Athens: Polykala Distillery Tour & Liqueur Tasting Experience

Summary

Athens distillery visit with tasting and heritage stories

You’ll step into Athens’ Polykala Distillery for a guided tasting with hosts who treat you like family. Hear stories behind 127 years of craft, sample unique liqueurs (with some laughs), and see how tradition lives on in every bottle. It’s more than just a tasting — you’ll leave with new flavors on your tongue and maybe a story or two to tell.

What’s the experience like?

I almost missed the entrance to Polykala Distillery — it’s tucked right near the Herakleidon Museum, but I was distracted by a stray cat weaving between my feet (Athens, right?). Inside, Nina greeted me with this warm “Kalimera!” that made me feel like I’d wandered into someone’s living room instead of a distillery. She handed me a tiny glass before I’d even set down my bag. The air smelled like orange peel and something herbal — not what I expected at all.

We started with stories about the family who’s been running this place for over a century. Rena showed us these old photos on the wall — black-and-white faces, all serious mustaches. She explained how their liqueurs are made, and honestly, I didn’t catch every detail (my Greek is hopeless), but you could tell she cared. When we tried the first sip, it was sweet but not too much — kind of silky? There was this little burn after, which Nina said meant it was “proper.”

At one point I tried to pronounce “mastiha” and got it so wrong that Rena just laughed and poured another round. The bottles themselves looked almost too pretty to open — glass catching the late afternoon light from the window. There were a couple of locals in for gifts, chatting in rapid Greek; it felt like everyone knew each other here. By the end, I’d lost track of time completely. Still think about that taste sometimes when I walk past an orange tree.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Distillery tour and liqueur tasting

• Meet Nina or Rena at distillery
• Learn about distillery process
• Taste various liqueurs

Top questions

Where is Polykala Distillery located in Athens?

It’s near the Herakleidon Museum in central Athens.

Is there a guided liqueur tasting included?

Yes, knowledgeable staff guide you through tastings of their liqueurs.

Is the distillery wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.

Can children join the tour?

Infants and small children can join if they’re in a pram or stroller.

Are there public transportation options nearby?

Yes, public transportation is available close to the distillery.

Who leads the tour at Polykala Distillery?

Nina or Rena will welcome you and share information about the distillery and its products.

How long has Polykala Distillery been operating?

The distillery has been crafting liqueurs for 127 years.

Is alcohol tasting recommended for everyone?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with heart problems or serious medical conditions.

What’s included

Your visit includes entry to Polykala Distillery near Herakleidon Museum in Athens, personal guidance from Nina or Rena as they share stories behind 127 years of liqueur-making, tastings of several house-made liqueurs (with plenty of conversation), and fully accessible facilities throughout your experience.