We had a wonderful food tasting experience in Crete with Way to Crete. The tour focused on two of the island’s most important local products: honey and olive oil. We tasted three different varieties of Cretan honey — carob, pine and thyme honey — and it was fascinating to discover how different their aromas and flavours were.
We also had the opportunity to taste Koroneiki olive oil through a food pairing experience, trying it with different local foods and learning how to appreciate its flavour, aroma and characteristics. Ernesto was our guide and made the experience very interesting, relaxed and enjoyable. He shared a lot of knowledge about Cretan traditions, olive oil production and local gastronomy.
A fantastic experience for anyone who wants to discover the authentic flavours of Crete beyond the usual tourist attractions.
THE FULL CRETAN DAY
Elafonisi.
With a taste
of Crete.
Elafonisi, Topolia Gorge and the sweet side of Crete. A private journey that makes the most of the day.
BEACH + NATURE + LOCAL CULTURE
A fuller day. A deeper connection.
Combine Elafonisi with the landscapes and flavours of Western Crete. The full-day experience includes private transport, the scenic Topolia Gorge route and the Stathakis Family Honey Experience, with an aim of 3–4 hours at the beach.
Operated by Way to Crete, owned by Ernest. Meet the owner and local host ↗
A day, beautifully unhurried.
A suggested flow, with the sequence and timing agreed around your pickup, conditions and honey session.
Your day begins at your door
Private pickup from your accommodation in the agreed Chania or Rethymno service area. Settle in and leave the driving to your local host.
The landscapes of Western Crete
Travel through villages and mountain scenery. The journey is part of the experience, with room to enjoy the views.
The Topolia Gorge route
Take the scenic route through Topolia Gorge. A short photo stop may be possible, depending on road and weather conditions. This is a scenic drive, not a gorge hike.
The Stathakis Family Honey Experience
Visit Stathakis Family in Kaloudiana for an introduction to Cretan honey and a tasting. The exact session, duration and visit time are confirmed when booking. The honey experience is included in your package.
Time for Elafonisi
Aim for 3–4 hours to relax, swim when conditions allow and enjoy the lagoon and pink-tinged shoreline. Bring a towel, sun protection and comfortable footwear.
A little room for spontaneity
If your group would like, discuss a village or taverna stop on the return journey. It remains optional and depends on the day’s timing. Lunch is paid separately.
Back to your accommodation
Return in your private vehicle. Total duration is approximately 8–10 hours, depending on your pickup, stops and conditions.
Your private tour price.
| Departure | 1–4 guests | 5–8 guests |
|---|---|---|
| Chania | €450 | €520 |
| Rethymno | €520 | €590 |
Group prices, not per person. Final quote is confirmed for your pickup, vehicle and season before booking. Honey experience included.
The details, made simple.
Included in your day
- Private transportation for your group
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in the agreed service area
- English-speaking driver / local host
- Comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle
- Bottled water
- Flexible stops
- All applicable taxes
- Topolia Gorge scenic route
- Stathakis Family Honey Experience and tasting
Plan separately for
- Lunch and other food or drinks
- Sunbeds and umbrellas
- Personal expenses
- Optional entrance fees
- Tips
Make your Elafonisi day your own.
Ask about an early departure, premium vehicle, private local guide, professional photography or a private lunch experience. Extras are subject to availability and quoted separately.
Tell us what you have in mindGUEST STORIES · WAY TO CRETE
A taste of their experience.
Guests describe honey and food experiences with our operator, Way to Crete. These reviews refer to the individual experiences named below, rather than the combined Elafonisi & Cretan Honey itinerary.
We booked a private wine and honey experience with Ernest and it was an exceptional day. From communication to timely pick up and seamless journey. We had enough time to learn about the honey making, enjoy cheese and views and then on to the vineyard small group tour. It was well organised and informative and in a beautiful setting. We tried 5 wines accompanied by olives and bread and Ernest took some wonderful photos throughout. 100/ recommend.
We had the pleasure of having Ernest as our tour guide, and he truly made our experience unforgettable. Ernest was incredibly generous and friendly, making us feel welcomed and comfortable from the start. His knowledge and passion shone through during our visits to both the olive oil factory and the honey factory. Ernest provided insightful information and answered all our questions with enthusiasm. Highly recommend Ernest for an exceptional tour experience!
A little more before you go.
01How long does the tour take from Chania?
Elafonisi Express takes approximately 6–7 hours from Chania. The full-day Elafonisi & Cretan Honey experience takes approximately 8–10 hours. Your accommodation, traffic and chosen stops affect the final timing.
02How long does it take from Rethymno?
Allow approximately 8 hours for Elafonisi Express from Rethymno and approximately 8–10 hours for the full-day honey experience. Rethymno is a longer journey, so even the Express option is a full day out rather than a 4–5-hour trip.
03Is the price per person or per group?
All advertised prices are for your private group. Prices depend on your departure area, experience and whether you have 1–4 or 5–8 guests. Your final quote is confirmed before you book.
04Do you pick us up from our hotel?
Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included within the designated Chania and Rethymno service areas. Share your accommodation when enquiring so the pickup location and any route-specific arrangements can be confirmed.
05Is honey tasting included?
The full-day Elafonisi & Cretan Honey tour includes the Stathakis Family Honey Experience and honey tasting in the advertised package price. It is not included in Elafonisi Express. The session and timing are confirmed when arranging your day.
Get to know the journey.
Read about the tasting and scenic route before choosing your day.
Read the honey experience guideUseful reading: Planning your day from Chania · Booking information
YOUR DAY, YOUR WAY
Let’s take the
scenic route.
Tell us where you’re staying. We’ll help with the rest.