Xotaris Farm – Herbs and almonds

At Xotaris farm on Kea (Tzia), in the Aegean Islands, we collect and process almonds and wild herbs and introduce visitors to a natural way of life with rural activities and traditional Cycladic farming. Although almond trees on the property date back to the late 19th century, the inaccessibility of the area and the height of the trees have made systematic cultivation rare over the last 40 years.

Despite such difficulties, we collect these small but flavorful fruits to ensure a healthy diet and pass on knowledge of their beneficial properties to those who value the pharmacy of nature. It is rare, generally in the Cyclades islands, to encounter such a wide variety of aromatic and medicinal herbs in a place so close to nature and far from civilization.

The visit includes a tour of the property’s herbs and trees — wild, old, and autochthonous — accompanied by a tasting of savory and sweet flavors based on almond oil, wild olive oil, almond butter, almond chips, and sweet combinations based on almonds, as well as a refreshing drink made from healing herbs.

Herb Farm Tour and Tasting

• Farm Experience: Participate in almond collection and wild herb processing, learning about the traditional farming techniques of Kea Island.
• Island Nature Walk: Explore the diverse botanical landscape of Kea and discover the wild herbs used in Greek cuisine and medicine for millennia.
• Tasting: Taste fresh almonds, herbal teas, and artisan products made from the farm’s own harvest in a beautiful Aegean island setting.

Depending on the weather conditions, the treat will be served either in the stone houses or under the shade of the trees. Visitors will also be able to take aromas and parts of the fresh herbs with them. Explore more Aegean Islands experiences through Gastronomy Tours.