With unparalleled beauty, a heavenly cluster of crystal-clear turquoise coast, and powder-soft sandy beaches, the Greek islands bring with them unforgettable cultural experiences. Most visitors think Mamma Mia, olives and, of course, Athens but the Greek islands, especially Crete, promise delectable cuisine and exquisite evenings of fine dining. Crete, where the sun-kissed city of Chania lies enveloped in breath-taking beaches along the island’s north coast is brimming with stunning architecture. These architectural gems are reminiscent of Venice and the Ottoman Empire while rich history echoes from every corner of the city. This history is gracefully captured in its selection of boutique hotels, where stays are opulent, and treatment is first-class. The Venetian Harbour, perhaps one of Chania’s most spectacular assets, is bursting with life and all things quintessentially Mediterranean. For those with a wanderlust for the ultimate Greek retreat, and desire authentic cuisine, Chania is nothing less than a slice of paradise.

Wine and Gastronomy Experience Tours

With many places to see and things to do, Chania radiates unique charm. For a true cultural sense, visitors should start their Chania journey with a Wine & Gastronomy Experience Tour by Fabulous Crete. Set in the magnificent surroundings of the White Mountains within a quaint Cretan village, the tours are, unquestionably, an experience worthy of the Gods. Guests may choose to take part in a selection of three tours; all of which deliver a taste of Greece by serving traditional and locally sourced produce in elegantly designed glasses and plates. Each tour is an educational extravaganza, where one earns about and samples irresistibly delicious Cretan wines, dishes and cheeses.

Family-owned vineyards, wineries, cheese factories and olive mills are at the guests’ disposal. Each offered on separate tours, promising an ultimately relaxing and tasting splurge with a private glimpse of the magic behind the scenes. Among the local commodities available for tasting are the award-winning Romeiko wine, delectable Anthotiros cheese, organic Cretan olive oil and, of course, the internationally loved and classic Tzatziki. On each tour, an elaborate feast is served where guests sit back and bask in the sun, savouring a plethora of divine flavours. The staff are a truly wonderful group of individuals with that hearty Greek zest for life, guaranteed to make the experience even more fantastic for visitors.

Salis Restaurant

Located right on the harbour of Chania, Salis Restaurant is a place where guests can go to enjoy delicious Greek delicacies with a blissful view over the water. The restaurant focuses on serving the highest quality of food provided directly from producers on the island; a true local gem. The interior of the restaurant has a cool and contemporary feel, with smooth wooden tables and sand-coloured walls, both of which are embellished with wine bottles and an assortment of emerald green plants. A great portion of the restaurant is al fresco; perfect for a meal under the warm Mediterranean sun.

The menu at Salis is seasonal, so guests will be pleasantly surprised with different options according to when in the year they visit. A must-try is the mouth-watering Carbonara with Homemade Skioufikta. Skioufikta is the name given to the handmade Cretan pasta, topped with a serving of succulent bacon and wild boar sausage. Salis also serves an award-winning list of fine wines including the Nostos-Grenache, a red wine from the local Manousakis Winery. In addition to their top-notch service, the restaurant prides itself on excellent food and ambience, making Salis nothing short of a marvellous place to enjoy a meal.

Kariatis Restaurant

Also gracing Chania’s Venetian Harbour is the gorgeous Kariatis Restaurant, a culinary nirvana with many cuisines from steak to sushi. The restaurant is incredibly accommodating and inclusive, providing vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free food options. Founded in 1993, Kariatis is certainly one of the most ravishing restaurants to visit in Chania. The archaic stone walls of the interior are perfectly contrasted by a modern, glorious display of colour-changing lights of indigo, baby blue and gold. The tables, each ornamented with fresh white cloths and sparkling cutlery, are surrounded by plush chairs of the utmost comfort. For guests craving a bit of fresh Cretan air, Kariatis also provides dining al fresco.

One of Kariatis’ beautifully crafted dishes is the Tenderloin of Pork with Sweet Potato, which is served in a rich prune, merlot and mushroom sauce. The presentation of this dish is exquisite as mushrooms and flowers adorn the food. And how could one forget dessert? Kariatis’ Coffee, Chocolate and Caramel Cake are among the various desserts to delight the palette. Served with flawless precision, this dessert and its eclectic mix of flavours will undoubtedly leave one in a delightful mood. With the restaurant held in very high regard by its many visitors, Kariatis is one of Chania’s unmissable eateries.

Tamam Restaurant

A crown jewel in Chania Town is Tamam Restaurant. Located in one of the town’s picturesque alleyways, this restaurant is perfect for those searching to dine while immersed in authentic Greek scenery. Running since 1982, the restaurant’s food inspiration stems from various traditional family meals. What makes Tamam extra special? It’s the two owners, Eva and Markos, who see the value of family and treat both their customers and staff as their own flesh and blood.

Tamam’s will take you on a historical journey, explaining how this gastronomic haven was once a public bath for Venetians in 1400 AD and later the Turks in 1645 AD. The restaurant’s interior reveals this further as its majestic arch holds the building, meaning its furniture is elevated on two floors.

The food, an exceptional blend of Greek, Eastern Mediterranean and Ottoman cuisines, is commended for its exquisite and unique flavours. Tamam’s food is locally sourced as well as its wine, providing guests with the ultimate Cretan culinary experience. The Homemade Cretan Pies, famous in Crete as ‘Kalitsounia’ is served with locally produced white cheese; making it an unmissable starter. Such exquisite food can be enjoyed alongside live entertainment. Tamam owners are avid appreciators of the arts and have proudly hosted play performances, live music and photo exhibitions. Everything about Tamam suggests that the restaurant is run from the heart and soul.

Visiting Greece would be nothing without getting lost in its delicious local cuisine. Each eatery is completely unique in its own way; enticing, alluring, and completely intoxicating. And, with such sumptuous hotels to choose from, the experience can only be enhanced. For a full sensory experience, this splendid variety of culinary experiences means guests will certainly be spoiled for choice in Chania. In the heart of one of Crete’s most enthralling cities, a culinary paradise awaits all who venture there.