Richtis Waterfall, Azoria & Olive Oil Tasting — North Coast Explorer

A journey through gorges, ancient olive groves, and forgotten cities on the wild east coast of Crete

This Richtis Waterfall tour takes you beyond the typical tourist circuit and into the rugged, layered landscape of eastern Crete, where a hidden waterfall, a 3,250-year-old olive tree, and an active archaeological site await. The pace is easy, the scenery is dramatic, and the experience is grounded in the natural and cultural heritage of this remarkable island.

The day opens with a coastal drive along the north shore, where olive groves stretch down toward the sea and the air carries the scent of wild herbs. The route winds through terrain that shifts from open hillside to dense, jungle-like vegetation before arriving at the Richtis Gorge trailhead.

A half-hour walk through the gorge leads to the waterfall itself, where an 18-metre cascade of cold spring water drops into a clear natural pool. Swimmers are welcome, and the cool water is a welcome reward after the trail. Lunch follows at a taverna on the waterfront, giving the group time to settle before the afternoon continues.

The second half of the tour moves inland to a living olive tree estimated at 3,250 years old, one of the oldest documented specimens on the island. From there, the route climbs to the site of Azoria, an ancient settlement currently under active excavation, sitting far outside the reach of standard tourist itineraries. The return leg passes Voulisma Beach and concludes with a visit to a family-run olive oil facility for tasting and a look at traditional production methods.