Heraklion Food Tour: Flavors and Trails

Discover the authentic taste of Crete through a uniquely designed gastronomic experience.                                                                                                                                                                        Heraklion, a member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network of Gastronomy, is the ideal destination to explore rich culinary delights. This experience is a meeting with the island’s history and its culinary tradition.

Through 12 carefully selected tastings and a meal, you will enjoy everything from local cheeses and olive oils to unique traditional creations that tell stories of centuries. Each stop is thoughtfully designed to combine quality, authenticity, and aesthetics, creating an experience that satisfies every visitor.

We will visit and taste products from shops with:

• Local herbs and spices
• Traditional pies
• Traditional handmade sweets
• Traditional Cretan products such as olive oil, honey, carob syrup, olives, etc.
• A local coffee roastery
• Local cheese producers
• Local Bakery
• A traditional café/restaurant where we will taste not only traditional dishes but also local wine with raki (Cretan “tsikoudia”)

During the tour, we will share with you secrets of traditional Cretan society, and you will learn about the role each delicacy played in the island’s social events and celebrations. You will receive recommendations for the best culinary experiences on the island, along with tips that only true insiders can offer. By the end, you will leave with wonderful memories and photos, as well as a deeper understanding of the culture and philosophy of Cretan hospitality.

• Taste a hand-picked selection of at least 12 authentic Cretan flavors. 
• Light Meal with 8 selected local dishes, wine and Raki at traditional Cretan Kafenion
• Learn the stories behind the flavors and discover the secrets of Crete’s UNESCO-recognized gastronomic heritage.
• Discover the stories behind the island’s gastronomy with insights only locals can share.
• Plenty of photo opportunities along the way

• Three and half hours food and tasting walking tour in Heraklion center
• Local English-speaking guide
• Food and beverage sαmples (traditional Bougatsa, traditional
• Cretan small pies, local refreshment, traditional handmade sweets, honey, Cretan olive oil, olives, Spoon Sweet - fruit preserve in syrup, variety of cheeses, local rusks, Greek coffee)
• Lunch with selected traditional dishes and local wine
• Raki treat

• Personal expenses
• Gratuities (optional)

Lions Square (Nikiforou Foka Street), in front of the Basilica of Saint Mark

• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• All traveler types / Family friendly / Cruise friendly
• Most travelers can participate
• Not wheelchair accessible
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
• If you are a cruise ship traveler, you will take the shuttle bus located at the gate , to the passenger's terminal number 5. From there you will walk along the coastline and meet us at the meeting point

• We recommend bringing a bottle of water and wearing a hat, especially on sunny days. Comfortable flat shoes are also a must, so you can enjoy your walking tour without any discomfort or interruptions.
• We recommend coming hungry so you can fully enjoy all the delicious tastings of this experience!
• Please note that vegetarian options may be limited, as we focus on authentic, traditional, local products and recipes. If you follow a special diet or have any allergies, kindly inform your escort so he can advance you accordingly.

Are dietary restrictions or food allergies accommodated? 

Yes, most dietary needs (e.g., vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, nut-free) can be accommodated. Please mention any restrictions when booking so your host can prepare suitable alternatives. 

Is this a private tour? 

Yes, tours are private—only your group and the local host will be on the tour. 

Is the cost of tastings included in the tour price? 

Typically, the price covers a set number of food and drink tastings. See the description for exact details on what is included. 

What types of food can we expect to try? 

These tours feature a range of local specialties. The host will guide you through a variety of authentic bites, though exact dishes vary by destination and season. 

Can children join the tour? 

Yes, children are welcome. The host can often adjust the pace and tastings to suit younger participants. Let them know any specific needs in advance. 

Does the tour include any sightseeing or cultural insights? 

Although the focus is on food, some tours also offer interesting background about the local culture and neighborhoods you explore. 

Is alcohol included in the tastings? 

The tours include locally made alcoholic beverages, such as wine or raki, which are traditionally enjoyed by locals. If you prefer non-alcoholic alternatives or wish to have more alcohol-focused stops, please inform your host in advance. 

Do you provide luggage storage? 

Luggage storage is generally not provided. If you’re traveling with baggage, it’s best to arrange storage at your hotel or at a local storage facility beforehand. 

Is hotel pickup included? 

Hotel pickup is not included, as this is a walking tour with a designated meeting point. However, the starting point is chosen to be central and convenient. If you need advice on how to get there, feel free to contact your host in advance. 

Can the tour accommodate prams or strollers? 

Yes, tour can accommodate prams or strollers, though some areas may be challenging (e.g., cobblestone streets). Let the host know in advance so they can plan accordingly. 

Can the tour be rescheduled if we're delayed? 

If you expect a delay (e.g., due to flight changes), please contact your host as soon as possible. While the tour schedule itself cannot be altered, we will do our best to accommodate a change of date, subject to availability. 

Can we focus on a particular type of cuisine (e.g. desserts, street food, wine)? 

Our tour is thoughtfully designed to give participants a well-rounded experience — seeing, learning about, and tasting a variety of local products. If you would like a more specialized tour focused on a particular theme (e.g., desserts, street food, wine), please contact our platform to request availability and pricing for a customized experience.