Cretan Cooking Class and Meal at our Family Olive Farm-DIY
Overview
Available languages
4 hours
Mobile ticket
Embark on a culinary journey designed for those yearning to discover 'The Simple Cretan Life.' This experience is crafted for souls genuinely open to immersing themselves in the heart of Cretan gastronomy, where every dish is a dance of tradition and flavor, going beyond the ordinary Greek recipes.
Teaming up with my mother, we're here to passing down not just recipes but a legacy of love for simple, tasty, and nourishing Cretan food cultivated over more than three generations.
Our aim is not just to teach you cooking techniques but to invite you into our family. In the warmth of our kitchen, where laughter and love are our secret ingredients, you'll not only savor the flavors but feel the heartbeat of Cretan culture. Food, to us, is a celebration—a symphony of scents, tastes, and shared moments.
Last but not least, we take pride in customizing our cooking classes to accommodate your preferences and needs, whether it's a significant allergy or a vegetarian lifestyle.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
You will enjoy your creations with a glass of local wine!
Bottled water
All Fees and Taxes
We provided all the cooking equipment for everyone!
Photos & Recipes via e-mail!
We are going to provide you local homemade juices such as homemade lemonade or kanelada (local homemade non- alcoholic drink)
Private transportation
What To Expect
Our Cretan cooking class is a 100% hands-on experience, perfect for those eager to explore and indulge in the flavors of Cretan gastronomy. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced cook, what truly matters is your open heart and eagerness to embrace the warmth of Cretan culture, becoming a cherished part of our family along the way!" Mama Stella, my wonderful mum, loves to share her culinary knowledge and techniques with you! We will cook a 4-course meal, by providing all you need, from aprons to fresh, farm-sourced ingredients ensuring a 100% hands-on cooking experience! Local homemade refreshments and water will also be provided. After your cooking adventure, revel in the joy of your creations accompanied by local Cretan wine. Leftovers are carefully packed for you to take along. Immerse yourself in this unique, 4-hour experience at our sustainable olive oil farm. Cooking unfolds in an outdoor space beneath a beautiful wooden roof, surrounded by olive trees on one side and a lush garden on the other. Engage your senses—smell, taste, and feel our culture through a one-of-a-kind cooking adventure. Join us, cook with passion, and savor the moments!"
Sample Menu
starter
Cretan Dakos
Rusk with fresh tomato sauce, fresh Cretan cheese-mizithra (making from my grandma), organic oregano and our extra virgin olive oil!
starter
Cretan Dolmadakia (Stuffed grape leaves)
starter
Stuffed Zucchini flowers
It is the ultimate Cretan dish!
starter
Graviera Saganaki
One of the most delicious Cretan kind of cheese that we fry it in our family's extra virgin olive oil!
main
Vegetarian/ Vegan Giaxni
Fresh local green beans with potatoes, zucchini, fresh tomato sauce & Ksinoxondros (a Cretan delicious product making from my grandma)
main
Lamb with artichokes, potatoes, fennel & fresh tomato sauce!
main
Augolemono
Pork or chicken (free range) with leek or lettuce , fresh onions , potatoes. dill, eggs and fresh lemon juice!
main
Cretan Stifado
A delicious spring or autumn Cretan dish. You can cook it either with chicken, rabbit or even snails! How open are u in it ?
main
Lamb with Stamnagathi
dessert
Sarikopites or Kalitsounia
Our local dessert! Dough with stuffed with fresh Cretan cheese (making from my grandma). Fry it in our family's extra virgin olive oil.
Options
Cooking with a Cretan Family
Duration: 4 hours
Authentic Cretan Cuisine: We can also accommodate menu like Vegetarian / Vegan / Dairy or Gluten free options! Just let us know it in advance ;)
Reviews
176 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A Memorable Experience and Bring Your Appetite!
Kristen J,
Oct 5, 2025
- Viator
5.00This was a delightful cooking experience! We have taken many different cooking courses but Marianna and her mother Stella are incredible! From the moment we arrived it was fun and Marianna is a great teacher. The food we made was delicious! We highly recommend this wonderful experience.
This was such a wonderful...
Kierra B,
Sep 25, 2025
- Viator
5.00This was such a wonderful experience! It was the most beautiful kitchen I’ve ever taken a cooking class in, which made the whole evening feel extra special. The host was warm, kind, and welcoming, and created such a comfortable atmosphere. The food we made was absolutely delicious—fun to prepare and even better to enjoy. Highly recommend!
We will come back!
Elisabeth K,
Sep 23, 2025
- Viator
5.00Great cooking class with super nice hosts (Marianna and Stella) and authentic dishes! Marianna speaks very good English and explains everything so well that you really learn something:) And all in a warm, relaxed atmosphere! Highly recommended!!
Lovely and Genuine Greek Experience
lichuan e,
Jul 20, 2025
- Viator
5.00We loved our time at Marianna's. Booking was easy and communication was fast over both Viator and WhatsApp. The location is rural and beautiful though Marianna has built a beautiful open modern and clean space that blends nicely into the landscape. She and her mom welcomed us with farm fresh drinks and an overview of what to expect. The class was organized and well thought out so we were able to do a lot of cooking but the pace was relaxed. So much fun! It was a night of good food and good company with lots of food to take home. We were really impressed with Marianna's warmth and kindness. She's created really a unique experience for the traveler to Crete. Kudos to Marianna!
Learn how to cook Cretian food
Matthew R,
Jul 18, 2025
- Viator
5.00If ever you wanted to try traditional to cook Cretian dishes this is the place to go. Marianna and her mother Stella are phenomenal. We also got to meet some of the other members of the family. Grandma was so sweet. As for the dishes that Mariana and her mother taught us to prepare consisted of four courses the first course was a lamb with tomato base, fennel, and potatoes. We also prepared a dish that consisted of bread, cheese, grated tomato and oregano. This in itself was filling. In addition to the main and the appetizer we also prepared stuffed grape leaves and stuffed pumpkin flowers, which were aromatic and and very tasty. For the dessert we prepared a pastry stuffed with a sweet cheese and cinnamon so delicious. I can't say how much my wife and I enjoyed this experience. Thank you Mariana and family for such a wonderful evening and the sun sets on your farm are beautiful. I highly recommend this if you ever visit the island of Crete.
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