Food Tours in Heraklion

Crete has such a proud and renowned culinary culture that it is often referred to as the “Gourmet Island of Greece.” A quick jaunt down one of Heraklion’s streets and the aromas emanating from local restaurants will have you salivating in agreement.

This is also why a food tour in Heraklion is such a popular activity — as it allows you to slowly immerse yourself into a world filled with century-old dishes. The secrets of kleftiko, stamnagathi and kokoretsi are all revealed as you scour the streets, quite literally following your nose — and experienced guide, of course.

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

What are the best food tours in Heraklion?

Guided group food tour in Heraklion

A guided group food tour is one of the most popular options — as it presents a sweet spot between money and time spent and the quality of the experience. You’ll spend 4-hours as you discover the intricacies of olive oil, the traditional way of making Cretan cheeses and sample eight local dishes.

Heraklion small-group food tour

A small-group food tour in Heraklion is a great option if you’re traveling as a couple, a small group of friends or a family. There are only six participants on this tour, meaning you can book the entire experience if your group is large enough. You’ll visit eight different eateries and restaurants, including a century-old bakery where you’ll enjoy a local version of the bougatsa — a creamy custard pie set in flaky phyllo pastry.

Private Heraklion food tour

If you don’t mind the extra expenses, a private food tour in Heraklion presents the ultimate way of exploring the tastes of this city. You’ll venture deep into the heart of the city, discovering artisanal bakeries, local food joints and trendy cafés — the easiest way of eating and drinking like a true Cretan in the shortest amount of time possible. This tour offers no set number of dishes because you’ll be the only people joining — so you decide what’s going to be your next dish as you go along.

Are there any combos available with food tours in Heraklion?

Heraklion food tour with a visit to Knossos Palace

This tour is perfect if you want to be fed on both a physical and intellectual level. You’ll start your day with a visit to Knossos Palace, a site that has been called “Europe’s oldest city.” After exploring the ancient ruins, you’ll head to Heraklion to discover how the local food still connects with the Minoan people — the first occupants of Knossos.

Food tour in Heraklion plus wine tasting

Enjoying great Cretan dishes without wonderful Greek wines is almost inconceivable — something that a combined food and wine tasting tour in Heraklion acknowledges and serves to address. You’ll visit some of the city’s best wineries, learning exactly what goes into a bottle of Crete’s best. Then you’ll sit down for a gastronomical tour de force, as one after the other delectable dish graces your plate.

What will you do?

A typical Heraklion food tour is essentially a walking tour filled with wonderful things to eat. The meandering pace of the tour allows you to visit several restaurants, bakeries and cafés — and in so doing develop a feeling for the city’s food scene.

Certain food tours make use of e-bikes, but these are typically used to explore the more remote eateries in Crete’s countryside. Some of the dishes you can look forward to enjoying are kleftiko — delectable slow-roasted lamb, kaltsounia — crisp puffy pastries filled with local cheese and stamnagathi — hand-foraged local greens.

Depending on the type of Heraklion food tour that you undertake, you may also visit a number of local attractions. The most popular of these include Knossos Palace, the Archeological Museum and the Morosini Fountain.

How much do food tours in Heraklion cost?

Food tours in Heraklion are very reasonably priced, especially when you consider the number of dishes you’ll taste during your epicurean expedition.

A guided group food tour in Heraklion costs €70 to €100 per person, presenting the most affordable option to explore Crete’s culinary treasure trove.

A Heraklion small-group food tour will cost €120 per person, limiting the tour size for a small additional fee.

For a private Heraklion food tour, you can expect to pay about €240 per person, but you’ll be the only people on the tour and enjoy an eye-bulging 15 dishes.

What is included?

Heraklion’s food tour will include all the dishes that you’ll enjoy during your trip, as well as entrance to some of the attractions visited. The number of dishes enjoyed depends on the tour you choose, but it’s generally somewhere between six and nine dishes. Certain tours also offer beverages, but these aren’t typically included.

Where does it start?

Food tours in Heraklion typically depart from Eleftherias Square in the middle of Heraklion’s Old Town. This is also the starting point for a number of other excursions, like Heraklion’s city tours, cooking classes and walking tours. If your trip ventures outside of the city, it will usually include a transfer service to and from your hotel in Heraklion.

How long does it last?

The duration of food tours in Heraklion depends on the number of dishes that you’ll be enjoying, as well as where the restaurants are located. Food tours that stay within the bounds of the city tend to last between 2 and 3 hours, while those exploring Heraklion’s countryside can take up an entire day.

When is the best time for a food tour in Heraklion?

The best time for a food tour in Heraklion is at the very start of your stay on the island. This will allow you to explore Crete’s food scene under the watchful eye of a knowledgeable guide — acquiring information that you’ll find invaluable during your further travels.

The best time of year to visit Heraklion is from the middle of May to June and again from September to early November. This way you’ll enjoy pleasant weather without too many fellow travelers.

Travel tips

• Food tours in Heraklion are popular activities and sell out quickly — consider booking in advance to confirm your spot.
• Communicate any dietary requirements or allergies with the tour company when booking, and once more before departing.
• These tours include a fair bit of walking — consider wearing comfortable shoes and clothes.