Olive Oil Tasting in Athens

Greece is known internationally for producing the best olive oil in the world, affectionately referred to as “liquid gold”. The ancient country uses 90% extra virgin olive oil in production, making the product deliciously rich and fragrant.

Embark on an olive oil tasting tour in Athens to explore the rural countryside of Greece of a green olive farm, and taste the delectable natural oil.

Here's all you need to know about olive oil tastings, one of the most authentic gastronomic experiences in Athens.

What are the best olive oil tours in Athens?

Athens olive oil and wine tasting

Discover the wonders of olive oil and wine, in a combination taste tour in the oldest bar of Athens. On these masterclass experiences, you will taste multiple wines and olive oils, paired with herbs, cheese and charcuterie. Learn the fascinating history and importance of olive oil and wine in Greece, with an expert guide by your side.

Our pick: Olive Oil and Wine Tasting Tour

• Price: €110 per person
• Includes: 6 wines, 4 olive oils, cheese, deli, herbs and spices
• Duration: 2 hours

Private olive oil tasting in Athens

Choose a private olive oil farm tour for an all-inclusive look inside the production process. On this day trip, you’ll be picked up by a private air-conditioned vehicle for a ride to a local farm. Once you arrive, you’ll complete an olive oil-tasting workshop, where you’ll learn the history and work that goes into creating the “liquid gold.” Enjoy a more personalized tasting with an expert guide at your service.

Our pick: Private Olive Oil Tasting Tour from Athens

• Price: From €82.50 per person
• Includes: Roundtrip transportation, multilingual guide, olive and oil tastings
• Duration: 8 hours

Olive oil-tasting tour plus Corinth from Athens

On this combination olive oil-tasting tour, you’ll have the chance to see the archaeological haven of Ancient Corinth as well as the beauty of an authentic olive grove. Along the way, you may get to visit the Temple of Apollo, before stopping by the Acrocorinth, the oldest castle left standing in Southern Greece. Finish off your trip with a visit to a family owned and operated olive oil mill to taste the delicious “liquid gold”.

Our pick: Corinth Olive Oil Tasting Tour from Athens

• Price: From €77 per person, depending on group size
• Includes: Roundtrip transportation, olive grove tour, olive and olive oil tastings
• Duration: 6 to 7 hours

Olive oil-tasting tour plus Sounion from Athens

This tour allows for multiple stops along the Attica Peninsula and Cape Sounio, as well as a mouthwatering olive oil tasting. You’ll begin with a drive through the Athens Riviera and the breathtaking coastline, with a stop at Lake Vouliagmeni for a dip. At the organic farm Sounion you will enjoy an olive oil tasting and farm-to-table meal, before continuing to the Temple of Poseidon, at the southernmost tip of the Athens Peninsula. Finish with a visit to the Ancient Theater of Thorikos before returning to the city.

Our pick: Bio Farm Olive Oil Tasting and Sounio Tour

• Price: From €119 per person, depending on group size
• Includes: Roundtrip transportation, guided olive grove tour, olive oil tasting, lunch
• Duration: 6 hours

What you will see?

Athens-based olive oil tastings and tours typically focus on Attica, while some tours will take you to Corinth. At the rural farm you visit, you will see where the olives are harvested and the oil is produced. You’ll also get a firsthand look at green olive groves and the process of turning the fruit into the oil.

How much does it cost?

Olive oil tastings in Athens can be priced as a group experience or per person. A tour that includes transportation out of the city to a local farm will typically cost between €300 and €600 for a group of 2 people.

A private excursion that includes a production tour and oil tasting will typically be priced between €100 and €600 per person, with the more expensive trips including a farm-to-table meal prepared on-site.

What is included?

Olive oil tasting tours in Athens typically include a full spread of organically-produced olive oil to try with snack pairings that complement the flavor. All tastings also provide a tour of a local farm with a knowledgeable guide, as well as an up-close look at natural green olive groves.

Many excursions also include an olive-oil workshop to learn about the history of the delicious condiment, while most also feature a farm-to-table meal of food created from products grown and harvested on-site.

Private tastings will include pickup and drop-off with a luxury air-conditioned vehicle and an expert guide to lead the journey. Some private tours will also provide wine to accompany your olive oil tasting.

Where does it start?

Most Athens olive oil tastings require travel to a nearby rural farm, so the tour will usually begin with a vehicle pickup in the city. Some tours will pre-select a meeting place, while most private excursions will begin with the ease of a hotel pickup.

How long does it last?

An Athens olive oil tasting tour can last anywhere between 3 and 12 hours. The longer excursions will travel further from the city to visit a rural farm, whereas the shorter trips will stay closer to the metropolis. Longer excursions will also include a meal and sometimes a stop at a café, while the shorter trips might offer just the olive oil tasting and light snacks before heading back to drop-off.

Is it wheelchair friendly?

Yes, there are olive oil tastings and tours in Athens that are accessible to wheelchair users.

When is the best time for an olive oil-tasting tour in Athens?

The best time to embark on an olive oil tasting in Athens is during harvest season between October and December. This allows for the most interactive experience while touring the olive grove farmland. For the best weather in Athens and to avoid large crowds, choose to visit in either late spring or early fall.

Plan your trip to an olive grove farm towards the center of your trip for a break from the bustle of the city to enjoy the peaceful nature of the countryside.

What other gastronomic experiences can you enjoy in Athens?

• Food tours in Athens
• Wine tours in Athens
• Cooking classes in Athens
• Dinners in Athens

Travel tips

• Wear comfortable shoes, as some tours might include walks through olive groves. Also, bring a hat and sunscreen if you’re visiting during sunny months.
• Learn how to taste olive oil properly—look at the color, smell the aroma, and taste for fruitiness, bitterness, and pungency. These are key indicators of quality.
• Some tours might offer pairings of olive oil with traditional Greek foods. Pay attention to how different oils complement or enhance the flavors of the foods.