The canonical version and where to order it.
Small Cretan pies, folded open or closed, filled with fresh myzithra or with wild greens fried in olive oil. The sweet cheese ones get honey and cinnamon, the savoury ones get nothing but their own oil.
Kalitsounia are the everyday pie of Crete, and the shape changes as you cross the island. Around Heraklion they are usually small and open-topped, the pastry pinched into a star and the myzithra left exposed so it browns in the oven. In the west they are more often closed and fried. The pies belong to the calendar as much as to the kitchen: sweet cheese versions appear at Easter, greens versions through Lent and winter, when horta are at their best. Bakeries across Heraklion sell them all year now, and the Agora on 1866 Street is where most households still buy the myzithra to make them at home.
1 editor pick for Kalitsounia in Heraklion, ranked by editorial score. All Heraklion signature dishes · Kalitsounia across every city.
Savoidakis bakes right across Heraklion, and its kalitsounia are the ones food tours stop for, alongside a long counter of sweets and gelato.
OrderKalitsounia, the Cretan cheese pie
TipA Heraklion chain with several city branches. The Dikaiosinis counter is the handiest one from the Agora.
Kalitsounia makes more sense with someone from Heraklion explaining it. These are the classes and tours we have checked, with booking links.
3 hours
Watch the sun come up over the Lasithi Plateau from a hot air balloon, then celebrate back on the ground with sparkling wine and a real Greek breakfast. One of the bes...
Private tour · 8 hours
Explore Crete's rich history and flavors on a tour of Agarathos Monastery, an olive farm, and a boutique winery. Enjoy tastings, a local meal, and panoramic views.
Private tour · 8 hours
Enjoy a high quality olive oil, food and wine cultural tour under the guidance of a certified Sommelier. Have authentic Cretan lunch paired with 6 Premium local wines ...
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