Rethymno Traditional Arts & Workshops Tour

Overview

Available languages

English

2 hours

Mobile ticket

Join us on a 2-hour journey through Rethymno's Old Town, where Crete's heritage comes alive through local artisans.

Visit 4 family-run workshops, each showcasing the island's traditional crafts.

We begin at a Wood Workshop, where you'll see an artisan sculpt wood using his hands and basic tools. You'll take home a handmade wooden souvenir.

Next, we visit a Leather Workshop run by a third-generation craftsman. You'll see the craft and receive a personalized leather keepsake.

Then, step into the world of Papier-Mâché Art, where recycled materials become stunning works of art. Enjoy a hands-on experience creating your own piece to take home.

Finally, explore the Lyra Workshop and learn about Crete's iconic instrument from a craftsman featured in documentaries worldwide.

With a small group, enjoy personal interactions, local stories, and hands-on experiences.

Perfect for culture lovers and anyone who appreciates handmade craftsmanship.

Additional Info

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What To Expect

Old Venetian Harbour of Rethymno

Our journey begins at the picturesque Old Venetian Harbour, where we meet and set the stage for a walk through Rethymno’s charming alleys. This vibrant setting, lined with historic buildings and lively waterfront views, is the perfect introduction to the city's rich artistic heritage. From here, we make our way into the heart of the Old Town, where our first stop awaits.

Admission Not Applicable

Our journey begins with a hidden gem where a skilled wood artisan breathes life into raw materials, transforming them into exquisite handmade products. Using simple tools and expert techniques, the craftsman demonstrates the delicate art of wood sculpting. You’ll gain an appreciation for the patience and skill required to shape each intricate piece. Before we move on, enjoy a small handcrafted wooden souvenir as a reminder of this stop.

30 minutes • Admission Included

What‘s Included

Souvenirs

Children under 5 years old, join for free but do not actively participate or receive souvenirs

Options

Rethymno Traditional Arts & Workshops Tour

Reviews

5.00

13 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Lovely!
978bluebird,Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Virginia had been a lovely guide and she has also an own family background in handmanscraft, which made the tour even more interesting and authentic. Thank you so much for this experience!
Family second trip even better!
mcnabm,Nov 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Another amazing tour with an amazing guide! Virginia is so knowledgeable and friendly, we learned so much! This was my families is my second tour with this company (Filiko tours) and I'm so glad we came back and this time we brought my parents who loved it. I give them 10/10 and would recommend it for those interested in local handmade items with some history! Great experience!
Cool tour offering insight into small Cretan craft businesses
443michaelk,Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The traditional art and workshops tour with Virginia was perfect! We learned a lot and had a lot of fun. Virginia is a lovely guide. During the tour of the craft shops, she gave us additional information about Crete's cuisine, including tips on taverns. We can really recommend this tour!
Amazing experience!
Daydream44334429719,Oct 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
A must do if you visit Rethymnon! I did this tour with friends and we were all super happy of this experience! The shops were great and they thought us a lot of things!
Best tour in Crete
JetSet Jenny1,Oct 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Me and my friends had a wonderful time! Really nice experience with a great guide, Virginia. Highly recommended to anyone visiting Crete!
Great!
Sightsee762182,Oct 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
He had a great time with Virginia! Thank you very much, it was really interesting to have the possibility to have a look behind the scene in local handmanscraft!
Great experience with crafts, gifts, and a super friendly guide!
argil2025,Jul 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We loved the live demonstrations of woodworking and leatherwork. We also made our own worry bead and it was fun. The lyra workshop was also very interesting. It was a very nice experience. Each stop was very interesting. We learned about each craftsmanship and they also gave us handmade souvenirs. We got the opportunity to buy a few things in great prices for our families back home as well. The guide was super friendly and knowledgeable. Totally recommend this tour!
Amazing experience
Explorer40215727207,Jul 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Each stop, from the leather workshop to crafting our own worry beads, was interesting and unique. We also left with gorgeous keepsakes. Highly recommended!!
Crete couple experience
Maichol V,Jul 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Creative and Cheerful Experience We had a blast following Virginia through Rethymno's artisan quarter. She explained each craft so clearly, and it was amazing to try traditional techniques ourselves. Walking away with my handmade bead keychain felt like a real achievement. Thanks, Virginia, for such a cheerful and creative tour!
Crete amazing esperienze
Damiana P,Jul 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Friendly Guide, Lovely Crafts Right away, Virginia made our group feel like old friends. Between her fun stories and the hands-on craft shops, we were never bored—carving, threading, and painting our own keepsakes. By the end, I couldn't believe how much I'd learned in just a couple of hours. Definitely a highlight of my Rethymno trip!