The Cretan Way of Life at the mountains of Rethymno (Mylopotamos)

Embarking on the “Cretan Way of Life” tour in the mountains of Rethymno was an unforgettable journey into the heart of Crete’s rich traditions and hospitality. Here’s a detailed recount of our experience:

Pickup and Meeting Point

Our adventure began with a convenient pickup directly from our hotel in the Rethymno district. The small group size, limited to just six guests, ensured a personalized and intimate experience. Our friendly guide provided insightful commentary as we traveled to our first destination.

Monastery of the Holy Cross Vosakos

Our first stop was the historic Vosakos Monastery, nestled in a lush landscape filled with flowers, trees, and aromatic herbs. We were welcomed by the sole remaining nun, who greeted us with a kind smile and a delicious loukoumi treat. The monastery’s stone-built architecture and serene atmosphere offered a glimpse into its tumultuous history, providing a peaceful start to our day.

• Duration: 45 minutes
• Highlights: Traditional architecture, calm atmosphere, historical insights.

Visit with Mr. Andreas, the Shepherd

Next, we headed to Milopotamos, where we met Mr. Andreas, a local shepherd. He warmly greeted us and shared his daily routine, including the milk production process and goat care. We sampled typical Cretan appetizers such as cheese, olives, and raki. The highlight was watching a herd of 100 goats dash towards the high hills—a powerful and memorable moment.

• Duration: 45 minutes
• Highlights: Sampling local appetizers, learning about goat herding, witnessing the goats’ free dash.

Beekeeping with Mrs. Eleni

Our journey continued with a visit to Mrs. Eleni, Mr. Andreas’s wife and a master beekeeper. She demonstrated honey extraction with her bare hands, showcasing her close relationship with the bees. Dressed in beekeeping uniforms, we learned about the production of real thyme honey. This informative stop allowed us to taste fresh honey straight from the comb.

• Duration: 1 hour
• Highlights: Honey extraction demonstration, tasting fresh honey, learning about beekeeping.

Home-Cooked Lunch in Apladiana

Mr. Andreas and Mrs. Eleni then invited us into their home, situated high in the mountains with beautiful views of the village. We were treated to a home-cooked lunch featuring local organic products and accompanied by wine. The meal ended with a delicious dessert, such as sweet cheese pies with honey.

• Duration: 2 hours
• Highlights: Authentic Cretan cuisine, warm hospitality, beautiful mountain views.

Exploring Apladiana Village

After lunch, we strolled through the ancient village of Apladiana, known for adhering to Cretan customs. We crossed a field full of orange trees, where our guide picked fresh oranges for us to taste. This sensory experience, combined with the picturesque village, created an unforgettable memory. The tour concluded with a discussion on traditional Cretan customs, including the famous Cretan weddings.

• Duration: 45 minutes
• Highlights: Tasting fresh oranges, exploring the village, learning about Cretan customs.

Conclusion

The “Cretan Way of Life” tour was a unique and enriching experience, providing deep insights into the traditional lifestyles and hospitality of Crete. From the serene monastery visit to the hands-on beekeeping demonstration and the delightful home-cooked meal, every aspect of the tour was thoughtfully designed to immerse us in the local culture. This tour is perfect for anyone seeking an authentic taste of Cretan life.