Chania: Milia Mountain Tour w/Lunch Olive Oil/Wine Tastings

If you’re visiting Crete and craving an experience that goes beyond the typical beach day, the Milia Mountain Tour from Chania offers a delicious and scenic way to connect with the island’s authentic flavors and landscape. This full-day adventure combines cultural insights, stunning vistas, and indulgent tastings that many travelers find well worth the price.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the chance to stand beneath a several-thousand-year-old olive tree, still bearing fruit today. Second, the expertly curated wine and olive oil tastings at Anoskeli’s vineyard, paired with local snacks. Third, the visit to the Milia Mountain Retreat, a rustic, electricity-free complex that feels like stepping back in time. On the flip side, it’s a long day with off-road driving, which might not suit everyone, especially those with mobility issues or tight schedules. Still, if you love authentic experiences wrapped in beautiful scenery, this tour is a fantastic choice.

Who is this tour perfect for? If you’re into local food, cultural stories, off-the-beaten-path sights, and scenic drives, you’ll find this trip hits the spot. It’s especially ideal for curious travelers eager to explore Crete’s inland beauty and traditional industries.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Good To Know

• Authentic Experiences: Get up close with ancient olive trees and local wine production.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides like Nickolas and Vassilis enrich your understanding of Crete’s culture.
• Scenic Landscapes: Stunning mountain drives and views of Topolia Gorge make the journey picture-perfect.
• Small Group: Limited to six participants, ensuring personalized attention and a relaxed vibe.
• Cultural Insights: Discover how an old mountain settlement has become a modern ethical tourism site.
• Good Value: Includes tastings, a full traditional lunch, transfers, and a variety of scenic stops for around $164.

The Full Experience: Breaking Down the Itinerary

Pickup and Journey Begins

The adventure starts with pickup from one of seven convenient locations around Chania—Platanias, Stalos, Maleme, Daratsos, Kolymvari, Agia Marina, or Chania itself. With a small group of up to six people, you’re set for a personalized experience that’s more engaging than large bus tours. The transport is air-conditioned, a blessing for Crete’s warm days.

The drive itself is part of the charm. Traveling by jeep or SUV along mountain dirt roads, we loved how this added a sense of adventure and exclusivity. You’ll be surrounded by dramatic landscapes that only off-road vehicles can access, giving a true feel of the Cretan wilderness.

Visiting Ano Vouves: The Ancient Olive Tree

Your first major stop is the traditional village of Ano Vouves. Here, you’ll get to stand beneath one of the oldest olive trees in the world, estimated to be between 3,000 and 5,000 years old. And yes, that tree is still bearing fruit! It’s mind-blowing to think that this living monument has survived countless generations, and it offers a perfect photo op.

Reviewers describe this stop as special, with one saying, “A peaceful visit at the ancient olive tree,” emphasizing the tranquility and historical significance. We loved the chance to see something so old and still productive — a testament to the resilience of Cretan agriculture.

While here, you can enjoy a quick coffee, tea, or fresh orange juice at a small farm, providing a taste of local hospitality. The leisurely 50-minute stop also allows for some sightseeing and appreciating the traditional village atmosphere.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Olive Oil and Wine Tastings at Anoskeli

Next, you’re whisked to the Anoskeli Olive Mill & Winery, where the focus is on tasting the local bounty. Here, you’ll sample organic extra virgin olive oil on warm bread with oregano, a simple but unforgettable flavor that highlights Crete’s high-quality produce. The guide will probably share tidbits about the olive oil production process and its long-standing place in Greek cuisine.

Following that, you move on to a wine tasting with five different types of local wines. These are paired with authentic snacks, including cheeses and other local treats. Reviewers mention that the wines are well-suited to cretan weather and food, with one exclaiming that the last red wine was “incredible.” This part of the day is an eye-opener for those unfamiliar with cretan wines, which tend to be robust and flavorful.

Milia Mountain Retreat: A Step Back in Time

The highlight for many is the visit to Milia Mountain Retreat, an agro-tourism complex that preserves the simplicity of traditional mountain life. The stone homes, lack of electricity, and rustic charm are captivating. It’s a place where you can really disconnect from modern stress and enjoy a peaceful setting.

Here, the group enjoys a lunch of traditional Crete cuisine, with vegetarian options available. The food is often praised for its freshness and authenticity. One reviewer described it as “scrumptious,” and the combination of local dishes, wine, and homemade desserts makes for a memorable meal.

During your two hours here, you can stroll around the grounds, take photos, or simply relax and drink in the mountain views. The atmosphere is relaxed, rustic, and perfect for those wanting to experience local life in a laid-back environment.

Scenic Drives and Final Highlights

On the return journey, you’ll enjoy an off-road adventure through Topolia Gorge, renowned for its wild landscapes and dramatic cliffs. Vassilis or Vassilis’ colleagues often lead this part of the trip, with reviews praising the friendly and knowledgeable guides like Nasos and Dimitris for their storytelling and care.

Before concluding, there’s an optional photo stop to capture the rugged beauty of the gorge. The entire trip wraps up with drop-offs at your hotel or nearby locations.

Transportation, Timing, and Group Size

Transport is in air-conditioned vehicles, and the day runs about 8 hours, with pickup times varying by location. The itinerary is carefully planned to balance sightseeing, tasting, and relaxation, making sure you don’t feel rushed.

With a small group of just six people, interactions feel more personal, and guides can cater to individual interests. This limited size can sometimes mean the trip fills up quickly, so booking in advance is recommended.

What’s Included and What to Consider

The tour includes a lunch at Milia Mountain Retreat, a round of wine or beer, dessert, tastings, coffee or orange juice, bottled water, transfers, and local taxes. The overall value is good, considering all the food, tastings, and transport provided.

A key detail from reviews is the knowledgeable guides, who go beyond just guiding—they share insights and stories that deepen the experience. Guides like Nickolas and Vassilis have received praise for their friendliness and expertise, making the day more enriching.

However, it’s worth noting that not suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users, due to the nature of the terrain and the off-road driving. Comfortable shoes and sun protection are essential, especially during outdoor stops.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour offers a well-rounded taste of Crete’s traditional industries, scenic beauty, and authentic village life. It’s ideal for travelers who appreciate cultural storytelling, scenic drives, and delicious tastings in a small-group setting. The combination of history, nature, and gastronomy makes it perfect for curious, active visitors who want to experience the island beyond its beaches.

The price of around $164 per person reflects the inclusive nature of the experience—covering transportation, multiple tastings, a hearty lunch, and personalized guides. For those interested in local food, wine, and scenic landscapes, this is a solid investment.

While the trip is lengthy and involves some driving over dirt roads, the small group size and knowledgeable guides ensure it remains intimate and engaging. If you’re looking for a day that balances adventure, culture, and relaxation, this tour ticks all the boxes.

FAQ

Is pickup included in the tour?
Yes, pickup from several locations around Chania is included, with specific times and points sent via email from the tour operator.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking and terrain. Sunscreen, a sun hat, and sunglasses are also advised due to outdoor exposure.

Can I customize dietary options?
If you’re vegetarian or have food allergies, let the tour provider know in advance. They can often accommodate special menus.

How long does each stop last?
Stops vary: the olive tree visit is about 50 minutes, the winery tasting lasts 1.5 hours, and the lunch and retreat visit are around 2 hours.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers tastings, lunch, drinks (beer or wine), coffee or juice, bottled water, transportation, and taxes.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s designed for adults, and some terrain might not be suitable for very young kids or those with mobility issues. Not suitable for wheelchair users.

How much time do we spend driving?
Expect about 40 minutes to Ano Vouves, 15 minutes to the retreat, and longer stretches for scenic routes—mainly off-road.

Is there free time at each stop?
Yes, you’ll have time to explore, take photos, or relax at each stop without feeling rushed.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

This tour offers an authentic taste of Crete’s countryside, culture, and culinary delights—all in a small, friendly setting. If you’re looking for a day of scenic beauty, history, and good food, it’s hard to go wrong with the Milia Mountain Tour.

You can check if your dates are available here: