Crete isn’t just about stunning beaches and ancient ruins—it’s also a fantastic spot for drinking tours that showcase the island’s craft beer scene and vibrant coastal life. Whether you’re a beer enthusiast eager to learn about local brewing or someone looking to sip on cocktails while sailing the Aegean, Crete offers memorable ways to enjoy both. One standout is the Brewery Visit, which combines learning with tasting in a peaceful setting surrounded by olive and orange groves. The Craft Beer & City Tour in Rethymno provides a lively stroll through Old Town with local brews and insider tips, perfect for a more social experience. And for those who want to combine a day at sea with drinks and food, the Dia Island Catamaran cruise offers a luxurious day of sailing, swimming, and unlimited drinks. Each of these options highlights different flavors of Crete’s drinking culture, from small craft breweries to seaside sailing adventures.
Quick Overview
Our list features three different drinking tours in Crete. First, a Brewery Visit in Zounaki offers an intimate look at the brewing process with tastings in a tranquil setting. Second, the Craft Beer & City Tour in Rethymno is a lively walking tour through the historic streets, perfect for beer lovers who enjoy discovering local pubs. Lastly, the Dia Island Catamaran cruise combines a scenic boat trip with unlimited drinks and a delicious Mediterranean lunch. Read on for details to help you pick the best fit for your Crete adventure.
1. Brewery Visit
At number 1, the Brewery Visit in Crete offers an authentic behind-the-scenes look at local brewing. This small-group tour, capped at 10 participants, combines a relaxed environment with educational insights. You’ll start by making your way to a brewery in Zounaki, where your guide will explain the entire brewing process, from ingredient selection to fermentation. The highlight is the tasting flight of house-made beers—Lager, Pilsner, Pale Ale, Weiss, and Dunkel—and the opportunity to taste them amidst the peaceful scenery of avocado, orange, and olive trees.
What makes this tour especially appealing is the option to upgrade for snacks or a full Cretan lunch, making it a more substantial experience. The setting—a terrace overlooking a valley—is perfect for soaking in the rural atmosphere while sampling fresh beer. The brewery is open from 11:00 until sunset, and the open-air restaurant enhances the experience with views of the lush landscape. Visitors consistently praise the intimate atmosphere and the chance to learn about traditional brewing methods.
Bottom line: This tour is ideal for beer lovers who want a relaxed, educational experience with the chance to enjoy local flavors in a scenic setting. It’s great value at just $6.39 per person for the tasting experience.
2. Craft Beer & City Tour – Rethymno Old Town
The Craft Beer & City Tour in Rethymno is a more social, shorter experience that combines history, city strolls, and craft beer tasting. Over about three hours, you’ll follow your guide through Rethymno’s charming, multi-cultural old town while stopping at several top craft beer pubs. The tour kicks off at a seaside pub overlooking the Venetian Harbour, where everyone gets to enjoy a refreshing draught and learn about the local beer scene.
The route takes you through narrow pedestrian streets, past historic monuments, and into hidden craft beer spots that aren’t on the usual tourist radar. The final stops offer multi-beer tastings paired with finger foods, and the tour concludes at a scenic lighthouse. The reviews highlight how friendly guides and local insights make the experience memorable. Priced at $100.99 per person, it’s a good investment for those wanting a mix of cultural exploration and beer sampling.
This tour suits travelers who enjoy walking, local history, and discovering authentic spots in a small-group setting. It’s a lively, personable way to spend a few hours and leave with some local beer knowledge and a souvenir.
Bottom line: Perfect for beer fans who like to combine tasting with sightseeing in an intimate environment, and who appreciate local stories behind their brews.
3. Dia Island Catamaran – Premium Lunch, Open Bar, Small Group
The Dia Island Catamaran cruise offers a different kind of drinking experience—luxury sailing combined with unlimited drinks and a delicious Mediterranean meal. Departing from Heraklion, this cruise lasts about 6.5 hours, making it a perfect choice for a relaxed day at sea. The vessel is a sleek, modern catamaran with plenty of space and a friendly crew.
Once on board, you’ll enjoy a scenic cruise past Rocca a Mare Fortress, with options to swim, snorkel, paddleboard, or just lounge on deck. The highlight is the onboard all-you-can-drink open bar, which features beer, wine, cocktails, and soft drinks. The meal includes freshly cooked Mediterranean dishes, with plenty of local snacks and a sit-down lunch. The trip is well-reviewed for its attentive staff, clean vessel, and plentiful activities. Many rave about how it’s the “highlight of their trip,” with plenty of space and tasty food.
This cruise is best suited for those who want a luxurious, all-inclusive experience—perfect for families, couples, or groups celebrating something special. The combination of scenic views, water activities, and unlimited drinks makes it very popular.
Bottom line: If you’re looking for a full-day, all-inclusive sailing adventure with drinks, food, and fun, this cruise is a superb choice.
How to Choose Your Best Drinking Tour
When selecting your ideal Crete drinking tour, consider your priorities: Do you want an educational brewery experience? Or are you more interested in cultural walking tours with beer tastings? Perhaps a luxury boat cruise sounds perfect? Each of these experiences offers something different—think about your budget, how much time you want to spend, and whether you prefer land or sea. For example, if you’re a craft beer enthusiast, the Rethymno city walk is a great choice for a quick, social outing. But if a full-day on a catamaran with unlimited drinks appeals to you, then the Dia Island cruise should be top of your list.
Booking early, especially for the popular cruises and tours, is advisable during peak season (May-October). Check availability regularly and consider seasonal options like the brewery tour, which operates from 11:00 until sunset.
Final thoughts
Crete’s drinking tours showcase the island’s diverse offerings—from handcrafted beers to scenic sailing adventures. For a laid-back, educational experience, the brewery tour offers insight into local brewing traditions. If you prefer a lively walk through the historic streets, the craft beer tour in Rethymno delivers both culture and tastings. And for those dreaming of a luxurious day on the water, the Dia Island catamaran provides unlimited drinks, swimming, and a great meal. No matter your taste, booking early ensures you won’t miss out on these authentic, fun ways to enjoy Crete’s vibrant drinking culture.