Things to do in

Dourakis Winery

Escape on the most romantic and exclusive of Cretan brunch journeys with your beloved one or a group of friends. Marvel at the beautiful handy work of ceramists in the picturesque village of Margarites, or enjoy the tranquility of a sacred gorge on your way to your brunch in a winery. Once at the winery, you'll explore their vineyard, cellar, and other production facilities before diving into a homemade Cretan brunch. On the menu you will discover fresh eggs form the hen coop, local cheese, fresh tomatoes and cucumbers from the garden, an aunty’s pie, sheep’s yogurt, and honey from the Psiloritis Mountains. Cold cuts from a small producer and homemade rusks will also be available, and your brunch will be served in hand-made natural ceramic plates and dishes for an elevated experience. Once having finished brunch, you will be returned back to your tour starting point.

Learn about traditional Cretan olive oil and wine on this tasting tour through the island of Crete. Begin your tour at the Kanakis olive oil mill, and learn all about the process of making olive oil. Hear experts describe the steps of production and afterward, enjoy a taste of their exquisite virgin olive oil. Continue on to one of the best wineries of the region, Dourakis Winery. There, enjoy a half-hour guided tour to learn about the history, tradition, and production of Cretan wine. After the tour, move to the wine tasting room, where you can taste up to five types of Cretan wine. Finally, end the tour with a visit to either the village of Nipos or Vryses (depending on the weather and the day). Both villages offer up beautiful natural views alongside a traditional delicious lunch.

Leaving Chania, you will venture into a completely different landscape, going deep into the unique region of Sfakia. The White Mountains will be your stomping ground for a day of activities for the whole family. Your first stop of the day is at a family owned small-scale cheese factory for a Cretan cheese and yoghurt tasting. You will learn about the traditional local production from this expert cheesemonger, and have the opportunity to sample what locals consider to be the best yoghurt on the island. Afterwards, you’ll head to Askifou Plateau at an altitude of 730m, a picture-perfect valley surrounded by the White Mountains. From there, you’ll start your hike into the 8km Imbros Gorge. It is an easy walk for the whole family with multiple stops for photos and discussions around the flora and fauna in the area. The gorge is spectacular, with several very narrow passages. Your guide will share thrilling stories about how this area was used by Australia, New Zealand and British soldiers in the war. Then, get ready to experience the local culture through gastronomy with your hands-on food workshop. Amongst the delicious flavours and aromas mixed in with local wine, you will discover the secrets of local cuisine while you enjoy a traditional meal, delicious desserts and locally-farmed fruit. At the end of the day, enjoy a glass of wine as you will visit one of the best wineries in Crete for a tasting. You can taste 4 different wine varieties in the traditional cellar, taking in the experience with all of your senses. The tasting is a fitting finale in Crete’s Far West.