Polykala Distillery: 128 years of history & liqueur tasting.

A Practical Look at the Polykala Distillery Tour in Athens

When it comes to authentic Greek experiences, a visit to a family-run distillery offers a charming glimpse into local craftsmanship and tradition. The Polykala Distillery, with over 128 years of history, provides a compact yet engaging tour that balances storytelling, tasting, and a touch of DIY cocktail advice—all for a very reasonable price. This experience attracts travelers looking for something more personal than the typical sightseeing day, and it’s a perfect quick addition to your Athens itinerary.

What we love about this tour is its straightforward nature: a short, 30 to 40-minute visit that’s packed with insights and, of course, plenty of tastings. The fact that you leave with a 100ml bottle of your chosen liqueur makes it feel like a small but meaningful souvenir of your time in Greece. One thing to keep in mind is that the tour’s success hinges on its key guides, Nina or Rena, whose warm welcomes and detailed explanations really elevate the experience. On the flip side, the short duration might not satisfy those seeking a deep dive into distillation processes, but for many, the compact format is ideal. This tour is best suited for curious travelers eager to understand Greek spirits, enjoy authentic tastes, or pick up a unique gift.

Key Points

• Authentic Family Heritage: The distillery has been operated by the same family for over 128 years, adding a personal touch.
• Concise & Value-Packed: The tour lasts under an hour, making it a practical stop with plenty of free time to explore Athens afterward.
• Tasting & Learning: You’ll get to sample up to three different liqueurs and even learn how to mix them into cocktails at home.
• Memorable Souvenir: Each guest receives a 100ml bottle of a liqueur of their choice to take home.
• Affordable & Accessible: At around $16, this experience offers good value, especially considering the personalized guide and tasting.
• Limited Group Size: With a maximum of 10 travelers, expect a friendly, intimate atmosphere that’s perfect for questions and interaction.

Detailed Review of the Tour

The Location and Meeting Point

The tour begins at Kleisthenous 7 in Athens, a spot that’s easy to reach thanks to nearby public transport options. Meeting Nina or Rena, the welcoming guides, sets the tone for the experience. Their warmth and knowledge immediately make you feel at ease, especially as they start sharing snippets of the distillery’s story.

The First Stop: A Brief Introduction

We loved how this part, just about 10 minutes, is designed to give visitors a quick yet insightful overview of Polykala’s history. The guides—whether Nina or Rena—are experienced and passionate, making the story of the distillery feel personal and genuine. You learn that this is a family business with roots stretching back over a century, built on tradition and love for quality spirits. Their explanations make it clear that this isn’t just about selling liqueurs but about preserving a craft.

The Main Tour: A Look Inside the Distillery

The core of the experience is a 30-minute walkthrough of the distillery itself. Here, visitors are taken through the process of how the liqueurs are made, from the selection of ingredients to the final blending. While the tour isn’t an in-depth industrial process, it’s enough to satisfy the curiosity of those wanting to see how Greek craftsmanship is preserved through family recipes.

Reviewers mention that the guides do a good job explaining how the recipes are passed down through generations, with Anna praised for her passion and knowledge. She shares stories about the family’s commitment to quality, and many visitors appreciate her clarity and enthusiasm.

Tasting the Flavours

The tasting session is where this experience truly shines. You can sample up to three different liqueurs—each carefully selected—and learn to appreciate their nuances. The tasting isn’t rushed, and the guides often include suggestions for how to enjoy these liqueurs at home, whether neat or in cocktails.

A reviewer noted that “the liquor is delicious,” and many mention that the samples are well-crafted, reflecting a true commitment to quality. The fact that you get to take home a small 100ml bottle of a liqueur of your choice adds a nice personal touch to the experience.

Shopping & Souvenirs

After the tasting, there’s a chance to browse the elegant bottles on offer. Many visitors pick up bottles as gifts or personal keepsakes, appreciating the craftsmanship behind each product. The prices are reasonable, and the selection is diverse enough to appeal even to those new to Greek spirits.

Practicalities & Group Size

The tour is designed to be efficient, lasting about 30 to 40 minutes, which makes it an ideal activity in a busy day. It’s a small group experience, with a maximum of 10 guests, ensuring plenty of interaction with guides and a more intimate vibe. It’s also mobile-ticket enabled, making booking and checking in straightforward.

One important detail is the tour’s timing: it’s recommended to book quite in advance—about 74 days on average—highlighting its popularity. The ticket costs about $16.20 per person, which many find to be excellent value given the personalized guidance and tastings.

Considerations & Limitations

While the experience is generally positive, some reviews mention logistical issues. For example, a few visitors arrived to find the distillery closed due to unforeseen holidays or opening times not being updated. This highlights the importance of confirming the schedule before your visit.

The short duration might not satisfy those seeking a comprehensive distillation workshop or extensive historical deep dive, but it’s perfect for a quick, enjoyable taste of Greek spirit-making.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This tour is ideal if you’re looking for a light, authentic, and educational experience that doesn’t take up too much of your day. It suits travelers interested in local craftsmanship, family businesses, or spirits tasting, especially if you want a souvenir to bring home. It’s also perfect for those who appreciate small-group, intimate tours with knowledgeable guides.

If you’re after a more in-depth or lengthy distillery experience, you might want to look elsewhere, but for a taste of Greek tradition in a friendly setting, this is a solid choice.

Final Thoughts

To sum it up, the Polykala Distillery tour offers a rare peek into a Greek family’s centuries-old tradition of crafting liqueurs. For a modest price, you get engaging storytelling, high-quality tastings, and a small souvenir that ties your Athens visit back to its local artisanship. The guides’ warmth and passion shine through, making it a memorable part of your trip—especially if you enjoy discovering authentic local products.

This experience works best for curious travelers wanting a brief yet meaningful insight into Greek spirits and culture. It’s perfect if you want a quick, enjoyable activity that complements your broader Athens exploration. Whether you’re a spirits enthusiast or simply looking for a charming local experience, the Polykala Distillery delivers on friendliness, authenticity, and flavor.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable if I don’t drink alcohol?
While the main activity involves tasting liqueurs, the tour is primarily about learning the history and process of distillation. If you prefer to avoid alcohol, you might still enjoy the storytelling and opportunity to see a family-run distillery.

How long does the tour last?
The tour takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes, making it a quick but enriching activity that leaves plenty of time for other sightseeing or relaxing in Athens.

Can I buy the liqueurs after the tour?
Yes, there are plenty of elegant bottles available for purchase. The prices are reasonable, and many visitors find it a great way to bring a piece of Greece home.

What’s included in the ticket price?
Your ticket covers the guided explanation, tasting of up to three liqueurs, and a 100ml bottle of your chosen liqueur to take away.

Is the tour accessible for most travelers?
Yes, most travelers can participate, though those with serious medical conditions are advised to consider their health before tasting alcohol.

What should I do if the distillery is closed when I arrive?
Since the tour can be affected by holidays or scheduling errors, it’s wise to confirm your booking and the opening hours in advance. The supplier offers free cancellation if you need to reschedule or if circumstances prevent your visit.

In summary, the Polykala Distillery tour is a delightful, affordable way to connect with Greek tradition, taste authentic spirits, and learn about a family’s craft. With knowledgeable guides and a cozy setting, it’s a memorable highlight for those who appreciate authentic local stories and flavors during their travels in Athens.