Chania, with its Venetian harbor, lively backstreets, and scenic coastlines, is a perfect place to indulge in drinking tours that showcase Crete’s authentic flavors. Whether you’re a craft beer aficionado, a wine lover, or simply curious about local food and drinks, the city offers a variety of experiences that pair cultural exploration with delicious tastings. I particularly enjoy the Sunset Craft Beer & Food Tour—timed with the sunset, it offers a perfect blend of scenery, history, and flavorful pairings, all guided by passionate locals.
Some tours focus on craft beer, offering in-depth tastings and local stories, while others explore wine and olive oil, giving a broader taste of Crete’s culinary heritage. What makes these options stand out is their small-group formats, personalized attention, and the chance to wander through Chania’s historic streets and vibrant harbors.
Below, I’ve compiled a list of the best drinking tours in Chania. Each offers a distinct experience—whether you prefer a lively evening of craft beer and snacks, a private day tour sampling wine, or a combination of olive oil, honey, and beer. Let’s explore what each has to offer.
1. Sunset Craft Beer & Food Tour – Chania
At number one, the Sunset Craft Beer & Food Tour hits the mark for combining local craft beers with authentic Cretan cuisine in a relaxed, scenic setting. Priced at $139.33 per person, this 4-hour tour is perfect for those wanting an immersive evening experience. It starts with a warm welcome with a refreshing beer outdoors and then takes you through the winding streets of Chania’s Old Venetian Port.
What sets this tour apart is its small-group format, ensuring personalized attention. You’ll visit four different venues, sampling award-winning craft beers paired with local snacks, and learn about the brewing process and regional food traditions from guides who are passionate and knowledgeable. The highlight is the sunset at the Lighthouse, where locals seek the perfect view of the horizon with drinks in hand. The tour culminates at a pub in the Venetian Harbour, where you can continue your evening on your own.
Based on reviews, this tour is praised for its enthusiastic guides and delicious pairings. One reviewer notes, “Marie Claire is fun and a great person to guide you around,” which perfectly captures the personal touch this experience offers. It’s ideal for anyone looking to start their evening with a taste of Chania’s vibrant food and drink scene.
Bottom Line: This tour delivers a relaxed yet engaging evening, combining craft beer tasting, local cuisine, and stunning sunset views—perfect for couples and foodies alike.
2. The Cruise Ship Guest Beer Tour – Chania Old Port
For travelers arriving on a cruise, the Cruise Ship Guest Beer Tour offers a relaxed, 3-hour sampling experience at $106.72 per person. This tour is tailored for those with limited time but still eager to explore local craft beers and Cretan dishes.
Starting in the vibrant Old Port, your guide will lead you through the winding streets to a renowned local restaurant for a craft beer and food pairing, which lasts about 1 hour and 20 minutes. This is followed by a visit to a delicatessen where you’ll taste honey, olive oil, and traditional liqueurs—a great way to understand the full spectrum of Cretan flavors. The tour ends at a cozy, almost-hidden beer pub, perfect for sampling local brews in a laid-back atmosphere.
What makes this tour stand out is its intimate size, limited to 8 participants, ensuring personalized attention and lively conversations. Reviewers rave about the guide’s knowledge and friendly approach, with one saying, “This was the best tour we’ve ever been on.” It’s well-suited for cruise passengers who want a quick yet authentic taste of Chania’s craft beer scene.
Bottom Line: This compact, well-organized tour balances local food and beer with sightseeing, making it ideal for short visits and those wanting a laid-back experience.
3. Wine, Beer, Olive Oil Tasting Private Tour (Price per Group of 6)
Looking for a more tailored experience? The Wine, Beer, Olive Oil Tasting Private Tour offers a full-day adventure for up to six people at $520.57. This private trip is perfect for couples, families, or small groups wanting a flexible, in-depth tasting of Crete’s culinary treasures.
The itinerary includes visits to a high-standard winery, a beer brewery, and an olive oil mill—each with around an hour of touring and tasting. You’ll walk through a 5,000-year-old olive grove and learn about traditional and modern techniques in each location. The tour also includes a visit to a 13th-century monastery and optional lunch at a local restaurant, making it a comprehensive immersion into Crete’s food and drink heritage.
Guests appreciate the personalized attention and the opportunity to customize the visit. The guide’s 25 years of experience shines through, making the insights into local production methods both engaging and educational. One reviewer called it “a taste of everything,” highlighting the diversity and quality of the stops. It is best suited for travelers who want a relaxed, full-day experience with plenty of tasting.
Bottom Line: An excellent pick for those wanting a private, flexible tour combining wine, beer, olive oil, and cultural sites in a single day.
4. Olive Oil – Wine – Beer Private Tour
The Olive Oil – Wine – Beer Private Tour provides a full-day, private experience for up to six people at $523.60. This tour emphasizes regional heritage, taking you through ancient olive groves and historic wine and beer production sites.
Your day begins with a visit to the monumental olive tree of Vouves, over 4,500 years old, followed by tours at a local winery and beer brewery, each with tastings included. The guide also takes you to the Odigitria Gonia Monastery, a 13th-century monastery where you can explore Christian Orthodox history, and, optionally, to a WW2 cemetery or Maleme Airfield.
What makes this tour special is its focus on heritage and tradition, blending history with food and drink. Reviewers love the personal touch and the chance to explore less touristy sites, making it perfect for history buffs and those who prefer a slower pace.
Bottom Line: This private tour offers a comprehensive look at Crete’s culinary and historical landscape, ideal for travelers seeking an in-depth, flexible experience.
5. Chania: Pure Cretan Olive Oil, Honey & Beer Experience
Finally, the Pure Cretan Olive Oil, Honey & Beer Experience offers a taste of local products in a 7-hour, relaxed setting. While the detailed reviews and pricing aren’t listed, this experience emphasizes sampling premium olive oils, Cretan honey, and enjoying fresh beers paired with local breadsticks.
This experience is perfect for travelers interested in culinary heritage. You’ll wander through picturesque villages, tasting some of the best olive oils and honeys Crete has to offer, and finish at a local brewery. It’s a great option for those wanting an authentic, leisurely day that highlights local flavors.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for foodies who want to enjoy Crete’s traditional tastes and scenic surroundings without the structure of a formal tour.
How to Choose Your Drinking Tour in Chania
When deciding which tour to pick, consider your interests, budget, and available time. If you’re after a scenic sunset with craft beer, the Sunset Craft Beer & Food Tour offers a lively evening out. For those arriving by cruise, the Cruise Ship Guest Beer Tour provides a compact, authentic experience close to the harbor.
Travelers seeking a full-day private experience with a focus on history, wine, and olive oil should consider the Wine, Beer, Olive Oil Tasting Private Tour, which offers flexibility and personalized attention. Meanwhile, the Olive Oil – Wine – Beer Private Tour is perfect for those wanting an in-depth cultural journey.
If you’re interested in local flavors without the structured tour, the Pure Cretan Olive Oil, Honey & Beer Experience provides a relaxed, flavorful day.
Booking early is recommended, especially for private and small-group tours, to secure your spot.
Final Thoughts
Chania is a fantastic place to indulge in drinking tours that showcase Crete’s rich culinary traditions. From lively craft beer evenings to private full-day tours sampling wine, olive oil, and local delicacies, there’s something for every taste. For a vibrant sunset experience, the Sunset Craft Beer & Food Tour is hard to beat, while those seeking a personalized deep dive into heritage foods will appreciate the private options.
No matter which tour you choose, these experiences promise to enrich your stay and leave you with flavorful memories of Crete. Be sure to book early, especially during peak travel seasons, to enjoy these authentic tastes in Chania.
