Chania is a fantastic place for those who appreciate good food and drink. Its vibrant Old Venetian Port, charming backstreets, and lively tavernas make it an ideal setting for exploring Crete’s local flavors. Whether you’re into craft beer, local wines, or olive oil tasting, Chania offers a variety of engaging tours that blend culture, gastronomy, and social fun. One highlight we love is the Sunset Craft Beer & Food Tour, which combines a scenic sunset with delicious pairings, making it a perfect start to your evening.
While wandering the historic streets or relaxing at a seaside tavern, these tours elevate the experience by adding expert insights and authentic tastings. They are ideal for travelers who want to enjoy local flavors without the hassle of figuring out where to go. For a more intimate experience, private options like the Wine, Beer, Olive Oil Tasting Private Tour cater to small groups seeking personalized attention. Whatever your taste, Chania’s drinking tours promise a fun depth of flavor and story.
1. Sunset Craft Beer & Food Tour – Chania
This Sunset Craft Beer & Food Tour is a standout because it combines the beauty of sunset views with a lively tasting experience. For around $139, you get a 4-hour walking tour that takes you through Chania’s Old Venetian Port, mixing local craft beers with authentic Greek snacks. The guide guides you to four venues, including an award-winning restaurant and a pub at the Venetian Harbour, ending with a chance to keep the evening going on your own.
What makes this tour special is the personalized, small-group setting—only around 76 reviews so far but a perfect 5-star score. Guests rave about the guide’s enthusiasm and expertise, with comments like “Marie Claire is fun, kind, and knowledgeable about both beer and local food.” You’ll visit spots only locals tend to know, like the lighthouse sea wall for stunning sunset views. The tour includes generous samples, making it excellent value for your money.
Bottom line: Perfect for a relaxed evening with a focus on craft beer and local cuisine. It’s ideal for anyone wanting a taste of Chania’s vibrant nightlife, with the bonus of learning about Greek brewing culture.
2. The Cruise Ship Guest Beer Tour – Chania Old Port
This Cruise Ship Guest Beer Tour is tailored for travelers arriving via cruise and looking for a short, engaging experience. Costing about $106.72, this 3-hour tour is perfect if you want a quick, flavorful overview of Chania’s local craft beers and Cretan dishes. It includes stops at three venues: a top restaurant, a delicatessen, and a cozy pub—all within the historic Venetian port area.
The tour’s small group size (a maximum of 8) ensures plenty of personal attention, and the guide shares local tips along with tasting advice. Reviewers praise the mix of “delicious local dishes,” “interesting beer samples,” and “informative commentary,” making it clear this tour is both fun and educational. The walk through the backstreets avoids the crowds, providing a more authentic feel.
Bottom line: Best suited for cruise travelers wanting a compact yet informative experience combining food and beer in a relaxed atmosphere. It’s a good choice for a brief dive into Chania’s culinary scene.
3. Monastery – Ancient Olive Tree & Museum – Cretan Brewery Private Tour from Chania
This private 5-hour tour takes you into the scenic Cretan countryside, starting at the Transfiguration Monastery with its panoramic views of the White Mountains. You’re transported to Vouves village, home to the oldest olive tree in the world, and the Olive Tree Museum. The tour offers a deep dive into olive oil production, ancient and modern, with plenty of time to explore.
This experience is ideal for those interested in cultural history and local agriculture. It’s more than just a tasting; it’s a story of generations of tradition. The guide shares insights about local farming, plus you get to taste olive oil, local cheeses, and traditional snacks. It’s perfect for travelers seeking a cultural connection wrapped in a scenic drive through olive groves and villages.
Guests mention the breathtaking views and the informative guide, making this not just a tasting but a full sensory experience. The price reflects the personalized attention and the depth of the tour, making it a premium choice for those with an interest in Cretan rural life.
Bottom line: A great pick for history and culture buffs who want to explore olive oil heritage and see picturesque villages, with a side of local gastronomy.
4. Wine, Beer, Olive Oil Tasting Private Tour
This full-day private tour offers a comprehensive culinary journey, perfect for those who want to taste Cretan wine, beer, and olive oil all in one day. For about $520, your group of up to six people will visit a winery, a beer brewery, and an olive oil mill—each with detailed tours and tastings. The itinerary includes a visit to the ancient olive tree at Vouves, plus optional stops at a monastery or WWII sites.
This tour excels because it marries tradition with modern production techniques, offering in-depth insights at each location. Guests highly praise the personalized experience and the opportunity to sample high-quality local products. The tour’s length (7 hours) allows plenty of time for relaxed exploration and a delicious local lunch.
Guests mention the knowledgeable guides and the diverse tasting options, including the chance to taste olive oil, wine, beer, and local delicacies. It’s well-suited for travelers keen on comprehensive tasting and cultural stories behind Cretan products.
Bottom line: Ideal for foodies and enthusiasts looking for a private, full-day immersion into Cretan culinary traditions with a focus on quality and storytelling.
5. Chania: Sunset Craft Beer & Food Tour
This Sunset Craft Beer & Food Tour offers a relaxed 4-hour experience with a focus on craft beers and local food. Starting from a central location, it takes you around the Old Venetian Harbour with stops to sample regional foods and fresh craft beers. The tour is known for its outdoor tastings during sunset, creating a memorable atmosphere.
For about $136 per person, you get to experience Chania’s authentic flavor and less touristy side, with an emphasis on supporting local businesses. Guests have praised the informative guide and the generous beer and food portions. The tour’s casual vibe and scenic sunset views make it perfect for a laid-back evening.
This tour is especially appealing if you want a local, authentic experience that isn’t overly structured. It’s flexible enough to suit those who prefer a more social and scenic experience.
Bottom line: A top pick for beer lovers who want to enjoy a beautiful sunset with regional food and craft beers in a relaxed setting.
6. Olive Oil – Wine – Beer Private Tour
This private 7-hour tour is a full-day adventure that combines olive oil, wine, and beer tasting with visits to historic sites. It includes exploring a 4,500-year-old olive tree, touring a winery, and sampling craft beers at a local brewery. You’ll also visit Odigitria Gonia Monastery and the German military cemetery—an excellent blend of culinary and historic sights.
Guests appreciate the personalized attention and the chance to learn about traditional production techniques. The tour provides stunning views and opportunities to enjoy authentic local lunches. It’s perfect for travelers who want a full immersion into Cretan heritage, combining culinary delights with cultural exploration.
With a well-paced itinerary and knowledgeable guides, visitors often mention how much they learn about Cretan traditions and history while enjoying delicious samples.
Bottom line: Best suited for history and food lovers who want an all-encompassing day exploring Cretan culture through taste and storytelling.
$523.60 per group (up to 6)
7. Chania: Pure Cretan Olive Oil, Wine, & Beer Experience
Finally, the Pure Cretan Olive Oil, Wine, & Beer Experience provides a 7-hour tasting adventure focused on authentic local products. Led by a local expert, you’ll learn about Cretan wines, sample fresh beers, and taste pure olive oils. The emphasis here is on quality, with varietals from Greece and abroad, offering a broad perspective on Cretan gastronomy.
This tour is ideal for those who want a comprehensive tasting and educational experience. It includes insights into the production process, plus a chance to enjoy local culinary accompaniments. The reviews highlight the expert guidance and the diversity of samples.
Bottom line: Perfect for enthusiasts eager to deepen their understanding of Cretan culinary arts in a relaxed, informative setting.
How to Choose the Best Drinking Tour in Chania
Picking the right tour depends on your interests and schedule. If you want a scenic sunset with craft beers, the Sunset Craft Beer & Food Tour is a great choice. For a private, full-day experience exploring olive oil, wine, and beer, the full-day private tour offers the most variety.
Those arriving via cruise should consider the Cruise Ship Guest Beer Tour, which is short and tailored for limited time. For a cultural and scenic experience focusing on olive trees and monasteries, the Monastery and Olive Tree Tour provides depth.
Think about your budget—private tours tend to be pricier but offer more personalized attention—and time available. Book early, especially in peak summer months, to secure your preferred slot.
Final Thoughts
Chania’s drinking tours cover a spectrum from casual beer walks to full-day culinary explorations. For a relaxed sunset with excellent beer pairings, the Sunset Craft Beer & Food Tour is hard to beat. For serious enthusiasts, the full-day private tour offers a deep dive into Cretan products and traditions.
Travelers seeking a short, lively introduction should opt for the Cruise Ship Guest Beer Tour. Meanwhile, history and culinary lovers will appreciate the Olive Tree & Monastery Tour. Whichever you choose, booking early guarantees a spot on these popular experiences.