Afternoon Tour: Soap, Olive Oil, Wine & Raki Stories of Peza Valley

Peza Village Afternoon Tour Celebrates Crete’s Soap, Olive Oil, and Wine Heritage

An afternoon excursion through Peza Village is introducing visitors to the traditional crafts and agricultural heritage that have shaped Cretan culture for generations. Departing from Heraklion, the small-group tour takes guests through the island’s countryside, where vineyards and olive groves provide a scenic backdrop for an immersive cultural experience.

The first stop is a family-run soap workshop, where participants discover the traditional process of handmade soap production using locally sourced olive oil and aromatic herbs. Guided demonstrations offer insight into age-old techniques, while guests also have the opportunity to create their own handcrafted soap as a memorable keepsake from the experience.

The journey continues to a traditional olive mill, where visitors learn about cold-press extraction methods and the importance of olive oil in Cretan cuisine and daily life. Guided tastings of premium extra virgin olive oil are paired with fresh bread, tomatoes, and sea salt, allowing guests to appreciate the distinctive flavors of the region’s renowned agricultural product.

The tour concludes at a family-owned winery in Kounavoi Village, where guests explore the cellars, meet the winemaker, and sample indigenous wines such as Vidiano, Thrapsathiri, Kotsifali, and Mandilari alongside local delicacies. Blending craftsmanship, gastronomy, and rural hospitality, the experience offers an authentic introduction to Crete’s cultural traditions before returning to Heraklion or Agia Pelagia.