Private Chania Half-Day: Olive Tree, Brewery & Monastery

The Olive Tree of Vouves is one of the oldest olive trees in the world—and it still produces olives today. Though its exact age is unknown, studies confirm it is over 2,000 years old, with some estimates reaching 4,000 years. Declared a protected natural monument in 1997, the site also features the nearby Olive Tree Museum of Vouves, opened in 2009 inside a 19th-century building. The museum highlights the traditional tools and techniques used in Cretan olive cultivation. Since the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, branches from this very tree have been used to create the ceremonial wreaths for the Marathon winners, connecting ancient heritage with modern Olympic tradition. Today, the tree attracts over 20,000 visitors annually, all eager to admire its remarkable form and deep historical significance.

Set in the heart of the Cretan countryside, Charma Brewery is one of the few open and visitor-friendly breweries in Greece. Using local ingredients and fresh spring water from the White Mountains, the brewery produces unfiltered, unpasteurized beers known for their freshness and authentic Cretan character. During the guided tour, visitors learn about each step of the brewing process—from raw materials to fermentation and bottling—before enjoying a tasting of Charma’s signature beers, including lager, pale ale, and dark ale. The brewery also offers a beautiful outdoor tasting area overlooking olive groves and rolling hills, making it a relaxing and scenic stop for beer lovers and curious travelers alike.

Located just 10 km south of Chania, the Monastery of Metamorphosis (Transfiguration) is a peaceful modern sanctuary set on a rocky hilltop in Varypetros, beneath the ruins of the old Byzantine castle “Kastellos.” Part of the historic Monastery of Chrisopigi, it continues a long ascetic tradition while blending harmoniously with the surrounding Cretan landscape. Founded in the early 2000s—its cornerstone laid by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew—the monastery offers a serene setting with beautiful stone architecture, quiet paths, and panoramic views of the countryside. It’s an ideal stop for anyone interested in spiritual sites, Byzantine heritage, or simply a tranquil place to reflect and enjoy nature.