Astrikas Estate Biolea
Astrikas Estate Biolea
5
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Full view
About
TOURS ARE BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. The Astrikas Estate organic olive groves are located in the small village of Astrikas, within the PDO (Protected Denomination of Origin) area of Kolymbari in northwestern Crete.Biolea specializes in artisan production of organic olive oil, stone milled and cold pressed. The company's organic olive oil is exclusively estate-produced and bottled.The Astrikas Estate is open to visitors; we offer a tour free of charge to anyone who is interested to learn about the production method of olive oil. TOURS ARE BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.
Astrikas, Chania Prefecture, Greece
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Astrikas Estate Biolea
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
394 reviews
Excellent
360
Very good
29
Average
2
Poor
2
Terrible
1
ribeshechka
London, UK112 contributions
Oct 2021 • Couples
We have not had many sightseeing plans for this week of holiday hoping to catch as much sun as possible, however the weather was not very kind to us.
We had rented car and decided to explore the countryside and happened to pass the Biolea estate. We did not have the reservation, however were kindly accommodated with the next running tour.
I have to admit that the tour guide gave us slightly bossy and very animated impression at the beginning, however we were totally in awe with her at the end of the tour!
Her enthusiasm and energy is contagious! The tour was absolutely free, but they should really introduce the charge as it was not ordinary “sell for” guidance, it was art of performance with lots of information!
The estate itself is stunning! Lots of beautiful photos to remind about great time.
We truly enjoyed our visit to estate!
We had rented car and decided to explore the countryside and happened to pass the Biolea estate. We did not have the reservation, however were kindly accommodated with the next running tour.
I have to admit that the tour guide gave us slightly bossy and very animated impression at the beginning, however we were totally in awe with her at the end of the tour!
Her enthusiasm and energy is contagious! The tour was absolutely free, but they should really introduce the charge as it was not ordinary “sell for” guidance, it was art of performance with lots of information!
The estate itself is stunning! Lots of beautiful photos to remind about great time.
We truly enjoyed our visit to estate!
Written October 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you! We appreciate you taking the time to leave us a positive review!
Written August 13, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Steve_of_N21
London, UK3,611 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
This traditional family run olive oil factory is located in the hills above Kissamos about a 20 minute ride from the town.
The tour is free but if you are not part of an organised trip then best to phone ahead and book yourself on one of the timed tours, as we did.
Very good informative tour given by the English lady mentioned in many previous reviews and it’s always good to have a guide who is so enthusiastic about their product, and a sense of humour bordering on good old British eccentricity. You are left in no doubt about the difference between Extra Virgin oil and the large conglomerate mass produced stuff.
The tour usually includes a visit to the factory floor to see the old style pressing machinery up close but we were unable to as it is currently harvesting time and they were actually making the oil that day so the floor was a clean food production area. But we did get to see the olives come in from the fields and enter the first stage of the process in the section outside the building.
The tour includes tastings of the three types of oil they produce and sell and luckily for us a taste of the young oil from the previous days pressing. Then you have time at the end to purchase the products and as others have said you are under absolutely no pressure at all to do so. However I can confirm the comment given that the prices in the factory shop are lower than in the retail trade as we subsequently found their 6 Euro bottles in the one shop in Kissamos that sells their oil being retailed for 7.5 Euros.
There is also a really nice small cafe area on site and the outside area provides fantastic views of the surrounding Cretan countryside.
The tour is free but if you are not part of an organised trip then best to phone ahead and book yourself on one of the timed tours, as we did.
Very good informative tour given by the English lady mentioned in many previous reviews and it’s always good to have a guide who is so enthusiastic about their product, and a sense of humour bordering on good old British eccentricity. You are left in no doubt about the difference between Extra Virgin oil and the large conglomerate mass produced stuff.
The tour usually includes a visit to the factory floor to see the old style pressing machinery up close but we were unable to as it is currently harvesting time and they were actually making the oil that day so the floor was a clean food production area. But we did get to see the olives come in from the fields and enter the first stage of the process in the section outside the building.
The tour includes tastings of the three types of oil they produce and sell and luckily for us a taste of the young oil from the previous days pressing. Then you have time at the end to purchase the products and as others have said you are under absolutely no pressure at all to do so. However I can confirm the comment given that the prices in the factory shop are lower than in the retail trade as we subsequently found their 6 Euro bottles in the one shop in Kissamos that sells their oil being retailed for 7.5 Euros.
There is also a really nice small cafe area on site and the outside area provides fantastic views of the surrounding Cretan countryside.
Written October 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for your amazing review! Your kind words do inspire us to keep doing our best ! We are glad to have been a part of your day ! We thank you once more and our tour guide does thank you as well !
Written October 22, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
PaulK743
Kissamos, Greece111 contributions
Jun 2020
The tours of the olive mill have been going on for some time and are really interesting. However, they have now opened a cafe/bar on the premises too. This is a lovely place to stop for a coffee or a beer and they offer some nice snacks (not full meals). Their garden is a peacefull and scenic spot to sit for a while, whether or not you are doing a tour of the mill, highly recommend it.
Written June 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you! We appreciate you taking the time to leave us a positive review!
Written August 13, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kelly C
Los Angeles, CA14 contributions
Jun 2021
Highly recommend booking a tour and olive oil tasting with food pairing experience! The olive oils are organic, cold-pressed, and superb quality. The tour guide was energetic, passionate, and informative. The olive oil tasting and food pairing experience was top notch - delicious foods with wonderful hospitality.
Written June 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you! We appreciate you taking the time to leave us a positive review!
Written August 13, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mdlim24
Oakland, CA947 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
One may think that a tour of an olive oil mill is boring, or not worth seeing, but they would be mistaken. Biolea which is an organic, sustainable Olive oil mill provides a very informative and animated short tour of the process involved with making olive oil. Everything from the harvest, to the meaning of extra virgin, virgin, pure, olive oil is explained. And to think that olive oil has been produced in this region for thousands of years and has continually been refined. Our host was very fun and excited about olive oil which in turn was contagious, even I began to get interested in an item that generally is just a regular item in everyone’s cabinet at home.
Written August 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you! We appreciate you taking the time to leave us a positive review!
Written August 13, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
GrapeNutGirl
Guildford, UK190 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
We felt we ought to find out about olive oil on our first family trip to Greece, and thought that this would be a cool, indoor place to spend a hot day waiting for a late flight.
It turned out to be a highlight of the holiday. In a stupendous hillside setting, the cafe alone is worth the journey. The most delicious and well-presented food reflected Cretan traditions, but with a lighter touch - and using fresh eggs from the resident chickens and olive oil made on the premises. The waiter was entertaining, informative and accommodating, keeping up welcoming banter with good service, as we basked in the breezy cafe garden for at least 2 hours.
Then the free (yes, free) tour was educational and genuinely interesting, in spite of the rather overpowering style of the guide. The group wasn't too big, and we moved at a decent pace until we ended with a well arranged tasting.
The shop offered beautiful items made of olive oil and olive wood, as well as bottles of oil. However, as other reviews have said, there was no pressure to buy.
This was a truly special and happy place to round off our week. Go if you are in the area.
It turned out to be a highlight of the holiday. In a stupendous hillside setting, the cafe alone is worth the journey. The most delicious and well-presented food reflected Cretan traditions, but with a lighter touch - and using fresh eggs from the resident chickens and olive oil made on the premises. The waiter was entertaining, informative and accommodating, keeping up welcoming banter with good service, as we basked in the breezy cafe garden for at least 2 hours.
Then the free (yes, free) tour was educational and genuinely interesting, in spite of the rather overpowering style of the guide. The group wasn't too big, and we moved at a decent pace until we ended with a well arranged tasting.
The shop offered beautiful items made of olive oil and olive wood, as well as bottles of oil. However, as other reviews have said, there was no pressure to buy.
This was a truly special and happy place to round off our week. Go if you are in the area.
Written June 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your kind words ! Our goal is to educate people on olive oil as much as possible while keeping it fun and interesting! We are glad to see that you thoroughly enjoyed the tour, our products and our cuisine!
Moreover , we are ecstatic to see that we were the highlight of your holidays ! We wish you the best!
Written October 22, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hilda K
5 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
The whole experience was magical. Nik, our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable about olives, olives oil making, everything! Oh, and she's hilarious. She made the whole experience fun. Grabbing a bite afterwards at the cafe/wine bar on the property is a must. The owners daughter, who also runs the estate started this Cafe and his husband is the chef. Be sure to get the Bruschetta! Stavros our host was funny and very social. Honestly, every single one of these people were so kind to us. And nothing beats the view of course. Perhaps the best day and meal we had in Crete!
Written May 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your kind words! It was a pleasure to have you visit our estate. We hope to see you again soon!
Written May 24, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sébastien D
Seine-et-Marne, France665 contributions
Jul 2022
You definitely need to see it if you are at La Canee or close by !
The Presenter was a fantastic and passionate Lady who will explain you all he differences or Olive Oil Production in Crete but also WW.
The presentation itself was short and is much more valuable due to the Presenter who is giving you her passion and who is linked by Heart to the Greek/Cretan history and legacy.
Then, you will be able to purchase few products made by this Organic oil like Olive Oil itself of course, Soaps...
Everything here is Organic and as sustainable as they can so if Earth future and Culture preservation mean something to you, go there and enjoy a great moment !
The Presenter was a fantastic and passionate Lady who will explain you all he differences or Olive Oil Production in Crete but also WW.
The presentation itself was short and is much more valuable due to the Presenter who is giving you her passion and who is linked by Heart to the Greek/Cretan history and legacy.
Then, you will be able to purchase few products made by this Organic oil like Olive Oil itself of course, Soaps...
Everything here is Organic and as sustainable as they can so if Earth future and Culture preservation mean something to you, go there and enjoy a great moment !
Written July 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your kind words ! Our goal is to educate people on olive oil as much as possible while keeping it fun and interesting! We are glad to see that you thoroughly enjoyed the tour and our products ! We wish you the best !
Written October 22, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Baret1977
Wiener Neudorf, Austria7 contributions
Sep 2021 • Couples
It started off already at the parking with an amazing view over the valley full of olive trees and the sea in the back. After a very warm welcome we had a really informative and very funny tour. The way it was presented I am sure I will remember forever what to look for when I want to buy a good oliv oil !
Also the possibility to taste the different products at the end but with absolutely no pressure to purchase anything was great ! But after having learned how it’s produce and the fact that prices are more than fair for such high quality products, we took several bottles as souvenirs for friends and relatives.
Unfortunately we did not have time to stay even longer but it must be lovely to sit for a while in the cafe-bar in same building enjoy the beautiful view.
Also the possibility to taste the different products at the end but with absolutely no pressure to purchase anything was great ! But after having learned how it’s produce and the fact that prices are more than fair for such high quality products, we took several bottles as souvenirs for friends and relatives.
Unfortunately we did not have time to stay even longer but it must be lovely to sit for a while in the cafe-bar in same building enjoy the beautiful view.
Written September 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mlhhill
4 contributions
Oct 2021 • Couples
We sent Biolea an e-mail one morning this week and they accommodated us with a tour at noon. It was one of the best tours we have taken in Europe. The tour guide (English first language) was phenomenal! So animated and informative! We came away with a whole new understanding of olive processing and olive oils. The cold pressed EVOO was delicious and very reasonably priced! Although we bought some oil we would have been happy to pay for the tour as well (it was free!) as it was so good! We definitely recommend adding Astrikas Estate Biolea to your “must go” list for Crete!
Written October 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you! We appreciate you taking the time to leave us a positive review!
Written August 13, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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