From Heraklion : Meet Local Products｜Greece

Our first stop is on the Monastery Selinari Saint George, a few kilometres away from Mallia village. The tradition says that travellers must stop at the monastery when passing by in bid of good luck.

Our trip continues with the story of oil production which takes place in Vasilakis fabrica, in Neapolis village. A full guided tour around the factory, taste olive oils and local products. The fabrica of family Vasilakis begins over 150 years with a small stone olive mill one of the first in the valley, producing life-giving olive oil for the family and their little community for many years. Today, “Vassilakis Estate” is one of Crete’s top producers and exporters of superior extra virgin olive oil. The next generation of the family, the fifth, is now actively involved in running the award-winning olive business.

Next stop, takes place in Bioaroma place which located in Ag. Nikolaos, a marvellous tour exploring the natural wealth of Greek land by creating high-quality organic cosmetics and fragrances. We have the opportunity to see the way of use steam distillation process. Steam distillation is the most common way to extract aromatic compounds (essential oil) from a plant. During the steam distillation process, steam passes through the plant material. The combination of heated steam and gentle pressure causes the essential oil to be released from microscopic protective sacs. This privately-owned, 100-acre botanical wonder acts as a nursery for Crete’s unique flora and fauna, preserving hundreds of different species of aromatic herbs, plants and trees – natural treasures gifted to us by Mother Nature.

Our tour ends in the picturesque town of Ag. Nikolaos with the famous lake. The lake becomes one with the sea through a narrow canal and is surrounded by red rock formations and lush vegetation, with numerous restaurants and cafes around it.