In the traditional area of the village of Vafes in Apokoronas, Arevitis Farm in Chania is a model of sustainable agriculture and Cretan hospitality. This picturesque farm not only produces organic products such as vegetables, fruits, and traditional handmade cheese from the farm's goat milk but also promotes environmental management and the preservation of Crete's cultural heritage. At Arevitis Farm, we are committed to sustainable development practices that ensure the well-being of our environment and community. Our farm operates on principles of ecological balance, conservation of resources, and support for local biodiversity. Here are some key aspects of our approach to sustainable development:
Our farm is dedicated to organic farming practices, avoiding synthetic pesticides and fertilizers and using natural methods to maintain soil fertility and control pests. We use manure as a natural fertilizer for trees and plants, enhancing the nutrition and productivity of crops. We also employ crop rotation and companion planting to maintain soil health and reduce pest outbreaks.
One of the key practices at Arevitis Farm is the implementation of a circular economy. Vegetables from the garden and fruits from the farm, after cooking, are not wasted. Leftovers and scraps become feed for the chickens, goats, and other animals on the farm. This not only reduces waste but also enhances the farm's sustainability, creating a comprehensive cycle of food and waste management.
We maintain various habitats for local wildlife, such as bees, birds, and beneficial insects, which play a crucial role in pollination and pest control. We cultivate native plants and trees to support the local ecosystem.
Composting organic waste helps us create nutrient-rich soil amendments, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers. We actively reduce, reuse, and recycle materials to minimize waste production and environmental impact.
By integrating these sustainable practices, Arevitis Farm not only produces high-quality, organic products but also contributes to the preservation of our natural resources and the promotion of a healthy, sustainable future for generations to come. Visit us with your children to learn more and experience our commitment to sustainability firsthand.
At Arevitis Farm, we strive to pass on the Cretan way of life to both local and international visitors. Guests can get to know our animals, vegetables, and trees, such as olive trees, fig trees, and lemon trees. We aim to show them what it's like to be a farmer in Crete in 2024, living in remote villages far from the picturesque city of Chania. Through farm activities, visitors become farmers for a day. Our goal is to promote the authentic Cretan experience and strengthen the connection with nature and tradition.
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Children have a deep love for animals and nature, which offers them countless opportunities for exploration, learning, and growth. Visiting a farm with animals is not only a fun activity, but also an educational experience that allows them to better understand the world around them. On the farm, children come into direct contact with the animals, learn about their care, and develop a deeper understanding and respect for nature. At a children's farm this interaction with the animals and their environment helps them develop important skills such as responsibility, compassion, and attentiveness. For these reasons, a visit to a farm is an experience that every child should have firsthand.
A farm with animals for children is the ideal destination for kids to connect with nature and animals, away from the hustle and bustle of city life. At AREVITIS Farm, our young visitors have the opportunity to get up close with various farm animals, such as sheep, goats, chickens, and rabbits. Children learn about the care and feeding of the animals, gaining valuable knowledge and skills.
Experience in Nature: The farm offers a rich program of interactive experiences and educational activities. Children actively participate in sheep milking and egg collecting. Additionally, they can try feeding and caring for the animals, experiencing firsthand the daily life of a farmer. Through interaction with nature, children develop a deeper understanding and respect for the environment while enjoying the fresh air and tranquility of rural life.
In the natural environment of the farm, children can engage in agricultural activities such as planting seeds and harvesting crops. These activities help them understand the food production process, from field to table, and appreciate the importance of sustainability and organic farming.
Engaging with Traditions: A farm with animals for children wouldn't be complete without traditional cooking lessons. At AREVITIS Farm, our young friends participate in cooking workshops where they learn to prepare traditional Cretan recipes using fresh, local ingredients.This experience is not only fun but also educational, fostering a love for healthy eating and cooking.
Children learn to make simple traditional Cretan dishes such as kalitsounia, hilopites with fresh milk, and the nutritious Cretan salad. Through this process, children learn about the rich cultural heritage of Crete, discovering the customs and traditions that have shaped the local community.They also acquire important cooking skills and develop a sense of autonomy and creativity. Children have the opportunity to see these processes up close and learn about their history and significance in Cretan culture.
We also organize activities based on Cretan traditions, such as sheep shearing. All our activities offer opportunities for learning, hands-on interaction with nature and animal care, fun, and an introduction to Cretan heritage.
By choosing to visit a farm with animals for children in Chania, you provide your children with an unparalleled opportunity to connect with nature and tradition. Arevitis Farm creates a safe and educational environment where children can develop new skills, make new friends, and create beautiful memories that will stay with them for a lifetime.
Interaction with nature and animals helps children develop a sense of responsibility and respect for the environment and animals. Participation in agricultural activities and traditional workshops boosts their confidence and independence while helping them better understand the world around them.
Discover today the farm with animals for children in Chania and give your children a unique experience filled with knowledge and fun. We look forward to welcoming you to AREVITIS Farm to embark on a journey into Cretan tradition and an authentic experience together!
If you are in Chania or planning to visit, don't miss the opportunity to experience the ultimate agricultural adventure at AREVITIS Farm, located in the historic village of Vafe in Apokoronas. Contact us to schedule your visit. We hope you enjoy your visit to Arevitis Farm and create unforgettable moments with your children, exploring the nature and traditions of Crete We are confident that this experience will become one of your most cherished family memories.
In Crete, sheep shearing occurs twice a year, particularly among Cretan farmers who own sheep. This practice is necessary due to the high temperatures on the island, which can be unbearable for the animals. Therefore, the sheep are sheared once in April and June.Today, sheep shearing is done in the same way as in the past, with the only difference being that the wool doesn't fetch anything in the market, and farmers dispose of it.
Why The process of 'shearing' is necessary?
Shearing, or the process of cutting the wool off sheep, is essential for the health and well-being of the sheep. First, it removes the dense, winter wool before spring and summer, helping the animals better manage their body temperature and avoid overheating. This is particularly crucial during warmer months, as thick wool can cause heat stress in sheep. Second, shearing helps prevent irritation and problems caused by parasites and other skin issues, as thick wool can retain moisture and host insect infestations. Lastly, shearing improves the overall cleanliness of the animals, preventing the accumulation of dirt and other residues in the wool, keeping the sheep healthier and more comfortable.
Shearing Process
Preparation: Before shearing, the sheep need to be clean and dry. Often, the sheep are gathered in an enclosed space and their access to food is restricted for a few hours before the shearing to ensure they are calm and easier to handle.
Shearing: The farmer or a professional shearer uses special shearing clippers to remove the wool. This process must be performed carefully to avoid injuring the sheep's skin.
Wool Processing: At many farms, after shearing, the wool is cleaned and sorted based on quality. This step is crucial for wool production, as higher quality wool is used in the manufacture of woolen textiles.
Environmental Management: Since the sheep are less protected after shearing, it is important to ensure that their environment is safe and clean. This helps prevent diseases and injuries that could be caused by the environment.
Shearing is a critical process that ensures not only the comfort and health of the sheep but also the quality and sustainability of wool production.
During the shearing process, the care and welfare of the sheep are of primary importance. The farmer or specialized shearer undertaking this task are familiar and trained to perform the shearing in a way that does not harm the animals.
This biannual event presents a valuable opportunity for Cretan farmers to come together and assist each other, especially since many of them own a large number of sheep on their farms. After the shearing, participants gather to enjoy local traditional food and drink, such as homemade wine or Tsikoudia (Raki), the traditional drink of Crete. Sometimes, they also invite musicians to play traditional Cretan music using instruments like the violin or the Cretan Lyre, further enriching the communal experience.The shearing of sheep may not offer commercial profit to farmers today, but it significantly contributes to camaraderie and friendship among villagers. The culmination of camaraderie is the feast at the end of the exhausting process, which has remained unchanged for centuries. All males in Crete shear sheep, even elementary school boys.
Sheep Shearing in Crete: Nurturing Tradition and Community Bonds
These relationships, which do not revolve around the expectation of economic exchanges, are common in Crete and bind people together.
Sheep “Koura” also in Arevitis Farm.
At Arevitis Farm, we also follow this long standing tradition of sheep shearing, a practice deeply ingrained in Cretan agriculture. Much like our fellow farmers across Crete, we recognize the necessity of shearing sheep twice a year due to the island's high temperatures, which can prove really challenging for the animals. Therefore, we ensure that our sheep are sheared in our farm once in April and again in June.Is one of the most traditional action from our activities in Arevitis Farm.
Visit Arevitis Farm today and embrace the experience of Cretan nature.
Welcome to Arevitis Farm, the destination where Cretan tradition and natural beauty meet everyday life. Located in the picturesque village of Vafe, at the heart of Apokoronas in Chania, we are ready to offer you a truly unique experience.
Every visitor to the Farm engages in experiential contact with a reality where direct interaction with nature and animals awakens deep sensations and provides unique experiences. The simplicity and authenticity of rural life can rejuvenate the spirit and reduce stress, offering a break from the fast pace of urban life. Moreover, a visit to a farm strengthens understanding and appreciation for the food production process, from field to table, enhancing the connection with the natural environment and our roots in the land.
Our Philosophy: At Arevitis Farm, we believe in the value of rural life and family hospitality. Our ambition is to create a sustainable family farm that lives and expresses traditions. Our Farm is a destination for those who wish to return to their roots, discover the true essence of Cretan hospitality, and experience the rich culture of the island. Our goal is for every visitor to experience the traditional Cretan way of life through authentic activities such as sheep milking, harvesting vegetables from our garden, and preparing and enjoying traditional meals.
Farm Activities: At our farm, we offer organized activities related to the daily life of rural Crete. The daily care of the farm animals includes feeding, collecting eggs, milking sheep, and goats. After animal care, our Farm activities continue in the vegetable garden. Together with our visitors, we plant seasonal vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, zucchinis, and harvest ripe vegetables.
Additionally, we organize activities based on Cretan tradition, such as the "sheep milking." All our activities provide opportunities for learning, experiential contact with nature and animal care, entertainment, and acquaintance with Cretan heritage.
Cooking Lessons: Our farm not only offers knowledge and experiences of rural life but also a journey of flavors through traditional Cretan dishes that we prepare. From garden to plate, every meal is an opportunity to taste fresh, organic vegetables and traditional recipes passed down through generations. Together with our visitors, we open phyllo and make pies, cook traditional hortopita with the milk we milked, and of course, prepare and enjoy the local Cretan salad from the vegetables we cut from our garden. Lastly, every time we harvest zucchinis or eggplants from our garden, we fry these vegetables in virgin olive oil from our olive trees.
Around the Cretan Table: The experience at our Farm culminates at the Cretan traditional table. Our guests sit at our table and enjoy the meal we prepared together. They also taste the pure honey we offer them and of course, the wine from our vineyard. The tradition of Cretan hospitality dictates that guests sit around the set table, and at our farm, we proudly follow this tradition.
AREVITIS Farm is more than just a tourist destination; it is a living space that offers a deep experience of Cretan traditions and authentic life.It is a Journey into Tradition that offers an enriching experience for children, immersing them in the heart of Cretan culture. At AREVITIS Farm, kids can engage with friendly farm animals, learning about their care and importance in traditional farming. They participate in hands-on agricultural activities, such as planting seeds and harvesting crops, fostering a deep connection to nature and the food they eat. Additionally, children join in traditional recipe lessons, discovering the secrets of Cretan cuisine by preparing simple, authentic dishes using fresh, farm-grown ingredients. This immersive experience not only entertains but also educates, providing children with lasting memories and a profound appreciation for Cretan heritage. That's why we encourage visitors not to be mere observers but to become active participants in the various activities. We invite you to become part of this community.
