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Offered languages
- English
- English
Cretan culture remains largely unchanged in the grand Ida Mountains, where much of the nation's history has taken shape. On this driving tour, you'll discover local crafts like olive oil and raki production, age-old cheese-making in stone Mitata sheds, and typically Cretan villages where men still walk around in traditional costumes. Starting just outside Heraklion, you'll drive through olive fields before reaching the Melidoni Cave, where over 300 women and children lost their lives during the 1823 Ottoman occupation. Further into the mountains, pass through Margarites — known for its ceramics tradition where you can make your own vases — and the village of Veni, where raki production can be seen from October to December.
Along the way, visit a family-owned olive oil factory, see immense wooden sculptures carved from olive wood, and enjoy sweeping mountain views. The tour ends in the quiet fishing village of Panormos, where a child-friendly beach and seafront terraces await.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
This tour starts at the monument. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.
Tour ends at Drive straight ahead an turn right onto the parking area
Itinerary
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Heraklion (Pass by)
Enjoy beautiful views of Heraklion, the capital, and learn why this city is so special to locals. Take in this striking vantage point as your journey into the mountains begins.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Pass a snail farm as you make your way into the mountains. Discover this small but distinctive slice of Cretan agriculture along the winding route
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Take in amazing views as the road climbs higher into the Ida Mountains. Pause to appreciate the sweeping landscape unfolding around you.
Admission ticket free -
Anogia (Pass by)
Drive through Anogeia, a typically Cretan village where men still walk around in traditional costumes. Take in this proud mountain community, known for preserving age-old customs.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Pass through Axos, another traditional Cretan village nestled in the Ida Mountains. Take in its unchanged character, much like Anogeia's.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
See immense wooden statues in the Wooden Sculptures Museum and get a sense of what you can create with olive wood. Discover this unusual showcase of Cretan craftsmanship.
Admission ticket free -
Melidoni Cave (Pass by)
Visit the Melidoni Cave, where over three hundred women and children lost their lives during the 1823 Ottoman Turkish occupation. Today, local residents come here to pay tribute to their ancestors' unwavering quest for independence.
Admission ticket free -
Margarites (Pass by)
Drive through Margarites, a village nestled at the foot of the mountain range, known for its rich tradition of ceramics production. Try your hand at making a vase or amulet yourself.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Experience a guided tour of the family-owned Gerarchakis Olive Oil Factory and see the liquid gold flow out of taps at the end. Discover the process behind one of Crete's most prized products.
Admission ticket free -
Panormos Beach (Pass by)
End your tour in the quiet fishing village of Panormos, where you can enjoy its child-friendly beach. Relax with a drink on a terrace with a fantastic view of the sea.
Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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