Elafonisi Beach with a taste of olives

THE ANCIENT OLIVE TREE

Ιn Crete, there are several centuries-old olive trees whose age is estimated to be over 1000 years old, proof of the long-term occupation of the inhabitants with its cultivation.

This beautiful but deeply rosy olive tree may be the oldest tree in the world and continues to produce olives to this day. It is located in the village of Ano Vouves in Chania, Crete. Although its exact age cannot be determined, the analysis of the trunk shows that it is at least 2,000 years old. It is noted that the stones in the two nearby cemeteries date back to over 3,000 years ago. This olive tree has a trunk circumference of 12.5 meters, a diameter of almost 4 meters, and is based on a wild olive tree which was vaccinated with a variety of mouratolia (“tsunati”) many years ago.

Every year, hundreds of Greeks and foreign visitors go to the village of Vouves to admire one of nature’s most beautiful sculptures, the trunk of this olive tree. Due to the aesthetic, ecological, and historical interest of this tree, it has been declared a protected natural monument of Greece. Its leaves were used for the coronation for the winners of the Athens Olympic Games in 2004 as well as in 2008 in Beijing.

There is also a Museum of the Olive of Vouves close to the tree which aims to highlight the Cretan tradition in olive growing and its pressing methods.

OLIVE OIL TOUR AND TASTING

BIOLEA is a family-owned company that specializes in the artisan production of organic olive oil using millstones and presses. Their products are exclusively estate-produced and it is here that we will taste some of their innovative creations. The BIOLEA estates have been hands-on producers for more than 6 generations. In North-western Crete, (within the area of Kolymbari) sits the small village of Astrikas and it is here where the family’s’ organic olive groves are located.

On this guided tour you will learn the Cretan tradition in olive-oil production and olive-oil quality. In this guided tour you will learn how the olive-oil is produced during the winter and you will also see a birds-eye view of the entire olive oil production process from a viewing platform. Once the facility tour is over you will be led to a tasting area where you will be given the chance to taste three very special varieties that BIOLEA creates. The first is their ESTATE ORGANIC OLIVE OIL; NERANTZIO (with a taste of orange blossom); (and) LEMONIO (with fresh organic lemons).

BIOLEA is always striving for excellence with their products by combining tradition and innovation whilst remaining environmentally friendly and welcoming tourism. The friendly and warm environment they provide in their tours encompasses their passion and drive for nature’s purest product from these ancient and beloved trees.

ELAFONISI BEACH

Elafonisi is at the south-eastern tip of Crete and it’s considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches on the entire island. The crystal-clear waters of this lagoon are surrounded by pink sand that gives this beach its reputation to be a unique and unforgettable experience. Elafonisi is one of the few beaches in the world where pink sand can be found and it’s this that makes it such a popular destination with people from all over the world.

A short walk through the shallow turquoise waters will take you to the island of Elafonisi. And it’s here you will find many species of plants and wildlife that add to the raw nature and unparalleled beauty of this incredible place. To add to its beauty and wonder, this area is also a refuge for the protected Careta Careta Turtles and is now included into NATURAs protection and conservation work.