Explore the best Chania Food Tours with Greece Foodies
Savor the most famous traditional products, Cretan wine and coffee, signature dishes, and local cuisine of Chania, and learn the legends that enfold them. Dig into the local culture, which profoundly influences the island΄s food landscape, while interacting with knowledgeable food guides and local restaurateurs.
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TOP 3 Chania Food & Wine Experiences
Discover Chania, an Alluring Destination for Travel and Food Lovers
Explore Chania like a local
Saying that Chania is a paradise for foodies wouldn’t be an overstatement. Cretan cuisine, part of the Mediterranean diet, is worldwide renowned, and for good reasons. Displaying mouthwatering dishes with fine products of its blessed land, Chania town enchants you with authentic culinary experiences during a distinct Chania Food Tour.
Located on the northwest coast of Crete island, Chania town boasts a rich history, breathtaking beaches, and delightful dishes. Stroll through its picturesque alleys of the Old Town that stand out for their characteristic architecture. Be captivated by the Venetian port and chat with the warmhearted locals at a taverna while tasting luscious delicacies.
Allow the charms of Crete to lead you to life-changing memories. Spend quality time with your significant other while leaving it in the capable hands of a wonderful host during your tour. Rely on Greece Foodies’ extensive experience to make your holidays in Chania town worthwhile.
Whether you’re looking for an authentic cooking class in Chania, a wine tour, or wine tasting at a local winery with secluded vineyards in a small group to meet fellow travelers, you are at the right place. If you prefer a food tour to taste Cretan snacks, a walking tour in Chania, tasting olives at an olive oil factory that produces magnificent Cretan olive oil, or a private tour to traditional Cretan villages, there is a choice to cover even your most sophisticated needs.
What to see in Chania
The best things to do in Chania, according to locals!
Old Venetian Harbor
One of the most significant landmarks in Crete! It was built by the Venetians around 1320 AD and was one of the most important trade centers in the Mediterranean sea. Bars, restaurants, and shops selling local food and wine nowadays adorn its lively streets.
Lighthouse of Chania
Originally built by the Venetians in the 16th century, it was designed to protect the harbor. Walk during sunset time to experience one of the most stunning sunsets of your life.
Firkas fortress
A unique building serving as protection from raiders. Don΄t miss a chance to visit the Maritime Museum of Crete, which is now housed inside the fortress.
Hasan Pasha Mosque
A historic Ottoman mosque at the Venetian port that was built after the Ottoman conquest of Chania in 1645. You can tour around to cherish its architecture since it is currently an exhibition space.
Venizelos Graves
The resting place of probably the most eminent politician of Greece΄s newer history. Enjoy breathtaking views of Chania bay and the White Mountains.
Cathedral of Assumption
Located in the center of Chania Old Town, this catholic church is still the meeting point of the city's Catholic community.
Visit Crete: 4 Crete local festivals you should know
Before visiting Crete, Greece’s largest island you know it is famous for the varied terrain. From fine-sand beaches like Elafonisi to the amazing and countless summits of the White Mountains. But how much do you for the Greek food and local festivals? Crete’s traditions are also known to stand strong without being changed throughout the years.
Uncover Well-Known Chania traditional products
Exquisite Cretan food and spirits dominate the Cretan lifestyle. Delve into the enticing delicacies and wine that you will hold dear in your heart forever. Pick one of the handpicked Cooking Classes and tours to create unique experiences.
Meet a delightful meze dish prepared with cured pork loin! Apaki, a favorite local food, can also easily be incorporated into many dishes such as omelets, pasta, or salads.
Polyphemus giant is said to have first created anthogalo, according to mythology. Cherish a creamy cheese with a buttery texture that will have you licking your fingers!
Cretan cuisine wouldn’t be the same without staka, a traditional dairy product created by boiling and salting the creamy, fatty layer of sheep or goat milk. Adding this delicious product uplifts every meal!
Sip a glass of sublime wine from one of the world’s oldest wine-making areas. Meet the history and the different styles of Cretan wines that carry thousands of years of existence. Wine tasting at the wine museum is a must-do!
A great alcoholic beverage, which is also called raki. An original Cretan table wouldn΄t be complete without plenty of tsikoudia and dancing. Let its incredible favor astound your palate.
Relish delectable snails, a beloved Cretan dish. You can try them in different recipes, such as boiled and fried with herbs with a seasoning of vinegar and rosemary or cooked with tomato, zucchini, and potatoes. This food is for adventurous travelers!
How to get to Chania
Even though Chania is a small city, it has its own international airport. You can fly there via Athens or Thessaloniki, but if you’re traveling during the high season, you’ll also find plenty of direct flights from different European cities. From the airport, you can reach Chania town by car or bus within 20 minutes.
Another alternative is flying to Heraklion airport, which is Crete΄s main airport offering more traveling options If you decide to fly to Heraklion, you can then get to Chania either by renting a car or by using the public busses.
For a more laid-back way to get to Chania, you can take a ferry from Piraeus. Piraeus is the main port of Athens, only a 25-minute drive from the city center. You can either sail overnight and reach Souda port at 05.30 the next morning or sail during the day. Depending on whether you take a slow or fast ferry, the trip takes between 6,5 and 9 hours.
If you are traveling from a nearby island, such as Paros, Naxos, or Mykonos, you can take a ferry to Heraklion port and then enjoy a delightful 2-hour ride to Chania town. There are no direct ferries from other Greek islands to Chania, but don΄t you worry as the trip will reward you.
Getting around Chania
Crete is a vast island, ideal for road trips, so we recommend renting a car for your utmost comfort. However, there are several options to get around Chania town if you decide that renting a car isn’t convenient for you.
Taxis and regional buses are ideal for longer distances. Additionally, you can use public transportation, including city buses. For short distances, you explore the city on foot, on public bicycles, or even enjoy a horse carriage ride. Lastly, you can visit secluded beaches by opting for a boat tour.
Fun facts about Chania that will blow your mind
It snows on Crete! Even though the island is well-known for its warm, African-like climate, winters get pretty cold in the White Mountains in the Chania region.
Chania has unique fauna! The famous protected wild Cretan goat, known as kri kri, can be found nowhere else in the world. Hike the gorge of Samaria for a chance of coming across them.
One of the oldest olive trees in the world has its routes in the Chania region. Visit the village of Vouves to admire this centenarian natural miracle.
Chania local products with a protected designation of origin
Chania is the homeland of many goods that are protected due to their uniqueness and superior quality. Tasting this wonderful seasonal produce on your trip to Crete should be a no-miss. Whether it’s a food tour or a cooking class, we make sure you taste the Cretan way!
Maleme oranges
According to Greek mythology, these oranges were kept in the Gardens of the Esperides, away from humans. Eating them will make you validate the myth behind them. Their strong fragrance and flavorful juice will leave you amazed.
Kolymvari and Apokoronas
These extra virgin olive oil firms distinguish themselves among the rest for their fruity aromas. Olive oil is an integral part of the Cretan cooking culture and is one of the main reasons they're so savory!
Pichtogalo
Savor a slightly salty and sour soft cheese made of unpasteurized sheep or goat milk using long-standing traditional methods. Let its distinctive taste lead you on a memorable gastronomic journey.
Xinomyzithra
A traditional whey cheese that originates in Crete. It comes in various sizes and shapes. Try it with honey as a dessert after your lunch or dinner in a local taverna.
Cretan Spirits: Raki vs Ouzo
Local spirits – every country has its own, notably Raki and Ouzo. In Germany this is Schnapps, in America it’s bourbon, and in Italy it’s Grappa. So, when it comes to great Greek national liquors, there’s only one possible choice; Ouzo. Or is there?
Savor the Heavenly Traditional Foods of Chania
Our dear foodie, a visit to Chania town would be vain without joining a food tour and trying its signature dishes, llocal wine, and coffee.
Enjoy an authentic gastronomic experience by selecting one of our carefully crafted Chania Food Tour or Cooking Classes in Chania. Indulge in the freshness and divine taste of the most famous Chania traditional foods.
Translating as “wedding rice”, gamopilafo is a dish rich in flavors, typically served at Crete weddings or special occasions. Cretans cook this food with Arborio rice with a dash of lemon juice and the resulting stock of lamb or goat. Taste the meat and rice side by side on a sublime plate, pairing it with local wine.
The famous Sfakianopita will surely satisfy your taste buds. The yummy pie is filled with unique delights. The most popular type is filled and grilled with cheese and then topped with honey. Travelers eat it with coffee or for luch.
For the chocolate lovers of our group, zoumero is a delicious chocolate cake, which is traditionally served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Its rich texture won’t disappoint you. After all, its name means juicy! It’s the perfect pair to drink coffee or mountain tea with.
Decadent folded Cretan pies will make your belly dance out of joy. Often filled with spinach or Cretan cheese, their dough, taste, and aromas are a must-try food for your lunch.
An incredible option for vegetarians, boureki is a zucchini and potato gratin filled with Cretan cheese called mizithra. Eating this food gives you all the feelings of being part of a genuine Cretan light lunch.
Even though Dakos is an appetizer popular in all of the Crete΄s regions, we couldn’t help mentioning it. Savor the flavorful dried barley bread chunks topped with fresh tomatoes, feta, oregano, olives, and olive oil. Sounds yummy, right?
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What Foodies and Globetrotters Like You Usually Wish to Know
Chania is located on the western side of the island of Crete. Blessed with rich history, captivating landscapes, and heavenly cuisine, Chania guarantees to make your holidays in Greece unforgettable.
The best dates to visit Chania are May and June, which is considered not a tourist season. Chania has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters. Summers tend to get very hot, with an average temperature of 32 degrees Celsius.
Many mouthwatering dishes with rich health benefits originate from Chania. Some of the best Chania traditional food include gamopilafo, Sfakia pie, boureki, and chochlioi, but there are many more to savor.
All of the dishes are made with extra virgin olive oil, herbs, and local products that attribute a divine taste to the Cretan culture. Enjoy with all your senses the Cretan delicious mountain tea, olives, wine, Cretan bougatsa, and Greek coffee.
There are so many options for choosing the best food tours in Chania town on the dates of your preference. Whether you΄re looking to experience a Cretan cooking class, a wine tour, an olive oil tasting at an olive oil factory, a walking tour, or a street food tour, you can find any culinary experience in the group size of your needs or a private tour.
