Autumn in Crete: Nature, Food and Wine | Elissos
Autumn in Crete is an ideal season to visit this spectacular island if you are interested in nature, food, and wine. Crete in autumn proves that this island is an all-year-round destination.
In Autumn, nature is at its finest with beautiful colors swirling around making the scenery even more impressive. Delicious smells of food coming out of the village houses make you want to taste the local cuisine. Local “raki” distilleries invite you in to try a warm glass of their finest grape-based brandy.
Everybody agrees that Crete island is a historic and cultural heaven and a beach paradise. In this article, however, we are presenting the Cultural and Historic gems of Crete by taking a Nature and Culinary approach. We are presenting unique Experiences and Food Wonders from all regions of Crete. We promise you that after this article you will absolutely know where to go and what to taste on this majestic island this Fall!
Beloved Fall Experiences in East Crete
Minoan Cooking Class by the Beach
Have you ever wondered how the Minoan Cuisine tasted like and how people dinned on Crete 4.000 years ago? If so, join us and experience this unique combination of history and ancient recipes!
We suggest a visit to a stunning archeological site and a small island on the East Coast of Crete. The excavations on this dazzling settlement brought to light a plethora of unique findings, Minoan shrines, workshops, and a pre-palatial cemetery. The island had become a magnet and center for new industries, including the manufacture of gold jewelry, stone vases, and faience 4,000 years ago. By the beach, we invite you to be introduced to the Minoan cuisine around the hearth fire, by an Archaeologist. Your culinary adventure proceeds, with you making Minoan-style lentils in ceramic pots on the hearth and make and bake pita flavored with herbs or dried fruits. Let’s enjoy the fresh food you cooked along with some starters, right on the spot!
The Mystical Palace of Zakros
A true East Crete Fall Experience can not lack a unique Hike in wild Nature! From the numerous gorges of the mountainous regions of Lassithi, we love in particular the “Ravine of the Dead” and highly recommend a visit to Kato Zakros Minoan Palace.
The gorgeous and accessible Zakros Gorge starts a little after the village of Ano Zakros and ends at the village and beach of Kato Zakros. Its morbid alternative name, “Gorge of the Dead” has its significance, and when you find out why you will realize that it is not worrying at all. The ancient Minoans used the caves of this gorge to bury their dead as its cliffs are very steep. It was a tremendous honor for the dead to be buried in the imposing gorge as people risked their lives to get them up there.
The Zakros Palace is a Minoan palace located in a strategic area as it was important for the Minoans to trade with Egypt and the Near East. It is the fourth largest of the Minoan Palaces and it is probable that it was also one of the major bases of the Minoan fleet in Crete. It is important to say that rare masterpieces of Minoan Art came from that palace and those artifacts were made by raw materials such as copper and ivory. This alone demonstrated the vigor of the palace and its relevance.
East Crete Food Tips: We suggest you Try:
On the eastern part of the majestic island of Crete, is where you will find amazing seafood. The seaside towns and villages of Elounda, Plaka, Agios Nikolaos, to name a few, offer an amazing variety of seafood dishes. The fish taverns in that region have a number of seafood plates that take traditional recipes and serve it with a modern spin. The seafood dishes of East Crete that you should try are grilled octopus, shrimp, and squid with fresh salads on the side and a bunch of lemon.
Also, you could order the catch of the day or any other fresh fish along with a couple of appetizers and your meal will be complete. Finally, our recommendation would be to try the seafood in all their forms as the way of preparation differ and the taste is completely out of this world. Shrimp saganaki, lobster pasta, crab salad, fried squid, or anchovies are just a few ideas to get you started!
Beloved Fall Experiences in Chania, West Crete
Experience the Traditional Aspects of Chania
What about visiting a traditional village and a unique Folk Arts Museum in West Crete?!
We love the exhibits of this Museum that are aged from the Roman to the Modern times, including ancient coins, traditional everyday objects of the Cretan households, weapons, and swords used by the Cretans during their liberation wars and even more.
Just a few kilometers to the east, we urge you to explore with us one of the most impressive 16th-century Monasteries of West Crete and delve into the Medieval history of the island. The highlight of the day is the monastic olive oil factory, where you learn all about the olive oil production since ancient times. Experience a unique olive oil tasting in an amazing space!
On our way to lunch at an authentic Cretan settlement, we will gladly drive you by beautiful villages with Venetian charms.
Chania Nature Experience
An experience that is heaven for travelers who are nature and adventure lovers! It also has a dash of history as your lunch takes place at a traditional village overlooking the Libyan Sea and passing by a historic plateau that was believed to be a lake a couple of thousand years ago.
Nonetheless, the main part of your experience will be an entertaining hike at Imbros Gorge. This 11-kilometer gorge runs parallel to the most famous gorge in Crete, Samaria. This gorge is accessible all year round, however, when it rains or snows it becomes quite difficult to pass and it is not advised. It is worth mentioning that a long time ago before roads were built, the Imbros Gorge mule trail was the only connection between Chania town and Hora Sfakion. Today, one can still see the remains of that trail!
West Crete Food Tips: We suggest you Try:
Kalitsounia from Chania, Crete
Chania is one of the best cities in Crete where one can taste mouthwatering kalitsounia. The soft and addictive snack is traditional and can be both savory and sweet. The filling of Kalitsounia mainly consists of the Cretan cheese, mizithra that is very fresh and spongy. The sweet version of this delicious dessert is amazing with a drizzle of warm honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Tsigariasto from Chania, Crete
Tsigariasto is a dish that comes from the West Crete and specifically from Sfakia. A long time ago tsigariasto was cooked with wild goats, however, the hunting of those goats was banned. Nowadays, tsigariasto is cooked with sheep that are grazing out in the fields eating herbs and nutritional greens making the meat extremely tasty. This dish is cooked in slow fire for about an hour with olive oil and onions as well as seasoned meat. Once it is ready, do not forget to squeeze in some fresh lemon. Enjoy!
Beloved Fall Experiences in Rethymno, West Crete
Greco Roman Wonders
A classic tour ideal for families who wish to uncover all the secrets of the ancient times and how it blends in with today. We urge you to visit one of the most important archaeological sites and museums of Rethimnon region, the ancient and newly excavated town of Eleutherna. Walk on the soil that during Homeric times of Greece the town was flourishing. Allow the history to transport you to the Byzantine times where a catastrophic earthquake hit and led to the abandonment of the site.
Furthermore, this tour allows you to let your inner artist out as you experience a pottery workshop at a traditional village. There, your expert potter teaches you all about the pottery techniques of the area and you then have a chance to create your own masterpiece! Doesn’t that sound like fun?!
Nature Whispers
Start your day with a magnificent drive among fertile vine and olive fields, reaching a unique mountain scenery. At an altitude of 1300m above the sea level, you reach the most beautiful natural forest of Crete, renowned for its ancient holm oaks, and cypress trees. It is important to note that this is the only large and healthy forest of Crete, which still retains the physiognomy that characterized the mainland of the island since ancient times. Who would not be honored to walk on that sacred ground?
In the forest, you meditate and connect with nature and the land. Free yourself from all burdens and restrictions and invite calmness and peace in your psyche. Reach that inner freedom and explore forms of your authentic movement in nature, seeking your own personal dance.
After you’ve cleared your spirit and you feel liberated, hike down this impressive natural gorge! It is 4 km long, so grab your water bottle and put on your sneakers! Take in the marvelous scenery around you, it really is unique and picturesque. You must be starving now and we have got you covered! A mouthwatering local lunch at a traditional taverna awaits you.
West Crete Food Tips: We suggest you Try:
Dakos of Rethymnon, Crete
Cretan dakos is often served as a salad, a light meal, or as part of an array of “mezedes”. Its basis is a Cretan dry barley rusk that is large and very hard crouton. Moreover, the rusk is made of whole grain barley, is low in fat and very high in fiber. It is typically topped with tomatoes, olive oil, capers, olives, and cheese. It is imperative that these rusks are softened before eating them. Also, the fact that they are so dry means that they keep well for a long time.
Kohli Bourbouristi of Rethymnon, Crete
A funny name for a spectacularly tasty dish! The name actually refers to the fact that the snails are served inside their shells and are eaten with toothpicks. The snails are pan-fried with their shells kept on. They are flooding in extra virgin olive oil with a heavy coat of salt on top. In order to enhance the taste of the snails, don’t be afraid to experiment with herbs. Parsley or rosemary are good suggestions and add vinegar for a total taste elevation! The best way to serve them is with a cold glass of raki or ouzo and crusty bread on the side. This Cretan delicacy is very popular before Greek Orthodox Easter.
Beloved Fall Experiences in Heraklion, Central Crete
Be a Cretan for a Day
This experience will turn out to be your most memorable day in Crete! We are positive that you will not want to leave as your day will be fun and unique. The entire day is designed around Cretan authenticity. Meaning, that you will truly understand how it is to live like a Cretan for a day!
You will visit a traditional mountainous village outside of Heraklion and you will arrive at a local’s house. The family will greet you as if you are their extended family and make you feel welcomed. They will show you around their property, their vegetable garden, and their farm.
Are you ready for the most fun part of your Experience? Now it’s time to roll up your sleeves as you will actively participate in amusing farm tasks! How about planting and watering your crops, olive picking from the trees, or even participate in the local “Raki” distillation process?! “Raki or Tsikoudia” is a significant part of the Cretan tradition, produced in the Cretan households since antiquity!
It is not a genuine Cretan experience if you do not taste local products. However, you will not only taste them, but you will gather them and cook them! Of course all with the help of the chef who will guide and teach you Cretan culinary secrets. Bake bread in a wooden oven, make your own Greek coffee, make your pasta from scratch!
This is a fascinating way to spend your day and we can guarantee that you will make friends for life!
Olive Oil and Wine Now and Then
Are you a lover of healthy food and good wine? Then this experience is for you as you “drown yourself” in the Cretan olive oil and wine.
Olive cultivation on Crete began at least 4.000 years ago. According to several archaeological finds, the largest Greek island, Crete, may even be the home of the olive tree. For this reason, we urge you to visit a local traditional Olive Oil Factory in the region of Heraklion. There, you learn all about the different stages and methods of Olive Oil production. You visit the local factory installations and olive grooves and participate in the unique tasting of the famous Extra Virgin Olive Oil of Crete.
Filled with colors and flavors, you now head to your next stop. No other than the oldest European winery with a Minoan wine press! There is so much history to discover! There, the oldest European winery and olive oil press were excavated dating back to 17.oo bc. Moreover, you will participate in a demonstration of traditional winemaking and a splendid wine tasting as performed today, at a local winery nearby.
Don’t forget to buy a couple of bottles of olive oil and wine for your loved ones back home!
Central Crete Food Tips: We suggest you Try:
Kagiana Eggs of Heraklion, Crete
Kagiana eggs is a Cretan dish consisting of poached or fried eggs with fresh tomatoes and cheese. The combination is usually seasoned with salt and pepper, and it is typically enjoyed warm for breakfast. It can also be eaten as a spread on slices of bread, as a dip, or as a side dish
Briam of Heraklion, Crete
A nutritious vegan plate, that is the epitome of the Mediterranean Diet. It is full of veggies, herbs, spices, and extra virgin olive oil. “Briam” takes roasted vegetables to a whole new level of delicious. You need just a few simple pantry ingredients: potatoes, zucchini, red onions, and tomatoes. Season it with fresh garlic, parsley, and a generous drizzle of olive oil to make all the difference. Enjoy your zero Cholesterol, low carb, gluten-free dish!
Don’t hesitate to let us design Your personal Fall Travel Experiences in Crete!
We look forward to hearing from You!