Chania: Milia Mountain Tour w/Lunch Olive Oil/Wine Tastings

The Chania: Milia Mountain Tour with Lunch, Olive Oil, and Wine Tastings offers a full day of exploring Crete’s scenic inland landscapes, combined with delicious local food and drinks. Priced at $164 per person and lasting around 8 hours, this small-group adventure is perfect for those looking to experience the island beyond its beaches. With a maximum of 6 participants, the tour provides an intimate setting and personalized attention from the local driver-host.

This tour stands out for its focus on authentic Cretan culture, including visits to ancient olive trees, a mountain eco-retreat, and a renowned olive mill and winery. It’s especially suited for travelers eager to learn about traditional production methods while enjoying spectacular scenery. While the pace is relaxed and the stops are varied, it involves some off-road driving and walking, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

Key Points

• Authentic Crete experience with visits to olive groves, a mountain retreat, and a traditional village
• Includes extensive tastings of organic olive oil and five local wines, paired with snacks and a hearty lunch
• Small group size ensures personalized service and engaging guides, with a maximum of 6 participants
• Stunning scenery along dirt roads, Topolia Gorge, and mountain countryside
• Visits to unique sites such as the 3,000-5,000-year-old olive tree and Milia Mountain Retreat
• Flexible options for vegetarians and those with food allergies, with prior notice

You can check availability for your dates here:

Crete’s Inland Treasures: Olive Trees and Mountain Villages

This tour begins with a pickup from your hotel in Chania, with options for several locations including Platanias, Stalos, Maleme, Daratsos, Kolymvari, Agia Marina, and Chania itself. After about 40 minutes in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle, travelers arrive at Ano Vouves, a tiny village famous for its 3,000-5,000-year-old olive tree that still produces fruit today.

Here, you get to see a living relic of ancient agriculture and learn how olive oil production is an age-old tradition in Crete. There’s also time for a quick break with coffee or fresh orange juice, giving a chance to soak in the peaceful village atmosphere. The direct contact with such an ancient tree provides a tangible connection to the island’s history, a highlight praised in many reviews.

Off-Road Adventures to Milia Mountain Retreat

From Ano Vouves, the journey continues in a jeep or SUV along dirt roads toward the Milia Mountain Retreat. The drive itself offers stunning views as you pass through Topolia Gorge, with rugged landscapes and wild scenery. This off-road ride brings a sense of adventure and a closer look at the less accessible parts of the countryside.

The Milia Mountain Retreat is a unique spot where stone homes without electricity invite visitors into a simpler way of life. It functions as an agro-tourism complex, showcasing how mountain settlements have been transformed into destinations that preserve traditional architecture and eco-friendly principles. Visitors have free time here to explore, relax, or take a walk, as the serene setting contributes to the peaceful vibe.

Tasting Crete: Olive Oil and Wine at Anoskeli Winery

Next, the tour visits Anoskeli’s Olive Mill & Winery, a highlight for food lovers. Here, organic extra virgin olive oil is sampled on warm bread seasoned with oregano, offering a flavorful introduction to local agricultural products. The guide explains the traditional methods behind the production, enriching the tasting experience.

Following the olive oil tasting, the experience continues with a sampling of five different types of local wines, each paired with authentic Greek snacks. Many reviews emphasize the quality of the wines, noting how well they suit the warm Crete climate, with some describing the reds as particularly memorable. This section provides insight into Crete’s rich winemaking tradition and local flavors.

A Traditional Cretan Lunch in the Mountains

After the tastings, the group enjoys a lunch at Milia Mountain Retreat, which many describe as delicious and plentiful. The menu features traditional Crete dishes, with vegetarian options available for those who request them. The lunch is served with local wine and a dessert, providing a hearty meal in a stunning mountain setting.

The meal serves as a perfect break in the day’s activities, allowing travelers to relax and enjoy the local flavors. The food is highlighted in reviews for its quality, and the scenic mountain backdrop enhances the experience.

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Discovering the Topolia Gorge and Scenic Landscapes

Following lunch, the tour takes an off-road drive through the Topolia Gorge, a dramatic canyon with towering cliffs and lush greenery. This part of the trip offers some of the best photo opportunities and scenic views, praised by many for the breathtaking landscape.

This drive provides a sense of adventure, as you traverse rugged terrain that’s inaccessible by regular vehicles. The natural beauty of Topolia Gorge remains a standout feature, offering a peaceful reminder of Crete’s wild side.

The Cultural Charm of Ano Mili Village and the Eco-Complex

In the village of Ano Mili, the tour showcases an authentic mountain settlement that has been transformed into an ethical tourist complex. Visitors can walk around the stone houses and enjoy the rural atmosphere. This stop offers a glimpse of traditional Cretan life, with some reviews noting the calm and unspoiled environment.

This part of the experience highlights how local communities have adapted while preserving their heritage, making it both educational and peaceful.

Practical Details: Logistics, Group Size, and Accessibility

This small-group tour operates with a maximum of 6 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience. The pickup is included from hotels within 3 to 15 miles of Chania, with a separate email providing the exact pickup point and time.

The tour is 8 hours long, starting at various times depending on availability. Travelers should bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and a sun hat. The activity is not suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users, but it’s ideal for those comfortable with some walking and off-road driving.

Transportation is in an air-conditioned vehicle, and the guide speaks English and Greek. The itinerary balances sightseeing, tasting, and relaxing, with enough free time to enjoy each stop.

Value for Money and Overall Impression

At $164 per person, this tour provides a rich and varied experience that combines history, culture, nature, and culinary delights. Included are lunch, wine and olive oil tastings, a cup of coffee or juice, bottled water, and local taxes, making it straightforward to enjoy without extra costs.

Review feedback emphasizes the knowledge and friendliness of guides, the high quality of food and drink, and the stunning scenery encountered en route. The tour’s focus on authentic experiences and small-group intimacy make it a compelling option for those wanting a deeper look into Cretan life.

Crete’s Hidden Mountain Gems and Tasting Experiences

This tour offers a chance to step away from crowded beaches and into the heart of Crete’s inland treasures. With visits to ancient olive trees, a mountain eco-complex, and a well-regarded winery, the experience balances nature, culture, and gastronomy beautifully.

The off-road rides and scenic drives keep the day lively, while the informative guides ensure that every stop is meaningful. It’s an ideal choice for travelers seeking authentic, hands-on encounters in a peaceful mountain setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for vegetarians or those with food allergies?
Yes. Vegetarian options are available, and it’s recommended to advise in advance if there are food allergies to accommodate special menus.

What should I bring for this tour?
Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and a sun hat are recommended to stay comfortable during outdoor activities and scenic walks.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts about 8 hours, with various stops along the way. Exact start times depend on availability.

Are there any restrictions for participation?
The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users due to some off-road driving and walking involved.

What is included in the price?
The cost covers lunch, wine and olive oil tastings, a cup of coffee or orange juice, bottled water, transportation, local taxes, and a professional guide.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes. Cancellations are free if made up to 24 hours in advance, offering flexibility for travel plans.

This Milia Mountain Tour from Chania provides a well-rounded taste of Crete’s rural charm, flavorful traditions, and natural beauty. It’s perfect for those eager to explore the island’s authentic side in a relaxed, intimate setting.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby