Tours & tickets

Arolithos Traditional Cretan Village

Dear guests, it will be our great pleasure to welcome you to one of the most beautiful sights in Crete, Arolithos Traditional Cretan Village. We will walk around the little streets visiting the premises and the museum where you will see the exhibition of our familial collection of old objects. We will visit the two old houses which will travel us back in time. Later on, we will go to the taverna where we will prepare together the delicious dishes of several recipes which we also consume in our weekly diet. Traditional Cretan cuisine is considered to be one of the healthiest in the world. Here you can learn from us the secrets around each dish and participate hands-on in the process. You can create stuffed vine leaves, stuffed vegetables, pork with wine sauce, lamb with green beans, ntakos, tzatziki, and cheese pies. In case you have special dietary needs or allergies then you shall inform us beforehand to adapt the menu to your demands. You will enjoy the dishes you have prepared. Local wine and mineral water are included. The taverna has a panoramic view over the nearest valley and Heraklion City. You will have in front of you a lovely scenery of vineyards, olive trees, and the holy mountain of Giouchtas. Sounds of animals' bells will come to your ears. Your host and our team will be there to make you feel welcome and offer you a precious experience. In your own free time Arolithos village you may have lunch and relax after such a creative experience in the tavern and the swimming pool.

Discover the Heart of Crete on the Psiloritis Trails Tour! Embark on an unforgettable adventure through the authentic landscapes of Crete with our Psiloritis Trails tour! This carefully curated experience combines cultural discovery, breathtaking nature, and visits to charming traditional villages. Your journey begins with an exhilarating off-road drive alongside the stunning Krousonas Gorge, leading up to the scenic Livadi Plateau. Here, you'll have the chance to soak in the beauty of Cretan nature. Continuing our exploration, we pass by the remarkable Minoan palace of Zominthos, situated at an elevation of 1,200 meters (nearly 4,000 feet). This ancient site reveals that the Minoans were not only seafarers but also mountain dwellers. Discovered in 1984, it remains one of Crete’s most significant archaeological finds. Next, get ready for an exciting on- and off-road ascent of Mount Psiloritis (also known as Mount Ida), a UNESCO Global Geopark. Our expert drivers will skillfully navigate the rugged trails, offering a thrilling ride through untouched landscapes, home to majestic griffon vultures. Reaching Zoniana village, you'll have the option to explore the incredible Sfendoni Cave, with its stunning stalactites and stalagmites, or simply unwind at a local café. The adventure continues as we drive through picturesque Cretan villages like Axos and Anogia, where you'll get a taste of authentic island life. We then pause to enjoy a delicious Cretan lunch at a traditional local restaurant. Before concluding the tour, we make a stop at a breathtaking viewpoint—perfect for capturing panoramic photos and reliving the highlights of the day. Join us on this extraordinary journey and experience the true essence of Crete—its landscapes, traditions, and warm hospitality. The Psiloritis Trails Tour promises memories that will last a lifetime!

My name is Maria and I am a professional dancer in Cretan and Greek Dances. I am also the leader of the dancing group of Arolithos Village and the dancing teacher for kids and adults of the local cultural association of the area where I live. I am a very good friend of Michalis who is the main host of this experience and one of the owners of Arolithos Village. I collaborate with him because he loves to dance and culture as I do. Very often Evi one of the best Cretan dancers in the area of Tilissos also helps me to realize the dancing lessons. As a professional teacher of dances, dressed in traditional uniform, I will show you the first steps of popular dances of Crete and Greece. Sousta, Zorba the Greek, and much more. We will have also the chance to do a tour of Arolithos Village and show you shortly the Museum, the old houses and the rest of the village. You will enjoy a welcome drink on the terrace with the panoramic view. In the end, I will offer you a copy of a CD with Greek and Cretan music and your dancing certificate. It is a big honor for me to be your host and I or Evi will do my best for you to have a memorable experience of Cretan amusement and culture. In your own free time Arolithos village you may have lunch and relax after such a creative experience in the tavern and the swimming pool.