Chania Food Stories

Since the Neolithic period when the first city’s settlement was founded a stone’s throw away from the Venetian harbour, Chania has had an extended history recorded with empires such as Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Venetians, Ottomans, and Germans trying to conquer its land. Its strategic geographical position was the reason why Cretans have always had to fight for freedom and independence, being proud of their ancestor’s land. However, this turbulent past has transformed Chania into a city with an entrancing story!

Follow this laid-back walking tour of Chania and find what makes Crete’s cultural capital so marvelous. Explore with us some of the Old Town’s best sights, and visit a mix of famous spots, historic haunts, and hidden gems while discovering the lesser-known Ottoman and Jewish quarters. Get ready to experience Chania with all your senses!

We’ll begin your Chania tour at the Dimotiki Agora (Municipal Market), which denotes the boundary between the old and new town. Established in 1913, the year of Crete’s unification with Greece, the Agora hosts more than 70 family-owned businesses selling mostly local groceries and products. Sample local delicacies while exploring the market and find out why Crete is home to one of the healthiest diets in the world.

After fulfilling your taste buds, we’ll stroll around the old town district by passing through its maze of hidden back streets and narrow laneways, visiting Venetian and Ottoman monuments, and discovering doors to secret gardens! Hear stories, myths, and legends about kings, sailors, merchants, heroes, lovers, and artists. Figure out how this city has been a crossroad between the West and East for centuries!

Next, you’ll have the unique chance to see local craftsmen producing their handmade products. Hear their stories — and possibly test your skills!

Continuing your tour, meander through the old Jewish and Ottoman neighbourhoods and learn how multiculturalism has changed locals’ life through the centuries.

Finally, after walking along the historic harbour’s promenade, you’ll relax your muscles in a local-favourite spot where you’ll enjoy an enticing table with Cretan mezedes (local tapas).

Our tour will come to an end either here where it’s the perfect place to continue your own exploration through the city, or we could take you back to the starting point. Before we part ways, don’t forget to ask us for more hints and tips on how to get the best of your trip to amazing Chania.

coffee or a soft drink, sampling of local products such as olives, honey, olive oil, local sweets, and local tapas and beverages. Food is more than enough to skip lunch!

Additional food and drink, souvenirs and items of a personal nature, tips and gratuities

• Food Allergies: Unless you suffer from multiple, combined food allergies, or unless you are a vegan, we will figure it out. Vegetarians are welcome on all tours.
• Please wear comfortable shoes for walking.
• In general, there are few dress restrictions in Europe and dress codes are similar to those you are used to at home. Please note though that in many churches modest dress is required; no shorts or
  skimpy tops are permitted.
• If you are happy with the services provided by your local a tip – though not compulsory – is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry. Please consider this when budgeting for your extra expenses on this tour.
• All our team members are fully vaccinated.