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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!
 

Best beaches in Crete for families?

I’m starting to plan a possible family trip to Crete next summer, and I’d love some advice from people who know the island well. What are the best beaches in Crete for families? I’m looking for places with calm water, easy access, and not too much walking from the car, basically somewhere kid-friendly without sacrificing the beauty Crete is known for.

I’ve heard mixed things: some people say the north coast has gentler seas, while others insist the south coast is more peaceful and less crowded. Elafonissi looks stunning, but I’m not sure how practical it is with children. Same with Balos, gorgeous, but is the hike or boat ride too much for younger kids?

If anyone has specific beach recommendations, safe swimming spots, or even family-friendly towns to base ourselves in, I’d really appreciate it. Any firsthand experiences or tips are welcome!

Visiting East Crete vs. West Crete?

I'm thinking about visiting Crete soon, but I'm having trouble deciding whether to focus on East Crete or West Crete. Most of the travel guides seem to highlight places like Chania, Balos, and Elafonissi in the west, which all look beautiful. At the same time, I've heard that the eastern side has a different feel, with fewer crowds, beautiful beaches, and a more relaxed pace.

For those who have explored both parts of the island, what did you find were the biggest differences? Is one side better for traditional villages, local food, and authentic experiences? How do the beaches compare? I'm also curious about scenery, hiking opportunities, and whether one side is easier to use as a base for day trips.

If you only had about a week in Crete, would you choose the east or the west? I'd love to hear what influenced your decision and whether you'd make the same choice again.

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!

Favorite Sunset Spot on Crete

I’m starting to seriously consider a trip to Crete this July, mostly because I’ve become really intrigued by the food culture there. If I go, I’ll probably spend a few weeks exploring different parts of the island rather than rushing around.

One thing I’d really love to experience while I’m there is a truly memorable sunset. I know Crete is large and has so many landscapes, so I’m curious where people have seen the most beautiful evening views. I’m open to anything, whether it’s a famous viewpoint, a quiet beach, a hilltop village, or even a restaurant terrace with an amazing atmosphere.

Do you have a favorite sunset spot on Crete that really stood out to you?

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.
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