Horta – From Field to Table
learning, collecting & cooking wild Cretan greens
Close to the ground.
Close to the season.
After the first autumn-rains, wild greens return to the Cretan landscape.
They grow between stones, along field edges, beneath olive trees —
tender, bitter or sweet, strong, and nourishing.
Horta – From Field to Table is a seasonal experience guided by Manolis at his organic farm in Apokoronas, Crete.
We walk the land, learn to recognize edible wild greens, harvest respectfully,
and prepare them in the traditional way — before sharing a simple meal together.
Unhurried.
Practical.
Rooted in the season.
Everything begins with what the land offers.
The Walk - Gathering Horta
We begin in the fields surrounding the farm.
Manolis introduces the most common edible wild greens of the season
and shows how to distinguish them from similar plants.
We learn when to harvest, how much to take, and how taste changes with rain and sun.
The approach is sensory and attentive:
Looking closely.
Touching leaves.
Smelling.
Moving slowly.
Barefoot is welcome, though never required.
The focus is not quantity, but recognition.
Learning begins with looking closely.
From Field to Table
After gathering, we return to the farm kitchen.
The greens are washed and prepared simply —
olive oil, lemon, salt.
Manolis shares how horta has long been part of everyday Cretan life
and demonstrates traditional preparation methods passed down through generations.
Then we sit together and eat.
At one table.
A seasonal vegetarian meal.
What the land offered that day.
Food tastes different
when you have gathered it yourself.
Practical Information
Duration & Time:
Approximately 3 hours,
daily upon requests, except Sundays
Season:
November to early April
Group-Size:
2–10 participants
Location:
Manolis’ organic farm in Apokoronas, Crete
What is included:
- Guided field walk
- Identification of wild Cretan greens
- Respectful harvesting
- Traditional cooking demonstration
- Shared seasonal vegetarian meal
- Seasonal fruit tasting when available
Who is for:
For those curious about what grows naturally.
For those who enjoy walking, learning, and sharing a meal without hurry.
No prior knowledge required.
Price, Responsibility & Agreements
Price: €65 per person (incl. VAT).
Children-discount on request, A limited number of community / early booking places are available at €58 (incl. VAT) for local residents or early seasonal bookings.
Private or custom group experiences are available upon request. Pricing depends on group size and duration.
Minimum total booking: €130.
The price includes all activities described above, as well as the shared seasonal meal and ingredients.
Participation involves light agricultural activity and walking on uneven terrain.
All activities are guided at a calm pace, and participation is voluntary at all times.
Guests are responsible for their own physical well-being and for informing us in advance about allergies, medical conditions, or physical limitations.
As this is a seasonal outdoor activity, the program may adapt to weather and harvest conditions, always with care and safety as priority.
What grows quietly
often nourishes the most.
