Skip to main content
a Tripadvisor company
Book online or call:+1 (702) 648-5873
All Experiences in Crete•
  1. Home
  2. Things to do in Greece
  3. Things to do in Crete
  4. Crete Tours
  5. Cooking Classes

The Real Cretan Cooking Experience

Recommended by 99% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Crete, Greece
Gallery picture 5 (from the experience provider)
The Real Cretan Cooking Experience
Gallery picture 2 (from the experience provider)
Gallery picture 3 (from the experience provider)
Ntakos
Gallery picture 5 (from the experience provider)
The Real Cretan Cooking Experience
Gallery picture 2 (from the experience provider)
Gallery picture 3 (from the experience provider)
Ntakos
Gallery picture 5 (from the experience provider)
Popular pick
Booked 5+ times last week!
  • 6 hours (approx.)
  • Pickup offered
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English
Why travelers loved this
4.9
·
· Tetiana_S ·
Nov 2024
Yanis was an excellent guide, very friendly and knowledgeable, our hosts lovely, and the other guests great company. The views from the house were 100% worth the short drive up the mountain. And preparing the food was a good change from just eating out. Fun and delicious too! Highly recommend the tour.
· gary_l ·
Apr 2025
Simply delightful! A true family experience with a dozen people. The hosts were magnanimous with their time, energy, teaching of local history and the good. The preparation was really fun , lots to laugh about and engage with others. The final product, the dinner was OMG fantastic. Strongly recommend this experience!
· Denise_H ·
Aug 2025
A great evening!! So many great experiences in one evening. The food was delicious and the environment was amazing!
· carissanewton ·
Dec 2024
Authentic and rustic cooking experience that is so very fun! The guide and the scenery were amazing!
· David_B ·
Oct 2024
The entire evening was memorable! Yannis was so personable and enthusiastic and was so good at connecting with each tour member. The food was fabulous also!

Overview

Visit the family home of a local Cretan for an evening of cooking, eating, and cultural exchange. Begin your visit in the vegetable gardens, where you harvest ingredients to use in your recipes. Learn traditional dishes from your hosts, hear the stories behind each, and taste local cheeses. Enjoy views of the Aegean Sea and the mountains, then sit down to a meal you helped prepare, paired with local wine.
  • Enjoy a cooking class and meal in a family home with sea and mountain views
  • Take home digital photos and recipes to commemorate your visit
  • Understand the foundations of Mediterranean cuisine and culture
  • Round-trip hotel transfers from Chania and along the coast to Maleme

Sample Menu

Starter

Kalitsounia

The popular Cretan Cheese-pies

Starter

Tzatziki

Greek recipe with yogurt and cucumbers

Starter

Ntakos

Main

Gemista

Staffed vegetables

Starter

Greek salad

What's Included

  • English speaking, local driver/guide
  • Wine & Food tasting
  • Transport by air-conditioned minivan/minibus
  • Small-group cooking class
  • Use of apron and cooking utensils
  • All ingredients for your lunch
  • Commemorative gifts
  • Recipes & photos taken on tour are sent electronically via e-mail
  • Gratuities (optional)

Meeting and Pickup

You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point
or

Meeting point

  • Chania, Greece

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Start time
.3:30 pm

What To Expect

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Dress code is comfortable clothing - good shoes
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Please check the pick up areas before you book this tour.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
Supplied by

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Questions?

Visit the Viator Help Centre for any further questions.

Product code: 14529P13

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)
See more
Featured review
gary_l
Simply delightful! A true family experience with a dozen people. The hosts were magnanimous with their time, energy, teaching of local history and the good. The preparation was really fun , lots to laugh about and engage with others. The final product, the dinner was OMG fantastic. Strongly recommend this experience!

Reviews

4.9
based on 474 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
455
14
3
2
0
We perform checks on reviews
A great evening!! So many...
Denise_H, Aug 2025
A great evening!! So many great experiences in one evening. The food was delicious and the environment was amazing!
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Thank you for your kind words! We’re delighted you enjoyed the delicious food and beautiful setting, and that the evening’s experiences made it so special. It’s always our goal to create unforgettable moments, and we’re thrilled this was a highlight for you. We hope to welcome you back to Crete soon! —GS Tours Team
The more you participate...
chelsea_g, Jun 2025
The more you participate the more you get out of the experience! We had a great tour guide in Alex as he was knowledgeable, personable, and engaging with us guests. The family who hosts, is wonderful! They are extremely generous with their time and have lots of patience for some of the ‘new to cooking’ participants. Highly recommend for anyone wanting a unique, delicious, and off-the-beaten path experience. Would love to come back!!
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Thank you so much for your heartfelt review! We're thrilled to hear how much you enjoyed The Real Cretan Cooking Experience. Your kind words about Alex and the hosting family truly mean a lot — they take great pride in creating a warm, welcoming, and hands-on environment for every guest. You're absolutely right — the more you dive in, the richer the experience becomes! We’d be delighted to welcome you back anytime for more authentic flavors and unforgettable memories. Warmest regards, GS Tours Team
This is a long experience...
Ellen_B, May 2025
This is a long experience 3:30-10:40 including pickups/transit. You don’t eat until 9pm. The family is wonderful and very kind and gracious. The family home in the mountains was beautiful and such a great setting. There was actual minimal cooking involved compared to other classes we’ve done. We stuffed some veggies, grated some produce, rolled some dough and stuffed the dough but other than that Poppy did everything else. There was only wine during the wine tasting portion of the experience and then also with dinner. Would have been nice to have wine right away and throughout the experience. My husband and I were definitely sober at the end of the night. There was a lot of good info regarding the Cretan war and the family’s history that we appreciated. There were some added experiences of feeding the family goats, touring the property/ family museum, but the people themselves really made the experience special. The food turned out great too!
Response from Host, May 2025
Dear Ellen, Thank you for sharing your detailed feedback with us. We’re so glad to hear you enjoyed the setting and the warm hospitality of the family — their kindness truly adds to the authenticity of the experience. It’s great that you appreciated the historical context about the Cretan war and the family’s history as well. We also value your comments about the cooking portion and the wine service. We understand that having more wine available throughout the evening could have enhanced your experience, and we’ll certainly consider this for future tours to ensure a more balanced experience from start to finish. We hope that despite the long duration, the personal touches and delicious food made for a memorable evening. Thank you again for your valuable insights, and we hope to welcome you back for another experience in Crete! Warm regards, GS Tours Team
Fabulous!
gary_l, Apr 2025
Simply delightful! A true family experience with a dozen people. The hosts were magnanimous with their time, energy, teaching of local history and the good. The preparation was really fun , lots to laugh about and engage with others. The final product, the dinner was OMG fantastic. Strongly recommend this experience!
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Dear Gary, Thank you so much for your glowing review! We're so happy to hear you had a delightful time at The Real Cretan Cooking Experience. It’s wonderful that the hosts made the experience feel like a true family affair and that you enjoyed the fun and laughter while preparing the meal. We’re thrilled to know you loved the final dinner! Your strong recommendation means a lot to us, and we hope to welcome you again soon for more Cretan culinary adventures. Warm regards, The GS Tours Team
Wonderful & delicious experience!
Alexis_I, Mar 2025
We visited Chania, Crete for the first time and were looking for an introduction to local cuisine. We are so glad we found this tour and booked! The hosts are so welcoming and made it such a pleasurable experience! We learned about and contributed in preparing recipes for a traditional Cretan meal and enjoyed a wonderful wine tasting. While the food was cooking we enjoyed a nice tour of the village. After this, we arrived back to the feast we had prepared and we were impressed with the deliciousness of everything!
Response from Host, Mar 2025
Thank you so much for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear that you had such a wonderful experience exploring Cretan cuisine with us. It was a pleasure welcoming you and sharing the flavors, traditions, and beauty of our village. We’re so glad you enjoyed the cooking, wine tasting, and the feast you helped prepare! We hope to see you again on your next visit to Crete. 😊🍷🍽️
Loved it!
carissanewton, Dec 2024
Authentic and rustic cooking experience that is so very fun! The guide and the scenery were amazing!
Response from Host, Dec 2024
Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re so glad you enjoyed The Real Cretan Cooking Experience. Sharing authentic Cretan cuisine in such a beautiful setting is something we love to do. We hope to see you again for more culinary adventures and unforgettable moments!
Fun and delicious
Tetiana_S, Nov 2024
Yanis was an excellent guide, very friendly and knowledgeable, our hosts lovely, and the other guests great company. The views from the house were 100% worth the short drive up the mountain. And preparing the food was a good change from just eating out. Fun and delicious too! Highly recommend the tour.
Response from Host, Nov 2024
Thank you for sharing your delightful experience with us Tetiana! We're thrilled to hear that Yannis provided friendly and knowledgeable guidance and that you enjoyed the warm hospitality of our hosts. It’s wonderful that the mountain views and hands-on cooking added such a memorable touch to your trip. We’re so glad you found the experience both fun and delicious! Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we hope to welcome you back for more culinary adventures in the future. 😊
Fantastic tour!
David_B, Oct 2024
The entire evening was memorable! Yannis was so personable and enthusiastic and was so good at connecting with each tour member. The food was fabulous also!
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Thank you for your kind words! We're so happy to hear that you had a memorable evening during The Real Cretan Cooking Experience. Yannis will be thrilled to know that his enthusiasm and personal touch made a lasting impression. We're also glad you enjoyed the fabulous food! We hope to welcome you back for more wonderful experiences in Crete.
Wonderful cooking experience in the mountains
Damon_W, Sep 2024
The whole experience was great. From the pickup in Chania to the ride home. Lots of great food and memories. Thank you
Response from Host, Sep 2024
Thank you so much for your lovely review! We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed The Real Cretan Cooking Experience from start to finish. It’s wonderful to know that the food and the memories made your day so special. We appreciate you joining us and hope to welcome you back to Crete soon for more unforgettable experiences!
Genuine, relaxing and fun
Lo_B, Sep 2024
The best tourguide and very genuine experience, we had so much fun up in the beautiful mountains. Thank you for having us!
Response from Host, Sep 2024
Thank you so much for your lovely review! We're delighted to hear that you had such a fun and genuine experience during The Real Cretan Cooking Experience. It’s wonderful to know that you enjoyed the beauty of the mountains and that our guide made the day extra special for you. We hope to welcome you back for more memorable moments in Crete!
Best cooking class in Chania!
Anisha_B, Sep 2024
A magical experience in the mountains where you learn to not only cook but understand and experience the local culture. 10/10 would recommend for solo travelers especially since its an extremely welcoming environment!
Response from Host, Sep 2024
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear that you had such a magical experience at The Real Cretan Cooking Experience and felt welcomed into the local culture. It means a lot to know that you enjoyed both the cooking and the warm, inviting atmosphere we strive to create. We truly appreciate your recommendation, and we’re especially glad that solo travelers can feel right at home. We hope to welcome you back to the mountains of Chania for more Cretan culinary adventures in the future! 🌿
Lovely experience!!
Caroline_T, Aug 2024
What a lovely experience!! Diamanti was a wonderful cook, patient, informative and just a delight!! Our translator/driver/guide Nikos was a wealth of information! The food we made was wonderful, the wine was delicious, and all the extra small activities were great! Highly recommend!
Response from Host, Aug 2024
Thank you so much for your glowing review! We're thrilled to hear that you had such a lovely experience with us. Diamanti and Nikos will be delighted to know that they made your day special. It's wonderful that you enjoyed the cooking, the wine, and all the little extra touches we included. Your recommendation means the world to us, and we hope to welcome you back for another delicious Cretan adventure soon! Safe travels!
Cooking Class in Crete
Marios_V, Jul 2024
We had a wonderful experience at our cooking class. The stunning views, delicious food, and welcoming hosts made it truly memorable. I highly recommend it to anyone in the area!
Response from Host, Jul 2024
Dear Marios, Thank you so much for your glowing review! We’re thrilled to hear that you had a wonderful time at our cooking class. It’s fantastic to know that the stunning views, delicious food, and our welcoming hosts made your experience truly memorable. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we’re grateful for your support. We look forward to hopefully seeing you again in the future! Best regards,
Authentic Cretan cooking exp
dianegrillas, Jul 2024
Perfect from beginning to end. Our driver/guide Nico was excellent. Picked us up on time, gave good commentary during drive, was an excellent translator for the cooking instructor and chef. The tour itself was well paced alternating between meal prep and walking the property learning about area and history. Our cooking instructor was delightful, easy to follow and made the whole experience fun. Our finished meal delicious, the property was beautiful and everyone made us feel so welcome. Highly recommend
Response from Host, Jul 2024
Dear guest, Thank you so much for your fantastic review! We’re delighted to hear that you had a perfect experience from start to finish. It’s wonderful to know that Nico’s punctuality, insightful commentary, and translation skills enhanced your tour. We’re also thrilled that you enjoyed the balance of meal prep and exploring the property, and that our cooking instructor made the experience both fun and educational. It’s great to hear that the delicious meal, beautiful property, and warm welcome added to your enjoyment. Your high recommendation means a lot to us. We look forward to hopefully welcoming you back for another exceptional experience! Warmest regards,
Cretan Cooking in a Beautiful Location!
Patricia_M, Jul 2024
The cooking experience was fantastic and the food was delicious! My niece and I enjoyed every minute of it. The cooking class was easy to follow, fun and took place in a beautiful setting. Overall, a wonderful tour!
Response from Host, Jul 2024
Dear Patricia, Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that you and your niece enjoyed the cooking experience and found the food delicious. It’s great to know that the class was easy to follow and that you had fun in such a beautiful setting. We’re delighted that the tour was a hit with you both. Your kind words mean a lot to us. We hope to have the pleasure of hosting you again soon! Best regards,
As amazing as the reviews say!
Lauren_S, Jul 2024
We had seen the excellent reviews for this tour online and it did not disappoint. From the moment we were picked up, we were welcomed and taught about Crete culture and history. The experience was well-paced, enjoyable, interesting, and delicious! We were even given a small gift at the end.
Response from Host, Jul 2024
Dear Lauren, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that our tour lived up to the excellent reviews you’d seen online. It’s great to know that you felt welcomed from the moment you were picked up and enjoyed learning about Crete’s culture and history. We’re delighted that you found the experience well-paced, enjoyable, and delicious. We’re also pleased that you appreciated the small gift at the end—it’s our way of saying thank you for spending the day with us. Your feedback means a lot to us, and we hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back for another memorable experience in the future! Warmest regards,
Totally recommend for an unforgettable day
1
Kalliopi_K, Jun 2024
Awesome cooking experience where we discover a wonderful place with awesome views on the mountains to cook. Our tour guide Yannis was very knowledgeable about Crete and we had a lovely time with him in our group. We had the possibility to taste some Cretan wines with a little guessing game included, as well as the food we made of course (we only did fairly easy cooking techniques so this class is accessible to everyone) and more (there was really a lot of food for everyone, so if you eat a lot you'll be more than satisfied). We also had a brief history of Crete and Greece (I, being Greek, got chills with the fast description of all that our country has endured). Everyone on the team was lovely and made sure we had a great time. It's also a great way to meet other travellers in Crete.
Response from Host, Jul 2024
Dear Kalliopi, Thank you for your amazing review! We’re thrilled to hear that you had such a fantastic cooking experience with us. It’s wonderful to know that the beautiful mountain views, Yannis’s knowledge, and the engaging activities made your time memorable. We’re delighted that you enjoyed the Cretan wines and the interactive guessing game, as well as the accessible cooking techniques and generous portions of food. It’s great to hear that the brief history of Crete resonated with you and that the team’s efforts contributed to a memorable experience. Thank you for highlighting how the tour is a great way to meet fellow travelers. We appreciate your feedback and look forward to welcoming you back for another exceptional experience in the future! Best regards,
Great fun for the whole family!
Angel_A, Jun 2024
It was a lot of fun! Our girls enjoyed the experience of cooking and learning about Crete! They were all very kind and welcoming.
Response from Host, Jul 2024
Dear Angela, Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that you and your girls had a lot of fun cooking and learning about Crete. It’s fantastic to know that the experience was enjoyable and that our team’s kindness and welcoming nature made a positive impression. Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We hope to have the pleasure of hosting you and your family again for another memorable adventure! Best regards,
Delicious food and drinks along with sharing a learning experience with new friends.
Donna_G, Jun 2024
Elutheria provided my family of three generations with a warm, charming and flavor filled experience that was the highlight of our time on Crete. Bravo!!
Response from Host, Jul 2024
Dear Donna, Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that Elutheria provided such a warm, charming, and flavor-filled experience for your family. It’s fantastic to know that this was the highlight of your time on Crete. Your praise means a lot to us, and we’ll be sure to pass along your compliments to Elutheria. Thank you for sharing your experience, and we hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back for another exceptional adventure in the future! Best regards,
A glimpse of paradise
Martine_R, Jun 2024
This tour can only be described as magical. Every element, from the guide to the breathtaking location, felt like a dream. The view was enchanting, and the ladies who welcomed us imparted their wisdom on cooking with the golden oil, sharing secrets of its flavors. We unanimously agreed that this day would be etched in our memories forever. Every moment was perfectly organized and truly worth every penny.
Response from Host, Jul 2024
Thank you so much for your enchanting review! We're thrilled that you found the tour magical and that every detail, from the guide to the breathtaking location, exceeded your expectations. It’s wonderful to hear that the view and the cooking experience with golden oil left such a lasting impression. We’re delighted that the day was memorable and well-organized for you. Your kind words mean a lot to us, and we’re grateful for your recognition. We hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back for another unforgettable experience in the future!

From $130.30

per person

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

- Secure your spot while staying flexible

Book ahead!
On average, this is booked 39 days in advance.

Explore Similar Things to Do

Attractions in Crete, Greece

More attractions near Crete, Greece

Nearby Destinations

More Tours in Crete

Explore Similar Things to Do
  • Half-day Tours
  • Bus & Minivan Tours
  • Day Trips
  • Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises
  • Private Sightseeing Tours
  • Crete
  • Bus & Minivan Tours - Adelianos Kampos
  • Half-day Tours - Heraklion
  • Bus & Minivan Tours - Heraklion
  • Half-day Tours - Chania
  • Bus & Minivan Tours - Chania
Attractions in Crete, Greece
  • Lanai Island Tours & Tickets
  • Lower Zambezi National Park Tours & Tickets
  • Brihadisvara Temple Tours & Tickets
  • Clock Tower Tours & Tickets
  • Garden of Gethsemane Tours & Tickets
  • Congress Square (Kongresni Trg) Tours & Tickets
  • Equestrian Statue of Queen Wilhelmina Tours & Tickets
  • Zagreb Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Tours & Tickets
  • Kotzia Square (Plateia Kotzia) Tours & Tickets
  • Great Barrier Island Tours & Tickets
  • Varna Retro Museum Tours & Tickets
  • Mt. Moiwa (Moiwa-yama) Tours & Tickets
More attractions near Crete, Greece
  • Lima Plaza Mayor Tours & Tickets
  • Petaling Street Market Tours & Tickets
  • Crocoparc Tours & Tickets
  • CoCo Bongo Playa del Carmen Tours & Tickets
  • Lingyin Temple Tours & Tickets
  • Atuel Canyon (Canon del Atuel) Tours & Tickets
  • Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana) Tours & Tickets
Nearby Destinations
  • Adelianos Kampos
  • Heraklion
  • Chania
  • Agios Nikolaos
  • Santorini
  • Milos
  • Ios
  • Paros
  • Naxos
  • Mykonos
  • Patmos
  • Kos
  • Saronic Gulf Islands
  • Bodrum
  • Kalamata
More Tours in Crete
  • Sailing
  • Olive Oil Tasting
  • Catamaran Cruises
  • Cruises & Sailing
  • Water Parks
  • Shore Excursions
  • Kayaking Tours
  • Full-day Tours
  • Wine Tastings
  • Dining Experiences
  • Outdoor Activities
  • Family-friendly Shows
Privacy and Cookies StatementAbout ViatorCareersSitemapSupplier Sign UpTravel AgentsBecome an AffiliateNewsViator blogAccessibility
Download the Viator app from the Google Play store
Download the Viator app from the Apple App Store
© 1997-2025 Viator, Inc.
Terms & ConditionsHow Viator works