Crete isn’t just about ancient ruins or stunning beaches – it’s also a fantastic place to enjoy authentic and memorable lunch experiences. Whether you prefer sailing in crystal-clear waters, tasting local wines, or exploring the island’s rugged landscape, Crete offers a variety of options that make midday meals more than just fuel. Personally, I love the Balos Gramvousa Sailing Cruise, not only for its delicious onboard Cretan lunch but also for the chance to swim in Balos Lagoon’s turquoise waters. It’s a perfect blend of scenery, activity, and good food—something that keeps travelers coming back for more.
When choosing your Crete lunch experience, consider what kind of adventure suits you. Do you want a relaxing day on the water, an off-road exploration with local flavors, or a scenic cycling tour with a traditional meal? Each of these options offers a unique way to connect with the island’s character. Below, I’ll walk you through the twelve best lunch experiences on Crete, highlighting what makes each one special.
1. From Kissamos: Balos Gramvousa Sailing Cruise with Lunch
This 8-hour sailing cruise is a favorite for its combination of breathtaking scenery, water activities, and a homemade Cretan lunch cooked on board. Starting from Kissamos, you’ll sail to the iconic Balos Lagoon—famous for its white sands and shallow azure waters—and visit Gramvousa Island, where you can hike up to the castle for panoramic views. The boat offers the chance to swim and snorkel in Balos, which is famously clear and inviting.
What makes this tour stand out is the flexibility of options—choose a shared group or private charter. The crew is praised for their warm hospitality and expertise. Guests highlight the delicious, freshly prepared traditional lunch as a key highlight, along with the chance to practice sailing with an experienced skipper. The itinerary balances exploration with relaxation, and reviewers love how this trip tends to avoid the crowds coming on large tour boats, making the experience more peaceful.
Bottom line: This cruise blends scenic beauty, active water fun, and authentic Cretan cuisine. It’s perfect if you like sailing, swimming, and exploring historic sites in a laid-back setting.
2. Malia: Off-Road Quad Safari Tour with Lunch and Transfers
For those who enjoy a touch of adventure with their meal, the 6-hour quad safari around Crete’s countryside is hard to beat. Starting from Malia, this tour takes you off-road through forested areas and traditional villages, ending with a BBQ lunch in Sisi village. The route includes a swim at Sisi Beach, giving you a chance to cool off after some fun off-road driving.
What’s special here is the combination of adventure and local flavor. Guests rave about the route’s scenic views and the authentic village lunch, which feels like a true taste of Crete. The tour includes hotel pickups from multiple locations, making it accessible. It’s well-suited for active travelers looking for a broader experience of the island’s landscape while enjoying a hearty meal.
Bottom line: This tour offers a lively way to see Crete’s rural side, with a satisfying BBQ lunch as a reward after the ride. It’s best for adventurous types who want more than just sightseeing.
3. Catamaran Sailing to Dia with Lunch in Heraklion, Crete (EST 2024)
This 5-hour cruise takes you to Dia Island aboard a sleek catamaran, where you’ll enjoy swimming in crystal waters and exploring underwater with provided snorkeling gear and stand-up paddleboards—no extra charge. The trip includes a tasty onboard lunch, featuring local ingredients, and time to relax on deck while soaking up the sun and scenic views.
Rated a perfect 5.0, travelers love the peaceful anchor spots and the professional crew. One reviewer said, “The crew was friendly and professional, and the lunch was delicious.” The smaller group size makes for a more intimate experience, with plenty of time to enjoy the water activities or sunbathe.
Bottom line: If you want a relaxing day on the water with excellent food, great scenery, and water sports, this cruise is an ideal pick. It’s suitable for families or couples seeking a laid-back but engaging outing.
4. Sailing to Dia Island with lunch on Bavaria 51 Heraklion, Crete
Sailing on the large Bavaria 51, this 4-hour trip offers an efficient way to see Dia Island and enjoy its turquoise waters. The boat is equipped for a fun day, with free lessons for stand-up paddleboarding and snorkeling, perfect for beginners or experienced water lovers alike.
The included lunch is simple but satisfying—it’s a highlight for many who appreciate fresh, well-prepared Mediterranean fare. Reviewers praise the warm crew and beautiful waters, noting that the trip offers “hours of fun” in the sun and water.
Bottom line: This shorter, active cruise is perfect if you want a quick escape to Dia’s waters, with plenty of water sports and a good lunch to fuel your fun.
5. Rethymno: Private Winery & Olive Oil Tasting Tour with Lunch
This 5-hour private tour combines the flavors of Crete’s olive oil and wine. Starting from Rethymno, you’ll visit a family-run olive oil mill to see the process firsthand and enjoy a traditional Greek coffee. Then, the tour visits Dourakis Winery, where you’ll sample several local wines, including limoncello and raki.
What makes this tour exceptional is the personalized experience. Reviewers note the guide’s friendliness and knowledge, and many mention how enjoyable it is to taste authentic Cretan products in a relaxed setting. The included traditional meal makes it a full sensory immersion into the island’s gastronomic culture.
Bottom line: This tour is best for wine and olive oil lovers wanting an authentic, behind-the-scenes look at Crete’s culinary staples combined with a delicious lunch.
6. e-Bike Guided Tour to Myli Gorge with Lunch included
If you prefer active exploration, this 6-hour e-bike tour through Rethymno’s countryside is a fantastic choice. You’ll pedal past churches, watermills, and abandoned villages, then hike through the magnificent Myli Gorge. The tour includes visits to the church of Panagia Halevi and Vila Clodio, finishing with a traditional local lunch in a village taverna.
Reviewers appreciate the easy-to-use e-bikes and the diverse scenery, from scenic countryside to historic sites. The guide’s local knowledge makes the experience both educational and enjoyable. The tour balances cycling, hiking, and cultural sights with plenty of time to relax and enjoy authentic flavors.
Bottom line: For active travelers who want an immersive day of cycling, hiking, and local food, this tour offers a well-rounded experience.
7. Crete: 2 Wineries Tour with Wine Tasting & Lunch
This 7-hour tour provides visits to two distinct wineries. You’ll explore the vineyards, wine cellars, and taste 10 different wines paired with a traditional village lunch. The tour is perfect for wine enthusiasts eager to learn about Crete’s winemaking traditions from local producers.
Guests highlight the personalized tours and the delicious food pairing in a cozy tavern. The guide’s wealth of knowledge about Crete’s wine heritage makes this more than just a tasting—it’s an educational journey.
Bottom line: Ideal for wine lovers wanting a full day of tasting, learning, and enjoying local cuisine in a relaxed, authentic setting.
8. Kourtaliotiko Gorge: Guided River Adventure Trek with Lunch
For active travelers, this 4.5-hour guided trek into the Kourtaliotiko Gorge is a standout. You’ll jump into pools, swim under waterfalls, and explore the wild beauty of Crete’s landscape. A highlight is swimming in natural pools and visiting a cozy farm for a light farm-to-table lunch.
Reviews mention the friendly guide and the fun of jumping into the water and roaming through untouched nature. It’s a physically engaging way to enjoy Crete’s rugged outdoors with the added reward of a simple, fresh meal afterward.
Bottom line: Best suited for active adventurers wanting a hands-on experience of Crete’s natural beauty, topped off with good food.
9. e-Bike Cycling Tour to Arkadi Monastery with Lunch included
Covering 44 km, this e-bike tour takes you through hillside villages and along the coast, culminating at the famous Arkadi Monastery. After exploring this historic site, you’ll enjoy a traditional Cretan lunch at a local taverna.
The tour is praised for its smooth ride thanks to e-bikes and the engaging history shared by the guide. Visitors love the mixture of scenic cycling and cultural sightseeing, making it a full but manageable day out.
Bottom line: Perfect for cycling enthusiasts eager to combine historical sights with a flavorful local meal, all on a well-supported tour.
10. Private luxury Escape Sailing, Snorkel and Lunch Cruise
If you’re after a luxurious day on the water, this private sailing cruise is hard to beat. It’s designed for small groups (up to two) and includes snorkeling, relaxing sails, and a sumptuous onboard lunch. You’ll explore Dia Island at your own pace, with options to swim, paddleboard, or just lounge.
Guests rave about the personalized service and the delicious food. It’s a premium experience, ideal for couples or small groups seeking privacy and exclusivity in a beautiful setting.
Bottom line: Best for those willing to invest in a private, indulgent day that combines comfort with adventure.
11. Hersonissos: Catamaran Sailing Trip to Dia Island with Lunch
This 6.5-hour cruise from Hersonissos offers a family-friendly, all-day sailing adventure. It features snorkeling, paddleboarding, and fishing gear, plus a Mediterranean lunch with drinks onboard. The boat accommodates up to 20 people, making it lively but still manageable.
Reviewers love the friendly crew and the variety of activities, especially the snorkeling and swimming spots in Dia’s clear waters. The onboard meal is highly praised, making it a great choice for a full relaxation day.
Bottom line: Excellent for families and groups wanting a fun, all-inclusive day on the water, with plenty of activities and good food.
12. Dia Island Catamaran – Premium Lunch, Open Bar, Small Group
Finally, this luxury 6.5-hour catamaran trip combines premium lunch, unlimited drinks, and plenty of water activities. It departs from Heraklion, sailing to Dia Island with a small group for a more intimate experience. You’ll enjoy swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and even riding inflatable flamingos.
The all-inclusive nature, with unlimited drinks and a delicious seafood-based lunch, makes this a top-tier choice. Reviewers describe it as “the best sailing cruise I ever had,” citing the friendly crew and beautiful scenery.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers seeking an upscale, all-inclusive day with the best in comfort, food, and fun on the water.
How to Choose Your Crete Lunch Experience
When deciding between these options, think about your budget, time availability, and interests. If your priority is relaxation and scenery, the scenic boat cruises like the Balos Gramvousa Sailing Cruise or the Dia Island Catamaran are excellent choices. For active travelers, the e-Bike Tours and off-road safaris offer both adventure and authentic local flavors.
If you’re looking to sample Crete’s wine and olive oils, the Rethymno Winery & Olive Oil Tour provides a rich taste of the island’s culinary heritage. For those craving a luxury experience, the Private Escape Sailing Cruise or the Dia Island Premium Catamaran deliver exclusivity and top-tier amenities.
Booking early is recommended, especially for popular dates and private tours. Consider the season—spring and early summer are perfect for water activities, while autumn offers milder weather for biking and hiking.
In summary, Crete offers a diverse array of lunch experiences that go beyond simple meals. Whether you prefer sailing, biking, wine tasting, or off-road adventures, there’s an option that will enhance your trip and introduce you to the island’s flavors in a memorable way. Two standout choices for a laid-back, scenic day are the Balos Gramvousa Sailing Cruise and the Dia Island Catamaran. For a more active day, try the E-bike Tour to Myli Gorge. Whatever fits your style, Crete’s lunch experiences promise genuine flavors and unforgettable memories.