Snail and olive farm tour with table olives & homemade sweet

Authentic Crete Experience: Snail and Olive Farm Tour with Tasty Treats

This Snail and Olive Farm Tour offers a genuine taste of Crete’s rural life, perfect for those interested in local agriculture and tradition. Priced affordably, it lasts around 1.5 hours to 2 hours, and departs from the South Aegean region of Greece, just 20 minutes from Heraklion city. The tour is led by SNAIL FARM AND FUN, a local operator known for its passion and expertise.

What makes this tour stand out is its authentic, rustic atmosphere away from crowds, with a focus on native snails and olive farming. Visitors get a comprehensive yet relaxed experience, including guided explanations, a walk through the small olive grove, and a chance to enjoy a homemade sweet treat. The tour is also wheelchair accessible and offers multiple languages, making it suitable for a wide audience, though it’s not ideal for hearing-impaired participants.

While this experience is charming and informative, it’s important to note that the typical visit can extend from 60 to 90 minutes or more, depending on questions and interest. With excellent reviews and a perfect 5/5 rating from 16 reviewers, this tour demonstrates its value as an engaging and genuine slice of Cretan life.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Authentic rural experience in Crete, away from crowded tourist spots.
• Guided tour of the only registered snail farm in Heraklion, focusing on Helix aspersa Mueller.
• Visit to a small olive grove with insights into olive harvesting and olive oil production.
• Relaxed setting with shade in the greenhouse, a courtyard, and a playground for children.
• Includes a homemade sweet and bottled water during the visit.
• Flexible duration, typically 60 to 90 minutes, depending on questions and curiosity.

The Unique Setting of the Snail and Olive Farm

The snail farm is located on a hillside covered with olive trees, approximately 1 km from the village of Tylisos. The farm is run by Stavros and Vaso, a local couple who have been breeding native snails since 2008. The farm is not a tourist trap—it’s a genuine operation, the only registered snail farm in the region, offering a small, authentic environment.

Guests appreciate how the snails live in a greenhouse, providing a cool, shaded space that makes the visit comfortable even during warmer months. The farm’s rustic charm is complemented by big photos depicting snails in their breeding season, adding visual interest and educational value. The setting’s tranquility and authenticity make it ideal for visitors seeking a relaxed, informative experience.

Guided Tour of the Snails’ Life Cycle and Breeding

The guided tour lasts between 15 and 45 minutes, depending on the questions asked. The owner Stavros shares detailed insights into the life of the native snails, explaining the breeding process, habitat, and care involved in raising Helix aspersa Mueller. Visitors learn how these incredible creatures are farmed and what makes their cultivation unique.

The guide’s knowledge and passion shine through as he explains every step of the snail’s life, making the experience accessible even for those with limited English skills. The informative yet relaxed presentation leaves visitors with a solid understanding of local snail farming practices.

Exploring the Small Olive Grove and Olive Oil Production

Following the snail tour, visitors walk through a small olive tree farm, gaining insights into olive cultivation and harvesting. The owners show how table olives are produced and explain the process of olive oil extraction, emphasizing top-quality production.

This part of the visit offers a hands-on look at traditional olive farming methods, with a focus on authentic practices. Guests can see how olives are harvested and processed, and are provided with information about the different stages of olive oil production. The intimate setting and personalized explanations make this a highly educational segment.

More Great Tours Nearby

Relaxing Courtyard and Homemade Sweet

After the farm visits, everyone gathers in the courtyard of the farm hut, which is decorated with large photos of snails during breeding. Here, visitors enjoy a bottle of water and a homemade sweet treat that reflects local flavors. The courtyard atmosphere encourages conversation and reflection on what was learned.

The owners are very welcoming and friendly, engaging in informal conversations about local life, products, and culture. The laid-back environment and rustic decor make this part of the tour especially memorable.

Practical Details: Meeting Point and Accessibility

The meeting point is marked by clear signage from 4 km before the farm entrance, making it easy to find. The coordinates are 35.29862976074219, 25.003746032714844, which can be used for GPS navigation. The tour departs from the Snail Farm and Fun location, and group sizes are manageable, fostering an intimate experience.

The duration of the visit is flexible, typically lasting between 60 and 90 minutes, with options to extend if curiosity remains. The experience is wheelchair accessible, ensuring that most visitors can participate comfortably.

What Sets This Tour Apart: Authenticity and Personal Touch

This tour’s strength lies in its genuine, small-scale operation. Unlike larger, more commercialized farm visits, the small size of the farm allows for personalized explanations and close interaction with the owners. The rustic environment and absence of crowds enhance the sense of stepping into local life.

The owner Stavros and his wife Vaso are praised for their passion and hospitality, making visitors feel truly welcomed. The inclusion of a playground with toys makes it an excellent choice for families, with enough time for children to enjoy the outdoor space.

The Value and Suitability of the Snail and Olive Farm Tour

Considering the affordable price and the rich content offered, this tour provides excellent value for those seeking a relaxed, educational experience. It is especially suitable for families, couples, or anyone curious about local agriculture.

The informative guides, authentic atmosphere, and delicious homemade sweets ensure that participants walk away with new knowledge and memorable moments. While it may not suit those seeking a high-energy adventure or intense physical activity, it’s perfect for visitors interested in culture, food, and local traditions.

Final Thoughts on the Crete Snail and Olive Farm Tour

This one-day experience offers a rare glimpse into Crete’s rural life, blending snail farming with olive cultivation in a rustic setting. The guided explanations, relaxed pace, and personal interaction make it an enriching activity that is highly praised in reviews.

The small farm ambiance and authentic hospitality set this tour apart, providing a meaningful connection to local culture. While the visit can extend if curiosity persists, most will find the 60 to 90-minute duration perfectly suited for a leisurely exploration of Crete’s agricultural traditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the farm features a playground with toys, making it family-friendly.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

How long does the tour last?
The typical visit lasts between 1 and 1.5 hours, but can be longer depending on questions.

What languages are available for the tour?
Guides speak English, German, and Italian.

Where do I meet for the tour?
At the Snail Farm and Fun, with signage from 4 km before the farm entrance and GPS coordinates provided.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, full cancellation is possible up to 24 hours in advance.

What does the tour include?
A guided walk of the snail farm, olive grove visit, informative explanations, a homemade sweet, and bottled water.

Is there a physical or health requirement?
It’s suited for most, not recommended for hearing-impaired individuals.

What makes this tour different from others?
Its authentic, small-scale setup and personalized guiding make it stand out.

Can I buy products at the farm?
Yes, visitors can purchase olives and olive oil harvested by the farm.

This Snail and Olive Farm Tour offers a genuine, friendly look into Crete’s rural traditions, making it an appealing choice for those wanting an authentic and relaxed experience.

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