The olive tree is sacred to the people of Crete. For centuries, it has generously offered its fruit and precious "liquid gold" to the island’s inhabitants. Every Cretan who respects their heritage ensures that the secrets of olive oil production are passed down to future generations.

If you’re eager to discover the art of olive oil making and savor extra virgin olive oil with the quality that the word "Crete" guarantees, you're in the right place! Here are six spots across Crete that promise to reveal the stages of olive oil production:

1. Elli’s Farm – Heraklion Region

In the heartland of Heraklion, in the village of Agia Varvara, you’ll find Elli’s Farm. This is where you can taste two editions of the globally renowned Eliama Daily Value olive oil, a true "liquid gold." You'll get an insight into both traditional and modern olive oil production methods, with a chance to sample some of Crete's finest.

2. Biolea – Chania Region

Get ready for a guided tour at the Biolea estate in Kolymbari, Chania. This family-run operation specializes in organic olive oil production, using traditional stone mills and cold pressing methods. You’ll have the opportunity to explore the estate and its production facilities, gaining a deeper understanding of the process from tree to bottle.

3. Terra Creta – Chania Region

In the village of Kamisiana, Chania, the Terra Creta facilities offer guided tours that take you through the entire olive oil journey—from the olive groves to the bottling plant. Here, you’ll learn about sustainable harvesting techniques and the meticulous steps involved in producing their award-winning olive oils.

4. Cretan Olive Oil Farm – Lassithi Region

Located near Agios Nikolaos, the Cretan Olive Oil Farm invites you to step into the shoes of an olive oil producer. This interactive experience includes a tour of their traditional mill and a hands-on lesson in olive oil extraction. You’ll also get to taste freshly pressed olive oil and explore how it enhances Cretan cuisine.

5. Kokolakis Family Olive Mill – Lassithi Region

In the village of Limnes, Lassithi, the Kokolakis family’s olive mill opens its doors to visitors who want to discover the significance of olive oil, or "green gold," in the Cretan diet. The family-run business offers a warm, intimate tour of their facilities, showcasing the dedication and passion behind every bottle.

6. Oliving – Rethymno Region

Near the village of Adelianos Kampos in Rethymno, Oliving provides a unique outdoor olive oil tasting experience. Surrounded by a monumental 2,000-year-old olive grove, you’ll get to explore the centuries-old relationship between Cretans and their olive trees while savoring exceptional olive oils in this breathtaking landscape.

Whether you’re a culinary enthusiast or simply curious about the process behind this key ingredient in Mediterranean life, these six places will immerse you in the magic and mastery of Cretan olive oil production. Prepare to be inspired!

Photo by Nadine Marfurt on Unsplash