July 5, 2026
Pair a Chania boat trip with a proper tasting of Cretan wines. Here is what wine tasting on board is like in 2026, the local grapes to look for, and how to plan a relaxed sunset cruise with our wine partner Skywine.
Crete has one of the oldest wine cultures in Europe, with vines worked here for thousands of years. Tasting those wines on the water, glass in hand as the coast slips past, turns a good boat trip into a memorable one. Wine tasting on board has become one of the most popular ways to spend a relaxed afternoon or sunset out of Chania.
Here is what to expect, which Cretan wines to look for, and how to plan a tasting cruise that does the local bottles justice.
A good on-board tasting is unhurried. The boat anchors in a calm bay or drifts slowly along the coast while a host pours a flight of local wines, usually three to five, and talks through each one. Cretan mezes such as cheese, olives, rusks and tomato pair with the wines, and there is time for a swim between glasses. It is casual rather than formal, and works just as well for curious beginners as for keen wine lovers.
Crete's real interest lies in its native grapes, which you rarely find elsewhere:
For the wine itself, we work with Skywine, our recommended wine partner on Crete. They curate the local bottles we pour on board and can put together a tasting flight matched to your group, so the wine on your cruise is chosen by people who know the island's producers well.
Most tasting cruises leave from the Chania old harbour in the late afternoon. A few tips:
Wine tasting on board is ideal for couples, groups of friends and special occasions, and for anyone who wants a slower, more grown-up boat trip. It is less suited to families with young children or those after an action-packed day, who may prefer a swim-and-snorkel cruise instead.
It is aimed at couples, friends and special occasions rather than young families. Families are usually happier on a swim-and-snorkel cruise, though children can join a private tasting trip with soft drinks provided.
No. On-board tastings are casual and guided, so they work just as well for curious beginners as for keen wine lovers. Tell your host your tastes and they will build the flight around them.
Usually native grapes, such as the white Vidiano, Vilana and Thrapsathiri and the red Kotsifali, Mandilari and Liatiko. Our wine partner Skywine curates the bottles poured on board.
It is a relaxed cruise, often at sunset, where a host pours a flight of local Cretan wines with mezes while the boat anchors in a calm bay or drifts slowly along the coast.
Sophia M. – London, UK • July 20, 2026
This sounds like the most perfect way to experience Chania; I always picture the magic of a sunset cruise paired with wine! I've been researching Cretan wines for ages, so learning about the specific local grapes you mentioned is genuinely exciting. I hope to follow your recommendations and plan a similar sunset tasting for my visit next year.
Emma R. – Berlin, Germany • July 19, 2026
This sounds like the most magical way to spend a Greek sunset. I have always wanted to truly explore Cretan varietals, and pairing that with a leisurely cruise from Chania sounds absolutely perfect. I've booked my trip for next year and this gave me the perfect idea for how to celebrate!
Lucas T. – Paris, France • July 12, 2026
This sounds like the perfect way to experience Crete! I've always been fascinated by the local grapes, and pairing them with the views of Chania from the water must be breathtaking. I'm definitely adding this sunset cruise to my list for a trip next year—it seems like the ideal relaxing way to end a day of exploration.
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From snorkelling and windsurfing to boat trips, sunset cruises and coastal walks, here are the top activities in Almyrida on Crete's Apokoronas coast for 2026 and who each one suits.
Discover the best places to visit by boat from Georgioupoli on Crete's Apokoronas coast, from long open beaches and the Agios Nikolaos chapel to the sheltered coves toward Almyrida and Kalyves.
Discover the best places to visit by boat from Marathi on Crete's Akrotiri peninsula, from its twin coves and Seitan Limania to Souda Island and the sheltered beaches across the bay.
Discover the best places to visit by boat from Kalyves on Crete's Apokoronas coast, from sheltered swimming coves and the Drapano sea caves to Souda Bay and the long beaches toward Georgioupoli.
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An overview of sailing around Crete in 2026 — the difference between the windy north coast and the wild south, where to go from Balos to Gavdos, when to sail, and how to choose between bareboat, skippered and day charters.
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A practical guide to sailing in Souda Bay, one of the largest natural harbours in the Mediterranean. Where to anchor, what the wind does, the naval restrictions to respect, and the best coves to reach by boat.
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From snorkelling and windsurfing to boat trips, sunset cruises and coastal walks, here are the top activities in Almyrida on Crete's Apokoronas coast for 2026 and who each one suits.
Discover the best places to visit by boat from Georgioupoli on Crete's Apokoronas coast, from long open beaches and the Agios Nikolaos chapel to the sheltered coves toward Almyrida and Kalyves.
Discover the best places to visit by boat from Marathi on Crete's Akrotiri peninsula, from its twin coves and Seitan Limania to Souda Island and the sheltered beaches across the bay.
Discover the best places to visit by boat from Kalyves on Crete's Apokoronas coast, from sheltered swimming coves and the Drapano sea caves to Souda Bay and the long beaches toward Georgioupoli.
Jul 3, 2026
An overview of sailing around Crete in 2026 — the difference between the windy north coast and the wild south, where to go from Balos to Gavdos, when to sail, and how to choose between bareboat, skippered and day charters.
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A practical guide to sailing in Souda Bay, one of the largest natural harbours in the Mediterranean. Where to anchor, what the wind does, the naval restrictions to respect, and the best coves to reach by boat.