Highlights
- Immerse yourself in the traditions of Crete with a visit to a shepherd's hut
- Take part in a traditional cheesemaking process and cooking workshop
- Enjoy the traditional mountain food-tasting, with local flavors and drinks
- Taste the famous 'ofto' lamb (antikristo) slowly roasted over an open fire
- Relax in the fresh mountain air of the Nida Plateau, with amazing views
Description
Begin your experience with a warm welcome of Cretan raki, smiles, and open hearts. Learn about the history of the area and the way of life, in the mountain of Psiloritis. Discover the world of the Cretan shepherd and learn about the demanding yet deeply meaningful daily life of those who live close to the land and their animals.
Take part in the traditional process of cheesemaking, learning techniques that have been passed down for generations. You may also witness or participate in milking or sheep shearing, two essential parts of pastoral life in the mountains.
Join a hands-on cooking workshop, where you will prepare traditional cheese pies under the guidance of an experienced member of the family.
Later, under the shade of apple trees, cherry trees, and a large plane tree, the stone table is set. A traditional mountain food tasting awaits you, including ''ofto' lamb (antikristo), fried lamb liver, fresh anthogalo cheese (Cretan cream cheese), seasonal salad, pasta cooked in meat broth with traditional 'anthotyro' cheese (salty cheese for pasta), and local wine aged at the family mitato or craft beer from local producers. For our little guests we offer orange juice.
Most ingredients come directly from the land of Psiloritis or nearby villages. The lamb, vegetables, olive oil, and fresh dairy products are produced by the Sbokos family themselves.
Conclude your experience with the traditional cheese pies we prepared together, sprinkled with local honey or sugar, accompanied by tsikoudia (Cretan raki) and moments of relaxation while enjoying the cool mountain air of the Nida Plateau, in the shadow of mighty Psiloritis.
Includes
Welcome drink with traditional raki
Introduction to shepherd life, the location and its history
Placing the lamb on the fire
Hands-on goat milking experience
Hands-on cheese-making workshop
Sheep shearing demonstration and participation
Cooking workshop (cretan traditional cheese pies)
Traditional Cretan food with fresh anthogalo cheese (traditional cream cheese), 'antikristo' roasted lamb, frid lamb liver, pasta with traditional 'anthotyro' cheese (salty cheese for pasta), seasonal salad, 'paximadi' (traditional Greek rusk), local wine aged at the family mitato (red or white) or craft beer (saison) from local producers. For our little guests we offer orange juice
Dessert: traditional fried cheese pies with honey or sugar (prepared together during the workshop), served with raki, and seasonal fruit
Fresh spring water, and bottled water
Free time to relax and enjoy the fresh mountain air of the Nida Plateau, with amazing views
Excludes
Transfer (We will be happy to help you book your transfer to/from the meeting point -for Heraklion and Rethymno visitors. Please contact us after you book your experience)
Important Information
- The road leading to the meeting point is paved. From the meeting point until you reach the mitato (shepherd's hut), the road becomes a mild dirt road (about 3 minutes drive duration)
This experience is offered by the shepherd family itself
Please let us know if any of the guests have food allergies
There are vegetarian or vegan food tasting choices (upon request)
There is a choice of alcoholic-free beer for any guest who wishes it (upon request)
The experience takes place in nature, so depending on the season, we may encounter bees or other harmless animals
Toilets are available on-site
Mobile signal is available
There is no electricity on-site
Baby seats are not available
Easy cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
