Chania is a fantastic place to enjoy more than just its beautiful harbor and narrow streets — it’s a treasure trove of lunch experiences that showcase Crete’s rich tastes, stunning landscapes, and local culture. Whether you’re craving a hearty meal after a scenic drive or a relaxing beachside lunch with reserved loungers, the options are diverse. We’re especially fond of the Rethymno Land Rover Safari with Lunch and Drinks, which combines off-road adventure, breathtaking scenery, and a traditional Cretan meal with free-flow wine — all in one day. For a more laid-back seaside experience, the Balos & Falassarna Beach Jeep Tour offers a relaxing day at world-famous beaches with reserved sunbeds and a delicious lunch.
Chania’s cuisine-focused tours are perfect for travelers eager to taste authentic flavors while exploring hidden corners of the island. If wine and olive oil are your thing, the Wine & Olive Oil Tours deliver a delightful blend of tasting, sightseeing, and local stories. For those who prefer a personalized touch, the Private Walking Tour with Lunch and Wine Tasting offers a relaxed, intimate way to discover the city’s culinary secrets. No matter your preference, Crete’s best lunch experiences are waiting to be discovered, offering everything from rugged adventures to seaside decadence.
1. Rethymno Land Rover Safari with Lunch and Drinks
At number 1, the Rethymno Land Rover Safari provides a full day of exploring Crete’s wild side. You’ll rumble along remote roads in a sturdy 4WD vehicle, passing landmarks like Prassano Gorge and Potamon Dam, with plenty of opportunities to swim in the Libyan Sea. What makes this tour stand out is its combination of adventure and culture — visiting traditional villages such as Spili, known for its Venetian lion fountain, and enjoying a local Cretan lunch with free-flowing wine. Tour guide expertise and the small-group setting ensure a personal touch, making it a favorite among travelers who want a bit of everything. With glowing reviews calling the guide “very experienced and funny,” this is great for those who love scenic drives paired with authentic food. The price of around $109 per person offers exceptional value considering the full day of exploration.
Bottom line: If you enjoy a blend of off-road adventure, natural beauty, and hearty Crete cuisine, this tour delivers a memorable day.
2. Balos & Falassarna Beach – Jeep Tour with Loungers and Lunch
Number 2 on our list is the Balos & Falassarna Beach Jeep Tour, perfect for beach lovers who want to combine scenic off-road driving with relaxing seaside hours. Traveling in a small group (up to 6 guests per vehicle), you’ll traverse unpaved roads inaccessible by larger buses, reaching Balos Lagoon — famous for its turquoise waters and dramatic landscape. The highlight is that a reserved sunbed awaits you, so no fighting for space. After soaking in the scenery and swimming, you’ll head to Falassarna Beach, renowned for its long sandy stretch. The tour includes a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, making it a full package of sun, sand, and authentic Crete flavors. Reviews praise the personable guides and the chance to enjoy Balos without the crowds. At around $185, this tour offers great value for a full day of beach bliss.
Bottom line: If your idea of a perfect day involves stunning beaches and a hassle-free, guided experience, this tour is ideal.
3. Wine & Olive Oil Tour with Lunch at Milia Mountain Retreat
The Wine & Olive Oil Tour is a delightful way to taste Crete’s iconic products. This full-day trip includes visits to the Olive Tree Museum of Vouves, home to a 3,000-year-old olive tree still producing fruit. You’ll also explore the Anoskeli Winery Olive Mill, where expert sommeliers guide you through tastings of organic olive oils and five different local wines, paired with Cretan snacks. The tour then takes you to the Milia Mountain Retreat, a rustic, electricity-free village, for a lunch with dessert that captures the mountain’s authentic feel. With glowing reviews highlighting the “knowledgeable guide” and “amazing food,” this experience appeals to travelers interested in culinary traditions and rural scenery. For about $172, it offers a well-balanced day of tasting and sightseeing.
Bottom line: If you want to learn about Crete’s food heritage and enjoy local wines and olive oils in a scenic mountain setting, this tour hits the spot.
4. Wine & Olive Oil Tour with Lunch – Semi Private Safari Tour
At number 4, the Semi Private Wine & Olive Oil Safari offers an intimate experience with just up to 6 people. You’ll visit the Olive Tree Museum of Vouves, then enjoy tastings at the Anoskeli Winery Olive Mill, learning about organic production. The tour continues into the rugged landscapes of Chania’s hinterland, with a lunch at a mountain restaurant. The small group size ensures personalized attention, and reviews mention the “knowledgeable guide” and “fantastic food and wine.” The $169 price makes it a good value for those seeking a relaxed, immersive day with tastings and scenic views. Perfect if you prefer a more private tour experience with quality food and drink.
Bottom line: Best suited for those wanting a tailored, quiet experience combined with authentic tastings and scenic off-road driving.
5. PRIVATE Walking Tour with Lunch and Wine Tasting by a Sommelier
Number 5 is the Private Walking Tour with Lunch and Wine Tasting, offering a relaxed, personalized exploration of Chania’s culinary and historical highlights. This four- to five-hour experience includes a visit to Profiti Ilia café with stunning city views, a short walk through Old Town, and wine tasting led by a sommelier. The highlight is the local restaurant lunch, featuring a variety of Cretan delicacies and wine. Guests say the tour is “like exploring with a friend,” making it perfect for travelers who want a flexible, intimate experience. At around $190, it provides a nice balance of sightseeing, tastings, and local ambiance.
Bottom line: If your focus is on an authentic, customizable culinary experience in Chania, this tour delivers.
6. Chania: Morning Catamaran Cruise with Premium Lunch & Drinks
The Catamaran Cruise offers a luxurious way to enjoy Crete’s coast. Departing from Kolymvari, this five-hour trip includes swimming, snorkeling, and scenic views of the Agioi Theodoroi Islands. The highlight is the premium onboard lunch, featuring seafood, meats, and refreshing drinks — all served on a spacious, comfortable deck. Reviewers love the “welcoming crew” and “beautiful views,” making this ideal for travelers who prefer a stylish, relaxing day at sea. For $141, it’s great value considering the all-inclusive gear, food, and drinks, plus the easy transfer from Chania.
Bottom line: Perfect for those seeking a comfortable, scenic cruise with quality food and drinks onboard.
7. Elafonisi & Milia Mountain – Jeep Tour with Loungers and Lunch
Number 7 is the Elafonisi & Milia Mountain Jeep Tour. It combines an early morning drive to the famous pink sands of Elafonisi with a visit to the rustic Milia Mountain Retreat for a traditional meal. The small group and early start help you beat the crowds, and you’ll enjoy exclusive beach loungers and umbrellas reserved for you. The guide’s local insight is often praised, and reviews mention the “beautiful untouched beach” and “delicious food at Milia.” At around $186, this offers a balanced mix of adventure, relaxation, and authentic cuisine.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers wanting a private, less crowded beach experience with a scenic mountain lunch.
8. Chania: Milia Mountain Tour with Lunch, Olive Oil & Wine Tastings
Number 8 is the Milia Mountain Tour, offering a full day of rural exploration. You’ll visit the ancient olive tree, enjoy tastings at Anoskeli Winery, and pause at the stunning Topolia Gorge. The highlight is a lunch at Milia Mountain Retreat, where you’ll experience “no electricity” rustic charm coupled with delicious local food. It’s especially suited for those who love small-group experiences, as reviews highlight the “knowledgeable guide” and “authentic mountain setting.” The $164 price provides excellent value for a comprehensive tour of Crete’s traditional products and landscapes.
Bottom line: Perfect if you want a mix of scenic drives, tastings, and mountain cuisine in a small-group setting.
9. Wine & Olive Oil Tour with lunch at the White Mountains
Number 9 brings you into the White Mountains region with the Wine & Olive Oil Tour. You’ll explore the Sevronas Gorge, taste five wines at a family-owned winery, and enjoy a restaurant lunch with local specialties. The tour is intimate, capped at six travelers, which means better conversations and more personalized attention. Reviewers mention the “outstanding scenery” and “delicious wines,” making it perfect for wine lovers keen to learn about Cretan varieties. At about $172, it’s a comprehensive experience that balances scenic exploration with cultural tastings.
Bottom line: Best suited for wine enthusiasts who want to enjoy the White Mountains’ landscape and produce.
10. Crete White Mountains Safari Including Lunch
The White Mountains Safari offers a full day of off-road exploration. You’ll drive an all-terrain vehicle through orange and olive groves, visit a shepherd’s hut at 1,350 meters, and enjoy lunch at a traditional family tavern. The tour’s focus on mountain scenery and local life makes it excellent for active travelers who love nature and authentic experiences. Reviewers praise the “comfortable land rovers” and “the friendly driver-guide,” emphasizing how well the day is organized. At $110, it’s an affordable way to see Crete’s mountainous heart with a satisfying meal at the end.
Bottom line: Ideal if you prefer a full-day off-road adventure with scenic mountain views and a hearty local meal.
11. Private – Jeep Safari Tour with Lunch and Tastings
Number 11 is the Private Jeep Safari, offering a customized, exclusive experience. You’ll visit the ancient olive tree, tour wineries with tastings of five wines and olive oils, and enjoy a traditional lunch. The private guide ensures attention to your interests, making it perfect for more discerning travelers who want a tailored day. The reviews mention the “knowledgeable guide” and “beautiful scenery,” emphasizing its personalized nature. With a premium price of $264, it’s best suited for those seeking luxury and exclusivity.
Bottom line: Perfect if you want a bespoke, private day out with all the tastings and local flavors tailored to your pace.
12. Balos Lagoon private Jeep tour with lunch
The Balos Lagoon Private Jeep Tour is a premium option for visiting this world-famous beach. It includes a hiking element — about a 20-30 minute walk from the parking area — and a lunch with a panoramic view at a local restaurant. The tour’s private setting ensures a relaxed experience, with reviews praising the “breathtaking scenery” and “well-organized day.” The $219 price point makes it a luxurious choice, ideal for travelers wanting privacy and a personalized visit to the lagoon.
Bottom line: Best for those wanting exclusive access to Balos with comfort, privacy, and a scenic lunch.
13. Full-Day Private Chania Wine Tour and Lunch in The Mystic Cellar
Number 13 offers a luxurious full-day private wine tour, including visits to Pateromichelakis Family Winery and Karavitakis Winery. You’ll enjoy a full meze lunch in a historic cellar, tasting wines, olive oil, and tsikoudia. The reviews highlight the “knowledgeable sommelier” and “authentic tasting” experience. The $344 price makes it a premium choice, perfect for wine connoisseurs or couples celebrating a special occasion. This tour’s strength lies in its depth of wine knowledge and exclusive atmosphere.
Bottom line: If your priority is a sophisticated, wine-focused day with gourmet food, this is a top pick.
14. Private Jeep Safari in 2 Wineries and Samaria Gorge with Lunch
This Private Jeep Safari combines winery visits, a hike through Samaria Gorge, and a traditional lunch. You’ll taste 10 different wines and two olive oils, with a focus on both nature and local products. The private vehicle and guide offer a relaxed, personalized experience. Reviews praise the “knowledgeable guide” and “delicious local food,” while the $266 price reflects its comprehensive itinerary. Suitable for active travelers who want an all-in-one day.
Bottom line: Designed for those who want a bit of adventure, wine, and mountain scenery all in one luxurious tour.
15. Chania: Private Guided Food and Wine Walking Tour with Lunch
Number 15 is the Private Guided Food and Wine Walking Tour. It offers an intimate stroll through Chania’s hidden culinary spots, with tastings of local wines, cheeses, pastries, and a full lunch in a local restaurant. Led by a knowledgeable guide, this tour is perfect for travelers wanting to explore the city’s gastronomy at a leisurely pace. It’s the most affordable at around $180 per person, making it accessible for those seeking a relaxed, authentic experience with a focus on local flavors and culture.
Bottom line: Ideal for those interested in a personalized, city-focused food adventure with wine and local specialties.
How to Choose Your Perfect Lunch Experience in Chania
When selecting your ideal tour, consider your budget, interest in wine or local food, and preferred pace. For adventure lovers, the Rethymno Land Rover Safari offers a full-day exploration of Crete’s landscapes. If relaxing on world-famous beaches appeals most, then the Balos & Falassarna Jeep Tour with reserved loungers is perfect. For those wanting a culinary deep dive into Crete’s food and wine, the Wine & Olive Oil Tours or the Full-Day Private Wine Experience are excellent choices.
Remember, small-group tours tend to offer more flexibility and richer experiences, while private tours provide personalized attention. Booking early is recommended, especially for tours with limited availability or special amenities like reserved loungers.
Crete’s lunch offerings are just as diverse as its scenery. Whether you prefer an adventure-filled day in rugged mountains, a relaxing beach day with reserved sunbeds, or an intimate wine and food tasting, Chania has options to satisfy every palate and appetite. From scenic drives to immersive tasting sessions, now is the time to plan your perfect Crete day. So, pick an experience that excites you, and enjoy a memorable meal amid some of the most beautiful landscapes in Greece.