Chania is a city of contrasts and flavors, sitting at the crossroads of history, sea, and mountain scenery. It’s especially lively when it comes to dining experiences, offering everything from seafood dinners on a boat to intimate tasting tours through its charming old town. We especially love the Afternoon Catamaran Trip with Dinner and Sunset because it combines sailing, water fun, and a delicious Mediterranean meal—all set against the stunning backdrop of the Aegean. And for those who prefer a more cultural approach, the Wine, Food, and Sunset Tour with a 3-Course Dinner offers an authentic taste of local flavors with a sunset view, paired with wine and organic dishes. For a private, personalized experience, the Old Town, Mountains, and Restaurant Private Tour provides a flexible way to explore Chania at your own pace. We’ve rounded up the six best dining experiences in Chania, each with its own special appeal, so you can pick the best fit for your trip.
1. Chania: Afternoon Catamaran trip – Dinner, Drinks & Sunset
Set sail from Kolymvari on a premium-class catamaran to Agioi Theodoroi islands, where a scenic bay and a Mediterranean dinner await. This tour is perfect for travelers who want a mix of water activities, spectacular views, and a delicious meal. The friendly crew ensures a relaxed, personalized experience—snorkeling gear, SUP boards, and inflatable flamingos are included for some light water fun. You’ll enjoy unlimited drinks and a seafood and meat dinner as you cruise, ending with a breathtaking sunset over the Aegean.
The itinerary includes a stop at Kolymvari for local snacks and safety briefing, then an hour at sea, a 2.75-hour stop at Agioi Theodoroi with swimming, snorkeling, and a scenic sail, followed by the return trip with more sailing and stunning sunset views. Travelers rave about the professional crew and the delicious food, with reviews like “literally the best thing I’ve done in Crete” emphasizing its popularity. This experience is ideal for those looking to combine scenic sailing with gourmet dining, all in a fun, social setting.
Bottom Line: A memorable way to enjoy Crete’s coast, with good value for a 5-hour cruise full of water activities, stunning scenery, and great food.
2. Chania: Wine, Food, and Sunset Tour with 3-Course Dinner
At number 2 on our list, the Wine, Food, and Sunset Tour with a 3-Course Dinner offers a delightful evening stroll through Chania’s old town. This 4-hour experience combines a local wine tasting with a gourmet organic dinner as you watch the sunset from a secret spot only locals know. It’s perfect for food and wine lovers who want to explore Crete’s culinary history in an intimate and relaxed setting.
Your guide will take you through alleyways and funky cafes, sharing stories about why “Zorbas” is linked to the city, while you sample organic ice cream and raki, Crete’s signature spirit. The tour culminates at the Venetian harbor at sunset, where you’ll enjoy a delicious meal paired with local wines. The reviews highlight the guide’s energy and knowledge, with one noting, “The food & wine was the perfect ending to the tour.” It’s well-suited for those wanting an evening of culinary delights combined with cultural insights, all set against the backdrop of a stunning sunset.
Bottom Line: An elegant, relaxed way to enjoy Crete’s flavors, history, and scenery in one memorable evening—ideal for couples or small groups seeking intimacy and flavor.
3. Chania old town, mountains, restaurant Private Tour (group of 6)
For travelers who prefer a personalized experience, the Chania Old Town, Mountains, and Restaurant Private Tour offers a flexible 7-to-8-hour journey exploring Crete’s countryside and historic city. This private tour includes walking through Chania’s Old Town, visiting landmarks like the Venetian harbor, and enjoying panoramic views from mountain villages. It’s perfect if you want to avoid large groups and customize your sightseeing.
A driver and guide will take you from site to site, sharing stories along the way. Highlights include the Lighthouse of Chania, the iconic Firkas Fortress, and a traditional Cretan lunch with lamb, olives, and feta. Many reviews mention how knowledgeable and personable the guide is, making the history come alive. It’s an excellent option for those who want a deeper, more relaxed exploration and enjoy local cuisine in scenic settings.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those wanting a private, flexible day with a mix of sightseeing and authentic dining—perfect for small groups or families.
4. Horse Riding, Falasarna Sunset View, Drone video, Tavern Dinner
At number 4, the Horse Riding, Falasarna Sunset View, Drone video, Tavern Dinner combines adventure with relaxation. Over about 5.5 hours, you’ll enjoy horseback riding along the coast, swimming in crystal-clear waters, and then watching the sunset at Falasarna beach with a bottle of Cretan wine.
What makes this tour standout is the opportunity to ride horses next to the sea and capture the moment with a drone video, giving you a lasting memory of the landscape. Afterward, a traditional tavern dinner specializing in Cretan cuisine caps the day. Reviewers mention the kind guides and the unforgettable sunset, with one saying, “Most of all, the guide Yannis was so kind and thoughtful.” It’s ideal for active travelers who love outdoor adventures combined with good food and scenic views.
Bottom Line: A unique blend of horseback riding, water, and sunset, suited for those wanting a physically engaging experience with stunning rewards.
5. Horse riding, Falasarna sunset, dinner in a tavern, drone video
Another standout, the Horse riding, Falasarna sunset, dinner in a tavern, drone video offers a similar combination, but over 6 hours and with a slightly different focus. It includes horse riding near the coast, sampling regional foods at a seaside tavern, and enjoying Falasarna’s sunset with wine and fresh fruit salad. The inclusion of drone videography allows you to relive the experience with stunning aerial footage.
Guests rave about the personalized care from guide Yannis, and the opportunity to enjoy Crete’s authentic flavors in a scenic setting. The tour is perfect for active couples or small groups wanting to combine outdoor activity with genuine local cuisine. The value is good considering the lengthy experience and variety of activities.
Bottom Line: It’s a comprehensive, activity-filled evening for those seeking outdoor adventure paired with authentic dining and stunning scenery.
6. Half Day Sunset Tour in Rethymno with Dinner and Wine
Finally, our Half Day Sunset Tour in Rethymno offers a slightly different flavor—combining a scenic drive through hills and villages, a visit to Arkadi Monastery, and ending with a sunset and Cretan riverside dinner. The tour lasts about 5-6 hours and is great for travelers wanting a mix of culture, nature, and food without a full-day commitment.
You’ll see Pikris Village, learn about local ways of life, and enjoy a mountain-top sunset with wine in hand. The informative guide and the opportunity to experience local traditions make it a well-rounded choice for those interested in both history and cuisine.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want a relaxing, scenic afternoon with cultural highlights and a delicious local dinner.
How to Choose the Best Dining Experience in Chania
When selecting the right tour, consider your interests and travel style. If you love water and sailing, the Catamaran trip offers a scenic, active day with a delicious meal on board. For a more relaxed cultural experience, the Sunset Food & Wine Tour in old town provides intimate tasting opportunities against a beautiful sunset. Those seeking private, tailored experiences should look into the Old Town and Mountain Private Tour—perfect if you want flexibility and privacy.
Budget also matters; tours like the sunset cruise and walking food tour offer great value for their quality and length, while private tours are best suited for small groups seeking exclusivity. Book early, especially in high season, to secure your preferred time slot.
In summary, whether you’re after a sea adventure, a culinary stroll, or an intimate private tour, Chania offers a fantastic range of options. For water lovers, the Catamaran stands out; for tasting Crete’s wines and dishes, the sunset walk is unbeatable; and for those wanting to explore at their own pace, the private tour is ideal. Each of these experiences promises a wonderful way to enjoy Crete’s flavors, scenery, and hospitality.