The fertile soils and the temperate climate of the island, combined with the long tradition of olive tree cultivation, create the best conditions for the production of unique EVOO products, internationally renowned for their excellent quality.
The fertile soils and the temperate climate of the island, combined with the long tradition of olive tree cultivation, create the best conditions for the production of unique EVOO products, internationally renowned for their excellent quality.
The region of Ierapetra has olive groves mainly of the Koroneiki variety. The famous Koroneiki variety offers, since ancient times, one of the finest olive oils in the world. The harvesting of the olive fruit is done with great care and within a few hours the fruit undergoes the process of pressing and cold extraction of the olive oil. The result is clear, golden-green, and perfectly balanced olive oils with a rich, fruity taste and low acidity.
For these particular characteristics, the prefecture of Lassithi has had areas designated as PDO (Protected Designation of Origin), PDO Sitia and PDO Viannou.
Olive oil is inextricably linked to the history of Crete and the life of the Cretan people. According to archaeological findings, the olive tree and olive oil were the most important factor of prosperity in Minoan Crete.
Azoria is an archaeological site dating back to the Minoan era and is located in the village of Kavousi in the municipality of Ierapetra. In the Azorias area there are olive groves with monumental Minoan olive trees. Those trees are surrounded by the ancient settlements of Vrontos, Kastro and the village of Kavousi.
Minoan findings have been found in the area, such as an olive press, tools, vessels, jars, and storerooms.