Crete: Zeus Cave, Lassithi Plateau & Olive Tasting Day Trip

Summary

Winding roads, olive oil, old trees and cretan laughter on the plateau

You’ll wander Crete’s high plateaus by Land Rover, taste fresh-pressed olive oil straight from a family factory, explore Kritza’s stone alleys, try your hand at pottery (if you dare), and share a long Cretan lunch under mountain skies. It’s less about ticking sights off a list—more about small moments you’ll remember later.

What’s the experience like?

“You have to taste it with just bread,” Manolis insisted, pushing a tiny cup of green-gold oil into my hand. The olive factory was our first real stop outside Agios Nikolaos — still early enough that the air felt cool and sharp. I could smell grass and something sweet in the press room. I didn’t expect to like olive oil this much (or to eat so many olives before noon). Our guide kept us laughing with stories about his grandmother’s recipes — he said she’d haunt him if he ever bought supermarket oil. Maybe he was only half joking.

The drive up to Lassithi Plateau was bumpier than I thought it’d be — but the Land Rover handled it fine. At one point we stopped for photos and you could see both the Aegean and Libyan seas at once, which felt unreal. Windmills everywhere, white sails turning slow in the sun. Kritza village had these crooked alleyways and old men playing backgammon outside a café; one of them winked at us when we tried to pronounce “kalimera.” There was this church too — Panagia Kera — but it’s not always open. We got lucky; inside smelled like wax and stone dust, and those faded 17th-century frescoes… I still think about that blue pigment on Mary’s robe.

Lunch came late (Cretan time is its own thing), out on a terrace with tomatoes so ripe they tasted like sunshine. Our host poured us raki before we’d even sat down properly. Someone tried making pottery — I chickened out after seeing how fast Maria shaped the clay. She laughed and said my bowl looked “modern.” On the way back we stopped under a tree that’s apparently older than most countries. The bark was cool against my hand; cicadas loud overhead.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Crete's mountains and villages

• Pass Agios Nikolaos village and lake
• Visit olive factory and taste oils
• Stop at Panagia Kera Church
• Walk in old village of Kritza
• Climb to Katharo Plateau for views
• Pass Lassithi Plateau and observe life
• See windmills on Lassithi Plateau
• Visit ancient platens tree town
• Pass touristic village of Malia
• Visit old Monastir of Selinary

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Agios Nikolaos to Lassithi Plateau?

The tour lasts most of the day with multiple stops including Lassithi Plateau, Kritza village, olive tasting, pottery workshop and lunch.

Is lunch included in this Crete plateau tour?

Yes, a natural Cretan lunch is included during the tour.

Do you visit an olive oil factory on this day trip?

Yes, there is a visit to a family-run olive oil factory with tastings of different varieties.

Can you see both Aegean Sea and Libyan Sea during this tour?

Yes, at one of the highest points you can view both seas at once.

Is hotel pickup included for this Lassithi Plateau safari?

The tour includes pickup but check details with your provider for exact locations.

Are there any hands-on activities like pottery making?

You can try making your own pottery at a local workshop guided by an expert.

What kind of vehicle is used for this Crete safari tour?

A Land Rover Discovery equipped with air conditioning is used for comfort on mountain roads.

What are some highlights besides Lassithi Plateau?

Katharo Plateau, Panagia Kera Church (if open), Kritza village walk, ancient tree stop and Selinary Monastery are also included.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup in an air-conditioned Land Rover Discovery with an experienced local guide at the wheel. You’ll get bottled water along the way plus plenty of laughs (and maybe some raki), entry to an olive oil factory for tastings, time in mountain villages like Kritza, pottery making if you want to try it, visits to historic sites when open—and a proper Cretan lunch served by locals before heading back down toward Malia.