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Cooking Class and Meal at our Family Olive Farm
5.0
120 Ratings
Moires
Experience the authentic Cretan lifestyle and cuisine at our family olive farm, where we'll share the secrets of traditional recipes and cooking techniques passed down for generations.
Duration:
3 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
You’re invited to learn and prepare 4 distinct recipes from Cretan households right in the heart of our farm, where we’ve set up an outdoor kitchen. Our farm provides all the pristine and natural ingredients you’ll need, and you’ll acquire culinary skills from mama Stella, our expert in traditional Cretan cuisine. We’ll supply all necessary cooking utensils, including your very own apron, ensuring a fully immersive hands-on cooking venture! Refreshments and water, locally made, will also be at your disposal. After you’ve cooked up your dishes, you’ll get to savor them paired with a few glasses of local wine. Have no fear—we won’t let anything go to waste. Any leftover food will be packed for you to enjoy later.
The event will span roughly 3.5 hours, right here on our farm. Our cooking space nestles between two towering olive trees and is sheltered under a wooden canopy, so you can cook comfortably, away from the sun’s rays. A bonus: you’ll receive all the recipes and selected photos from your experience via email.
Overall, our farm eagerly awaits your arrival. We are thrilled to have you join our family. Get ready to delve into a unique cooking journey, becoming a Cretan chef, and discover authentic Cretan flavors through shared experiences!
What's Included
- Bottled water
- Carbonated beverages
- All fees and/or taxes
- Cooking equipment & personal apron provided
- Enjoy your creations with a glass of local wine
- Photos & Recipes via e-mail
What's Not Included
- Pick up services
Meal Options
- Cretan Dolmadakia (Stuffed grape leaves)
- Graviera Saganaki - One of the most delicious Cretan kind of cheese that we fry it in our family’s extra virgin olive oil!
- Cretan Dakos - The ultimate Cretan dish! Rusk with fresh tomato sauce, fresh mizithra (making from my grandma), organic oregano and our extra virgin olive oil!
- Sarikopites - Our local dessert! Dough with stuffed mizithra (making from my grandma). Fry it in our family’s extra virgin olive oil. Topping with local honey!
- Vegetarian Giaxni - Fresh green beans with potatoes, zucchini, fresh tomato sauce & Ksinoxondros (a Cretan delicious product making from my grandma)
- Lamb with artichokes, potatoes, fennel & fresh tomato sauce!
- Kokinisto - Lamb with fresh tomato sauce. Served with french fries (local potatoes that we fry them in our family’s extra virgin olive oil)!
- Cretan Stifado with snails - A delicious cretan dish. Just for them who are really open to tasting new things!
- Snails with Xondros - It is the ultimate Cretan dish! It is a very old and delicious dish and at the same time it is so nutritious!
- Lamb with fennel, zucchini, fresh potato & fresh tomato sauce
Additional Information
Our roots trace back to Crete for over three generations. The way of life and diet in Crete is deeply ingrained in us. Alongside my mother, we are eager to divulge all the secrets of traditional Cretan cooking to you, demonstrating authentic Cretan recipes and sharing culinary techniques that have been passed down over three generations. Our goal is for you to experience Cretan life as if you are a local and also part of our family. We wish to envelop you in the culture and spirit of Crete. Experience our tradition through your senses with a unique hands-on cooking adventure!
Location
Cretan Vibes
Finding us is quite straightforward. Just keep an eye out for our sign: Cretan Vibes Farm on National Road 97. If the GPS instructs you to turn towards the Panagia Kaliviany Monastery, please avoid turning there. Instead, continue straight on the main road, and you'll spot our signs.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(120 Ratings)
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1 star
Keith
Jun 7, 2024
Best travel cooking experience yet!! - From the family multigenerational cooking trio to the wonderful personalized setting and all the amazing ingredients…. We couldn’t have asked for more. They will leave you wanting to stay and for certain, come again. What lovely fresh food and amazing people.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Relax07981052149
Jun 2, 2024
Best of the best! - If you’re on the fence… trust me, DO THIS EXPERIENCE! I felt like I went to my favorite family members’ home and enjoyed the best things we all enjoy in life as humans—great company and great food. The atmosphere, facilities, the teachers, the food—alllllll LOVE. I have the best memory of learning about native foods, cooking, laughing, trying new things and being impressed by the simpleness and yet, extravagance of it all. I mean—olive oil from these groves?! Honey from the bees who roam through all the lush vegetation on this farm?! All living plants thrive there not just from the soil, but I believe, from the hearts and gratitude, the hard work, and the love that this family provides. By far, one of the best cooking experiences I’ve ever done. You explained everything so well, that it just all made sense. Thank you!😘
Review provided by Tripadvisor
905indyh
May 29, 2024
YOU SHOULD BOOK THIS! - If you like food, getting to know the Crete culture and the locals, this cooking class will exceed your expectations. You don’t have to be a great cook, as this cooking class is beginner friendly! Marianna and her family are extremely friendly, passionate people. I would recommend this trip to everyone reading this! (Yes, you!)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
S2019wxmarkb
May 29, 2024
Great Experience on a Family Farm. - Marina and her mom were great host. The facility was clean, attractive and well arranged for the class. I was also nice to see the olive trees and harvest an artichoke for the dish we prepared.
The final products were delicious!
Use Google Maps to navigate there. Apple doesn't quite have it correct.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Theresa
May 28, 2024
Best Day Ever - We booked this from New Zealand and hoped for the best. It was. We had the best day, chatting and cooking with Marianna and even though we didn’t speak Greek, we were able to communicate with Mumma Stella as well. We cooked 2 entrees a main and the yummiest cheese pies for dessert.
We chose to do this class as a couple, we picked our own artichokes from the garden.
We were hydrated with home made drinks as well .
Thank you for sharing your beautiful family ,your knowledge and your skills with us. We just loved Grandma ❤️
If we ever come back to Crete we would definitely do another class . Five stars!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Karen_p
May 27, 2024
Taste, see, feel - Marianna and Stella were warm and welcoming teachers and shared their culture and traditions with us. We learned Cretan food ways and enjoyed a wonderful meal after. It was an outstanding experience and one we will never forget. I highly recommend this one.
Review provided by Viator
Christina_b
May 25, 2024
A fun & relaxing cultural immersion opportunity - This cooking class was absolutely incredible and we learned so much! The property is so serene to cook at and the recipes are so much fun to make. Both teachers are incredibly kind and helpful and also taught us a lot about Crete’s culture. At the end they did email us the recipes which we plan to make back home. If we come back to Crete we will take her class again as she said she changes the recipes through the year!
Review provided by Viator
Juliepi2623lz
May 21, 2024
An authentic experience - As part of our holiday I wanted to immerse myself into my favourite hobby… eating! I wanted an authentic experience, something I could take away with me and remember always.
After researching, Cretan vibes had the best reviews so I went ahead and booked. My husband although loves cooking required a lot of persuasion to join me as he said “it wasn’t his thing”
We arrived and there were twelve of us in total and we were made to feel really welcome .
We made four courses, explored the farm and picked our own artichoke. The dishes were all authentic local Greek dishes. I liked all the dishes but especially loved the lamb dish.
We had a great day even my husband eventually admitted that it was a great experience 🤣👌🏼he was the best at making little cheese parcels.
If you like cooking, love food and want an authentic Greek experience then I highly recommend booking…. Just do it!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Raimey
May 15, 2024
Absolutely 100% worth it!!! - Absolutely 100% worth it! This experience is something I will never forget. Marianna was an amazing teacher along with Stella! Marianna was kind and funny and so knowledgeable. The food we made was the best meal I had while in Crete! The location of the farm was stunning and so beautiful. Getting to cook outside on their farm was wonderful. My husband had a blast and it was such an amazing way to connect. The people in our class were great as well which I think really helped the overall vibe. Everyone was laughing and having a great time! Thank you so much to Marianna for an experience I will cherish forever ❤️
Review provided by Tripadvisor
J4881klkatharinab
May 11, 2024
Great cooking class - We attended the cooking class mentioned and the communication beforehand was great.
Marianna and her mother Stella are very warm people and we immediately felt at home.
The food prepared was delicious and we had a great day.
A clear recommendation for anyone who wants an authentic cooking class in a great atmosphere.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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