Corfu: Governor’s Olive Mill Tour & Olive Oil Tasting with Pickup

Summary

Corfu olive oil tour with tasting, family stories and hands-on workshop

You’ll wander ancient Corfu olive groves with a local guide, learn family secrets at the Governor’s Olive Mill, and taste award-winning olive oil paired with fresh Greek bites and local wine. Includes hotel pickup and a hands-on tasting workshop—expect laughter, real stories, and a flavor you’ll remember long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

“You can eat the leaf,” Spiros said, plucking one right off the tree. I hesitated (I mean, do people actually do that?) but he was already chewing. The air in these old Corfu olive groves is thick — not just with that dusty green smell, but with stories. We wandered under trees older than anyone I know, and Spiros told us how his grandfather used to nap right here during harvest. I kept brushing my fingers along the bark; it’s rougher than I thought. There were birds somewhere above us, making that sharp sound you only notice when you’re standing still for once.

I didn’t expect to laugh so much at an olive oil tasting. At the Governor’s Olive Mill, Maria lined up little blue glasses and showed us how to swirl and sniff like pros — “Don’t be shy!” she grinned when I coughed after sipping one of their high phenolic oils (it really does tingle). She explained how this was the first health claim olive oil in the world — something about polyphenols and tradition meeting technology. The bread was warm, tomatoes sweet, feta crumbly. Someone handed around a glass of local wine and I swear it made everything taste brighter.

We learned what makes extra virgin really extra — not just a label thing — and why some oils are better for your heart than others. Maria told us about her family’s fights over which olives are best (her uncle apparently still insists on doing things “the old way”). By the end, we got certificates for our “skills” (mine mostly involved eating more bread than necessary). Pickup from our hotel made it all easy — no worrying about driving after wine or getting lost on those winding roads. I still think about that peppery taste lingering in my mouth as we left; it felt like a piece of Corfu came home with me somehow.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Olive grove walk and tasting experience

• Guided walk through ancient olive groves
• Meet resident olive expert in groves
• Hear story of oldest olive variety
• Arrive at olive mill
• Learn production combining tradition and technology
• Taste olive oil like a professional
• Enjoy olive oil with bread, tomatoes, feta, cracker
• Drink local wine
• Receive certificate of participation

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in the Governor's Olive Mill tour?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included depending on your location and group size.

How long does the Corfu olive oil tour last?

The tour ends at approximately 1:30pm.

What food is served during the olive oil tasting?

You’ll try bread, tomatoes, feta cheese, handmade crackers, and local wine alongside olive oil tastings.

Is this Corfu olive oil tour suitable for children or people with limited mobility?

Yes, it’s wheelchair accessible and suitable for all fitness levels; infants seats are available too.

Do I get anything to take home from the Governor's Olive Mill tour?

You’ll receive a certificate of participation at the end of your visit.

Are public transportation options nearby for this tour?

Yes, public transport options are available close to the meeting point.

Will we meet any locals during the day trip to Governor's Olive Mill?

Yes, you’ll meet members of the Dafnis family and local guides throughout your visit.

What’s included

Your day includes convenient pickup from your hotel or cruise port if needed, a guided walk through ancient Corfu olive groves with local experts sharing family stories, entry to the Governor’s Olive Mill for an interactive tasting workshop with Greek delicacies like bread, tomatoes, feta cheese and wine—all taxes and fees covered—and you’ll finish with a certificate to remember it by before heading back relaxed.