A myth battle happens with your dinner. Troy Dinner-Show at Alar Dinner-Show Theatre is interesting because it mixes Greek mythology, interactive phone participation, and a proper sit-down meal before the battle between Greeks and Trojans. I love the family-friendly, crowd-involved show plus the modern theatre setup, but one possible drawback is that the vibe can feel more kid-centered than couples-only evenings.

If you’re staying around Heraklion or many nearby resorts, pickup options can remove the hassle of getting there and back. Expect about 3 hours total, and you’ll use a mobile ticket at the venue.

Key things to know before you go

• Interactive games during the performance let you affect parts of the story using your phone
• A full pre-show dinner window starts before the main show so you’re not stuck waiting around
• Alar Dinner-Show Theatre is purpose-built with a big stage and screen that reaches into the audience area
• Food is generally well-reviewed, including vegan options, but service can be inconsistent in rare cases
• Pickup is optional from a wide list of areas, and you’ll get exact pickup details the day before
• Troy is the family show and there’s also a more adult-focused Spectacular option at the same venue

Troy Dinner-Show at Alar Theatre: how the night actually flows

This is a classic Crete dinner-show setup, but it’s run like a coordinated event rather than just a stage performance with dinner on the side. Doors open in the early evening, dinner begins soon after, and the main show starts on schedule, so you’re not waiting all night for the action.

I like that the experience is structured around momentum. You get characters introduced, you eat while the show world gets going, then the theatre turns into a full-on battle scene where you’re not just watching—you’re participating.

One thing to flag: Troy is intended for families. That doesn’t mean adults won’t enjoy it, but if you want a quiet, grown-up night out, you should consider the adult Spectacular show instead.

Price and what $42.33 really covers

The price here is $42.33 per person, and the theatre admission is included. In practice, you’re paying for three things that add up fast: a ticket to a staged Greek-myth production, a sit-down meal, and a venue experience that’s built for interaction.

Some nights in Crete feel like you’re paying mostly for the stage show. Troy is closer to paying for the whole package—show + dinner + involvement. If you add a transfer, the overall value can improve further because you’re not paying separately for transport.

That said, dinner shows aren’t cheap by default. If you’re traveling on a tight budget, you may want to compare against other Cretan options like a simple tavern dinner plus a shorter activity.

Getting there from Heraklion and nearby resorts (pickup that helps)

The biggest logistics win is that pickup is available. You can choose the transfer-included option and tell the operator your pickup place, then you’ll receive the exact pickup time and location the day before.

Pickup is offered from a long list of areas, including (among others) Malia, Hersonissos, Anissaras, Analipsi, Gouves, Kokkini Hani, Sissi, Karteros, Heraklion, Ammoudara, Agia Pelagia, Elounda, Agios Nikolaos, Milatos, Fodele. If you’re outside these zones, you’ll go directly to Alar Dinner-Show Theatre.

Practical tip: even with pickup, you’ll still want to build a little slack into your evening. Dinner shows run to their internal schedule, not your hotel’s “we’ll see” timing.

Stop 1: Alar Dinner-Show Theatre and the Troy story battle

This is where the whole evening happens: Alar Dinner-Show Theatre, a venue designed for big-stage storytelling. The layout is a big part of the experience—there’s a large screen, and the stage area is close enough that you feel like you’re part of the action rather than seated far away in the dark.

The theme is the battle between the Greeks and the Trojans, with Greek mythology “brought to life” through performance. Expect a mix of acts and show elements: singing, dancing, and acrobatics show up as the night builds.

The show also leans into interaction. You may get chances to join in with phone-based games using a QR code, voting and playing along at multiple moments. It’s not the kind of interaction where you only watch from your seat—it’s more like you’re periodically asked to react and choose during the storyline.

Dinner before the show: what you can expect from the meal

Dinner begins before the main performance. Doors open at 7:00 pm, dinner starts at 7:30 pm, and the show begins at 8:30 pm. That means you’re eating while the event is already unfolding, not after the theatre lights go down.

A lot of people come away happy with the food quality, including mentions of good vegan options. There’s even a specific reference to vegan moussaka, and the meal is described as solid for a dinner-show format.

Here’s the honest consideration: dining service can vary. In rare cases, issues like delayed mains or food served cooler than expected have shown up, and one situation involved allergy communication not landing smoothly at the table. The operator response indicates allergies are taken into account and handled by the chef, but the key takeaway for you is simple—share allergy details clearly at booking, and remind staff when you arrive.

If you’re ordering based on dietary needs, aim to arrive on time so the service flow works in your favor.

How to get the best seats and the best experience

There isn’t a single “secret” to better viewing, but your best strategy is to arrive before doors open. Doors open at 7:00 pm, and people are sometimes standing around before seating access starts. If you’re sensitive to waiting—especially in warm weather—build in a plan like light snacks, water, and a small layer for evening air.

Inside the theatre, the staging is built to pull you in. Since the stage area extends toward the audience, you’ll feel the performers closer than in many older dinner-show venues.

For the interactive parts, treat your phone like part of the show gear. Have your screen ready, and keep your battery topped up. If you’re the kind of person who prefers to watch quietly, you can still enjoy Troy, but you’ll miss some of the fun if you ignore the phone prompts.

Family-first vibe: perfect for some nights, wrong for others

Troy is the family show. That’s the line in the sand. You’ll see a lot of kids—and the performers often play to the whole room with bigger gestures and more audience involvement.

I don’t think that automatically makes it a bad choice for adults. Plenty of adults enjoy the Greek myth theme plus the acrobatics and storytelling. But if you’re a couple looking for a more adult-only atmosphere, you may find it feels a bit more “day out with entertainment” than “grown-up theatre night.”

If your group includes both kids and adults, Troy is often a win because everyone can latch onto something: acrobatics for kids, mythology theme and performance energy for adults.

Transfers, timing, and the end-of-night reality check

The schedule is tight: dinner starts at 7:30 pm and the show starts at 8:30 pm. If you’re taking pickup, you should expect the vehicle timing to be coordinated around the show ending, not around a precise minute right as the curtain falls.

One reported snag involved a short wait after the show before the car departed. The broader point for you: plan on a little downtime after the performance while pickup groups are handled.

If you hate waiting, you can reduce that stress by staying near the pickup meeting area once the show ends and keeping your phone and ticket ready. It’s not glamorous, but it works.

Accessibility and practical comfort

The venue is listed as near public transportation, which helps if you’re not using pickup. Service animals are allowed too, which matters for travelers who rely on them.

Most people can participate in the experience. The main thing is that the show is interactive with phone prompts. If you’re traveling with someone who struggles with smartphone use, you’ll want to partner up—one person can handle the prompts while the other enjoys the performance.

Should you book Troy Dinner-Show in Heraklion?

Book Troy Dinner-Show if you want an easy, all-in-one evening in Crete: dinner included, Greek mythology themed performance, and a modern theatre that’s designed to keep you watching and participating. It’s especially strong if you’re traveling with kids or you like interactive experiences where the show responds to your choices.

Skip it (or switch to the adult Spectacular show) if you’re aiming for an adults-only night out, or if you know you’ll be extremely sensitive to dinner-service timing. Also think twice if your dinner needs are complex—because while the operator says allergies are taken into account, the way meals land at the table can still be a variable point in any large production.

If you’re booking soon, it’s smart to reserve ahead. This experience is commonly booked about 23 days in advance on average, which suggests it fills up during peak periods.

FAQ

How long is the Troy Dinner-Show experience?

It runs for about 3 hours (approx.).

Where does the Troy Dinner-Show take place?

It takes place at Alar Dinner-Show Theatre in Heraklion, Greece.

What time does the evening start, and when does the main show begin?

Doors open at 7:00 pm, dinner starts at 7:30 pm, and the show starts at 8:30 pm.

Is pickup available from hotels?

Pickup is offered. If you choose the option with transfer included, you’ll need to provide your pickup place, and you’ll receive the exact pickup time and place the day before.

Can I use a mobile ticket?

Yes, mobile tickets are supported.

Is the food and show suitable for families?

Troy is described as the family show, and it’s promoted as family-friendly and interactive.

Does the experience allow service animals?

Yes, service animals are allowed.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. The experience may also be canceled if a minimum number of travelers isn’t met, in which case you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.