Craft Beer & City Tour – Rethymno Old Town

An engaging way to experience Rethymno’s Old Town and its craft beer scene

If you’re exploring Crete and want a taste of both local history and craft beer, the Craft Beer & City Tour in Rethymno offers a lively, intimate experience. For $100.99 per person, you get about three hours of walking through one of Crete’s most charming towns, with stops at several top local pubs, all led by a knowledgeable guide and homebrewer. We love how this tour combines a cultural stroll with a beer tasting, providing a deeper connection to Rethymno’s multicultural past and its burgeoning craft beer scene. Plus, it’s a small-group adventure, which means you get more personalized attention and insider tips.

Two things really stand out: First, the variety of local Greek craft beers you’ll sample—five different styles, including full pours—and the delicious finger foods that accompany them, making each stop both tasty and informative. Second, the tour’s route takes you past iconic landmarks like the Venetian Harbour and the Rethymno Lighthouse, offering some fantastic photo opportunities and scenic views.

A potential consideration is the walking distance involved—while the tour is designed to be comfortable, it’s not suited for those with mobility issues or families with very young children. Also, since the tour begins at 6 pm, it’s best suited for those looking to combine sightseeing with a relaxed evening of drinks.

This experience is ideal for travelers who enjoy small-group tours, are curious about local beer culture, and want a lively, authentic way to explore Rethymno’s historic core. If you appreciate good stories, great brews, and beautiful scenery, you’ll find plenty to love here.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Combines historic sightseeing with beer tasting, blending culture and local flavor.
• Expert Guide: Led by a local beer enthusiast and homebrewer, offering insights beyond just the drinks.
• Small Group: An intimate size (max 8 travelers) ensures personalized attention and a friendly atmosphere.
• Diverse Beer Selection: Five Greek craft beers sampled, along with full pours and seasonal options.
• Scenic Stops: Includes iconic landmarks like the Venetian Harbour and Rethymno Lighthouse.
• Tasty Snacks & Souvenir: Finger foods accompany the beer samples, and each guest receives a unique keepsake.

A detailed look at the Craft Beer & City Tour

Overview and first impressions

This tour offers a compelling blend of historic exploration and beer culture. Starting at the seaside Old Venetian Harbour, you’ll kick off with a refreshing draft beer and some welcoming chat about the craft beer scene in Rethymno. The harbor’s lively atmosphere is a perfect introduction, with views of boats and the old town’s Venetian architecture setting a scenic tone.

The tour’s duration of about three hours is just right—long enough to enjoy multiple stops without fatigue. The price point of around $100, including five Greek craft beers, snacks, and a souvenir, is quite reasonable considering the personalized nature of the experience and the quality of the tastings.

Itinerary breakdown

Stop 1: Old Venetian Harbour
Here, the focus is on relaxing and setting the scene. Your guide, possibly a local brewer, shares insights into the history of Rethymno’s port and its multicultural influences. The beer here is served straight from the tap, giving you an immediate taste of local craftsmanship. The harbor’s charm and sea breeze make for a memorable start.

Stop 2: Rethymno Old Town
Next, the group meanders through lesser-known pedestrian streets, avoiding the touristy crowds, while discovering hidden craft beer hangouts. This spot is described as well camouflaged, but your guide will direct you to a place with a multi-beer style tasting session. You’ll sample brews that match your preferences and the season’s offerings. One reviewer noted that the guide was friendly and helpful, adding to the warm, welcoming vibe of this part of the tour.

Stop 3: Rethymno Lighthouse
The final stop is at the lighthouse—a prime photo spot and the culmination of your walk. Here, you’ll enjoy a draft beer of your choice and some delicious finger foods, perfect for winding down. This is also where the tour concludes, but many guests choose to linger, enjoying the views and perhaps exploring the town further.

What makes this tour special

Knowledgeable Guides & Local Tips
Your guide isn’t just a storyteller—they are a homebrewer, offering expertise about craft beer that elevates the tasting. The guide’s friendliness and familiarity with Rethymno’s streets and history seem to be recurring highlights, with reviews praising the personal, engaging approach.

High-Quality Beer & Snacks
The inclusion of five Greek craft beers ensures you’ll sample a good variety, from lighter styles to more robust brews. The finger foods complement the beers perfectly, making each stop feel like a mini tapas experience.

Authentic, Off-the-Beaten-Path Routes
While the main landmarks are included, the tour takes you into less touristy alleys and hidden corners of the old town. This promises a more authentic feel and unique photo opportunities.

Practical considerations

The timing at 6 pm makes this ideal for a relaxed evening stroll, especially if you’re coming from a day of sightseeing. The group size maxes out at eight travelers, fostering camaraderie and allowing your guide to cater to your questions and preferences.

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended—Crete’s cobblestone streets can be uneven—and weather-appropriate clothing is advised, especially in summer months with the sun’s intensity. Since the tour is outdoor with several stops, it’s wise to bring water, particularly during hot days.

Price and value

At just over $100, the tour provides good value, especially for beer lovers and those wanting an intimate, personal experience. Besides the beer tastings, you get a guided walk, snacks, and a souvenir—all of which enhance the experience. The fact that all fees and taxes are included makes it straightforward to budget for this outing.

What past guests say

A reviewer named StenMartin_E rated it a perfect 5 stars, praising the friendly guide and enjoyable old town trip. They appreciated the personal touch and the overall friendly atmosphere, which reflects the experience many others have had. The small group setting seems to be a big plus, encouraging interaction and a relaxed vibe.

Who should consider this tour?

This tour is perfect for adults who enjoy craft beer, local culture, and scenic walks. It’s especially suited for travelers interested in small-group experiences where they can ask questions and get personalized recommendations. If you’re a beer connoisseur or a curious traveler looking to combine sightseeing with tasting, this tour ticks both boxes.

It’s less suitable for those with mobility issues or families with very young children, given the walking involved and the outdoor setting. Also, it’s an evening activity, so those wanting daytime sightseeing might prefer other options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for non-drinkers?
While the tour involves beer tasting, non-drinkers can still enjoy the walk, learn about the history of Rethymno, and perhaps focus on the snacks and sightseeing. It’s best to specify if you prefer non-alcoholic options when booking.

How long does each stop last?
Stops are approximately one hour at each location, allowing enough time to enjoy the beer, snacks, and sightseeing without feeling rushed.

Are the beers Greek craft beers?
Yes, all five beers sampled are local Greek craft brews, showcasing the regional brewing scene.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. Bring a hat, sunglasses, and water—Crete can be quite sunny, especially during summer.

Does the tour include transportation?
No, it’s a walking tour starting and ending at the same point—the Bricks Beers & Tales in Rethymno’s Old Town.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour, with a full refund.

Is this tour good for solo travelers?
Absolutely. The small group size fosters a friendly environment, making it easy for solo travelers to mingle.

Do I need to bring anything?
Just yourself, your enthusiasm, and perhaps a water bottle. The tour provides all the necessary beer, snacks, and souvenirs.

Final thoughts

The Craft Beer & City Tour in Rethymno offers a delightful mix of history, scenic beauty, and local flavor, making it a standout way to explore Crete’s charming old town. The focus on Greek craft beers and authentic storytelling ensures you’ll leave with more than just photos—you’ll have a richer understanding of Rethymno’s multicultural past and its modern brewing scene.

Ideal for beer enthusiasts, culture seekers, and small-group adventurers, this tour is a memorable way to spend an early evening, combining the best elements of Rethymno in a relaxed, friendly setting.

Whether you’re looking to learn, taste, or simply enjoy a different side of Crete, this tour deserves a spot on your itinerary. It’s about appreciating local craftsmanship, enjoying scenic views, and making authentic connections—what better way to experience Rethymno?

Note: Always check the weather forecast and dress accordingly, and remember to drink responsibly. Cheers to a memorable Crete experience!