Chania to host olive tourism seminar in September 2026

A two-day olive tourism seminar will be held in Chania on September 12 and 13, 2026, focusing on the connection between olive cultivation, culture, the environment, and the local economy. The initiative is led by the Embaros Agricultural Cooperative in collaboration with the Association of Olive Growing Municipalities of Crete (SEDHK) and the municipalities of Apokoronas and Platanias.

The program includes visits to various historical and modern olive oil presses, such as the Kanaki press in Vryses, the Melissakis press in Tzivaras, and the post-Byzantine press at the Holy Monastery of Saint George in Karydi. Participants will also visit the Elevated Olive Tree and the Vatolakko Olive Oil Museum.

A key component of the event is a presentation by Dr. Nikos Michelakis regarding modern challenges in olive oil marketing and the potential role of olive tourism in increasing the added value of Cretan products. The initiative aims to explore how olive oil can transition from a simple agricultural product to a comprehensive tourist experience, especially in light of the expected development from the new Kastelli airport.