Crete is wine and raki country, but in recent years a small craft beer scene has grown up alongside them, and Chania is one of the best places to taste it. An evening beer and food tour combines the two: you walk through the old town at sunset, stopping at bars, tavernas and small shops to taste Cretan beers with dishes that match them, from salty cheeses and cured pork to fried vegetables and pies. The setting is the real draw. The Venetian harbour, the lanes of Splantzia, the Ottoman mosque and the old lighthouse are all lit by the low sun, and the town feels calm after the day trippers have left. The guide gives a running commentary on the history, the architecture and the food traditions, so you get a sense of the place as well as a drink. It suits people who prefer beer to wine, and anyone who wants a social, relaxed evening that is a step beyond a restaurant dinner but less formal than a full food tour.
How it works
A small group meets in the old town in the early evening for a walk of around three hours. The tour includes several drinks and tastings, with enough food to make a light dinner. Check the meeting point, the start time and what is included when you book. Beer varieties and venues can change with the season, and the operator will explain the line-up on the night.
What to expect
Easy walking on flat but cobbled streets, with stops at four to six venues. Beers range from light lagers to amber ales and sometimes a stronger seasonal brew, often made with Cretan ingredients. Non-drinkers can usually be given soft drinks or local juices, but check in advance. Wear comfortable shoes, and take a light jacket for the walk back along the harbour. The pace is relaxed, and you will meet other travellers.
Making the most of it
Eat a small snack before you go so the beer does not hit too hard, and do not plan another big dinner afterwards. The tour works well on your first or second evening, since it orients you in the old town. Book a date with clear weather for the sunset views.
For a more complete beer experience, visit one of the island's breweries on a separate day; some olive oil and brewery tours include one. Remember that the tour is for adults, and children are not usually allowed in the tasting venues.
Good to know
Cretan craft beers are often made with local ingredients such as honey, herbs, citrus or barley grown on the island, and some producers offer unfiltered or seasonal styles that are hard to find outside Crete. The tour is a good way to meet other travellers, and groups are usually small. If you do not drink beer, tell the operator when you book so they can plan alternatives.
Check the route for any steps or uneven surfaces if mobility is a concern, and remember that evening temperatures drop after sunset, even in summer, so a light layer is a sensible addition. Groups are small, so book a few days ahead in the busy season.
What to expect
The experience
A guided evening walk through Chania old town pairing Cretan craft beer with small plates.
Best time
Clear evenings from spring to autumn, starting early enough to catch the sunset.
How long
About three hours.
Tips
Eat lightly beforehand, wear comfortable shoes, bring a light jacket and tell the guide about dietary needs.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Adults who enjoy beer and want to taste the old town in the evening.
- Families
- Not designed for children, since it involves visits to bars and alcohol tastings.
- Couples
- A relaxed shared evening with good food and golden light.
- Pair with
- A sunset catamaran cruise on another night or a morning cooking class.
- Time needed
- One evening.
Good questions
Is the tour only about beer?+
No, it pairs beer with Cretan small plates, and the guide also talks about the old town and its history.
Can I join if I do not drink alcohol?+
Usually yes, with soft drinks or juices, but check with the operator in advance.
Is dinner included?+
The tastings are substantial, but check what is included. Many people find it replaces a light dinner.
Where does it start?+
The tour starts in or near the old town. Check the meeting point on your confirmation.
Is it suitable for children?+
The tour is designed for adults because it visits bars and tastes beer. Check the age rules with the operator.
