Exploring Crete’s Best Olive Oil Brands and Regions: Terra Creta, Kolymvari, Sitia, and Xania

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Olive Oil Brands I Use from Greece

I’ve been using Greek olive oils for a while now, and with an upcoming trip to Crete, I decided to do some research to buy a few bottles from there. Recently, I’ve been using Kalamata olive oil, and at one point, I purchased Lía because it shared the same name as my child. Both are Greek olive oils. Previously, I thought only Spanish olive oils were the best, but I’ve since learned there’s a whole world of great olive oils out there.

 

 

 

Kalamata | Local Olive Oil From Kalamata

 

 

Kalamata Olive Oil

Kalamata olive oil comes from the Messinia region in the southwestern Peloponnese. Olive oil production is central to the culture and history of this area. The Iliada Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil is one of the most well-known varieties, produced entirely from Kalamata olives. With its PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) certification, it meets strict geographic and quality standards set by the EU. This olive oil is known for its rich, fruity flavor with peppery notes, making it perfect for both cooking and finishing dishes.

Lía Olive Oil

Lía is another excellent Greek extra virgin olive oil brand that I once tried, produced from Koroneiki olives in the Messinia region of the Peloponnese. It was a bit pricey, but the quality made it worthwhile. The oil was fresh and had a delicate flavor, making it ideal for salads and raw dishes. Unfortunately, it’s been hard to find since then.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Olive Oil in Crete

 

When visiting Crete, you'll immediately notice how important olive oil is to the island. The island’s climate and soil are perfect for olive cultivation, and olive oil production thrives here. Both small-scale producers and larger brands operate in Crete, giving you plenty of options to choose from.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Local supermarkets in Crete sell many varieties of olive oil, including those infused with herbs. You can also purchase olive oil through your hotel or apartment rental, making it easy and convenient to get a bottle during your stay.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Popular Olive Oil Brands in Crete

If you’re looking for reliable brands with consistently good quality, here are some that I researched and purchased while in Crete:

 

 

 

1. Terra Creta

The difference between the green and blue cans appears to be related to whether or not they are AOP (Appellation d'Origine Protégée) Kolymvari Chanion Kriti certified. The price difference is around €0.50 .

 

Terra Creta is one of the most famous brands from Crete, exporting extra virgin olive oil worldwide. The brand is known for its sustainable farming practices and high production quality. The olive oil comes in different varieties:

• Terra Creta Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A standard extra virgin olive oil with fresh artichoke and herb aromas, perfect for salads and bread.
• Terra Creta Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Made without chemical pesticides or fertilizers, this organic version is highly popular among those seeking a natural, high-quality option.
• Terra Creta Grand Cru: A premium line with deeper, more concentrated flavors, ideal for gourmet cooking.

Prices for the smaller 250ml metal can start at about €10, making this brand accessible and great for gifting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Kolymvari (region in western Crete)

 

Produced in the Kolymvari region in western Crete, this olive oil is known for its rich, robust flavor and concentrated aromas. Kolymvari olive oil is widely consumed in Greece and has international recognition. I found 500ml bottles at Heraklion Airport for about €16.

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Sitia (Eastern Crete) 

The Sitia region, located in eastern Crete, is famous for its olive oil with a rich, fruity flavor. While Sitia refers to a region rather than a single brand, olive oil produced here carries the PDO certification, ensuring it meets specific quality standards.

• Cretan Mill - Sitia Lasithiou Kritis is one of the more famous brands from this region. It offers PDO-certified extra virgin olive oil that’s widely regarded for its smooth, balanced taste.
• Ziro Sitia is another premium brand, produced in the mountainous areas of the Ziros village in the Sitia region. The early harvest organic olive oil is a standout, offering a lower acidity and balanced flavors of herbs, tomatoes, and artichokes. I found Ziro Sitia products at the duty-free shop, with the early harvest version priced around €32.

 

 

 

Ziro – Εξαιρετικό Παρθένο Ελαιόλαδο

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. Xania (Chania, Western Crete)

 

The Chania region in western Crete also produces excellent olive oil. Xania Olive Oil is known for its bold, strong flavors, perfect for those who prefer an intense taste in their olive oil. I found it at Lido, and the pricing was reasonable compared to other premium options.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Olive Oil Prices and Purchasing in Crete

Prices for olive oil generally range from €7 to €15 for a 500ml bottle. Organic or premium lines can be more expensive, like Terra Creta Grand Cru which can exceed €20, and duty-free selections like Ziro Sitia can go over €30. You can easily find good-quality olive oil at local supermarkets, and it’s worth checking out smaller, lesser-known producers as their oils can offer great quality at more affordable prices.

 

 

 

 

Conclusion

Crete is a fantastic place to explore olive oil, with so many brands offering unique flavors and textures. Whether you opt for a well-known brand like Terra Creta or Kolymvari, or something more niche like Ziro Sitia, you’re sure to find high-quality olive oil to suit your taste. If you’re planning to buy some, hopefully, this guide helps you narrow down your options!