Cooking Classes in Chania

If you are looking for a uniquely delicious way to experience Chania, then you won’t want to miss out on this city’s popular cooking classes. Led by expert local chefs, these classes offer a hands-on, immersive culinary experience that will leave you with a greater appreciation for traditional Greek cuisine.

Learn how to make some of Chania’s most beloved dishes from scratch, using fresh local produce. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a complete novice, there’s something for everyone with a cooking class in Chania.

Here's all you need to know about cooking classes, one of the most captivating gastronomic experiences in Chania.

What are the best cooking classes in Chania?

Greek cuisine draws strongly on the incorporation of freshly available local produce, and a cooking class in Chania will reflect these tantalizing traditional Cretan flavors and dishes. From savory dishes to sweet treats, these popular cooking classes are enough to inspire even the most reluctant cook.

Cretan cooking class in the White Mountains

Participate in a unique small group or private cooking class at a farm in the magical White Mountains. This 6-hour culinary experience includes a return transfer from specified pickup points in Chania. Your lesson begins with a stroll around the vegetable garden before you prepare your meal using fresh organic ingredients, while your host demonstrates and provides some insight about the origins of each dish.

There is time for a mountain stroll and before lunch, you will prepare a selection of appetizers to enjoy with locally produced wine before sitting down. Round off your lunch with some traditional jar desserts. If you prefer a later meal, you can choose a tour that departs Chania in the mid-afternoon and follows a similar itinerary, but has you eating your meal in the evening before returning to the city.

Private tour and Cretan cooking class near Chania

On a half day private guided tour in the company of a specialized guide, you will travel from Chania to the Kissamos region for an introduction to Crete’s cuisine, wines and culinary traditions. Your tour includes a visit to an estate with an introduction to olive oil production, while at Deliana you can taste local cheese, yogurt and other delectable dairy products.

A hands-on cooking class follows and while your meal cooks, you can take a moment to sample different wines, straight from the barrel. To end your culinary adventure, you will visit a small family-owned business for a taste of some of the region’s best honey.

Which places are visited?

While cooking classes in Chania appear to be similar, they typically have unique itineraries and focus on different areas in the region. One thing that most cooking classes have in common is that they include tastings of some of Chania’s finest wines and cheeses.

During your cooking class, you will likely stop at family-owned vineyards, wineries and local restaurants, as well as nearby olive groves and olive oil factories. Some cooking classes might include a stop at the world’s oldest-known olive tree. The fertile soils in and around the White Mountains are often the source of the traditional fare you will be able to taste as you travel.

Cooking classes within Chania may include a walking tour of the city, so aside from tasting wines and freshly prepared meals, you will get to see the 14th-century Venetian harbor and historic Splantzia Square, as well as visit cafés in the Old Town.

How much do cooking classes in Chania cost?

Cooking classes in the White Mountains from Chania are usually priced at around €90 per person. Some operators offer either a morning start or a mid-afternoon tour, if you prefer dinner to lunch.

For a private tour and cooking class in Chania you can expect to pay €140 to €400 per person, depending on the size of your group and additional activities. These tours offer a more intimate and comprehensive gastronomic experience in the Chania region.

What is included?

Cooking classes typically include hotel pickup and transport to the location of your class. These culinary experiences typically take place on a small group basis and all ingredients are supplied.

The use of all utensils and a copy of the recipes of the dishes you prepared are also part of the package. Most classes end with the chance to eat the meal you prepared and wine is usually offered with your meal.

Where does it start?

Cooking classes in Chania usually include a pickup from a specified meeting point in the city. For private tours, your booking may include return hotel transfers.

How long does it last?

Most cooking classes in Chania last 3 to 6 hours, depending on the meal being prepared and other included activities.

Are children allowed?

Children are generally allowed on cooking classes in Chania, provided they are accompanied by a supervising adult.

When is the best time for a cooking class in Chania?

Cooking classes in Chania are usually timed to ensure that your meal is ready at lunch or dinner time. Either option is equally enjoyable and really depends on your personal preference. A cooking class is the perfect way to conclude a trip to Crete.

Travel tips

• Make an online booking in advance, especially during peak season to book the cooking class that interests you.
• Let your tour operator about any food allergies or dietary requirements when booking your cooking class.
• Wear comfortable clothing and shoes, since your cooking class may include a visit to a local market or garden to acquire necessary ingredients.
• Some cooking classes include wine tastings, so make sure to bring your ID or passport. The legal drinking age in Greece is 18.