Chestnut Festival

On October 24, 2025, the enchanting mountain village of Vlatos in western Crete bursts into autumnal joy with its beloved Chestnut Festival, part of the three-day Kissamos celebration (October 25-27) organized by the Vlatos Cultural Association “Neoi Orizontes.” Amid chestnut groves and under the White Mountains, locals and visitors gather in the village square for a tribute to Crete’s “tree of life.” Indulge in delectable Cretan chestnut creations like roasted nuts, sweet honeyed cakes (kastanopitta), creamy staka with chestnut foam, and savory pilafs infused with wild herbs—sourced fresh from nearby Elos orchards. The festivities pulse with live Cretan music on the lyra and laouto, traditional dances like pentozali, and communal feasts of tsikoudia toasts and barbecued lamb. Free entry; arrive early for tastings and artisan stalls. A perfect harvest immersion—kali orexi under the stars! Check vlatos.gr for the full program.