Top Heraklion Classes & Workshops

Embarking on a culinary journey through Traditional Cooking Classes in Crete is a captivating exploration of the island's rich gastronomic tapestry. Guided by seasoned local cooks, participants delve into the heart of Cretan cuisine, marked by the abundant use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients such as the renowned Cretan olive oil, aromatic herbs, vegetables, and meats. Beyond mastering iconic dishes like Dakos, Gemista, and Tzatziki, these hands-on experiences provide a profound connection to the island's cultural heritage. As each chop and sauté unfolds, participants not only learn the intricacies of traditional recipes but also gain insights into historical tips, unraveling the stories behind the dishes that have become integral to Cretan identity. With a warm welcome extended to vegetarians, the classes epitomize inclusivity, offering a holistic and authentic encounter with the flavors, traditions, and history of Cretan gastronomy.

Learn more about olive oil, wine, and traditional village life in Crete on this small-group tasting tour from Heraklion. Visit a family-owned olive oil factory, learn about olive oil production, and sample different olive oils. Afterwards, visit several traditional villages in the mountains before stopping for lunch (own expense) on the Lasithi Plateau. Spend the afternoon tasting local wines (extra expense) before returning to Heraklion.

Immerse yourself in Crete’s delectable, rustic cuisine—and leave the bustle of the city behind—when you sign up for this private, hands-on cooking class. Pick a time that works best for you, and meet your driver directly at your Heraklion hotel which then takes you to the village where you meet your guide. It’s a quick drive into the hills, where you’ll cook amidst the Mediterranean scenery. With your guide’s instruction, learn to prepare a number of traditional dishes, from dolmadakia (stuffed grape leaves) to lamb with artichokes. Then, sit down to enjoy your multi-course meal, complete with wine.

This tour gives you the opportunity to explore the real side of Crete away from resorts, walk through narrow streets in the old traditional villages, visit an olive oil factory where we learn all about olive oil , explore Cave of Zeus, drive around Lasithii Plateau up to an altitude around 900 m above sea level, visit the old wind mills, and of course we will enjoy a Cretan traditional lunch at a family restaurant up on the mountain , ( Lunch is OPTIONAL)

We start our tour and head toward Asterousia Mountains. Our drive continues until re reach the beginning of the Eligia gorge located in the area of Kapetaniana. There a safety briefing will follow where you will be acquainted with your equipment and with all the safety procedures that are necessary for crossing the gorge and the Via Ferrata safely. Once the safety briefing is over, we will enter the gorge. After a short hike where you will observe the geological diversity of the gorge, we find ourselves at the beginning of the Via Ferrata. Through out the entirety of the hike and climb through the gorge and Via Ferrata you will have the opportunity to admire the wild Cretan beauty of the gorge as the imposing peak of Kofinas which is the highest point of Asterousia, decorates the route up until the end. Moving on from Mytiki we follow a circular climbing root which leads us at the end of the Via Ferrata. Afterward, we can visit Kapetaniana, which is a small village in the area.

Together with the cooking teacher, you will walk through the picturesque streets of the village of Archana, where you will visit local grocery stores to choose the ingredients for the cooking class. Sensitive raw materials and meat will be provided to you immediately before processing and cooking. During the course, you will enrich your knowledge of the products you will use as well as the local delicacies you will prepare and cook. The cooking classes are divided into 3 sections, A. Greek Meze Cooking Class (Monday – Wednesday) 1. Melitzanosalata, a classic Greek eggplant dip 2. Tzatziki 3. Dakos 4. Spicy Feta Cheese Dip 5. Eggplant Rolls B. Culinary Gems of Crete (Tuesday – Thursday) 1. Tzatziki 2. Zucchini Frites 3. Cretan (Farmers) Salad 4. Roasted Lamb "Kleftiko" C. Master Greece's National Dish (Friday – Saturday) 1. Spinach Pie 2. Eggplant Rolls 3. Greek Salad 4. Authentic Moussaka

The "Wine and Food of Crete" tour offers an exceptional opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich culinary heritage of Crete. As you explore the island, you'll be treated to a variety of local meze dishes, each meticulously prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients. This tour not only allows you to indulge in the exquisite flavors of Crete but also provides a chance to learn about the region's culinary traditions and practices. The warm and inviting atmosphere of this tour ensures that you'll leave with lasting impressions of Cretan cuisine and a newfound appreciation for its unique offerings.

A wine tasting tour in Heraklion, Crete, can be a delightful experience as the region is known for its excellent vineyards and traditional winemaking since thousand years ago. Taste the Best Wines of the region which are awarded prizes in international competitions. Learn the secrets of wine, how they produce and how it ages. Know how to choose a good wine, how to pair it, how to serve it, the right temperatures and how to store it. Explore one of the most beautiful and most visited sites in Crete Island, Knossos Palace and learn about Minoan Civilization. If you have time and are willing to explore more, consider visiting a Heraklion City or Archaeological Museum of Heraklion.

You will combine a visit to Knossos Palace as well as introduce yourself to Cretan cuisine. You will be able to watch or even participate in the making of three well-known Greek delicacies. With the help of the cook, you will learn all the secrets of how to make those stand out on your family table back home, surprising friends and family. Before leaving do not forget to ask for the recipes!

During this small group tour (up to 7 people) we will take you on a culinary journey through some of the most iconic and delicious dishes of Crete. On this tour, you'll learn how to prepare some of the most delicious dishes of Cretan cuisine, such as Dakos, Tzatziki, Gemista: stuffed vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, or zucchini, filled with a mixture of rice, herbs, and sometimes ground meat and a delicious Cretan salad, made with juicy tomatoes, cucumbers, extra virgin olive oil, Feta Fournou (Feta in Oven) and cheese pies. After our cooking lessons, we will sit down to enjoy our delicious creations, paired with local wines and traditional Cretan raki. By the end of our tour, you'll have gained a deeper appreciation for Cretan cuisine and its health benefits. You'll leave with new skills, recipes, and memories that will last a lifetime. So come join us and let's explore the delicious and healthy world of Cretan cuisine together! "Kali orexi" Bon appetit