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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.

How much can you realistically see in Heraklion during a six-hour cruise stop?

I'm looking at a cruise that I might take next year, and one of the stops is Heraklion, Crete. I've never been there before, so I'm starting to research what there is to see and do. It looks like there are quite a few interesting options, but I'm wondering how much is realistic with only about six hours in port.

I'd love to visit the Palace of Knossos, but I'm also interested in exploring Heraklion itself, especially the Venetian Harbor, local shops, and maybe stopping somewhere for a traditional Cretan meal.

For anyone who has visited Heraklion on a cruise, how much were you able to fit into your day? Is it possible to see Knossos and still have time to explore the city, or would that feel too rushed?

I'm also wondering how much time to allow for transportation and getting back to the ship. Any advice would be appreciated!

Understanding Tradition of Raki on Crete

I’ve been hearing a lot about raki in Crete, and a friend of mine recently warned me that it’s kind of a big deal there. She told me she made the mistake of treating it like regular shotsa nd ended up getting pretty sick.

What she noticed afterward was that the locals weren’t drinking it that way at all. It seemed much more relaxed and tied to the meal or conversation, not something you rush through.

Now I’m curious what the actual tradition or etiquette is around raki. Is it always offered after a meal? Do you sip it slowly? Are there certain situations where it’s expected to accept (or not)?

I’d love to understand the cultural side of it before I go, so I don’t accidentally overdo it or miss the point entirely like my friend did!

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!
Share and discuss your Crete photos, questions and experiences!

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