Psiloritis Shepherd Experience the Cretan shepherd's life at Nida Plateau on Psiloritis mountain, away from mass tourism.
Welcome To our home
Begin your experience with a warm welcome of Cretan raki, smiles, and open hearts. Learn about the history of the area and the way of life, in the mountain of Psiloritis. Discover the world of the Cretan shepherd and learn about the demanding yet deeply meaningful daily life of those who live close to the land and their animals.
Place the lamb around the open fire Like the Minoans did
"Ofto" lamb (antikritsto), is an ancient Cretan method of roasting meat (usually lamb) around an open fire.
Milk the sheeps And shear them
Witness or participate in a hands-on sheep milking experience and sheep shearing, two essential parts of pastoral life in the mountains.
Participate in the shearing The traditional way
Watch the sheep being sheared, and if you like you can participate in the process (June - July - August).
Make your cheese The traditional Cretan tyrozouli
Take part in the traditional process of cheesemaking, learning techniques that have been passed down for generations.
The food, as part of the experience And one of many ways to show you that you found your home in Crete...
Most ingredients come directly from the land of Psiloritis or nearby villages. The lamb, vegetables, olive oil, and fresh dairy products are produced by the shepherd family themselves.
Taste pure Cretan food Under the shade of trees
Later, under the shade of apple trees, cherry trees, and a large plane tree, the stone table is set. A traditional mountain food tasting awaits you, including:
"Ofto" lamb (antikristo)
Fried lamb liver
Fresh anthogalo cheese (Cretan cream cheese)
Seasonal salad
Pasta cooked in meat broth with traditional "anthotyro" cheese (salty cheese for pasta)
Local wine aged at the family mitato or craft beer from local producers
For our little guests we offer orange juice.
Dessert: traditional fried cheese pies with honey or sugar (prepared together during the workshop), served with raki or Greek coffee, and seasonal fruit
Fresh spring water, and bottled water
Our visitors say Pete & Wendy
"What an amazing day"
Faultless
We loved every minute, the shepherding (milking/shearing) and culinary experiences (hanging lamb and lighting the fire ,cheese making, pastries).
It was totally immersive, at your own pace and could join in or just watch.
It was followed by mountains of superb food made in front of us and with genuine hand on input.
The absolutely beautiful location, which will blow you away is so tranquil.
We learnt so much about the real Crete, history, its culture and food.
But most of all the incredible warmth and hospitality was unforgettable.
Truly felt part of Crete’s heritage ( if only for a brief afternoon).
We will cherish this day forever.
Thanks so much
Pete and Wendy xx
Know before you book your experience Come organized
What to bring:
Comfortable shoes
Sun hat
Sunscreen
Jacket
Comfortable clothes
Useful information:
We meet you here. The road leading to the meeting point is paved. From the meeting point until you reach the mitato (shepherd's hut), the road becomes a mild dirt road (about 3 minutes drive duration). You either follow in your car to the hut, or you walk, or you climb into the back of our farm car and we drive you, in the traditional way!
This experience is offered by the shepherd family itself
Please let us know if any of the guests have food allergies
There are vegetarian or vegan food tasting choices (upon request)
There is a choice of alcohol-free beer for any guest who wishes it (upon request)
The experience takes place in nature, so depending on the season, we may encounter bees or other harmless animals
Toilets are available on-site
Mobile signal is available
There is no electricity on-site
Baby seats available (upon request)
Need a transfer? Book with the best
Enjoy a high quality transfer service at the lowest prices, and have a safe driving experience to our hut and back!
Get In Touch
Psiloritis Shepherd - Sbokos family
Nida Plateau, Psiloritis, Rethymno, Crete, Greece
Tel.: +306977244607
Email: mitatakokkinesplakes@gmail.com