Chania Food Stories Half-Day Tour inc. tastings & drinks
Active
4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Experience the unique beauty and culture of Chania by joining this amazing small group walking tour through one of Greece’s most picture-pretty cities. Chania has everything: ancient ruins, centuries-old monuments, strong local traditions, and exquisite cuisine that you get to taste during the tour. Leave your guidebook aside and follow your local guide into traditional neighborhoods and lesser-known corners – each spot, every backstreet you’ll pass along has a story to tell!
Wander through layers of history and cultural influences, listening to myths of the Old Town.
Meet local artisans in their workshop and even try your own skills.
Explore the town’s century-old market with the local Cretan products and groceries.
Watch how phyllo is handmade by one of Greece’s last pastry masters.
Stroll around the old Ottoman and Jewish Quarters and discover the “Street of the Knives” as well as other off-the-beaten-path corners.
Taste local mezedes and sip raki at a historic neighborhood.
Available options
Private Tour, Pick up/Drop Off
Hotel Pick Up: Hotel Pick up/drop off from Souda Port and Chania city hotels is offered only for the private tour. <br/>Private
Small-Group Tour
What's included
Get personalized tips for the area's best bars and eateries.
Sample local products such as olives, honey, olive oil while visiting family owned shops.
Experience the city with our passionate, English-speaking local guide.
Taste local “mezedes” (local Tapas) and sip raki in a historic neighborhood.
Taste traditional Greek coffee with local sweets.
PRIVATE TOUR Exclusive: enjoy the comfort of pick-up and drop-off at your stay.
Detailed itinerary
1
Follow this laid-back walking tour of Chania and find what makes Crete’s cultural capital so marvelous. Explore with us some of the Old Town’s best sights, and visit a mix of famous spots, historic haunts, and hidden gems while discovering the lesser-known Ottoman and Jewish quarters. Get ready to experience Chania with all your senses!
We’ll begin your Chania tour at the Dimotiki Agora (Municipal Market), which denotes the boundary between the old and new town. Established in 1913, the year of Crete’s unification with Greece, the Agora hosts more than 70 family-owned businesses selling mostly local groceries and products. Sample local delicacies while exploring the market and find out why Crete is home to one of the healthiest diets in the world.
2
After fulfilling your taste buds, we’ll stroll around the old town district by passing through its maze of hidden back streets and narrow laneways, visiting Venetian and Ottoman monuments, and discovering doors to secret gardens! Hear stories, myths, and legends about kings, sailors, merchants, heroes, lovers, and artists. Figure out how this city has been a crossroad between the West and East for centuries!
Next, you’ll have the unique chance to see local craftsmen producing their handmade products. Hear their stories — and possibly test your skills!
Continuing your tour, meander through the old Jewish and Ottoman neighbourhoods and learn how multiculturalism has changed locals’ life through the centuries.
3
Stop 3
Finally, after walking along the historic harbour’s promenade, you’ll relax your muscles in a local-favourite spot where you’ll enjoy an enticing table with Cretan mezedes (local tapas).
Our tour will come to an end either here where it’s the perfect place to continue your own exploration through the city, or we could take you back to the starting point. Before we part ways, don’t forget to ask your local guide for more hints and tips on how to get the best of your trip to amazing Chania.
4
Splantzia is one of the most unique neighborhoods in Chania city. It is located on the south of the eastern part of the Old Venetian Harbour. This beautiful neighborhood is one of the “hidden treasures” of Chania city, which is known only to the locals and the well-informed travelers.
Here you will sample local tapas and wine!
What's not included
Additional food and drink.
Tips & gratuities for your guide.
Small group tour option excluded hotel pick up.
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
54 reviews
5★
54
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor
5.0
38 reviews
5★
38
4★
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3★
0
2★
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1★
0
Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
How you help the local community by joining this tour: - On this tour, you meet a local greengrocer, cheesemonger, butcher, and fishmonger, and other family-owned businesses that sell their own Cretan-only products. - Visit one of the last remaining Chania workshops with traditional handmade Cretan knives and hear stories about this tradition by the knife maker. - During this tour, you sample locally-sourced food from Crete’s villages, farmers and stock-breeders.
Food Allergies: Unless you suffer from multiple, combined food allergies, or unless you are a vegan, we will figure it out. Vegetarians are welcome on all tours.
If you are happy with the services provided by your local guides a tip – though not compulsory – is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry. Please consider this when budgeting for your extra expenses on this tour.
Meeting point
Your guide will be waiting in front of the “Kydon, The Heart City Hotel” at the entrance.
Please make sure that you are in front of the Kydon Hotel!
Your guide will be holding a Crete Local Adventures sign.
Important notes
Guests’ pickup is offered for the private group option. Pick up time adjustable upon your request. We will meet you at your hotel lobby or the cruise port. Our guide will be holding a sign with your name. Call +306980679166 if you have any trouble locating your guide.
HOW DID WE DO? Let us know what you loved (or what we can do better) by leaving a review after your tour. As a local small business, it will mean the world to us. Thank you.
About Crete
Crete is the largest of the Greek islands and a treasure trove of ancient history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. Known as the birthplace of the Minoan civilization, it offers a unique blend of ancient ruins, beautiful beaches, and traditional villages.
Top Attractions
Palace of Knossos
The Palace of Knossos is the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete and is associated with the mythological Minotaur and the Labyrinth.
Historical
2-3 hours
€15 (included in multi-site ticket)
Samaria Gorge
One of Europe's longest gorges, Samaria is a popular hiking destination known for its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife.
Nature
5-7 hours
€5 entry fee
Elafonisi Beach
Elafonisi Beach is famous for its pink sands and crystal-clear waters, making it one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece.
Beach
Half day to full day
Free
Must-Try Local Dishes
Dakos
A traditional Cretan salad made with barley rusks, tomato, myzithra cheese, and olive oil.
Appetizer
Vegetarian
Moussaka
A layered dish with eggplant, minced meat, and béchamel sauce.
Main Course
Contains meat
Rakomelo
A warm drink made with rakia (a local brandy) and honey.
Drink
Alcoholic
Popular Activities
Hiking in Samaria Gorge
Scuba diving in Elafonisi Beach
Sunbathing at Balos Lagoon
Wine tasting at local wineries
Exploring the Palace of Knossos
Visiting the Heraklion Archaeological Museum
Snorkeling in Balos Lagoon
Boat tours around Crete
Best Time to Visit
June to August
This is the peak tourist season with warm, sunny weather and clear skies. It's ideal for beach activities and exploring the island's historical sites.
25°C to 35°C
77°F to 95°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Greek
- Widely spoken: English, German, French
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
EET (UTC+2) / EEST (UTC+3 during daylight saving time)
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Crete is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates. However, petty theft and pickpocketing can occur in tourist areas.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Use licensed taxis
- • Be cautious of strangers offering services
Getting there
By air
- Heraklion International Airport • 3 km from Heraklion city center
- Chania International Airport • 13 km from Chania city center
By bus
Heraklion Bus Station, Chania Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
Buses are the most common form of public transport. They are affordable and cover most parts of the island.
Taxis
Available • Apps: TaxiBeat, Beat
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Heraklion Old Town
Chania Old Town
Day trips
Balos Lagoon
55 km from Chania • Full day
A stunning lagoon with turquoise waters and white sand, accessible by car or boat.
Rethymno Old Town
65 km from Heraklion • Half day to full day
A charming old town with Venetian and Ottoman architecture, offering a rich cultural experience.
Festivals
Cretan Festival • June to August
Easter Celebrations • March or April (varies by year)
Pro tips
- Visit smaller towns and villages for a more authentic experience
- Try local street food for a taste of traditional Cretan cuisine
- Explore the island's diverse landscapes, from beaches to mountains and gorges
- Learn a few basic Greek phrases to enhance your interaction with locals
- Consider renting a car for flexibility and to explore remote areas
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
