Rooster wine with Chilopites is a winter dish and is very delicious! This dish represents one of the classic meals in Greek cuisine, featuring a slowly braised rooster in a hearty and aromatic tomato and wine sauce served over chilopites. It’s essentially a Greek version of coq au vin, with its secret being the ample use of aromatic spices like nutmeg, bay leaf, cinnamon, cloves, and allspice berries.
Delicious! I’ve heard that historically, this dish was considered quite special, prepared occasionally for Sunday lunch or to mark a celebration. The meat from roosters is tougher than that of chickens and requires more cooking time, and since there weren’t as many roosters as hens available, it became an occasional delicacy! (more…)
Greek cooking is rooted in seasonality, simplicity, continuity, regionality, and healthfulness. The country’s exceptional raw ingredients, grown in a perfect Mediterranean climate, have led to a deep respect for pure flavors, especially in traditional Greek cuisine, which remains closely tied to the seasons.
Greek cuisine has ancient origins. Greek olive oil, olives processed and flavored in much the same way over centuries, Greek honey, wild foods (especially game birds and hares, now replaced by rabbits), herbs, shoots, buds, a multitude of wild greens, ancient legumes such as fava beans, split peas, chickpeas, and lentils, fish and seafood, snails, nuts, sesame seeds, whole grains, and a few simple goat’s and sheep’s milk cheeses are the timeless components of Greek meals. Overall, Greek cuisine maintains its core values while being adaptable enough to evolve with the times without losing its timeless essence. (more…)
Hey there! Are you planning a vacation in Greece? Well, let me tell you, Greek holidays are all about having fun in the sun, enjoying the sea, and savoring the delicious food! The Mediterranean flavors in Greek cuisine are sure to make you fall in love with Greece, especially with the food. And if you’re looking for the best food destination in Greece, Naxos is the place to be! The island of Naxos has a thriving agricultural economy and a rich history that dates back to prehistoric times. The fertile Naxian land provides an abundance of fresh and tasty vegetables, meats, and herbs, all of which are used to prepare mouth-watering dishes. When you visit Naxos, you’ll have the opportunity to taste the local cuisine, which is prepared by the family matriarchs and patriarchs who have mastered the traditional Naxian cooking techniques passed down through generations. You’re sure to enjoy every bite of the delicious food!
Now, when it comes to selecting a place to eat, it can be a bit challenging, especially if it’s your first time on the island. But don’t worry, we’re here to help you! We want you to have the best dining experience possible, so we’ve put together a list of top-quality restaurants and taverns on Naxos. And if you want to try something new, we recommend sampling the local products to find your favorite dishes and making cooking lessons in Naxos.
They know the best places to eat, and they’re happy to help! You can also take a peek at other people’s dishes while they’re eating to see what looks good. And of course, don’t forget to try the local meat, fresh fish, cheeses, vegetables, and wine. They’re all amazing! Naxians are passionate about their food, and they know how important it is for the island’s developing tourist industry. That’s why Naxos is known as one of the best gastronomical destinations in Greece. So, come to Naxos and taste it for yourself. We promise you won’t be disappointed!
The Shepherd for a Day tour It is a very authentic, unique experience who understand the culture of Crete!
Became Shepherd for a Day
Shepherd for a day and immerse yourself in the rich culture of Crete with this authentic and unique experience! Your adventure begins with a convenient pick-up at the port, after which we embark on a scenic drive through the breathtaking landscapes of western Crete. As we journey toward the farm, you’ll have the opportunity to take in stunning views of rolling hills, olive groves, and the vibrant countryside. Upon our arrival at the farm, you’ll be warmly welcomed by the gracious family who runs it. They will share their stories and traditions, giving you a personal glimpse into rural Cretan and life.
You’ll have the chance to participate in the daily activities of a shepherd, a hands-on experience that includes: Feeding the Animals: Getting up close and personal with a variety of farm animals, and learning about their care and feeding routines.
Collecting Fresh Eggs: Experience the joy of gathering eggs from the henhouse, and learning how to identify which eggs are freshly laid.
Harvesting Organic Vegetables: Wander through the garden and pick seasonal vegetables that are completely organic.
Milking Goats: Under the guidance of the shepherd, you’ll have the chance to milk the goats. This offers insight into traditional farming practices while connecting with these gentle animals. The highlight of the day comes when the family prepares a delicious lunch using the fresh ingredients you’ve collected.
You’ll be led through the process of making kaltsounia, a traditional Cretan pastry. This involves rolling out the dough, creating a delightful filling, and then shaping the pastries. Once the kaltsounia are ready, you’ll gather around the table with the family to savor the meal—a truly communal experience.
The lunch features traditional dishes typically enjoyed by shepherds, such as chilopites served with fresh goat milk and homemade cheese. This meal is not only nourishing but also a taste of authentic Cretan cuisine that you won’t find in any tavern. This entire experience emphasizes respect for the environment, sustainable farming practices, and support for the local economy. It showcases how traditional methods of farming are preserved in modern times.
Olive Oil Tasting
After your delightful farm experience, we will drive to a modern olive oil factory. Upon arrival, experts will welcome us and provide a comprehensive overview of the olive oil production process.
You’ll learn about the meticulous techniques that go into creating high-quality oil, from tree to bottle. One of the first stops will be to see an ancient olive tree that has stood for hundreds of years, showcasing the history and heritage of olive cultivation in the region. Its gnarled branches tell a story of resilience and the importance of olives to Cretan culture.
Inside the facility, you will explore the innovative olive mill where the magic of oil production happens. Before delving into the production process, you can relax in a serene coffee corner, enjoying a traditional Greek coffee or refreshing juice.
As the experts guide you through the olive oil production process step by step, you will have the opportunity to savor a tasting of their exquisite virgin olive oil. Enjoy it in its purest form, free from any additives, allowing you to appreciate its rich flavors and aromas.
Throughout the tasting, the experts will share valuable insights on proper storage techniques, the best uses for olive oil in cooking, and the numerous health benefits associated with this golden liquid. By the end of your visit, you will have gained a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship involved in olive oil production and its significance in Cretan culture. This day promises not only to be educational but also a celebration of the rich culinary traditions of Crete that you will carry with you long after the experience ends.
COOKING WITH A SHEPHERD
FEED THE ANIMALS
BEAUTYFUL GOATS
COLLECT VEGETABLES
MOMENTS
OLIVE OIL FACTORY
We provide
An English-speaking driver
Enjoy lunch chilopites with fresh goat milk and fresh cheese.
Olive Oil Tasting
We do not provide
Personal shopping
Tips
UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES
N
Make kaltsounia a traditional dish of Crete
N
Feed the animals, collect the eggs, cut the vegetables which are all organic from the garden, and then milk the goats
N
Enjoy lunch "chilopites" with fresh goat milk and fresh cheese.
N
Taste authentic flavors from vegetables from organic garden
N
As the experts guide you through the olive oil production process step by step, you will have the opportunity to savor a tasting of their exquisite virgin olive oil
PRICES
Price per group size (private) 1-2 per: 460€ 3 per:610€ 4 per: 740€ 5 per:850€ 6 per: 960€
Shepherd for a day and immerse yourself in the rich culture of Crete with this authentic and unique experience! Your adventure begins with a convenient pick-up at the port, after which we embark on a scenic drive through the breathtaking landscapes of western Crete. As we journey toward the farm, you’ll have the opportunity to take in stunning views of rolling hills, olive groves, and the vibrant countryside. Upon our arrival at the farm, you’ll be warmly welcomed by the gracious family who runs it. They will share their stories and traditions, giving you a personal glimpse into rural Cretan and life.
You’ll have the chance to participate in the daily activities of a shepherd, a hands-on experience that includes: Feeding the Animals: Getting up close and personal with a variety of farm animals, and learning about their care and feeding routines.
Collecting Fresh Eggs: Experience the joy of gathering eggs from the henhouse, and learning how to identify which eggs are freshly laid.
Harvesting Organic Vegetables: Wander through the garden and pick seasonal vegetables that are completely organic.
Milking Goats: Under the guidance of the shepherd, you’ll have the chance to milk the goats. This offers insight into traditional farming practices while connecting with these gentle animals. The highlight of the day comes when the family prepares a delicious lunch using the fresh ingredients you’ve collected.
You’ll be led through the process of making kaltsounia, a traditional Cretan pastry. This involves rolling out the dough, creating a delightful filling, and then shaping the pastries. Once the kaltsounia are ready, you’ll gather around the table with the family to savor the meal—a truly communal experience.
The lunch features traditional dishes typically enjoyed by shepherds, such as chilopites served with fresh goat milk and homemade cheese. This meal is not only nourishing but also a taste of authentic Cretan cuisine that you won’t find in any tavern. This entire experience emphasizes respect for the environment, sustainable farming practices, and support for the local economy. It showcases how traditional methods of farming are preserved in modern times.
Olive Oil Tasting
After your delightful farm experience, we will drive to a modern olive oil factory. Upon arrival, experts will welcome us and provide a comprehensive overview of the olive oil production process.
You’ll learn about the meticulous techniques that go into creating high-quality oil, from tree to bottle. One of the first stops will be to see an ancient olive tree that has stood for hundreds of years, showcasing the history and heritage of olive cultivation in the region. Its gnarled branches tell a story of resilience and the importance of olives to Cretan culture.
Inside the facility, you will explore the innovative olive mill where the magic of oil production happens. Before delving into the production process, you can relax in a serene coffee corner, enjoying a traditional Greek coffee or refreshing juice.
As the experts guide you through the olive oil production process step by step, you will have the opportunity to savor a tasting of their exquisite virgin olive oil. Enjoy it in its purest form, free from any additives, allowing you to appreciate its rich flavors and aromas.
Throughout the tasting, the experts will share valuable insights on proper storage techniques, the best uses for olive oil in cooking, and the numerous health benefits associated with this golden liquid. By the end of your visit, you will have gained a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship involved in olive oil production and its significance in Cretan culture. This day promises not only to be educational but also a celebration of the rich culinary traditions of Crete that you will carry with you long after the experience ends.
Shepherd for a day and immerse yourself in the rich culture of Crete with this authentic and unique experience! Your adventure begins with a convenient pick-up at the port, after which we embark on a scenic drive through the breathtaking landscapes of western Crete. As we journey toward the farm, you’ll have the opportunity to take in stunning views of rolling hills, olive groves, and the vibrant countryside. Upon our arrival at the farm, you’ll be warmly welcomed by the gracious family who runs it. They will share their stories and traditions, giving you a personal glimpse into rural Cretan and life.
You’ll have the chance to participate in the daily activities of a shepherd, a hands-on experience that includes: Feeding the Animals: Getting up close and personal with a variety of farm animals, and learning about their care and feeding routines.
Collecting Fresh Eggs: Experience the joy of gathering eggs from the henhouse, and learning how to identify which eggs are freshly laid.
Harvesting Organic Vegetables: Wander through the garden and pick seasonal vegetables that are completely organic.
Milking Goats: Under the guidance of the shepherd, you’ll have the chance to milk the goats. This offers insight into traditional farming practices while connecting with these gentle animals. The highlight of the day comes when the family prepares a delicious lunch using the fresh ingredients you’ve collected.
You’ll be led through the process of makingkaltsounia, a traditional Cretan pastry. This involves rolling out the dough, creating a delightful filling, and then shaping the pastries. Once the kaltsounia are ready, you’ll gather around the table with the family to savor the meal—a truly communal experience.
The lunch features traditional dishes typically enjoyed by shepherds, such aschilopitesserved with fresh goat milk and homemade cheese. This meal is not only nourishing but also a taste of authentic Cretan cuisine that you won’t find in any tavern. This entire experience emphasizes respect for the environment, sustainable farming practices, and support for the local economy. It showcases how traditional methods of farming are preserved in modern times.
Olive Oil Tasting
After your delightful farm experience, we will drive to a modernolive oilfactory. Upon arrival, experts will welcome us and provide a comprehensive overview of the olive oil production process.
You’ll learn about the meticulous techniques that go into creating high-quality oil, from tree to bottle. One of the first stops will be to see an ancient olive tree that has stood for hundreds of years, showcasing the history and heritage of olive cultivation in the region. Its gnarled branches tell a story of resilience and the importance of olives toCretan culture.
Inside the facility, you will explore the innovative olive mill where the magic of oil production happens. Before delving into the production process, you can relax in a serene coffee corner, enjoying a traditional Greek coffee or refreshing juice.
As the experts guide you through the olive oil production process step by step, you will have the opportunity to savor a tasting of their exquisite virgin olive oil. Enjoy it in its purest form, free from any additives, allowing you to appreciate its rich flavors and aromas.
Throughout the tasting, the experts will share valuable insights on proper storage techniques, the best uses for olive oil in cooking, and the numerous health benefits associated with this golden liquid. By the end of your visit, you will have gained a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship involved in olive oil production and its significance in Cretan culture. This day promises not only to be educational but also a celebration of the rich culinary traditions of Crete that you will carry with you long after the experience ends.
Price per group size (private) 1-2 per: 460€ 3 per: 610€ 4 per: 740€ 5 per: 850€ 6 per: 960€
Our specialist tours allow us to share every aspect of Greece with you, so you can enjoy unique experiences.
For any interest you have, be it culture, wine, cuisine, history, or something more specialized, Porto Planet has the perfect tour for you.
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Outstanding Service
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Your ideas and feedback will help us design your perfect trip.
Salted Fish is an ancient food.Salt has been sprinkled over food throughout the centuries and Greece is no exception. There are places in the world that derived their wealth from salt mining, and its use in Greece can be traced back to ancient times. It is unclear why and how the ancient peoples throughout the world started mining and using salt.
Back in Ancient Greece, however, salt wasn’t looked at as a common season. It was used sparingly, but over the centuries, its importance grew. By the 5th Century B.C., salt was regularly being used to preserve whole fish, and this is a practice that’s still done
. Here’s some more information as to how the Greeks used salt
Salt Was Considered a luxury
Back in Ancient Greece, salt was considered a luxury it
em, which is why it wasn’t used as the main seasoning in cooking back then. It was relatively difficult to obtain it, as most of the salt found in Ancient Greece was mined on the island of Salamis. Although it doesn’t seem like a great distance now, it was considerable during ancient times since it was shipped using boats before being it to the rest of Greece.
Salting Whole Fish
One of the earliest uses of salt was to use it to preserve fish. As mentioned above, by the 5th Century B.C., salted fish was becoming a staple food in Greece. The salted anchovies that were are so familiar with today were served even then! Whether Greeks salt the fish themselves or use canned and salted anchovies that they purchased in the store, these fish aren’t normally eaten as is. They’re usually rinsed with water and then marinated with olive oil, lemon juice, herbs such as parsley, and maybe a sprinkling of red wine vinegar. (more…)
Greek vegetarian vegan tastes are simple, and when someone wants to sense their identity, then they need to visit Greece. If you’ve never walked under the warm and bright sun of Greece, sat under an olive tree, smelled fresh thyme, oregano, or sage, or experienced simplicity over complexity, then it would be difficult for you to sense and comprehend the superiority and uniqueness of Greek vegetarian vegan food, diet and lifestyle.
Greece’s bright blue sky, the serenity of its sea, and the fact that is at the crossroads of three continents have always attracted people from around the world, and even in ancient times great Mediterranean civilizations endeavored to establish political and economic dominance (or relations) with the Greek world. (more…)
