Chania: Olive Oil Tasting & Cooking Class at Metohi Istoria

Chania: Olive Oil Tasting & Cooking Class at Metohi Istoria

Imagine strolling through ancient Venetian grounds, tasting the very olive oil made from trees right on the estate, and then rolling up your sleeves to cook traditional Cretan cheese pies—this is what makes the Chania Olive Oil Tasting & Cooking Class at Metohi Istoria a memorable experience. Located just outside Chania, this 3.5-hour adventure offers a genuine peek into Crete’s culinary soul and history, guided by local women Eleni, Anna, and Eleanna who share their land and traditions with warmth and authenticity.

What we love most is the chance to see and taste homemade olive oil straight from the estate’s groves, and the opportunity to cook side-by-side with locals who share their family recipes. The historic grounds, a 15th-century Venetian castle, are not just a backdrop but a living part of the experience, making you feel like you’re stepping back in time.

A possible consideration? The experience isn’t suited for wheelchair users, so travelers with mobility challenges might want to consider this before booking.

This tour is perfect for travelers who enjoy authentic culinary experiences, history lovers eager to explore Venetian architecture, and those wanting a hands-on way to connect with Cretan culture beyond typical sightseeing.

Key Points

• Authentic Crete experiences: Participate directly in olive oil tasting and cooking traditional dishes.
• Historical setting: Walk through a beautifully preserved 15th-century Venetian castle estate.
• Local hosts: Guided by friendly local women who share personal stories and family recipes.
• Hands-on cooking: Learn to make kalitsounia, a beloved Cretan cheese pie, alongside your hosts.
• Scenic natural setting: Wander among olive, avocado, and citrus trees, soaking in the lush landscape.
• Private/Small groups: Experience personalized attention, with options for private tours.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Experience at Metohi Istoria

Location and Setting

Less than a short drive from Chania, Metohi Istoria is a charming estate steeped in history. This 15th-century Venetian castle isn’t just a scenic spot; it’s an integral part of the tour, with its stone walls and historic grounds providing a tangible link to Crete’s past. Walking through the estate, you’ll see a well-preserved example of Venetian architecture, giving you a sense of the island’s layered history.

The grounds are lush with olive trees, avocado trees, and citrus—a living, breathing orchard that supplies the estate’s olive oil. This natural setting creates a picturesque backdrop for both tasting and learning, making it clear why this spot has been treasured for centuries.

The Guided Tour and Olive Oil Tasting

Your hosts, Eleni, Anna, and Eleanna, will guide you through the estate, sharing stories about the land and its history. The highlight? Tasting olive oil made from the estate’s own olives, which adds an authentic flavor to the experience. Many visitors note how fresh and vibrant the oil tastes, a true reflection of the estate’s care and traditional methods.

One reviewer mentions, “We loved the way the hosts shared their family’s love for olive oil and explained how it’s made—seeing the trees and tasting the oil right there made it real.” This personal touch elevates the experience from a simple tasting to a meaningful connection with Crete’s agricultural heritage.

The Cooking Class: Kalitsounia

The heart of the experience is the hands-on cooking class, where you learn to make kalitsounia, a quintessential Cretan cheese pie. Under the guidance of your hosts, you’ll handle the ingredients—flour, local cheese, herbs—and learn step-by-step how to craft these delicious treats.

The hosts share their family secrets, making the process feel intimate, almost like cooking in a friend’s kitchen. One participant notes, “It’s not just a demo; you really get involved—kneading dough, filling pies, and laughing along the way.” Expect a relaxed atmosphere where learning and fun go hand-in-hand.

More Great Tours Nearby

What Makes This Experience Special?

• Authentic participation: Unlike commercial tours that just show you around, this experience invites you into a family’s land and kitchen.
• Culinary tradition: Making kalitsounia connects you directly with Cretan culture, where food is love and history.
• Scenic beauty: The estate’s gardens and views of the surrounding countryside make for a peaceful, inspiring backdrop.

The Practical Details

The tour lasts about 3.5 hours, making it a perfect half-day activity that balances sightseeing, tasting, and hands-on cooking. The group size is kept small or private, ensuring personalized attention and plenty of opportunity to ask questions.

While transportation isn’t included, the estate is easy enough to reach from Chania by car or organized transfer, making it accessible for most visitors. Comfortable shoes are recommended, especially as you’ll be walking among the groves.

Value and Pricing

At a reasonable price point, this experience offers excellent value, especially considering the personal interaction, the quality of the olive oil tasting, and the hands-on cooking lesson. You’re not just paying for a tour—you’re gaining a deeper understanding of Cretan life and a set of recipes you can recreate at home.

Authenticity and Cultural Connection

What truly sets this tour apart is its authenticity. The hosts don’t stage a performance; they live the culture daily and genuinely want to share it. This is evident in their storytelling, the quality of the ingredients, and the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

What Travelers Say

Multiple reviewers describe the experience as “a highlight of their trip,” praising the hosts’ warmth and the chance to learn family recipes. Many mention that tasting the estate’s own olive oil was a memorable moment, connecting them with Crete’s agricultural traditions.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who crave genuine, local experiences — those who want to step beyond typical sightseeing and get involved in authentic culinary and historical traditions. It’s especially good for food lovers, history buffs, and anyone interested in local craftsmanship.

If you’re traveling with a small group or desire a private experience, this tour offers personalized attention that larger, commercial options often lack. However, those with mobility issues should note it’s not wheelchair accessible due to the estate’s historic grounds.

The Sum Up

The Chania Olive Oil Tasting & Cooking Class at Metohi Istoria offers a rich, hands-on encounter with Crete’s culinary and historic roots. Walking through the estate’s ancient walls, tasting fresh olive oil, and making traditional cheese pies with local women, you’ll leave with more than just photos—you’ll carry a piece of Crete’s soul.

It’s an ideal choice for travelers seeking genuine culture, delicious food, and a memorable connection to local life. Whether you’re a dedicated foodie, history enthusiast, or curious traveler, this experience provides a balanced, heartfelt look at Crete’s enduring traditions.

If you want to experience Crete not just through sights but through taste, stories, and hands-on participation, this tour is a definite highlight.

FAQ

Is transportation to the estate included?
No, transportation isn’t included, but the estate is accessible from Chania by car or organized transfer.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 3.5 hours, making it a manageable half-day activity.

Can I participate in the cooking class if I have no cooking experience?
Absolutely. The hosts guide you step-by-step, and everyone is encouraged to participate regardless of skill level.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking through the estate and garden areas.

Is the experience suitable for children?
While not explicitly mentioned, children who enjoy hands-on activities and are comfortable in a small group setting will likely enjoy it.

Are personal expenses and souvenirs included?
No, personal expenses are not included. You might want to bring some cash if you wish to buy local products or souvenirs.

Is the tour available in languages other than English?
The experience is hosted in English, but small groups or private bookings may offer some flexibility.

What makes this tour stand out compared to others?
The authentic participation, the historic setting, and the opportunity to taste estate-made olive oil make this experience truly special.

Who is this tour best suited for?
Travelers interested in authentic, hands-on local experiences who want to connect more deeply with Crete’s traditions.

This tour combines history, nature, and culinary craft in a way that’s tangible and meaningful, perfect for those wanting more than just a quick visit—an experience that truly captures the spirit of Crete.

You can check availability for your dates here: