Crete isn’t just about stunning beaches and ancient ruins; it’s also a fantastic place to enjoy authentic Cretan BBQ experiences. Whether you crave a scenic drive through traditional villages, a boat trip with a seaside lunch, or a tasting of locally cured meats, Crete offers a variety of ways to indulge. We particularly love the Full Day 4×4 Self-Drive Safari Tour for its mix of off-road adventure and genuine local encounters, and the Crete: Spinalonga, Elounda, & Agios Nikolaos Boat Tour & BBQ for combining historical exploration with a seaside feast. These tours stand out for their authentic flavor, scenic settings, and the chance to connect with local culture.
In this list, you’ll find self-drive safaris, guided boat trips, and culinary tastings, each offering a different taste of Crete’s rich culinary and scenic diversity. Want to learn about traditional cured meats, explore Venetian fortresses, or enjoy a relaxed beach BBQ? Keep reading for our detailed comparisons of each experience, helping you pick the perfect BBQ adventure.
Below is a quick overview of the best BBQ experiences in Crete, highlighting what makes each one unique. For more detailed insights, dive into the full descriptions.
1. Full Day 4×4 Self-Drive Safari Tour in Crete with BBQ Lunch
This self-drive adventure offers a full-day off-road journey through the heart of Crete, combining scenic countryside, traditional villages, and authentic local encounters. You’ll drive a brand-new 4X4 Dacia Duster 2024, receiving a thorough safety briefing and driving lessons, perfect for beginners or seasoned drivers alike. The tour takes you to a shepherd’s farm, where you can try your hand at milking goats and experiencing rural Cretan life firsthand. Along the way, you’ll cross the impressive Aposelemis Dam and explore the remnants of an ancient Roman aqueduct, all while soaking in the landscape.
What makes this tour stand out is the interactive experience—you’re in control of the vehicle and part of a convoy, making it lively and engaging. The BBQ lunch is a highlight, served in a scenic setting after a day of exploration, with local tastes that showcase Crete’s culinary traditions. The reviews are stellar, with a 5.0 rating from 68 travelers, praising the knowledgeable guides and fun off-road driving. The tour is best suited for active travelers who want an authentic, hands-on day in Crete’s countryside.
Bottom Line: If you’re craving a mix of adventure, cultural insight, and a hearty BBQ, this self-drive safari delivers. It’s an excellent value at around $126 per person, especially for those who enjoy outdoor activities and local flavor.
2. Crete: Spinalonga, Elounda, & Agios Nikolaos Boat Tour & BBQ
This full-day boat tour offers a combination of history, culture, and seaside leisure. Traveling from various pickup points, you’ll cruise across Mirabello Bay to explore Spinalonga, a fortress island with layers of Venetian, Saracen, and Greek history. The guided tour of the Venetian fortress gives insight into the island’s complex past, making it ideal for history buffs. After the tour, the boat will anchor at Kolokytha Beach, where you can swim or relax with a delicious BBQ lunch featuring options like chicken, pork, or vegetarian dishes—prepared fresh onboard.
What makes this tour distinctive is the seamless blend of historical sightseeing and beach relaxation. The BBQ lunch is included and well-reviewed, offering good value considering the full-day itinerary. The scenic boat ride, combined with the opportunity to explore charming towns like Elounda and Agios Nikolaos, appeals to travelers who want a balanced mix of culture and leisure. The reviews highlight the quality of the BBQ and the professionalism of the crew, with many noting it as a “very well spent day.”
Bottom Line: Perfect for those interested in history and coastal scenery, this tour offers a relaxed yet enriching experience with a tasty BBQ on the water. At around $36 per person, it’s an affordable way to enjoy Crete’s naval and island charm.
3. Elounda: Spinalonga Prof. Guided Boat Tour w/ BBQ + Swimming
This half-day excursion from Elounda focuses on exploring Spinalonga and enjoying a scenic boat ride with a BBQ and swimming at Kolokytha. Starting around 10:30, you’ll travel by boat through the St. George Gorge to reach Spinalonga, where a guided tour offers a deep dive into the island’s history. After exploring the fortress and town, you’ll visit Kolokytha, a secluded bay ideal for swimming and relaxing.
What makes this tour attractive is its combination of cultural discovery and leisure in a shorter timeframe, perfect for travelers with limited time. The BBQ is served onboard, allowing you to enjoy local flavors after a morning of sightseeing and swimming. The tour’s 4.5-star reviews reflect satisfaction with the well-organized itinerary and the opportunity to combine history, coastal scenery, and delicious food.
Bottom Line: Great for those wanting a concise, immersive experience with a focus on spinalonga’s history and a seaside BBQ, perfect for a half-day escape.
4. Heraklion, Galatas village: Cretan Cured meat tasting & BBQ
This short but flavorful experience is all about local culinary traditions. Set in the yard of a charcuterie, you’ll meet a local producer and sample handmade Cretan cured meats and other traditional dishes, served from a rustic wood-fired oven. The focus here is on authenticity—you get to learn about the process of curing meats, the benefits of the Cretan diet, and enjoy a serene setting for your meal.
What makes this experience stand out is its intimate nature—small groups, direct interaction with local artisans, and a relaxing atmosphere. It’s a perfect choice for food lovers who want to dig into Cretan cuisine beyond just BBQ. Priced at $79 per person, it offers excellent value for a personalized tasting experience. Visitors consistently praise the quality of the meats and the friendly guide, making it a memorable culinary stop.
Bottom Line: If you’re interested in learning about local food production and enjoying top-quality cured meats, this is a must-try. It’s a great way to combine culinary education with a laid-back meal.
How to Choose Your Best Crete BBQ Experience
When deciding between these options, consider your budget, interests, and schedule. The self-drive safari is best for active travelers who love off-road adventures and rural immersion, while the boat tours are ideal if you prefer scenic water journeys, historic sites, and relaxing seaside meals. For a more culinary-focused outing, the cured meat tasting provides an authentic, hands-on experience.
Think about how much time you want to dedicate—half-day versus full-day—and whether you want a guided or self-driven adventure. Booking early is advisable, especially for the popular boat tours, to secure your preferred date and time.
Final Thoughts
Crete offers a fantastic range of BBQ experiences that go beyond just grilling meat—they’re opportunities to taste, learn, and explore. For those seeking an action-packed day, the Full Day 4×4 Safari is hard to beat. If you prefer history and seaside lounging, the boat tours deliver both. Food lovers will appreciate the cured meat tasting, which provides a deep dive into local culinary traditions.
Each of these tours provides a different slice of Cretan life, so choose based on your interests, fitness level, and schedule. Whichever you pick, booking early will help ensure you don’t miss out on these memorable bites of Crete. Enjoy your trip, and don’t forget—good food and great scenery are waiting just around the corner.
