Heraklion, Galatas Village: Cretan Cured Meat Tasting & BBQ

Tucked away in the charming village of Galatas, near Heraklion, lies a culinary adventure that promises to transport visitors back in time. Led by a fourth-generation charcutier, this 1.5-hour Cretan cured meat tasting and BBQ offers a unique opportunity to take in the rich gastronomic heritage of the island. From traditional sausages to oven-baked feta and smoked pork fava beans, the menu promises a delightful exploration of Crete’s sustainable and time-honored practices. As you savor the flavors, you’ll also explore the captivating history of Cretan charcuterie, leaving you with a deeper appreciation for the region’s culinary traditions.

This experience made our list of the 7 Best BBQ Experiences In Crete.

Key Points

• Immersive culinary experience in the serene yard of a 4th generation Cretan charcuterie, featuring traditional cured meats and local dishes cooked in a wood-fired oven.

• Intimate gathering of up to 10 participants to explore the production facility, learn about the family’s legacy in charcuterie, and discover Cretan curing techniques.

• Menu highlights include traditional Cretan sausage, oven-baked feta, fava beans with Apaki, and the iconic Galaktoboureko custard pastry, accompanied by local wine.

• Opportunity to purchase cured meat souvenirs and gain an understanding of the family’s commitment to sustainability practices in the Galatas region.

• Available in both English and Greek, ensuring a personalized and accessible experience for diverse participants, with a flexible booking and cancellation policy.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Activity Overview

The Cretan Cured Meat Tasting & BBQ activity takes place in Heraklion’s Galatas village, lasting approximately 1.5 hours and accommodating a limited group size of up to 10 participants who can enjoy the experience in English or Greek.

This activity is free, with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Flexibility is key, as visitors can reserve now and pay later.

The setting provides a serene atmosphere, allowing guests to dine in the yard of the charcuterie and enjoy Cretan traditions.

Throughout the experience, you will learn about the history and sustainability practices of the family-owned business, dating back four generations in the Galatas area.

Culinary Experience

Hosted by Manolis Kassakis, a 4th generation charcutier, the culinary experience takes place in the serene setting of the charcuterie’s yard, where participants can indulge in a tasting of traditional Cretan cured meats and local dishes cooked in a wood-fired oven.

This immersive experience allows guests to learn about the benefits of the Cretan diet and gain insights into the traditional techniques of curing and preserving meat that have been passed down through Manolis’ family for generations.

From the flavorful Cretan sausage with vinegar to the oven-baked feta with tomato and oregano, each dish showcases the rich culinary heritage of the region, complemented by a glass of local wine.

Menu Highlights

Guests can expect to indulge in an array of traditional Cretan delicacies, including freshly baked bread served with robust olive oil, a seasonal salad, and a generous platter of Cretan cured meats and cheeses.

The menu highlights several local specialties, such as:

• Traditional Cretan sausage served with vinegar

• Oven-baked feta cheese with tomato and oregano

• Fava beans with Cretan Apaki (smoked pork)

The experience also features a sampling of Galaktoboureko, a delectable Cretan custard pastry, paired with a refreshing glass of wine.

Throughout the meal, guests will learn about the family’s four-generation legacy in producing traditional Cretan cured meats and the sustainable practices that have been passed down through the years.

Educational Component

Along With the culinary delights, the experience offers an educational component that delves into the rich history and sustainable practices behind Cretan cured meats.

Visitors can explore the production facility and surrounding farm, gaining insights into the four-generation family legacy of traditional Cretan charcuterie.

They’ll learn about the time-honored techniques of curing and preserving meat, as well as the history of the Galatas area dating back to Minoan times.

The discussion also covers the family’s commitment to sustainability, providing a deeper understanding of the Cretan diet and its benefits.

Through this educational aspect, guests come away with a newfound appreciation for the heritage and craftsmanship behind the delicious cured meats they’ve savored.

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Additional Information

Alongside the educational exploration, the experience offers souvenir options for visitors to purchase the cured meats they’ve savored during the tasting. This allows guests to take a taste of Crete home with them.

However, there are a few key considerations to note. The experience isn’t suitable for:

• Wheelchair users, as the venue may have accessibility challenges

• Vegans and vegetarians, as the menu prominently features traditional Cretan cured meats

• Those with insect allergies, as the facility and surrounding farm may expose participants to potential allergens

These restrictions ensure the safety and comfort of all attendees, enabling them to fully enjoy the authentic Cretan culinary journey.

Location and Duration

The tasting and BBQ experience takes place in the picturesque Galatas village near Heraklion, Crete, and lasts for approximately 1.5 hours.

Situated in a rural setting, you will dine in the serene yard of the Kassaki family’s charcuterie facility.

This intimate gathering is limited to just 10 guests, allowing for a personalized and immersive culinary journey.

The experience is offered in both English and Greek, catering to a diverse audience.

Whether you’re a local or a visitor to the island, this 1.5-hour activity provides a unique opportunity to savor the flavors of authentic Cretan cuisine and learn about the rich heritage of the region.

Group Size and Languages

This intimate gathering is limited to just 10 participants, allowing for a personalized and immersive culinary experience. The tasting and BBQ is offered in both English and Greek, catering to a diverse audience of locals and visitors alike.

The small group size ensures ample opportunity for one-on-one interactions with the host, flexible pacing to accommodate individual interests and questions, and a relaxed, convivial atmosphere for connecting with fellow foodies.

Whether you’re fluent in Greek or prefer the comfort of English, this Cretan culinary adventure is designed to be accessible and inclusive for all. The intimate setting and multilingual approach create the ideal environment to fully learn about the rich gastronomic traditions of this historic region.

Booking and Cancellation

Guests can easily reserve their spot for this culinary journey and enjoy a flexible booking policy, as the experience allows them to reserve now and pay later.

On top of that, they can take advantage of the free cancellation option, which permits a full refund if they cancel up to 24 hours in advance, providing them with the peace of mind to plan their Cretan adventure hassle-free.

This flexibility ensures that guests can confidently secure their place without any financial commitment until closer to the event date.

The hosts understand the importance of accommodating changes in schedules, making this Cretan cured meat tasting and BBQ experience accessible and convenient for all interested participants.

Recap

This intimate Cretan cured meat tasting and BBQ offers a delightful culinary journey through Crete’s rich heritage.

Led by a fourth-generation charcutier, the experience showcases traditional Cretan sausages, oven-baked feta, and smoked pork fava beans, all complemented by local wine.

Guests can enjoy the serene setting of the Kassaki family’s yard while learning about sustainable practices and the history of Cretan charcuterie.

You can check if your dates are available here: