Each spring, the town of Moires in southern Crete shifts gears from everyday life to vibrant celebration mode, spotlighting one of the island’s most cherished treasures: olive oil. The Local Olive Oil Festival here does more than honor a staple of Mediterranean diet — it invites you to walk alongside local producers, taste freshly pressed oils, and engage with centuries-old traditions that shaped both the landscape and its people.

The festival typically unfolds over a weekend in late March or early April, perfectly timed as the olive harvest winds down and the new oils are at their peak freshness. At its heart are the tasting stations scattered around Moires' central square, where vendors pour unfiltered, extra-virgin oils that pour gold through your fingers, each with distinctive notes thanks to differing groves and processing methods. You’ll find robust, peppery oils side by side with light, fruity varieties, making it a sensory journey as much as a culinary one.

But this isn’t simply a food fair. The event integrates a local hike called the Olive Trail — a roughly 8 km loop with an elevation gain of about 350 meters — taking you through ancient groves and terraced hillsides where hundreds of olive trees, some centuries old, challenge time and climate. The trail’s earth-packed paths wind through groves whose gnarled branches seem to whisper history, shaded only by the filtering sunlight and an occasional breeze that dares to push you forward.

While the terrain is mostly moderate with some loose stones and mild inclines, sturdy walking shoes are advisable. Bring water — the sun can be sharp even in spring — and perhaps a hat, as shade is sparse in parts. The hike takes roughly 2.5 to 3 hours at a comfortable pace and ends near a traditional olive mill where you can see oil pressing demonstrations that connect the festival’s taste experiences with time-tested agrarian craft.

Beyond the hike and tastings, workshops offer tempting opportunities to make your own custom oil blends or explore Cretan olives’ impact on health with local experts. Elders share stories of olive harvesting rituals, while vendors sell related products like olive leaf tea and skin care items made with pure olive oil. Children often get involved in folk dance performances and crafts, making it an engaging day for all ages.

Planning your visit? Consider lodging in Heraklion, just a short 30-minute drive north, which offers a full range of accommodations and easy access to Moires. Arrive early on festival days to avoid crowds, and allocate time to stroll the town’s markets where local farmers sell olives and fresh produce.

The Local Olive Oil Festival in Moires blends adventure and practicality. It’s a chance to walk into history along living olive groves, taste the freshest products you’ll find anywhere, and return home with more than memories — but also knowledge and tangible connections to Crete’s enduring landscape and culture.