Cretan Senses: Melidoni Cave with Olive Oil, Honey & Wine Tasting
Gallery image 2
Gallery image 3
Gallery image 4
Gallery image 5

Cretan Senses: Melidoni Cave with Olive Oil, Honey & Wine Tasting

Active
(2 reviews)
6h - 8h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Discover the true essence of Crete on this private, guided tour that blends natural wonder, rich tradition, and unforgettable flavors.

Begin your journey with a visit to the mystical Melidoni Cave, an ancient site steeped in history and legend. You’ll have the chance to walk through stunning chambers that echo Crete’s deep past.

From there, the tour takes a delicious turn — we’ll visit a traditional olive press, a local honey farm, and a family-run winery. At each stop, you’ll not only enjoy exclusive tastings of high-quality olive oil, pure Cretan honey, and fine local wines — you’ll also meet the passionate people behind them. Learn how these timeless products are made and why they’ve been part of Cretan life for hundreds of generations.

This isn’t just a tasting — it’s an immersion into Cretan culture, hospitality, and daily life. With private transportation, a dedicated local guide, and flexible pacing, you’ll experience Crete like a local — not a tourist.

Available options

9-Seater Minivan

Mercedes-Benz Vito or Similar <br/>Pickup included

Family SUV or Sedan

Private tour <br/>Family SUV or Sedan<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation
Guide: In-person: English
Bottled water
Liability Insurance and Local Taxes
USB sockets to charge your devices
Air-conditioned vehicle
Personal pick-up and drop-off with a flexibly adjusted time

Detailed itinerary

1

Step into the mysterious depths of Melidoni Cave, one of Crete’s most striking and historically significant natural sites. You'll walk through dramatic rock formations, vast chambers, and awe-inspiring stalactites and stalagmites, while learning about the cave's mythological, spiritual, and historical importance.

Once a place of worship for the ancient Minoans and later a site of resistance during the Ottoman occupation, the cave carries a powerful story. Inside, you’ll visit the memorial chamber, honoring the hundreds of locals who tragically lost their lives during a siege in 1824 — a moment that left a lasting mark on Cretan history.

As part of this exclusive tour, you’ll also enjoy reduced admission fees to the cave, making your visit not only memorable but great value.

Whether you’re drawn by natural wonder, mythology, or history, Melidoni Cave offers a moving and visually stunning experience that will stay with you long after you leave.

2

Step into a working traditional olive press and discover the art and science behind Crete’s world-famous olive oil. Your expert guide will take you through each step of the process — from harvesting the olives to pressing and extracting the rich, golden oil.

Learn about the ancient techniques still used today and how olive oil shapes the island’s culture, cuisine, and health traditions. You’ll see the historic equipment alongside modern practices, gaining a unique perspective on this treasured Cretan staple.

Best of all, you’ll have the opportunity to taste freshly pressed olive oil directly at the source, paired with local bread and other authentic accompaniments. This is a rare chance to savor the true “liquid gold” and understand why olive oil is the heart of Cretan life.

3

Step inside the Honey Museum, a charming space dedicated to Crete’s rich beekeeping heritage. Guided by a local expert, you’ll explore the fascinating world of bees and learn about traditional and modern honey production methods that have been practiced on the island for hundreds of generations.

See authentic beekeeping tools, watch demonstrations, and uncover the unique qualities that make Cretan honey so prized worldwide. Your guide will share stories of how honey is woven into local culture, cuisine, and even medicine.

Of course, the highlight is the honey tasting experience — sample a variety of pure, natural honeys, each with distinct flavors reflecting Crete’s diverse flora. This sweet journey will leave you with a new appreciation for one of the island’s most precious treasures.

4

Discover the art of winemaking at a charming, family-run Cretan winery where tradition meets passion. Your expert guide will take you behind the scenes to learn about the local grape varieties, the unique terroir, and the centuries-old techniques that make Cretan wine so special.

Stroll through the vineyards and cellars as you hear stories about the history of winemaking on the island and the role wine plays in Cretan culture and celebrations.

The highlight? An exclusive wine tasting session featuring a selection of carefully crafted reds, whites, and rosés — all paired with traditional Cretan bites to enhance the flavors. Whether you’re a wine novice or enthusiast, this sensory experience is a delicious way to connect with the spirit of Crete.

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide
EN

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0
2 reviews
5★
2
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Crete

Crete is the largest of the Greek islands and a treasure trove of ancient history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. Known as the birthplace of the Minoan civilization, it offers a unique blend of ancient ruins, beautiful beaches, and traditional villages.

Top Attractions

Palace of Knossos

The Palace of Knossos is the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete and is associated with the mythological Minotaur and the Labyrinth.

Historical 2-3 hours €15 (included in multi-site ticket)

Samaria Gorge

One of Europe's longest gorges, Samaria is a popular hiking destination known for its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife.

Nature 5-7 hours €5 entry fee

Elafonisi Beach

Elafonisi Beach is famous for its pink sands and crystal-clear waters, making it one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece.

Beach Half day to full day Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Dakos

A traditional Cretan salad made with barley rusks, tomato, myzithra cheese, and olive oil.

Appetizer Vegetarian

Moussaka

A layered dish with eggplant, minced meat, and béchamel sauce.

Main Course Contains meat

Rakomelo

A warm drink made with rakia (a local brandy) and honey.

Drink Alcoholic

Popular Activities

Hiking in Samaria Gorge Scuba diving in Elafonisi Beach Sunbathing at Balos Lagoon Wine tasting at local wineries Exploring the Palace of Knossos Visiting the Heraklion Archaeological Museum Snorkeling in Balos Lagoon Boat tours around Crete

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the peak tourist season with warm, sunny weather and clear skies. It's ideal for beach activities and exploring the island's historical sites.

25°C to 35°C 77°F to 95°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: Greek
  • Widely spoken: English, German, French
  • English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

EET (UTC+2) / EEST (UTC+3 during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Crete is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates. However, petty theft and pickpocketing can occur in tourist areas.

Important Precautions:
  • • Keep valuables secure
  • • Use licensed taxis
  • • Be cautious of strangers offering services

Getting there

By air
  • Heraklion International Airport • 3 km from Heraklion city center
  • Chania International Airport • 13 km from Chania city center
By bus

Heraklion Bus Station, Chania Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common form of public transport. They are affordable and cover most parts of the island.

Taxis

Available • Apps: TaxiBeat, Beat

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Heraklion Old Town Chania Old Town

Day trips

Balos Lagoon
55 km from Chania • Full day

A stunning lagoon with turquoise waters and white sand, accessible by car or boat.

Rethymno Old Town
65 km from Heraklion • Half day to full day

A charming old town with Venetian and Ottoman architecture, offering a rich cultural experience.

Festivals

Cretan Festival • June to August Easter Celebrations • March or April (varies by year)

Pro tips

  • Visit smaller towns and villages for a more authentic experience
  • Try local street food for a taste of traditional Cretan cuisine
  • Explore the island's diverse landscapes, from beaches to mountains and gorges
  • Learn a few basic Greek phrases to enhance your interaction with locals
  • Consider renting a car for flexibility and to explore remote areas
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 8
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

Similar Experiences

Similar on Klook