Have you thought about having an olive oil experience in Greece, including a tour and tasting?
If you’re an olive oil lover like us, you’re in the right place to discover our experience at Melas Olive Oil Mill. Melas is an organic olive oil producer located in the Epidaurus region, near the Ancient Theater of Epidaurus, and offers private and group tours during parts of the year when they are not in production.
While planning our trip to Greece, we discovered Melas thanks to a blog recommendation from Limitless Travelling. Since olive oil often comes to mind when you think about Greece, we were eager to learn more about the production process and purchase some high-quality extra virgin olive oil for ourselves.
That said, in this blog, we’ll share our olive oil experience in Greece by visiting Melas Olive Oil Mill and discussing the tour, which includes:
- A brief history of Melas Olive Oil Mill
- Tips for booking your tour
- How to get there
- What is included in the tour
We will also share some tips we learned during our visit to Melas Olive Oil Mill, such as:
- Differences between olive oil and extra virgin olive oil
- Health benefits of olive oil
- Tips for buying the perfect extra virgin olive oil
- Products derived from olive oil produced at the mill
And much more!
Stick around as we take you on a virtual tour and help you plan your own olive oil experience in Greece!
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A Brief History of Melas Olive Oil Mill
Melas is an extroverted family business founded by Evangelos Melas in 1994. Besides producing their own organic Melas extra virgin olive oil and other olive oil derivatives as organic cosmetics, they also assist other olive tree producers in the region with their olive mill production line and facilities.
Their mission is to offer pure products of high nutritional value, satisfying the modern consumer’s need for health and wellness.
When they are not in production, they offer guided agrotourism tours, which include:
- Hospitality: Visitors can enjoy olive sweets and traditional olive rosoli of Asia Minor origin, along with coffee as a treat.
- Activities: The factory not only focuses on manufacturing, trading, and exporting but also engages in educational, scientific, environmental, manufacturing, tourism, and art activities. These activities help transmit knowledge and art surrounding the olive tree in an artistic, functional, and experiential way.
- Tour: The olive tree, a symbol of peace, fertility, purity, and prosperity for thousands of years, continues to connect people and send messages of hope and peace.
- Sightseeing: In the hinterland of Epidaurus, with a mild climate and plentiful water from healing springs, the Epidavrians founded the sanctuary of Asklepios, the most brilliant center of healing in the ancient world.
- Store Boutique and Souvenirs: Visitors can see a modern olive press and olive oil products on display. They can find works of art, books, photographs, jewelry, porcelain, candles, food, cosmetics, and various utilitarian objects reflecting Greek tradition with a modern look.
Melas Olive Oil Mill also maintains top quality and safety standards with ISO-22000:2018 certification, adhering to Codex Alimentarius and multiple Greek and international certifications, including BIO and PDO Lygourio. They ensure hygiene, safety, and traceability throughout production. For more details, click here to access their official website.
Exploring Melas Olive Oil Mill
Tours at Melas Olive Oil Mill
When not busy with production, Melas offers guided tours of the factory, accommodating both large and small groups.
We were fortunate to have a private tour with Anastasia, who shared her extensive knowledge about olive oil production. This personalized tour allowed us to ask numerous questions and gain a comprehensive understanding of the intricate processes involved in producing high-quality olive oil.
Whether you’re a large group or a small party, the tours at Melas provide a unique and educational experience that deepens your appreciation for this staple of Greek cuisine.
For Whom is the Olive Oil Tour
The tour is for everyone. We were lucky to be there in May 2024 when no one else was there, giving us a private tour with Anastasia, allowing us to ask lots of questions, enjoy a romantic lunch, and take numerous photos and videos. However, she mentioned that the day before, she had a group of students from a Canadian university, and during summertime, the tour usually accommodates 30 to 35 people, including families, singles, couples, and more!
We also received some surprise gifts from Anastasia at the end of the tour, which we loved! Just a reminder, we are not affiliated with Melas and do not receive any commission on their products. We recommend them because we genuinely liked the quality.
Booking an agrotourism experience at Melas Olive Oil Mill
Please note that agrotourism at Melas is not available all year round.
They usually pause tourism activities during the olive oil production months, which can vary each year depending on external factors such as weather. The harvest typically occurs during October and November, but it can extend further.
Therefore, it’s always a great idea to contact Melas through their official website and send them an email asking for further information to ensure you can plan your visit accordingly.
Getting to Melas Olive Oil Mill
Melas Olive Oil Mill is located at Ch & A. Sarri 3 Lygourio – Epidaurus , Peloponnese 210 52 Greece.
Technically, to visit Melas, you’ll need a car. Alternatively, you can inquire at your local hotel about guided tours to Melas, as public transportation options are limited.
We rented a car for our road trip through Greece and we drove to Melas from Tolo’s beach.
An extra tip, sometimes, entering Melas’s address directly into Google Maps may not work as expected.
We recommend accessing the Melas Olive Oil Domain through their official website. Navigate to their contact page and scroll down to find their address linked to Google Maps. This method often provides better results, as indicated in the picture above.
1. From Tolo beach – Greece
We drove from Tolo Beach, a scenic seaside village, to Melas Olive Oil Mill.
The drive from Tolo Beach to Melas Olive Oil Mill is quite straightforward and takes approximately 30 minutes, as shown in the picture above from Google Maps.
Along the way, you can make a few stops to visit other sites, which we’ll mention later in this blog.
The route offers picturesque views of the Greek countryside, making the drive a truly enjoyable experience.
Note: There are no tolls on this route, so you can enjoy the scenic drive without any additional charges.
2. From Nafplio
The drive from Nafplio to Melas Olive Oil Mill is also about 30 minutes.
We would suggest you check Google Maps for the best directions to Melas as mentioned above.
Along the way, you’ll pass through beautiful landscapes that offer a glimpse of rural Greece. The scenic drive makes the journey to Melas a pleasant experience.
Note: There are no tolls on this route, allowing you to enjoy the picturesque drive without any additional charges.
3. From Athens
Athens, the bustling capital of Greece, is about 2 hours away from Melas Olive Oil Mill.
We would suggest you check Google Maps for the best directions to Melas as mentioned above.
The drive from Athens offers a rich experience, taking you through diverse landscapes that range from urban areas to picturesque rural settings.
Note: Be aware that this route includes tolls. For up-to-date information on toll costs and to plan your journey, you can check the Toll Guru Greece website Clicking Here.
Watch Our Vlog: Top Tips for Driving in Greece
Planning a road trip in Greece? Check out our vlog for essential tips on driving, parking, paying tolls, and more! Based on our 25-day adventure, we cover everything you need to know, from navigating busy streets in Athens to finding parking in Santorini.
Plus, discover hidden gems you can only reach by car. Watch the video to get all our insider tips and make your Greek road trip unforgettable!
Never Get Lost: Navigate Epidaurus with Airalo eSIM Connectivity
Exploring the stunning landscapes on your way to Melas Olive Oil factory in Epidaurus is easier when you’re connected.
Use an Airalo eSIM to access Google Maps and real-time weather updates, ensuring a smooth journey whether you drive or take a bus. Stay connected and click here to buy your Airalo eSIM today!
Learn about Melas Olive Oil tour phases
1. Learning About Olive Oil
The first part of our tour took place outside, where we learned about olive trees and their cultivation.
We discovered that olives are fruits, which was surprising since we’re accustomed to eating them marinated. Anastasia explained the growth cycle of the olive tree, starting with flowers in the spring and the formation of olives later in the season.
She also introduced us to the Maraska olive tree, a variety native to the region.
During our visit in early May, we observed tiny green olives beginning to develop on the branches. The harvest season for olives typically occurs in October and November. Early harvesting is known to produce higher-quality olive oil.
If you’re interested in learning more about the types of olive oil produced at Melas Olive Oil Mill, click here.
2. The Olive Oil Production Process
Melas prides itself on producing high-quality extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) and organic EVOO, using no chemicals in either farming or extraction. They emphasize cold extraction, a method that preserves nutrients and flavor, unlike heat-based processes that can degrade both.
Melas utilizes every part of the olive, creating a range of biocare products including olive oil day and night creams, and soaps. These products are available for purchase on their website shop, where you can also find gift sets that include a moisturizing day cream, body cream, and hand cream.
In addition to producing their own olive oil, Melas supports other olive producers by offering their services as an olive oil mill. This initiative helps small-scale producers in the region, which we found to be a commendable effort in supporting local agriculture.
For more information on Melas’ products and services, and to explore their offerings, visit their website.
3. Olive Oil Tasting Experience
After a brief overview of the mill’s production and its impressive machinery, we moved on to the olive oil tasting. Anastasia guided us through the tasting process, demonstrating techniques to fully release the oil’s flavors.
The experience was reminiscent of a wine tasting, offering a unique and engaging opportunity to explore different oils.
We sampled two types of EVOO: Manaki and Koroneiki. Some of the olive oils had a spicy tingle, a sign of their anti-inflammatory properties.
Anastasia emphasized the health benefits of consuming a spoonful of EVOO daily, particularly for managing high cholesterol. As someone who (Eli) loves EVOO, I’ve incorporated it into my daily routine as recommended.
4. Enjoying a Delicious Olive Oil Snack
After the olive oil tasting, Anastasia invited us to enjoy a light snack made with fresh, local ingredients, including delicious tomatoes, feta cheese, and other traditional Greek foods.
We were pleasantly surprised to find beautifully decorated tables set up in the middle of the factory just for us. The snack turned out to be more than just a light bite—it was a complete and satisfying meal.
We were truly impressed by the care with which everything was prepared. Remarkably, the cost of the tour was less than what we would have paid for a similar meal in a restaurant.
5. Shopping at Melas’ Olive Oil Store
To finish the tour, we shopped at Melas’ store, buying olive oil for ourselves and as gifts. Here are some products we bought at Melas Olive Oil Mill:
- Olive oil used for cooking:
- Ceramic Bio EVOO 500ml: Certified organic extra virgin olive oil of excellent quality. I take a teaspoon daily to help control my high cholesterol.
- Regular bottle of BIO EVOO 100ml: Certified organic extra virgin olive oil, perfect for salads or cheese platters.
- Organic olives Monaki variety: Delicious for salads.
- Sweet olives: A surprisingly perfect and healthy small dessert.
- Olive oil for skin and hair:
- Olive oil eye cream: Improves microcirculation, tightening, and elasticity, and prevents dehydration.
- Moisturizing day cream: Organic olive oil and honey moisturize and nourish the skin, restoring natural moisture and enhancing elasticity.
- Nourishing night cream: Rich in antioxidants, protecting the skin from free radicals responsible for wrinkles.
We also received some surprise gifts from Anastasia at the end of the tour, which we loved!
e-Shop Melas Olive Oil
If you want to learn more about the Melas olive oil and Olive oil BioCare products you can < Click Here > to be re-direct to Melas oficial online shopping website.
Just a reminder, we are not affiliated with Melas and do not receive any commission on their products. We recommend them because we genuinely liked the quality of their products we bought during our Melas Olive Oil tour in Greece.
Recommended Amazon Products for Olive Oil Enthusiasts
As mentioned above, we are not affiliates and do not receive any commission for Melas Olive Oil’s e-shop.
However, as olive oil lovers, we enjoy using different kitchen items that help us cook healthily with olive oil.
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6. Explore Melas’ Olive Oil Surroundings
After completing our tour and shopping experience, Anastasia spent some time taking pictures with us and sharing details about her garden and the surrounding area.
As she had another tour scheduled in the afternoon, Anastasia left to prepare. However, she allowed us to stay behind to take pictures, film for our vlog, and explore the plants and trees. The region around the Melas factory is truly stunning, with a range of mountains surrounding the area and even some grazing sheep.
Since our tour at Melas Olive Oil Mill lasted half a day, Anastasia also recommended a couple of nearby places to visit, including famous archaeological sites. We’ll share some tips on what you can explore in the same area to maximize your day trip a little further down in this blog.
7. Tips for Buying High-Quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil
After completing our tour about our Olive Oil Experience in Greece, we were thrilled with the knowledge we gained.
While we felt we were far from being experts like Anastasia, we finally understood how to select the perfect extra virgin olive oil and the key differences between olive oil and extra virgin olive oil.
Here are some essential tips she shared with us, along with additional expert advice on selecting high-quality olive oil:
Tips for Buying Extra Virgin Olive Oil:
- Check for Cold-Pressed: Look for “cold-pressed” on the label.
- Look for Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is of the highest quality, offering better taste, more nutrients, and lower acidity.
- Verify the Certificate of Origin: Ensure the oil has a certificate of origin or country label. This guarantees the oil is genuinely from the specified region and not a blend from different countries.
- Opt for Organic: Choose organic or biological olive oil, which means it’s produced without pesticides or chemicals.
- Avoid Plastic Bottles: Never buy olive oil in plastic bottles. Plastic can leach chemicals into the oil, affecting its quality. Glass bottles are preferred as they protect the oil from light and air.
- Check the Harvest Date: Extra virgin olive oil should ideally be consumed within one year of the harvest date. After this period, the oil can still be used for cooking, but it will have lost some of its nutrients and flavor.
- Use in Salads and Drizzling: For the best flavor and health benefits, use extra virgin olive oil cold, such as in salads or drizzled over dishes after cooking.
Following these tips will help you select high-quality extra virgin olive oil and ensure you’re getting the most out of its health benefits and taste.
Also, check Melas official website for more information about their extra virgen Olive Oil clicking here.
Discover More: Watch Our Vlog on the Melas Olive Oil Factory Tour!
We’re excited to share our latest vlog about our Olive Oil Experience in Greece, where Serge takes you through our immersive tour at Melas Olive Oil Factory.
In this video, you’ll get a closer look at the olive oil production process and hear firsthand tips and insights that complement our blog post.
Dive into the behind-the-scenes experience, see the stunning landscapes of Greece, and learn more about the nuances of selecting high-quality extra virgin olive oil. Whether you’re planning your own visit or just passionate about olive oil, our vlog will inspire and guide you.
Watch the vlog [here] and get ready to elevate your knowledge of olive oil while enjoying the beautiful Greek scenery!
Things to Do Near Melas Olive Oil Mill – Epidaurus
Since our tour at Melas Olive Oil Mill lasted half a day, Anastasia also recommended a couple of nearby places to visit, including famous archaeological sites.
We’ll share some tips on what you can explore in the same area to maximize your day trip.
And you can also check out blog ‘Discover Epidaurus Greece: Ancient Theatre, Archaeological Sites, and More‘ for more tips for visiting Epidaurus region.
Mycenaean Bridge of Arkadiko (Kazarma)
On our way from Tolo beach to Melas Olive Oil Mill, we stopped at the Mycenaean Bridge of Arkadiko. The stone crossing, dated to the Greek Bronze Age, is one of the oldest crossable arch bridges still in existence. It is the oldest preserved bridge in Europe.
Epidaurus Municipality
After our tour, we made our way to Epidaurus Municipality, which includes many historical sites you can explore in half a day.
Ancient Theatre at the Asclepieion of Epidaurus
The Ancient Theatre, constructed in the late 4th century BC, was finalized in two stages. Originally, the theatre had 34 rows of seats divided into 34 blocks by stairs and walkways. We spent some time enjoying the views from the top of the theatre and watching people test the sound from the middle of the theatre.
Archaeological Museum of the Asclepieion of Epidaurus
Walking distance from the Ancient Theatre, the museum houses many interesting pieces. As one of the oldest museums of ancient Greek architecture, it has a large collection with many important finds from the Sanctuary of Asklepios, dating from the Archaic era to Roman times.
Archaeological Site of the Sanctuary of Asclepius at Epidaurus
The sanctuary is also within walking distance from the Ancient Theatre. We recommend spending some time exploring the area, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The sanctuary developed out of an earlier cult of Apollo (Maleatas) during the 6th century BC at the latest. Its principal monuments, particularly the Temple of Asklepios, the Tholos, and the Theatre, date from the 4th century and are considered masterpieces of Greek architecture.
Extra Tips for visiting Melas Olive Oil Mill and Epidaurus region
Dress Code for Visiting Melas Olive Oil Mill
When planning your visit to Melas Olive Oil Mill, it’s important to dress appropriately to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Here are some tips:
- Comfortable Shoes: Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes suitable for walking around the mill and the surrounding areas.
- Hat: Bring a hat to protect yourself from the sun, especially during the outdoor portions of the tour.
- Lightweight Clothing: Choose lightweight, breathable clothing to stay cool, as you may spend time both indoors and outdoors.
- Sunscreen: Apply sunscreen to protect your skin from sun exposure during your visit.
- Layered Clothing: Consider wearing layers, as temperatures can vary between the mill’s indoor and outdoor areas.
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Stay connected eSIM Internet and Connectivity
Stay connected during your visit to Melas Olive Oil Mill with an eSIM card. Enjoy seamless connectivity to capture and share your Olive Oil Experience in Greece effortlessly.
However, for reliable mobile data throughout Greece, including remote areas, we highly recommend using an eSIM card from Airalo. We’ve been using Airalo for a while now, including trips to Morocco, Ireland, Brazil, and most recently, Greece, and we’ve loved the experience.
During our travels, Airalo provided 100% reliable mobile data, which was crucial for staying connected. For instance, we even made a Facetime call to our family from the Sahara Desert to share the stunning sunset—a memorable experience made possible by Airalo’s service.
Tips for Cooking with Olive Oil
Olive oil is a versatile and healthy ingredient that can enhance your daily cooking. Here are some tips on how to use olive oil for cooking:
- Use for Sautéing: Olive oil is great for sautéing vegetables, garlic, and onions, adding a rich flavor to your dishes.
- Dress Salads: Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over your salads to enhance the flavors and add nutritional benefits.
- Marinate Meats: Use olive oil as a base for marinades for meats, helping to tenderize and add flavor.
- Bake with Olive Oil: Substitute olive oil for butter or other oils in baking recipes for a healthier option.
- Finish Dishes: Add a splash of high-quality extra virgin olive oil to finish soups, pasta, or roasted vegetables for an extra layer of flavor.
Our recommended Travel Affiliate links
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These resources will help you find the best accommodations, tours, and transportation options, making your Greek adventure unforgettable.
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DD – Greece Blog – Travel Affiliate Links for Posts by info@discoveringdestinations.comConclusion
We hope you enjoyed our blog post and shared experience about our Olive Oil Experience in Greece. Our goal was not only to share our tour experience and inspire you with things to do in Greece but also to explain the hard work and amazing process behind the olive oil bottle we buy in supermarkets.
This tour was a total winner for us as we gained so much information. Being olive oil lovers, we now understand better how to buy the perfect olive oil that will truly offer health benefits and enhance our cooking experience.
If you enjoyed reading about our olive oil experience in Greece, please leave a comment and share this post with your family and friends to let them know all we learned about olive oil production and its health benefits.
If you end up going to Greece and taking this tour experience recommended by us, share your experience with us here or on our social media!
Happy travels and enjoy your olive oil adventures!
