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ssherie_

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I've always heard that Cretan olive oil is "liquid gold" or that it's somehow better quality than other Greek olive oil. Does anyone know if and why this is true? I haven't really noticed a difference in taste
 
Having lived in Mykonos for many years all Greek olive oils are Liquid gold in my opinion,we used Altis organic I think it was from Crete.. a little peppary taste,tried many others too! Sparta Bronze here in Thailand is nice, have tried Sparta Gold also,no country can compete with Greek olive oil.... for sure.... tried so many Italian and Spanish brands..... nothing comes close to Greek olive oil!
 
Greeks are proud people who have pride for their country but also for their specific regions and islands. My Kretan friends say olive oil from Krete is the best, my Kalamatan friends say their oil is the best and the list goes on and on.
In my opinion you can’t go wrong with any quality olive oil from Greece.
 
Greeks are proud people who have pride for their country but also for their specific regions and islands. My Kretan friends say olive oil from Krete is the best, my Kalamatan friends say their oil is the best and the list goes on and on.
In my opinion you can’t go wrong with any quality olive oil from Greece.
Rivalry and passion is always healthy,we must have tried so many different brands, living in Mykonos,we always had sellers passing by all summer selling different things, some from Samos with trucks full of oranges and they bring with them a few hundred litres of home pressed olive oil from the winter past,then we have the Gypsies, they are the best, they have so much to sell, sometimes we used to buy the whole drum to share,my friend has a very big Taverna so he buys thousands of litres of Cretan olive oil in very big drums so we just enjoy the different oils from the Greek islands,Kalamata sellers too used to passby amazing selection of oil and olives!?
 
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Having lived in Mykonos for many years all Greek olive oils are Liquid gold in my opinion,we used Altis organic I think it was from Crete.. a little peppary taste,tried many others too! Sparta Bronze here in Thailand is nice, have tried Sparta Gold also,no country can compete with Greek olive oil.... for sure.... tried so many Italian and Spanish brands..... nothing comes close to Greek olive oil!
Spain and Italy use Greek olives to make their olive oil. So all olive oil is Greek
 
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Greeks are proud people who have pride for their country but also for their specific regions and islands. My Kretan friends say olive oil from Krete is the best, my Kalamatan friends say their oil is the best and the list goes on and on.
In my opinion you can’t go wrong with any quality olive oil from Greece.
So true! You can't go wrong :)
 
I have never met a Greek olive oil I didn't enjoy and for me, it's all about freshness. If I manage to enjoy it shortly after pressing, I'll think it tastes better. When I was on Crete, that's what was happening - but I've enjoyed olive oil all over Greece and it's all amazing!
 

What to Do in Heraklion During a Cruise Stop

I’m looking for ideas on what to do in Heraklion during a cruise stop. I’ve already been once and did Knossos Palace, which was fascinating, but I don’t feel the need to repeat it.

This time, I’m hoping for something a bit more relaxed and experiential. I’m wondering if heading to a nearby beach makes sense time-wise on a cruise day, or if it’s better to stay closer to the city. I’ve also seen food tours mentioned, those really appeal to me, especially if they focus on local places rather than tourist traps.

For those who’ve done Heraklion without Knossos, what did you enjoy most? Beach clubs, wandering the old town, museums, markets, or food-focused activities? I’d love suggestions that feel unhurried but still doable within a cruise schedule.

Tips for driving in Crete?

I might be going to Crete in July, and I’m seriously thinking about renting a car because the island seems much bigger than I originally realized. Part of me loves the idea of being able to explore smaller villages, beaches, and mountain areas on my own schedule, but I’ve also heard mixed things about driving there.

For people who have done it, how difficult is driving in Crete really? I’ve heard the roads can get narrow and winding, especially in the mountains. Is parking difficult in places like Chania or Rethymno during the summer?

Also curious if renting a car ended up being worth it compared to relying on buses or tours. I don’t mind driving, but I also don’t want to spend the trip stressed out behind the wheel. Any advice, tips, or things you wish you knew beforehand would really help!

Best "Home Base" on Crete?

I’m in the early planning stages for a trip to Crete and could really use some perspective from people who know the island well. I’m thinking of spending about two weeks there and trying to decide whether it makes sense to choose one central “home base” or to divide my time between a few different locations.

Crete seems so large and varied that part of me wonders if staying in one place would mean a lot of long drives, while another part likes the idea of settling in, getting to know one area well, and not constantly packing up. I’m especially curious about places that work well as a base for day trips—somewhere with good food, easy access to beaches or hikes, and a town atmosphere rather than just resorts.

If you’ve done a longer stay on Crete, how did you structure it? Did you stay put or move around, and would you do the same again?

Which Crete Beach Do You Like Best? Elafonissi vs. Balos?

I’m still in the research phase for a future trip to Crete, and I keep going back and forth between Elafonissi and Balos, both look absolutely unreal. Elafonissi has that pink-tinted sand and turquoise shallows that seem straight out of a dream, but Balos looks wild and untouched, with those sweeping lagoon views and that little islet in the background.

For anyone who’s actually been, which one left a bigger impression on you in person? Is one easier to reach or less crowded during peak season? I’ve read the road to Balos can be rough, is it worth the drive? Would you base yourself in Chania for both, or stay closer to one? Curious what locals or repeat visitors think!

Is Crete a good destination for a winter getaway?

I’m starting to plan a winter getaway and keep coming back to the idea of Crete. I’ve visited Greece in summer, but I’ve never experienced it in winter — and I’m wondering if Crete is actually a good choice for that time of year, maybe even for Christmas.

I know it’s the southernmost island, so the weather should be milder, but I’m curious what it feels like day to day. Are cafés and tavernas still open? Do locals gather in the squares, or does everything quiet down? I’ve heard Chania and Heraklion stay lively year-round, but I’m not sure about the smaller towns, possibly to even stay through Christmas. What do you think?
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