Taste of Heraklion

Heraklion Central Market

Cretan Cuisine Stops

Cretan cuisine is celebrated worldwide as one of the healthiest and most flavorful Mediterranean diets. On this tour, we stop at hand-picked tavernas and eateries where you can taste authentic dishes prepared with recipes passed down through generations. Try the iconic dakos, a barley rusk topped with ripe tomatoes, mizithra cheese, and extra-virgin olive oil. Sample kalitsounia, delicate pastries filled with sweet mizithra and fresh herbs.

For the adventurous palate, Cretan hohlioi (snails) cooked in rosemary and vinegar are a local delicacy not to be missed. Every meal is accompanied by freshly baked bread and often concludes with a shot of tsikoudia (raki), the fiery Cretan spirit distilled from grape pomace. These are not tourist restaurants but genuine family-run kitchens where Cretan hospitality shines.

Olive Oil Tasting

Crete produces some of the finest extra-virgin olive oil in the Mediterranean, and the Heraklion region is home to millions of olive trees, many of them centuries old. We visit a traditional olive press where you learn how olives are harvested, cold-pressed, and bottled. You will taste different grades and varieties of olive oil, from the peppery Koroneiki to milder blends, and discover how to distinguish quality by color, aroma, and finish.

Olive oil is the cornerstone of the Cretan diet and has been linked to the island's famous longevity. Locals drizzle it generously on salads, bread, grilled fish, and even desserts. At the tasting, you will also try olive-based spreads, tapenades, and olive oil soap, all produced on-site. It is a sensory experience that reveals why Cretans call their olive oil "liquid gold."

Morosini Fountain

Standing proudly at the heart of Heraklion's Lions Square, the Morosini Fountain is one of the city's most iconic landmarks. Built in 1628 by the Venetian governor Francesco Morosini, this elegant fountain has been the social center of the city for nearly four centuries.

Adorned with intricate reliefs depicting figures from Greek mythology and crowned by four majestic lions, the fountain is a masterpiece of Venetian craftsmanship. Surrounded by cafes and bustling streets, it's the perfect starting point to explore the vibrant old town of Heraklion. Let us take you there in comfort and style.

Priouli Fountain

Tucked away in a quiet corner of Heraklion's old town, the Priouli Fountain is a hidden gem of Venetian craftsmanship. Built in 1666 by Antonio Priuli, one of the last Venetian governors of Crete, this charming fountain stands as a testament to the island's rich Renaissance heritage.

With its elegant stone carvings and peaceful atmosphere, the Priouli Fountain offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city streets. It's a beautiful reminder of Heraklion's layered history, where Venetian, Ottoman, and Greek cultures have left their mark over the centuries. Let us guide you through these timeless landmarks.

The Church of Saint Titos

The Church of Saint Titos, standing majestically in the heart of Heraklion, is one of the most important religious and historical monuments on the island. Dedicated to the patron saint of Crete, Saint Titos was a disciple of the Apostle Paul and the first bishop of the island.

Originally built in the 10th century during the Byzantine era, the church has been transformed through centuries of Venetian and Ottoman rule, giving it a unique architectural character. Inside, it houses the sacred relic of the skull of Saint Titos, returned to Crete in 1966 after centuries in Venice. A visit here is a journey through faith, history, and the enduring spirit of Crete.