“Horizon” elite organic olive oil is produced in the Cretan village of Kalamafka in the southern foothills of the “Diktian” mountain range, located 12km north of Ierapetra and 24km west of Agios Nikolaos. At an altitude of 500 meters, Kalamafka has lush green vegetation and rich sources of spring water, and extensive olive cultivation in the fertile soils between the rock formations that characterize the entire landscape.

At the entrance of the village stands the “Acropolis”, an imposing rock called “Kastelos”, on top of which there is the cavernous church of “The Holy Cross”. Historical data and artifacts housed in the British Museum of London show that in ancient times, this place was a place of worship of Asclepius. A figurine from this particular region is the symbol of the Medical Association of Lasithi.

The olive groves of the Nikolarakis family are found throughout the region of Kalamafka. Their Koroneiki olive trees are 20-25 years old and grow together with ancient olive trees (the oldest of which is over 3000 years old with a circumference of about 14m). Cultivation takes place at multiple levels due to the sloping terrain. This natural terrace-like cultivation facilitates the drainage of water as well as exposing each individual tree better to the sun and light.

The combination of dry soil, the climate and the local micro climate here creates the ideal growing conditions for the development of healthy olive trees.  These produce the highest quality of tasty olives. The region boasts 300 days of sunshine annually, and its altitude ensures only small changes in temperate throughout the year (mild winters and cool summers).