Brewery Visit

The Brewery Visit in Crete, Greece offers an authentic and intimate look into the island’s craft beer scene, all for an affordable price of $6.39 per person. This 10-hour tour stands out for its small group size, capped at 10 participants, which ensures a personal experience with knowledgeable guides. The tour includes a guided brewery visit, beer tastings, and the option to upgrade with snacks or a traditional Cretan lunch.

What makes this tour particularly appealing is its setting amidst Crete’s rugged scenery, with views of avocado, olive, and orange trees at the Cretan Brewery. The tour’s popularity is reflected in its booking window—most people reserve about 33 days in advance—highlighting its status as a well-loved activity for beer enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.

While the brewery does not include access to the actual production area due to hygienic restrictions, the explanations provided by guides are detailed and engaging. The cost-effective pricing, stunning environment, and delicious beers make this experience a highlight for anyone interested in local craftsmanship and Cretan culture. This tour suits those who appreciate craft beers, enjoy scenic drives, and want a relaxed yet informative day in Crete.

Key Points

• Affordable price of $6.39 per person for a full day of beer tasting and exploration
• Small-group size limited to 10 travelers ensures personalized attention
• Learn about the brewing process from knowledgeable guides in an open-air setting
• Enjoy tastings of lager, pilsner, pale ale, weiss, and dunkel beers
• Option to upgrade with snacks or a local Cretan lunch
• Scenic environment surrounded by olive, orange, and avocado trees

Location and Meeting Point at Cretan Brewery

This brewery tour departs from Cretan Brewery S.A. in Zounaki. It’s easy to reach since it’s near public transportation, and service animals are permitted. The meeting point is clearly defined at the brewery, with the activity ending back at this same location.

Travelers are advised that children under 13 can participate free of charge, and children under 17 can join the beer tasting with a refreshment included in the ticket price. Private transportation is not included, so plan accordingly to arrive comfortably.

Exploring the Cretan Brewery Environment

The brewery is situated in beautiful countryside, with an idyllic terrace offering views of avocado, orange, and olive trees. The outdoor setting is praised for its relaxed vibe and scenic beauty. During the visit, you’ll see the brewing facility from outside, since entry into the production area is not permitted for hygiene reasons. Despite this, guides explain the brewing process in detail, sharing insights about the ingredients and techniques used.

The open-air restaurant adjacent to the brewery is a highlight, with plenty of seating and views over the valley. The brewery’s operating hours are from 11:00 until sunset, with the kitchen serving from 12:00 to 19:00 daily. Note that tours are not offered on Sundays due to closure.

The Beers You Will Taste

The tasting flight features various craft beers, including lager, pilsner, pale ale, weiss, and dunkel. Several reviews highlight the exceptional quality of the beers, especially the Dunkel and Pale Ale, which are frequently mentioned as favorites. The beers are fresh and produced without preservatives, emphasizing the sustainable practices of the brewery.

While not all beers are available in stores, the brewery bottles its lager and can be found in supermarkets and mini markets around Chania. The tastings are described as generous and delicious, with guides explaining the flavor profiles and brewery’s history clearly.

The Experience of the Guided Tour

The guides are praised for their knowledge and friendly demeanor. Although visitors cannot walk through the actual production area—a restriction due to hygiene—the explanations about the ingredients and brewing steps are detailed and engaging. The small group size allows for personalized interactions and ample opportunity to ask questions.

The tour duration is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, enough to appreciate the environment and gain insights without feeling rushed. The guide’s storytelling style is noted to be informative and personable, making the experience both educational and enjoyable.

Food and Snacks Options

The tour offers upgrades to include snacks or a full Cretan lunch. Many reviews mention the quality of the food, with delicious dishes like tzatziki and other local specialties. The lunch option is especially appealing for those wanting to combine beer tasting with a hearty meal.

The restaurant has plenty of seating and provides views of the surrounding landscape, enhancing the overall experience. It operates from noon until sunset, making it convenient for a relaxed afternoon outing.

Scenic Beauty and Atmosphere

The location of the brewery contributes significantly to its charm. Crete’s rugged scenery surrounds the brewery, offering picturesque views that complement the beer tasting. The outdoor terrace provides a peaceful environment to relax and enjoy the local craft beers in a tranquil setting.

The atmosphere is described as calm and beautiful, perfect for those seeking a laid-back day immersed in nature. The view of the valley and the surrounding trees creates a refreshing backdrop for the tasting session.

Customer Feedback and Popularity

With an overall rating of 5.0 from 53 reviews and 96% recommending the experience, this brewery visit clearly resonates with visitors. Many highlight the delicious beers, friendly staff, and scenic environment as key positives.

Reviewers also appreciate the value for money, noting that the $6.39 price is very reasonable considering the quality and scope of the experience. The small-group setting fosters a personalized, less crowded atmosphere that many find more enjoyable than larger tours.

Booking and Practical Tips

The tour is most often booked about 33 days in advance, indicating strong popularity. To reserve a spot, it’s best to plan ahead, especially during peak travel seasons. The tour’s flexibility allows cancellations up to 24 hours before the scheduled time for a full refund.

Travelers should remember that entry into the production area is not permitted for hygienic reasons, which can be disappointing for those wanting a behind-the-scenes look. However, the guides’ explanations compensate well for this restriction.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most

This brewery tour is ideal for beer lovers interested in local craft beers and sustainable brewing practices. It’s also perfect for scenic lovers who enjoy relaxing outdoor environments with beautiful views. The affordable price and small group size make it a great choice for those seeking an intimate, informative experience in Crete.

Families with children under 13 are welcome, and teenagers can participate in beer tastings with a non-alcoholic refreshment. The option to add lunch or snacks makes it suitable for a full-day outing.

Is transportation included in the tour?
No, private transportation is not included, so travelers need to arrange their own way to Cretan Brewery in Zounaki.

Can children participate in the beer tasting?
Children under 17 can participate with a refreshment included. Children under 13 can join free of charge.

What beers are available for tasting?
The tasting includes lager, pilsner, pale ale, weiss, and dunkel beers, with several reviews praising the quality and flavor.

Is entry into the brewery’s production area allowed?
No, entry into the production area is not permitted due to hygienic restrictions; guides explain the process from outside.

What is the price of the tour?
The cost is $6.39 per person, with options to upgrade with snacks or lunch.

How far in advance should I book?
Most bookings occur around 33 days in advance, so early planning is recommended, especially in high season.

What should I expect from the scenery?
The brewery is set in picturesque countryside, surrounded by olive, orange, and avocado trees, providing a tranquil backdrop for tasting.

Are there any reviews about the guide?
Reviews praise knowledgeable, friendly guides who explain the brewing process clearly and make the experience engaging.

Is the tour suitable for all travelers?
Yes, most travelers can participate, including those with mobility considerations, since the tour mainly involves outdoor seating and viewpoints.

Can I visit without booking in advance?
It’s best to book ahead due to the popularity, but walk-ins may sometimes be accepted if spots are available—though not guaranteed.

This small-group brewery visit in Crete offers a relaxed, educational, and scenic way to discover the island’s craft beer scene, making it a worthwhile activity for beer enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.