It all began in a place the locals call Kastalia — a small, almost hidden corner nestled among the olive groves and the natural greenery of the village of Gavalas. There, between sun-warmed stones of summer and the olive roots cooled by the morning dew, lies a small spring. It was on this very land that I grew up, listening to stories of olive trees that withstood winds and snow, of harvests gathered by hand by our grandparents, and of golden oil proudly shared with friends and family.
I remember my childhood summers, walking barefoot through the fields, breathing in the scent of freshly cut grass, oregano, and the earth scorched by the midday heat.
As I grew up, I knew deep inside that this tradition could never be lost. I wanted the oil I produce to retain that purity of the spring and the authenticity of my family, just as I experienced it all these years.
And so, Kastallia olive oil was born. An oil that carries the name of its land, with a rich and authentic flavor, filled with aromas of olive leaf, freshly cut wild herbs, and hints of almond.
Kastallia is not just olive oil.
It is the memory of my homeland.
The purity of the spring.
The inspiration we draw from nature to create something unique, true, and pure—worthy of every table.
Kastalia Spring is located in a rural area near the village of Gavala in Evia. For millennia, its waters have flowed continuously, a silent testament to life’s persistence, nourishing the land and inspiring those who touch their soul on its banks.
Although its name evokes the sacred Castalian Spring of Delphi, there is no related myth recorded in this region. The name likely derives from the spring’s clear and pure flow, symbolizing inspiration much like Apollo’s famous spring, or it may be a more recent local renaming.
According to local traditions, the name “Kastalia” was given by early inhabitants who believed the water held special cleansing power and could bring fertility to the land, especially during drought years. Elders recall bringing their animals and tools here for purification or blessing, linking the spring to folk religious practices.
The area around the spring hosts oleanders, kermes oak bushes, and wild sage, while the small stream it creates enriches the water table and supports the biodiversity of insects and birds. It forms a small but important ecological haven amid the olive groves and low vegetation dominating the landscape. The spring is surrounded by olive groves and small livestock farms, creating an authentic rural scene typical of central Evia.
This poem by a local poet about the spring describes it perfectly:
“Where the stone cracks, flows the light of Kastalia, and the water becomes a whisper recalling old dreams, when the earth spoke and silence gave oracles.”
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