Old Town turns into a totally different place at golden hour. This 3-hour craft beer walk mixes Rethymno orientation with a friendly tasting run through the streets you’ll want to revisit later.

I especially like that you start with a proper first pour and quick craft beer crash course, then keep moving at a relaxed pace. You’ll also get a style-by-style sampling plus snacks and a souvenir, which makes the whole thing feel like more than just drinking.

One thing to weigh: it’s a walking tour, and it’s not recommended if you have trouble with longer stretches on foot or if you’re traveling with babies.

Key takeaways

• Small group (max 8) keeps the guide’s attention on you, not on a crowd
• 5 Greek craft beers come through as samples plus full pours, matched to your preferences
• Old Venetian Harbour photo stops give you easy wins for your camera roll
• Old Town streets + monuments orientation helps you understand what you’re seeing as you go
• Snacks and a unique souvenir mean you leave with both flavor and a takeaway

Why Rethymno’s Old Town at 6:00 pm is a smart time

Rethymno is at its best when the heat starts to ease, and the streets shift from daytime errands to evening strolling. Starting at 6:00 pm also means you get that sweet spot where the Old Town feels lively, but you’re not competing with peak sun.

This tour works because it’s not just a list of bars. You’re walking the less-known pedestrian streets while the guide connects what you see to the town’s mixed cultural layers, so your bearings get better fast.

The best part is the pacing. It’s slow enough to chat, ask questions about beer, and take photos, but structured enough that you always know what’s coming next.

Craft beer 101, done right (before the streets start)

Before you wander, you get a quick setup: what craft beer is, how beer styles differ, and how to think about what you’re tasting. It’s a simple primer, but it helps you actually enjoy the samples instead of guessing.

You’re also not locked into one flavor path. The tastings are designed to match your preferences and what’s seasonal, which is a big deal if you don’t usually drink craft beer. You can go in curious, then leave with a clear sense of what you liked and why.

And yes, the guide is a big part of the value here. You get the perspective of a local beer expert and home brewer, so the explanations stay practical instead of turning into a lecture.

Stop 1: Old Venetian Harbour and that first refreshing beer

You meet at Bricks Beers & Tales and get welcomed with a refreshing beer right away. It’s a great start because it gets you relaxed before you hit the maze of streets, and it also sets the tone for the craft conversation.

From the Old Venetian Harbour area, you ease into the Old Town on pedestrian lanes that many people miss if they only follow the main walkways. This is where the guide’s local knowledge matters most: you’re not just looking at monuments, you’re getting the context so they make sense in your head.

This first stretch is about orientation. By the time you finish, you’ll know which streets to circle back to later and how the town lays out from the harbor side. That’s a real vacation skill, and it’s hard to fake on your own.

Stop 2: Hidden-feeling Old Town streets and a style-by-style tasting

Next comes a camouflaged craft beer hangout, the kind of place that makes you think, How did I not notice this earlier? Here’s where the tasting session turns more intentional.

You’ll do a multi beer style tasting, and the goal is simple: try several styles, learn the basics as you go, and get help choosing what fits you. Since the tour includes both samples and full pours across the evening, you won’t feel like you’re only nibbling at flavor.

You’ll also get snacks during this part—quality finger food that helps keep everything comfortable. It’s especially useful if you want to keep walking afterward without feeling weighed down or caught off guard.

The only practical drawback: since you’re tasting multiple beers, it’s smart to go in hydrated and plan to slow down at each stop. The pace is easy, but your taste buds will work better if you’re not starting thirsty.

Stop 3: Best photo stop by the harbour, then tap beer and finger food

The walk continues at a slow pace toward the final stretch, including a photo-focused point by the Old Venetian Harbour. You’ll get that classic “I’m in the right place” view without having to hunt around for the perfect angle.

At the last stop, you order from beer on tap—your choice—then dig into more super tasty finger food. This is where the tour shifts from guided tasting into free-wheeling enjoyment. If you want to turn the evening into a longer bar hop on your own, this stop sets you up well.

The tour ends back at the meeting point, but in practice it’s a springboard. By now you’ll know the route back and you’ll likely have a few ideas about where you want to go next.

What the price really buys you (and who gets the best value)

At $102.41 per person for about 3 hours, the price lands in the mid-to-higher range of walking tours—but the value is tied to what’s included. You’re not paying just for a stroll and a guide. You’re paying for 5 Greek craft beers (samples and full), snacks, a crash course, a souvenir, and the time of a local home-brewer-type guide.

That’s why this feels worthwhile if you like beer, want to understand styles, or want a guided way to learn the town. If your goal is only exercise or only sightseeing, you might find a straight city walking tour cheaper.

Where it shines most is the small-group format. With a maximum of 8 travelers, you’re more likely to get real conversation and personalized suggestions, which is exactly the point of a craft tasting tour. One group of eight can be fun; a group of thirty can turn into a line.

Pacing, walking comfort, and what to bring

Even though it’s relaxed, it’s still a walking experience. Wear comfortable shoes and plan for a bit of movement between stops. The tour also explicitly isn’t recommended for people with walking difficulties, so take that seriously.

Because it’s Crete and it starts in the evening, the temperature can still surprise you. Bring your own water bottle, and consider a hat and sunglasses. An extra layer is a smart call too—coastal air can feel cooler as the evening goes on.

You’ll also want a valid ID, and you’ll probably appreciate having it handy in case it’s needed for the alcohol part of the experience. And please, do not drink and drive. The vibe is for enjoying, not hustling.

Finally, bring enthusiasm. The guide can only work with what you bring, and a craft beer tour is way better when you’re willing to ask, taste, and compare.

Who this craft beer walk is best for

This is a great fit if you:

• Want Old Town orientation without spending hours getting lost
• Enjoy craft beer and like learning what makes styles different
• Prefer a small-group experience where you can talk to the guide
• Want snacks plus a souvenir, not just a tasting flight

It’s less ideal if you:

• Have limited mobility and can’t handle walking between stops
• Need baby-friendly timing (it’s not recommended for families with babies)
• Expect zero-walking or a sit-down only experience

If you’re visiting for your first time in Rethymno, this is also an efficient way to understand the town’s layout early in your trip. Even if you don’t become a craft beer convert, you’ll still come away with a stronger sense of place.

Should you book this Rethymno craft beer tour?

I’d book it if you want a fun evening that combines beer knowledge, good food, and a guided look at Rethymno’s Old Town streets. The strongest selling points are the small group size, the fact that you get multiple Greek craft beers with explanation, and the Old Venetian Harbour photo moment that makes your effort feel worth it.

If you’re a big walker who enjoys tasting new things, you’ll likely have an easy, memorable time. If beer isn’t your thing, or you’re not comfortable with walking, you may get more value from a different kind of Old Town tour.

FAQ

What’s the duration of the Craft Beer & City Tour in Rethymno?

It’s about 3 hours.

Where does the tour start, and when does it begin?

The tour starts at Bricks Beers & Tales, Eleftheríou Venizélou 41, Rethymno 741 31, Greece, and it begins at 6:00 pm.

What’s included in the tour price?

You get alcoholic beverages (5 Greek craft beers, samples and full), a guided walking tour with photo stops, snacks, a crash course in craft beer, a unique souvenir, and all fees and taxes.

How many people are on the tour?

The tour has a maximum of 8 travelers.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it’s offered in English.

Do I need to bring anything?

Bring a water bottle, wear weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes, and have a valid ID.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?

Most travelers can participate, but it’s not recommended for people with walking difficulties and not recommended for families with babies.