Beer plus Old Town makes sense in Rethymno. This 3-hour crawl mixes Rethymno Old Town street scenes with 5 Greek craft beers, guided by a local beer expert and home brewer.

You’ll start at Bricks Beers & Tales and taste your way toward the Venetian Harbour, with photo stops built in and a slow, walkable pace.

What I like most is the small-group feel (max 8 people), so you’re not shouting over a crowd. I also like that you get a quick craft beer crash course from the guide, not just pours and plates.

One consideration: this is a walking tour, and it’s not recommended for people with walking difficulties. Add the Cretan sun on top, and you’ll want solid shoes and a hat.

Key takeaways before you go

• Max 8 people means it stays personal, not chaotic
• 5 Greek craft beers includes both samples and full pours
• Old Town orientation through less-known pedestrian streets with monuments and history cues
• A local beer guide + home brewer style approach to tastings and preferences
• Snacks plus a unique souvenir so you leave feeling like you got more than beer
• 6:00 pm start works well for a cooler, more comfortable walk

Where Rethymno’s craft beer fits into the evening

Rethymno does evenings well. This tour starts at 6:00 pm, right when the Old Town shifts from hot-day business to relaxed wandering. You’ll meet at Bricks Beers & Tales, Eleftheríou Venizélou 41, and get a first beer right away, which is a simple trick: it helps you loosen up before you head into the maze of lanes.

The real value here is the blend of beer culture and city orientation. You’re not just consuming; you’re learning what makes Greek craft beer different, how breweries build flavor, and how seasonal styles can change what you’ll want to try. With a group of up to 8, you also get time for the guide to match tastings to what you actually like.

A big plus for me is that the route focuses on walkable pedestrian streets and photo-friendly points near the Old Venetian Harbour. So you get that before-dinner feeling of seeing the town properly, without needing a car or a full day.

What you’ll drink: 5 Greek beers, not random pours

This isn’t a one-style “beer tasting” where everyone gets the same thing and hopes for the best. You’ll taste five Greek craft beers, and the tour includes samples plus full beers depending on what you’re working through.

That matters because craft beer is about nuance. The guide’s job (and the reason they bring in a home brewer’s perspective) is to help you connect what you taste to what you’re looking for. If you prefer something lighter, you’ll likely be pointed toward styles that match. If you’re more into bold flavors, you’ll probably be nudged that way too. You’ll also get a quick crash course, so terms like hop character, malt sweetness, or style balance won’t feel like a foreign language.

You’ll also get finger food and snacks along the way, which keeps the whole thing enjoyable. Beer tours can get heavy if you’re only drinking; here, you’re eating as you go, so you stay comfortable and present.

And if you’re wondering about quantity: you should plan on tasting multiple beers during the 3 hours, including at least some full pours. It’s enough to count as a proper beer experience, not a light sip-and-stroll.

Start at Bricks Beers & Tales: a welcoming first pour

The tour kicks off at Bricks Beers & Tales, which is a smart starting point for two reasons. First, you’re already in the craft beer setting, so the first drink makes sense. Second, it lets the guide set expectations before you start walking.

You’ll be welcomed with a refreshing beer and a short intro to the local craft beer scene and beer in general. This is where the “orientation” part begins. Even if you’ve never been to Rethymno, the guide’s framing helps you understand the town as you move through it: where the main sights sit, how the lanes connect, and what to notice along the way.

It also helps that the pace is slow. This isn’t about covering ground fast. It’s about getting your bearings while you’re still fresh.

A small practical tip

Come ready to walk. The tour is mostly on foot, and the sun can be intense. Pack a hat, sunglasses, and an extra layer just in case you get that sea-breeze cool-down near the Harbour.

Old Venetian Harbour kickoff: easy photos and a gentle start

After the first beer, you head toward the Old Venetian Harbour of Rethymno. The emphasis here isn’t on a long museum-style stop. It’s more like: take in the view, get your bearings, then start weaving into the Old Town streets.

This first walk segment is positioned as an introduction. You’ll explore less-known pedestrian streets and pick up clues about the town’s multi-cultural layers and iconic monuments. That kind of guided context is the difference between walking past something and actually understanding why it’s there.

The Harbour area also gives you a natural set-up for photos. You don’t need to hunt for a viewpoint. You’re taken to spots that are already photo-friendly, which saves energy and time.

One drawback to keep in mind: if you hate walking in heat, you’ll feel it. Even with a 6:00 pm start, you’re still out in the open. Comfortable walking shoes matter more than you think.

Through the pedestrian maze: Old Town craft beer hangout

The middle of the tour is where the tasting becomes the point. You’ll move to a craft beer hangout that’s described as well camouflaged—meaning it’s not the kind of place you’d spot instantly unless you had local help. That’s exactly why this part of the experience is valuable.

Here, you’ll do a multi-beer tasting session designed to show great brews and fit what you like. The guide will steer the tasting based on seasonal availability and your preferences, which is better than generic “try these five because it’s the schedule” group energy.

This stop is also a chance to ask the questions you’d normally hold back. When you’re in a small group, conversation is easy. And because the guide is connected to the craft-beer world (including a home brewer’s perspective), you can usually get straight answers instead of vague history. You’ll come away knowing what to order next time in Greece, not just what you drank this evening.

What to watch for during tastings

Try to slow down and taste intentionally. The guide’s crash course is short, so if you rush, you’ll miss the connections between flavor and style. If you’re a lighter drinker, say so early—so the guide can pace you for comfort.

The final Harbour stop: tap beer, finger food, and a decision point

The tour finishes with another slow pace walk toward a standout photo area near the Old Venetian Harbour. By the time you reach the final stop, you’ll have already built context for what you’re seeing: streets, monuments, and the way Rethymno’s Old Town connects to the sea.

At the end, you get a beer on tap of your choice, plus super tasty, quality finger food. This is a nice payoff moment because it gives you control. After tasting across different styles, you can pick what you actually want to repeat.

This is also your transition point. The tour ends back at the meeting point, but it’s clearly positioned as a way to start—or extend—your evening. In other words, you’ll leave with the town understood a bit better and your “beer preferences” sorted out enough to enjoy what comes next.

One small reality check: plan a relaxed evening after this. With multiple beers, you’ll want to keep the rest of the night low-key. And do not drink and drive—this tour is built around enjoying yourself safely.

Price and value: $102.41 for beer, snacks, and local guidance

At $102.41 per person for about 3 hours, this is not a budget activity. But it’s also not overpriced for what’s included. Here’s why the value can feel strong:

• You’re getting 5 Greek craft beers (samples and full pours), not just one or two tastes
• You’re also getting snacks/finger food that keep the pacing comfortable
• The tour includes a guided walking experience with photo stops and a craft beer crash course
• You receive a unique souvenir, which helps the tour feel complete
• “All fees and taxes” are included in the price, so you’re not doing math mid-trip

If you compare this to buying craft beer individually, the cost can make sense—especially in tourist areas where single tasting sets can add up. The bigger value, though, is that you’re paying for guidance: where to go, what to notice, and how to understand what you’re tasting.

You should also consider you’re paying for a small-group format. With a cap of 8 travelers, you’re less likely to lose time waiting in line or repeating questions.

Bottom line: if craft beer matters to you and you want a guided Old Town orientation without a long day, this price can feel fair.

Who this tour suits best in Rethymno

This is a great match if you want an evening that combines two interests: city wandering and craft beer. It’s also ideal if you like small groups where conversation is easy.

You’ll get the most out of it if:

• you’re curious about Greek craft beer beyond mainstream lagers
• you want a guided “how to taste” crash course
• you enjoy photo stops and learning what you’re looking at
• you prefer walking tours that help you find your way in a place

It’s probably not your best bet if you:

• have walking difficulties (the tour isn’t recommended for that)
• are traveling with babies (also noted as not recommended for families with babies)

If you’re traveling solo, this can work well too, because the group size stays manageable and the guide keeps things moving.

Practical tips that make the tour better

Here’s what I’d plan around before you go, based on the tour guidance:

• Wear comfortable walking shoes. You’ll be on foot for the full experience.
• Bring your own water bottle and stay hydrated. The Cretan sun is hot.
• Pack a hat and sunglasses, plus an extra layer in case the sea air cools things down near the Harbour.
• Bring a valid ID.
• Use a respectful pace: this is a relaxed crawl, not a sprint.
• Keep expectations realistic: this is adult-focused in terms of alcohol, and it’s scheduled for the evening.
• If you rely on public transit, you’ll be fine since it’s noted as near public transportation.

One more helpful detail: the provider can modify the route and stops based on weather conditions. That’s normal on the island, and it usually helps the experience stay safe and enjoyable.

Should you book the Craft Beer & City Tour in Rethymno?

If you like craft beer and you want a guided way to experience Old Town Rethymno without spending hours figuring out where to go, I’d book this. The best reason is the mix: you get beer education, actual tasting variety across multiple beers, and an Old Town walk that helps you understand what you’re seeing.

Also, the track record is strong: it’s rated 5 out of 5 with 25 reviews and 100% recommended. The praise tends to focus on great beer flavor and the Old Town portion, plus a friendly guide and an easygoing group vibe. That’s exactly what you want from a small-group beer walk.

If you’re worried about walking, heat, or timing, then reconsider. This tour needs you to move around and enjoy an outdoor evening.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Rethymno Old Town craft beer walking tour?

It lasts about 3 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 6:00 pm.

Where do I meet the guide?

You meet at Bricks Beers & Tales, Eleftheríou Venizélou 41, Rethymno 741 31, Greece.

What beers and food are included?

You get 5 Greek craft beers (samples and full) plus snacks and quality finger food.

How many people are in the group?

The tour has a maximum of 8 travelers.

Is there a mobile ticket?

Yes, you’ll have a mobile ticket.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

What should I bring or wear?

Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a water bottle. The tour suggests a hat, sunglasses, and an extra layer, since conditions can change.

What’s the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts. If you cancel later than that, you won’t receive a refund.

Is the tour near public transportation?

Yes, it’s noted as near public transportation. Service animals are allowed.