In this half-day circular exploration hike, we will walk through the Mountains that surround Milia Mountain retreat, connecting with some of the ever-lasting, legendary peaks of Crete. 

Tassos, one of the co-owners of Milia Mountain Retreat as your guide, with his insider’s view of the area, is the person who has marked the hiking paths around. Who can be better at taking you to this moderate circular route, an activity that will introduce you to the wilderness of the area? The walking route is 8 km long and passes through the picturesque points and villages that surround Milia, such as Kato Milia, Kastelos peak, Ai Giannis village, Keramari gorge, Kalathenes, Saint George chapel and back to Milia Mountain retreat.

Getting back to the settlement, we will have some time to rest before joining our common lunch and wine tasting activity. During this meal, you will be able to appreciate the locally produced organic wines and products of the Makrakis family that co-runs the settlement and its cultivations.  During this late-lunch, typical of the Greek customs, not only do we learn about the ways of sharing and authentic Cretan eating, but also we relax into the seductive way of slowing down, chatting over a glass of wine and building bonds. Enjoy a cozy afternoon, during you free time after lunch. 

  In this full-day activity, we merge into the natural cycle of Cretan life with olive harvesting. Through this hands-on experience, we will be incorporated into the natural expression of this land, the agricultural events that have been marking people’s lives throughout the centuries. The olive harvest -one of the most typical and unique common life activities- is both physically and emotionally engaging, as it includes social engagement, group work and personal development. It has long been a way for families to return to their lands and participate in the family reunion.

Depending on the season and the maturity of the process, we will spread nets over to the ground to catch olives at one of the olive groves of the area, rake the olives from the branches, or harvest by hand. From here, gathered in bins we will take our olives to a local family-owned company specializing in the artisan production of organic olive oil using millstones and presses. In this traditional estate and olive mill visitors are accommodated and guided to the Cretan tradition in olive oil production. We will with our own eyes how the winter production gets from the mezzanine of the olive mill all the way through the entire olive oil production process. At the end of this full-day tour, after a friendly treat at the estate, we will take our own small bottle of virgin olive oil back home, as a tasty reminder of our work at the field. 

(Departure details and timetable for this full-day tour are to be communicated to participants closer to the date)  

  In this day's cooking session, we will learn to incorporate the "new fast" into our everyday lives, to be ritualistic and self-caring with everything and everybody around us. We meet up at 12:30 and along with the hosts, prepare three recipes: a salad, a starter, and the main course (2 vegetarian dishes, one meat) in the most minimalistic way Cretan cooking deserves. Accompany your freshly cooked-by-your-own-hands meal with 2 different quality Cretan wines. No fancy recipes & techniques, this is a casual and friendly Greek-style get-together around a large wooden table for passionate adventurers in tastes, odors, and feelings. The group will be guided all the way through this cooking class, be proposed a new style of authentic food preparation according to the Cretan principles and be united by the culture of the Cretan land, that always ends-up over exquisite plates and varieties. 

For non-alcohol drinkers, we gladly serve non-alcoholic beverages.

 In this fifth day of our Cretan life merging eco-experience, we will start with a visit to the premises of the organic greenhouse at the south-west area of Elafonisi. We will be introduced to the ethical values and practices of sustainable agriculture and have the opportunity to see how food is grown in a cooperative way with Mother Nature. We will learn about the uniqueness of the Mediterranean gem of Crete, savor the superior quality of organic greens and end our visit with a local beverage appropriate for the occasion, an appetizer that will pave the way to our next stop, the medieval Monastery of Mother Mary Chrysoskalitissa, Mother of the golden step. 

Located at the south end of the west Coast of Crete, this 17th century monastery, isolated on the edge of the wild rocks of the sea of Chrysoskalitissa, reminds us of a fortress. It is consecrated to the Assumption of Virgin Mary and nowadays attracts thousand of visitors all year round due to its spectacular location and the hospitality of its people, male monks and the crew of the premises that will offer us a guided tour. According to tradition, the holiness of the place is due to the “call” received by the holy icon that was finally found in a hollow rock. In our days, the monastery participates in the local network for the protection of cultural heritage, by hosting visitors, cultivating and producing hand-made products with tradition, devotion and environmental care. We will be guided to the Monastery’s “trapeza” (the common dining place) where we will receive a presentation and a traditional treat prepared by the monks exclusively for our group. 

Finally, heading towards the renowned pink beach of Crete, you will have the opportunity to see a unique natural marvel at its greatest time; far away from the crowds of the summer season, this is the most appropriate way of experiencing the marvelous Elafonisi Natura protected area and spend some time in tranquility on it. Depending on weather conditions and personal preferences, you may try out swimming and don’t miss a walk along the cliffs and towards the sandy island of Elafonisi. 

  Have you ever felt "green joy"? It is the sensation of being embraced by Nature, being invited with a big inner smile, having left behind anything less enjoyable than a workshop at the traditional distillery of Milia, to make your own organic olive oil soap.  

In this last full-day activity, join our original workshop in the morning and see olive oil soap creation and essential oil extraction. You will be coached to create your own products and experience the traditional distillery process, the same one that produces not only the high-quality essential oils from Cretan herbs but also the famous “raki”, the transparent trademark beverage of the island. 

As time goes by, the typical Cretan BBQ will be ready and our chef will be preparing delicious treats that you can pick directly from the grill! In our last day as a group, we will be merging into a Farewell Cretan Feast with local musicians accompanying us live with their instruments, their melodies and songs. Don’t miss the celebrating as a Cretan, that will stay forever in your memory.

After breakfast, the group will be checking out and heading towards the city of Chania together at a scheduled time.