Cooking Classes in Heraklion

Throughout its existence, the city of Heraklion on Crete has been under the control of a number of different cultures — Ottomans, Venetians, Byzantines, Romans, Phoenicians and Greeks have all called this ancient island their home.

Because of this, a spectrum of different influences can be seen in everything from architecture to street names and food. However, through it all, the city remains thoroughly Cretan — a fact you’ll soon discover when you undertake a cooking class in Heraklion.

Be welcomed into a traditional home and have a local family show you how to make dishes like dolmadakia, gemista and sarikopita. The best part is, you’ll take this knowledge with you when you leave the island — an enchanting souvenir of a magical island.

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

What are the best cooking classes in Heraklion?

Small group cooking class in Heraklion

This intimate cooking class has become a staple of the food tour scene in Heraklion, and it’s easy to see why. You’ll travel to the beautiful Cretan countryside, where your class will take place in the middle of an ancient olive grove.

Inspired by this amazing setting, you’ll prepare a total of four dishes — two starters, one main course and a dessert. You’ll also enjoy Greek wine throughout the class and you’ll receive recipes and photos of your day out via email.

Private cooking class in Heraklion

If you want a more hands-on and personal cooking class in Heraklion, this is just the ticket. Your class starts with an air-conditioned transfer service taking you to a replica of an ancient Minoan village.

Here, an experienced instructor will take you through the process of creating six different Greek dishes. After cooking up a storm, you’ll be able to sit and enjoy your handiwork, before exploring the ancient town some more. Finally, your transport will take you back home.

Are there any combos available with cooking classes in Heraklion?

Cooking class and jeep tour in Heraklion

Combine your culinary expedition with an off-road jeep adventure into Heraklion’s rugged mountains. During this 8-hour outing, you’ll travel to some of Crete's most remote regions, where you’ll enjoy a host of activities — like a cooking class, a cheese-making demonstration and a pottery class.

Heraklion cooking class plus Knossos Palace

This tour combines the mythical Palace of Knossos, home to the legendary Minotaur, with an unforgettable cooking class in the town of Rethymno. Delve into the histories of the Minoan people before digging into a traditional Greek feast that you’ve prepared — who said that archeology and gastronomy don’t mix?

What will you do?

Cooking classes in Heraklion allow you to explore the local Cretan culture through the world of food. To accomplish this, you’ll be welcomed into a local home, where you’ll experience the warmth of Greek hospitality firsthand.

Not only will you gain invaluable insights into the way that the people of Heraklion live — you’ll also take with you the knowledge of how to recreate local Cretan dishes in the comfort of your own home.

Apart from the local home or farm where the cooking class will take place, some trips also include visits to landmarks — like the Palace of Knossos and Heraklion Old Town. At the latter, you’ll get to explore local markets and hunt for the ingredients that you’ll be using later on.

How much do cooking classes in Heraklion cost?

The price of a cooking class in Heraklion depends largely on the size of the class that you’ll be joining. A small group cooking class in Heraklion will cost €80 per person, and it will have a maximum group size of 10 participants.

A private cooking class in Heraklion will cost €225 per person, but you’ll be the only people in the class —  enabling your instructor to pay much more attention to you.

What is included?

Cooking classes in Heraklion include all the ingredients that you’ll be using, as well as the facilities to prepare them and experienced instructors. Some tour options include a complimentary pickup and drop-off service for hotels in Heraklion.

Where does it start?

Typically, a cooking class in Heraklion will start with a pickup service from your hotel in the city. If your place of residence isn’t in Heraklion — or if the excursion does not offer a transfer service — you’ll need to make your way to the cooking class directly.

How long does it last?

A cooking class in Heraklion usually lasts for 4 hours, while there are some combination tours that last the entire day. This allows enough time to really come to grips with the Cretan cuisine.

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

The best time for a cooking class in Heraklion is at the start of your stay on the island. This way, you’ll familiarize yourself with the local cuisine and you may even make some new friends along the way.

Travel tips

• Inform the tour operator of any allergies or dietary requirements when booking, and again at the start of the cooking class.
• Cooking classes are a great opportunity to learn new skills and techniques. Don't hesitate to ask any questions and be prepared to take notes.
• Opt for comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes, especially for cooking classes that take place on a farm.
• Cooking classes can be popular, especially during peak season, so book in advance to avoid disappointment.