Top Crete Dining Experiences - page 3

The best way to explore Crete is by boat, and this half-day cruise from Hersonissos visits St. George's Bay and the small towns of Malia and Stalis. Set sail aboard a traditional pirate ship, ideal for younger travelers; stop to swim and snorkel at the island’s beaches and bays; spot dolphins and sea turtles along the coast; and tuck into a delicious BBQ lunch on board.

Cruise out from Agios Nikolaos on a catamaran and enjoy a fun afternoon out on the water with this small-group tour. Soak up the scenery as you sail around the Gulf of Mirabello and Spinalonga. Swim, snorkel, SUP, or fish with provided equipment, then enjoy the sunset with dinner and drinks.

The "Wine and Food of Crete" tour offers an exceptional opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich culinary heritage of Crete. As you explore the island, you'll be treated to a variety of local meze dishes, each meticulously prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients. This tour not only allows you to indulge in the exquisite flavors of Crete but also provides a chance to learn about the region's culinary traditions and practices. The warm and inviting atmosphere of this tour ensures that you'll leave with lasting impressions of Cretan cuisine and a newfound appreciation for its unique offerings.

Join our daily trips to Dia Island on our Brand New catamaran Lagoon46.Set sail on a serene morning cruise to Dia Island from Heraklion, perfect for those who love the sea and adventure. Our excursions offer a delightful mix of activities including sailing, swimming, snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), and sunbathing. Dia Island, a hidden gem in the Cretan sea, is known for its crystal-clear waters and tranquil atmosphere. The journey takes about an hour, giving you ample time to relax and unwind on deck. Upon reaching Dia Island, the adventure truly begins. Dive into the pristine waters for a swim, explore the underwater world with snorkeling gear or test your balance on a SUP board. After a few hours of fun and exploration, our crew will prepare a delicious freshly made lunch for you. Fresh fruits, soft drinks, water, wine and beer (responsible consumption) will also be provided for free. Enjoy some free time to sunbathe and take photos before we set sail back to Heraklion.

This is not just a cooking class or a tasting—it’s a true immersion into Cretan life, flavors, and hospitality. You don’t simply watch; you take part. From preparing traditional Cretan dishes with local ingredients to learning the stories behind each recipe, this experience connects you with authentic culinary traditions passed down through generations. The wine and olive oil tastings are guided and educational, helping you understand local grape varieties, production methods, and how to recognize high-quality extra virgin olive oil—straight from the source, not a tourist setup. What truly sets this tour apart is the personal, small-group experience. There is no rush, no crowds, and plenty of time to ask questions, taste, cook, and enjoy. You are welcomed like a guest, not treated like a visitor. Led by passionate locals who genuinely love Crete, this tour blends hands-on cooking, premium tastings, cultural insight, and warm hospitality into one unforgettable experience.

Immerse yourself in the Aegean Sea with this 3-hour guided snorkeling trip from Chania. All equipment is provided. Swim in the crystal blue waters in Almyrida Chania and explore reefs, caves and see the Elephant Cave of Crete.

We promise to provide you with a memorable trip in Crete. With the mountains or the sea as your backdrop and the thrilling sensation of riding together, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to go horseback riding with one of the stunning horses that is available.

Learn the flavors of authentic Cretan cuisine during a private cooking class in a traditional village outside Heraklion. Prepare local specialties including dolmadakia and lamb with artichokes before sitting down to enjoy a homemade multi-course meal paired with local wine. The peaceful countryside setting adds an authentic backdrop to this hands-on culinary experience.

Introduce yourself to the art of cheese-making in a delightful 75-minute session led by a local shepherd. This interactive experience allows you to milk and feed goats, creating two traditional cheeses—malaka and mizithra. While waiting for the mizithra to set, indulge in a tasting of Gruyère and Anthotyros, uncovering the rich history and myths surrounding Cretan cheese. Conclude your journey with the freshly made cheese paired with local meze and raki, making for a truly authentic Cretan culinary adventure.

Sail with us to the exotic Dia Island on our large and comfortable sailing yachts. Our journey begins at the Heraklion Old venetian port. After 1 hour of sailing, we arrive to Dia where we anchor in the bay of the island. There you can enjoy the crystal waters and water activities such as snorkeling, fishing and paddle boarding. (Please request the equipment from the Crew). The standup paddle boards are not available under rough wind conditions for safety reasons. About 1 hour later our delicious menu is served and includes Greek salad and several appetizers, while the main course is shrimp Linguini (we also offer vegetarian and gluten free versions of the menu upon request). You can also accompany your meal with the finest wine, beer, ice tea or soft drinks. Around 30 minutes later our fruit salad of tropical and local fruits is served. After you finish your meal you will have a few last moments of relaxation on the yacht or in the refreshing water before we sail back to Heraklion.

Immerse yourself in Crete’s crystal-clear seas with ease and without the expense of a private charter on this sail-and-snorkel trip from Hersonissos. Board a traditional wooden boat and cruise the waters of St. George’s Bay and Stalis. Visit two snorkel hotspots that would be hard to access independently, snorkel and swim at each, and enjoy a BBQ lunch and fruit platter on deck. Snorkeling gear is provided for your use, so there’s no need to bring your own equipment.

Spend a day sailing on the glimmering waters around Crete on this leisurely cruise to Spinalonga Island. Climb aboard your boat and sail across Mirabello Bay as you make your way to “the island of tears” known as Spinalonga where you take a guided tour and then enjoy free time to explore. Then, head to Kolokytha where you enjoy a fresh lunch and plenty of time to swim and sunbathe.

Getting to know the real Chania isn't always easy—but on this private, half-day tour, your guide will help you discover its local charms. Enjoy a cafe visit with a view; next, head to a winery for a sommelier-led indigenous wine tasting. Then it's on to Old Town Chania, where you'll go for a walking tour, visit a local restaurant, and enjoy a range of Cretan delicacies, from breads and cheeses to pastries and beyond.

Explore Crete’s diverse palm forests, gorges, and beaches on a full-day Land Rover safari with a guide to reveal the best of the island’s scenery and culture. Rumble along remote roads, passing landmarks like Prassano Gorge and Potamon Dam, and stopping to swim in the Libyan Sea. Get a taste of Cretan country life when you visit traditional villages like Spili, and enjoy a local tavern lunch with ambience to spare.

Enjoy a fun introduction to Cretan culture on this evening tour. Tuck into a delicious dinner of typical island cuisine, sip fine Greek wine and be entertained by a thrilling Cretan Folklore show, including live music and traditional dance. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

Enjoy some of Crete’s most beautiful beaches without the self-drive hassles on this guided small-group tour. Travel direct from your door to Kissamos, where you board a boat for Balos Beach and Lagoon, then savor the soft white sands. Next, ride a boat to Gramvousa Island (own expense), swim in the clear waters, and opt to hike to the 16th-century fortress. Your guide will drop you directly to your door.

Ozlem has Cretan, Turkish and Venetian roots, which has greatly influenced her cooking style. Her passion for food started when she was young, she was always curious and would follow her grandmother around the kitchen with a basket gathering wild greens and herbs. Her grandmother taught her to cook using all her senses – smell, sight, taste, feel. She works as a personal chef, participates in festivals, organizes workshops, is a speaker on panels and seminars, and also writes for newspapers and magazines. Apart from cooking, Ozlem also works as a translator and an interpreter, she has translated 19 books so far! - Home cooking class in Crete with a local expert - Learn to cook traditional Greek food using family recipes - Enjoy a traditional Cretan meal inspired by memories of family gatherings - Get insight into Greek history and culture through the food

Visit two of Crete’s top historical sights—Knossos Palace (a Bronze Age archeological site) and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum—in one time-saving tour. See ancient ruins and artifacts along the way, all while your guide's expert commentary brings the stories behind the sights to life. Highlights include the original throne of Minos at Knossos Palace and rare examples of Minoan art at Heraklion Archaeological Museum.

Learn about olive oil, wine, and traditional village life in Crete on this private tasting tour from Heraklion. Visit a family-owned olive oil factory to sample fresh olive oils, explore mountain villages, and optionally stop for lunch on the Lasithi Plateau. Spend the afternoon tasting local wines before returning to Heraklion with included hotel pickup for added convenience.

Step aboard the 'Mikros Naftilos' for a private cruise to the islands of Gramvousa and the Balos Lagoon. With a well-established local operator as your skipper, you'll relax on a carefully planned route that showcases the area's coastal highlights. Enjoy a lunch of regional dishes and unlimited drinks as you cruise, and stop for cool-down dips in the sea along the way.

Visit the family home of a local Cretan for an evening of cooking, eating, and cultural exchange. Begin your visit in the vegetable gardens, where you harvest ingredients to use in your recipes. Learn traditional dishes from your hosts, hear the stories behind each, and taste local cheeses. Enjoy views of the Aegean Sea and the mountains, then sit down to a meal you helped prepare, paired with local wine.

Don't miss the opportunity to indulge in the Cretan diet and its unique flavors. Try the great suggestions we offer on this convenient route and give your morning walk a different mood. Mix with the locals and see Chania from a different angle. Come and confirm what everyone says, that food sets the mood!!!

Balos Beach and Lagoon and Gramvousa Island hold some of Crete’s most dazzling beaches. But they can be fiddly to reach independently. Skip the self-drive hassles and relax on this small-group day trip, which includes door-to-door transfers from select hotels. Enjoy a couple of hours on the soft white sands at Balos then a slightly shorter stop on Gramvousa Island. Please note, the boat to Gramvousa is at your expense.

Taste your way through some of Crete's top wines on this full-day, small-group tasting tour. Led by your guide, and with round-trip hotel transfers included, this tour makes it easy to head off the tourist trail and explore beyond Heraklion’s usual landmarks. Visit two top wineries, enjoy tastings with nibbles, and indulge in a 3-course meal at a gourmet restaurant.