From Heraklion & Malia: Cretan Folklore Night with Buffet
Traveler rating
3.5/5
Based on 8 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is From Heraklion & Malia: Cretan Folklore Night with Buffet worth booking?
From Heraklion & Malia: Cretan Folklore Night with Buffet is a 6-hour experience in Heraklion, Greece, from $33 per person. It scores 54 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.5/5 rating across 8 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 54 / 100
- Rating
- 3.5/5 (8)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- $33 per person
Experience a night dedicated to music, dancing, and tasty local food during this Cretan folklore night in Karouzana, a traditional village near Heraklion. Sip on wine and taste local products such as cheese, olive oil, and meat during a buffet meal. Reaching the ancient village after pickup, walk through this magnificent place and experience the locals’ hospitality. At dusk, enjoy a traditional feast. Taste delicious dishes with cheese, virgin olive oil, meat, and other products of Cretan soil. Get treated with the wine, listen to the sound of the Cretan Lyra (Greek musical instrument), and take delight in looking at the dancers, dressed in their traditional costumes performing Cretan and Greek folk dances. Have a good time while still feeling safe: eating and drinking will be individual and sterile as required by law and waiters will wear masks and gloves. The seats and the tables will also have the appropriate spacing in accordance with legal requirements.<
What you get
About this experience
Experience a night dedicated to music, dancing, and tasty local food during this Cretan folklore night in Karouzana, a traditional village near Heraklion. Sip on wine and taste local products such as cheese, olive oil, and meat during a buffet meal. Reaching the ancient village after pickup, walk through this magnificent place and experience the locals’ hospitality. At dusk, enjoy a traditional feast. Taste delicious dishes with cheese, virgin olive oil, meat, and other products of Cretan soil. Get treated with the wine, listen to the sound of the Cretan Lyra (Greek musical instrument), and take delight in looking at the dancers, dressed in their traditional costumes performing Cretan and Greek folk dances. Have a good time while still feeling safe: eating and drinking will be individual and sterile as required by law and waiters will wear masks and gloves. The seats and the tables will also have the appropriate spacing in accordance with legal requirements.<
What's included
Included
- Dinner
- English, German, French, Polish and Russian tour guide available
- Hotel pickup Malia,Stalis,Hersonisos,Anissaras,Gouves,Heraklio,Amoudara,Ag Pelagia,Sisi(IF SELECTED)
Not included
- Tips
What you'll see and do
If you want to feel really like a true Cretan, come with us to the traditional village of Karouzana, a night dedicated to music, to dance and to tasty local food. Reaching the ancient village, we have the chance to take our walk through this magnificent place and be surprised by the locals’ hospitality. At dusk, we are going to enjoy the traditional feast, taste the delicious dishes with the cheese, the virgin olive oil, the meat and all the other products of the Cretan soil. Get treated with the wine, listen to the sound of the Cretan “Lyra” and take delight in looking at the dancers, dressed in their traditional costumes performing Cretan and Greek folk dances. At the end of the night, we can also join the dancers, who will teach us the basic steps, so that we can also dance like modern Zorbas! Experience a Cretan evening like never before, the only thing you need to bring is your good mood! INCLUDED: Buffet and Wine
360 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
from Agia Pelagia, Fodele
Pick up included: Pickup from Agia Pelagia, Lygaria, or Fodele. Pickup included
from Herakleion & Ammoudara
Pick up included: Pickup from Heraklion City or Ammoudara. Pickup included
Tour with Meeting Point
Tour with Meeting Point Pickup included
from Malia,Stalis,Hersonissos
Pick up included: Pickup from Malia, Stalis, Hersonisos, Analipsi, or Gouves. Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, en, fr
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Wed, Sat
- Group size
- Up to 14 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- PLATANOS TOURS
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please be at the port at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 8 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Food and drink
7 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
8 verified traveler reviews for From Heraklion & Malia: Cretan Folklore Night with Buffet. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
ACTIVITY SUMMARY (review noted above)
We had an appointment at 7 p.m., the day before, the time was changed to 5 p.m. Normally the activity was scheduled in French. The driver picked up English and French speakers, according to the guide, there was no more room in their bus. The trip lasted 2 hours and 30 minutes!!!! and the return as well, which made for 5 hours of travel!!!!! furthermore the minibus must not have had any shock absorbers and for the return it was even worse, because the driver was driving fast, he must have been in a hurry to get back. Needless to say that we had back pain for 2 days, absolutely unacceptable... The meal was mediocre, practically no Cretan specialties, and since there must have been about a hundred English speakers, the commentary was in English... We had chosen this activity because it was supposedly in French... I am giving it 3 stars and that is being generous. Fortunately the group of dancers was very good, for them I am giving 5 stars. In conclusion, I really do not understand why nothing is respected.
Response from the operator: thank you for the review
via Tripadvisor (translated)
A mediocre evening
A long drive, average show, too many people, no conviviality, a mediocre buffet, depending on when you get more food,. I wouldn't recommend it, I wouldn't do it again.
Response from the operator: une soirée folklore traditionnelle ne peut pas être dans une ville qui se trouve dans le village de karouzana à 45 minutes d'héraklion, cela dépend de l'endroit où vous séjournez, il y a beaucoup de nourriture au buffet. si vous n'aimez rien à manger, nous ne pouvons rien faire pour cela, car c'est la cuisine crétoise la plus traditionnelle.
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Not worth the time invested
I would spend double the money or even triple to not have a 6 hour round trip bus ride, better food and more professional entertainment. It is not the performers fault as they seem young and inexperienced. I think the proper expectations should be set for a more rookie type show with basic foods. They also ran out very quickly and had some frustrated patrons. It’s not worth the time invested though the hosts were excellent.
Response from the operator: the total tour was 6.5 hours how you say that you drive 6 hours 19.45 Arrival in Karouzanos 20.00 Starts the program 22.40 End of the program and departure with the bus 00.30 Arrival in Heraklion ROUTE: 50 km DURATION: app. 6 ½ hours STAY IN KAROUZANOS: app. 2 ½ hours
via Tripadvisor
Great night. Long drive.
The evening was very enjoyable. Loved hearing the music and seeing the dances from different areas of Greece. Food and wine were delicious and plentiful. Downside to the event was how long it took to get there. My ride was a total of 2.5 hours. I was solo. So with others I'm assuming it would not have felt so long.
Response from the operator: Ηello thanks for the review
via Viator
The dancers make the evening
A nice evening with Cretan music. The food is simple but good. It is mainly the dancers who make the evening more than worthwhile.
Response from the operator: Ηello thanks for the review
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Good to know
- Duration
- 6 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Wed, Sat
- Price range
- $33 to $45
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 3
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by PLATANOS TOURS, who run 38 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 55.5.
See everything PLATANOS TOURS runsWhy this scores 54
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
From Heraklion & Malia: Cretan Folklore Night with Buffet: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Heraklion.
How much does From Heraklion & Malia: Cretan Folklore Night with Buffet cost?
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Prices start at $33 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Heraklion usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does From Heraklion & Malia: Cretan Folklore Night with Buffet take?
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Plan for about 6 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Heraklion is not rushed.
Is From Heraklion & Malia: Cretan Folklore Night with Buffet worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 54 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.5/5 across 8 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Heraklion, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule From Heraklion & Malia: Cretan Folklore Night with Buffet?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is From Heraklion & Malia: Cretan Folklore Night with Buffet suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book From Heraklion & Malia: Cretan Folklore Night with Buffet?
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Around 3 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Heraklion can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Heraklion and add a light layer if any part of the 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does From Heraklion & Malia: Cretan Folklore Night with Buffet start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Heraklion within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Heraklion?
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On Outty we rank every Heraklion experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Knossos - Zeus Cave - Old Traditional Villages-Olive Oil Factory, Knossos & Lasithi Plateau: Zeus Cave, Villages, Olive Oil Tour, Quad Safari: Off-Road Day Tour with Dinner & Transfers. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Heraklion?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Heraklion?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in From Heraklion & Malia: Cretan Folklore Night with Buffet?
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Included: Dinner; English, German, French, Polish and Russian tour guide available; and Hotel pickup Malia,Stalis,Hersonisos,Anissaras,Gouves,Heraklio,Amoudara,Ag Pelagia,Sisi(IF. Not included: Tips. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does From Heraklion & Malia: Cretan Folklore Night with Buffet include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 422 listed pickup locations in and around Heraklion. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time.
What languages is From Heraklion & Malia: Cretan Folklore Night with Buffet offered in?
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It is offered in German, English and French. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for From Heraklion & Malia: Cretan Folklore Night with Buffet?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
What happens to From Heraklion & Malia: Cretan Folklore Night with Buffet if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Heraklion. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about From Heraklion & Malia: Cretan Folklore Night with Buffet?
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Across 8 reviews averaging 3.5 out of 5, recurring themes include food and drink, the guide, value for money. The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
What booking options are available for From Heraklion & Malia: Cretan Folklore Night with Buffet?
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There are 4 options to choose from, including from Agia Pelagia, Fodele, from Herakleion & Ammoudara, Tour with Meeting Point, from Malia,Stalis,Hersonissos. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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