When you think of Crete, what comes to mind? Sun-soaked hills, the scent of thyme in the air, and long tables filled with laughter and shared plates. But there’s one small fruit that carries the soul of the island more than any other: the olive. And not just any olive — Cretan salted olives from Chania, handpicked with care, cured in sea salt, and steeped in generations of tradition.
At Kalaitzakis Family, we’ve turned our connection to this land into a way of life. Our olives are more than a product — they’re a promise: of honesty, of nature, of flavor. In this article, we’ll share the story behind our olives, what makes them special, and why they belong on every table that values authenticity.
Our Roots: Kandanos, Chania
The Beginning of a Return
In the quiet mountain village of Kandanos, nestled in the Selino region of Chania, Crete, our story took root. Like many families, we once left the village in search of city life. But the further we went, the louder the pull of home became.
We returned not just to our land, but to our grandparents’ fields — olive trees shaped by wind, sun, and memory. There, we found something no city could offer: purpose, peace, and the joy of working with our hands.
Why Kandanos Matters
The terroir of Kandanos gives our olives their distinct identity. The altitude, the soil, and the local climate all contribute to the bold flavor and firm texture of our fruit. It’s a place where olive trees outnumber people, and where the old ways still mean something.
What Makes Cretan Salted Olives From Chania So Unique?
Cretan olives aren’t like the ones you find in mass-market jars. They’re bold. Earthy. Slightly wrinkled, deeply flavorful, and completely natural.
The Kalaitzakis Approach
We use a traditional salt-curing method, passed down through generations:
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No chemicals
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No preservatives
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Just sea salt, extra virgin olive oil, and time
Each olive is handpicked at peak ripeness and cured slowly to bring out its full flavor without stripping its natural complexity.
These are the olives we serve our children.
That’s the standard we hold.
How Our Olives Are Enjoyed
Our customers — from travelers in Crete to home cooks in cities around the world — enjoy our olives in countless ways:
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Paired with cheese and bread as part of a traditional Cretan meze
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Added to salads for an authentic Greek twist
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Served warm with garlic and herbs
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Gifted as a taste of Crete
Whether you’re a restaurant owner or a weekend food lover, these olives bring rustic Cretan character to your table.
Pure, Natural, and Honest
We believe food should be as clean and transparent as the process that made it. That’s why all our olives are:
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🌿 Handpicked — no machines, no bruising
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🧂 Naturally preserved — sea salt only
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🧊 Vacuum sealed or bucket-packed — depending on your needs
As producers of Cretan salted olives in Chania, we stay loyal to the old ways — because they simply taste better. Our curing process takes weeks, not hours. And that patience shows in every bite.
Sharing a Taste of Crete
We don’t just sell olives. We share a way of life.
And as word spreads, we’re proud to supply:
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Local stores across Crete
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Hotels and tavernas in Chania
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Individual customers around the world via direct order
This is how we preserve not just food, but culture.
Where to Find Our Products
Explore our full range:
Whether you’re a shop, restaurant, or traveler who fell in love with Crete, we’re happy to bring the island to your table.
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Learn more about the Tsounati olive variety on Wikipedia (general olive history, use as reference)
Conclusion: One Olive, One Island, One Family
At Kalaitzakis Family, our olives aren’t a trend — they’re a tradition. Rooted in Kandanos. Shaped by Chania. Shared with care.
Ready to taste the difference?
