Discover Rethymno, Lake Kournas & the Secrets of Cretan Olive Oil

Our journey begins in Rethymno, a charming coastal city full of character, where Venetian elegance meets Eastern influence. Stroll through its picturesque alleys, admire the grand Fortezza Castle, and discover hidden gems like ancient churches, mosques, arches, and the old lighthouse. The cobblestone streets of the old town are waiting to be explored! Next, we’ll take you to the stunning Lake Kournas — the only freshwater lake in Crete. Surrounded by lush hills and offering breathtaking views of the White Mountains, this peaceful spot is perfect for a relaxing walk or a refreshing drink by the water. We end our tour at a local olive oil factory in a traditional village, where you’ll experience the heart of Cretan olive oil production. From the olive harvest to cold-pressing and bottling, you'll see every step of the process. Of course, a guided olive oil tasting is included — a perfect way to discover the rich flavor and health benefits of authentic extra virgin Cretan olive oil.

Itinerary

1. Rethymno is situated at the northern coast of Crete about in the middle between the two large cities Chania (58 km West) and Heraklion (79 km East). It is the only town on the island, which is built on a cape. There are two sides of Rethymno offering two styles of visit: the endless big beach and the old town with its mix of architecture and history. The large Venetian castle “Fortezza”, which dominates the city, countless orthodox and catholic churches, mosques, the old lighthouse, majestic mansions of Venetian architecture, arches and cobbled paths, which create a magical atmosphere, have inspired thousands of visitors to pause and take a picture. (2h 0min)
2. Kournas Lake is the only physical freshwater lake in Crete. It is relatively large, with a perimeter of 3.5 km. According to a legend, it has no bottom, which is not true and was based on its dark color. There are also theories about strange electromagnetic fields near the lake, making some people uneasy while others feel a very good energy. Its unique beauty preserves until today the legend about the nymph who lives into the lake of Kournas. Lake Kournas is an important wetland area with a variety of flora and fauna, and so it is included in the Natura 2000 protection program. (1h 0min)
3. Melissakis family has been active in the olive oil sector since the 1890s. The facilities are situated in the area of Tsivaras, Apokoronas in the east art of Chania. (45 min) Admission included