.
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