Top Crete Lunch

Getting to grips with Cretan cooking is hard from a recipe alone, especially without someone to walk you through the techniques and why the dishes matter. Join a hands-on class near Chania, starting with cookies and Greek coffee before you cover the Mediterranean menu together. Make several traditional dishes across starters, mains, and desserts, then sit down to eat what you've cooked with local wine.

Feel the sun on your face and the breeze in your hair on this leisurely sailing catamaran cruise from Heraklion to Dia Island. Enjoy activities from snorkeling, stand-up paddle boarding (SUP), fishing, and sunbathing in a group no larger than 20. Onboard Wi-Fi and a Mediterranean lunch with drinks are included, with online booking to simplify your experience.

Our luxury catamaran combines space and style, crafted to offer you complete comfort. Whether you stretch out on a sunbed, unwind in a shaded lounge, or dance under the open sky, you’ll always find your perfect spot. Pleasant music accompanies you throughout the day, creating a joyful atmosphere as you enjoy the journey. Between laughter and melodies, you’ll savor a selection of Cretan snacks, a light brunch, and a delicious lunch — all included. Coffee, tea, water, soft drinks, as well as local Greek white wine and beer, are available throughout the cruise. For those who love a bit of adventure, the sea becomes your playground. Enjoy stand-up paddleboarding, snorkeling, or just relax on one of our inflatable noodles. And don’t forget — our pink flamingo float is always ready for your next perfect photo. We’ve already sailed over 3,653 miles, organized 242 cruises, and welcomed 3,630 happy travelers aboard our yacht. Trust our expertise and embark on this unforgettable journey with us!

Immerse yourself in the heart of Cretan gastronomy with a hands-on cooking class nestled in an ancestral olive tree garden. Local woman from the historic village of Kritsa guide you through preparing traditional dishes passed down through generations. Enjoy the freshest ingredients sourced from nearby farms while sharing captivating stories and creating authentic flavors. Dine under the shade of ancient olive trees, savoring your culinary creations paired with a glass of local Cretan wine, all in a unique and relaxing atmosphere that captures the essence of local life.

Homemade lunch cooked from captain's wife. Snacks, refreshments, beers, wine, fresh local fruits included. Swimming, snorkeling and have fun with different activities the yacht has. Feel the Cretan hospitality from the local Captain and the crew.

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

Begin your day at the Church of Saint Hyacinth, a revered sanctuary dedicated to the Patron Saint of Love. The tranquil ambiance sets the stage for your exploration of Cretan culture. Next, venture to Aris's ancestral Mitato, nestled by Psiloritis Mountain, known for its ecological importance as a "Natura Area." Here, Cretan cooking comes alive. Guided by Aris, savor locally sourced ingredients and learn to craft iconic dishes, steeped in history. Aris shares captivating anecdotes, deepening your connection to the island's heritage. After the culinary journey, relish your creations and absorb time-honored recipes. Aris, a passionate native, nurtured by family traditions, imparts his culinary wisdom gained from extensive exploration of Cretan gastronomy. This experience embodies Crete's essence – tradition, flavor, and warm people. Enjoy an authentic Cretan meal in the rustic Mitato, accompanied by local beverages, amidst the stunning Psiloritis Mountain views.

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.

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.

Instead of tying yourself to a large group tour with a rigid itinerary, take your time exploring the ancient Minoan capital of Knossos with this private audio tour. Visit the remarkable Palace of Knossos and many other highlights of this archeological site, including South Propylaeum and the West Magazines. Leave the guidebooks behind and learn about the culture and lifestyles of people living in Minoan Crete from your audio guide.

Elafonisi sits at the far southwest tip of Crete, a long drive on winding roads that puts many self-drivers off. Get driven there and back instead, with the route handled so you can spend the day on the beach rather than behind the wheel. Walk the pink-tinged sands and swim in the shallow, clear water of this protected reserve. Enjoy local product tasting included in the tour.

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.

Joining this trip will guarantee you the sight of a true piece of paradise. The natural lagoon is a perfect place to shoot pictures in beautiful nature. Snorkeling to and around the waterfall is an exciting activity. The walk covers area with rare flora and fauna. It's safe and fun for the entire family and everyone can participate at their own level. This well-guided trip by our professionals is a combination of walking, easy climbing, swimming, and snorkeling. Along the way you see incredible things and you might even spot some aquatic life that lives down here. You will also have a chance to "touch the waterfall" and even swim behind it. The delicious Cretan lunch in our olive garden afterwards is the perfect way to relax and relive the trip while watching the professional pictures taken by your guide.

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.

Bring the soul of Crete to your doorstep with a private culinary journey designed for food lovers. Whether you are staying in a traditional stone house or a modern luxury villa, your chef arrives to transform your space into an authentic Cretan kitchen. Savor the flavors of Crete with a private chef experience that brings the island's culinary treasures to your table. Enjoy a delectable spread featuring a refreshing Cretan salad topped with soft white cheese from Chania, followed by savory starters like Boureki and Traditional Dakos. The main event features tender lamb paired with stamnagathi greens, complemented by crispy French fries. Finish your meal with a sweet bite of Sfakia Pie, a delightful blend of goat cheese and honey. This service includes everything from groceries to cleanup, allowing you to indulge without a worry.

Transform your villa into a center of gastronomic learning and indulgence with a private culinary experience designed for vegans. Available for both lunch and dinner. Begin with a private culinary demonstration where you will learn the elite secrets of vegan gastronomy. Following the learning session, enjoy a formal 3-hour service at your table. Savor a menu that celebrates fresh, organic ingredients. Begin with a refreshing green salad with avocado, green apple, and a touch of cardamom, followed by crispy falafel drizzled with traditional Petimezi sauce. For the main course, enjoy authentic stuffed vegetables (Gemista) filled with herb-infused rice, and a signature soy kebab served in a rich tomato sauce with zucchini and potatoes. End your meal with decadent vegan chocolate brownies made with dark chocolate, walnuts, and plums. Enjoy a completely stress-free service. The team handles everything: from sourcing organic groceries to professional table setting and a kitchen cleanup.

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.

Immerse yourself in the rich culinary heritage of Crete as you embark on a gastronomic journey like no other. Chrysoula, a passionate cook and proud native of a charming Cretan village, invites you to her Home, to discover the secrets of traditional Cretan cuisine using fresh products sourced from her family's farm or local farmers.

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.

Go to hidden-away corners of Crete few travelers get to see with this guided all-terrain vehicle tour. Follow your guide off-road to quiet tracks far from the traffic and crowded resorts. Explore the near-abandoned ghost village of Achlada, where only a few locals still live, and Fodele, the birthplace of El Greco.

Discover ancient Minoan history, Cretan farming culture, and magnificent island views on this full-day off-roading adventure from Heraklion. Travel in a rugged Land Rover along historic mountain trails, stopping along the way to visit the mythological Diction Cave, shepherds’ villages, the scenic Lassithi Plateau, and an eco park where traditional ways of life are still practiced. Replenish your energy with an included lunch and taste of ‘raki’ liqueur at a local tavern.

This private day trip stands out by visiting Knossos, a local winery, and the village of Archanes—a rare combination. Tour the Knossos Archeological Site with a guide, gaining insight into the history of the former heart of the Minoan Civilization, taste local wines at a family-owned winery, and have lunch of Cretan dishes in a traditional tavern before returning to your accommodations.

Discover the smells and flavors of Cretan cooking when you book this private cooking class during your Greek vacation. Meet your host and learn about the important ingredients that make up Cretan cuisine—herbs, fruits, fresh meat, milk, greens, and olive oil. Learn how to prepare traditional dishes such as tzatziki and mousaka, and then enjoy the fruits of your labor at the end.