Amazing Food Tours in Greece | Athens, Nemea, Nafplio, Kalamata

Athens – A City for Serious Food Lovers

Athens isn’t just about history and ruins—it’s a city where you can eat your way through tradition and creativity.

You’ll wander past bustling markets, duck into tiny bakeries hidden in side streets, and taste flavors that tell Greece’s story in every bite.

My Food Tour Pick

Start your Athens foodie adventure with a guided walking food tour that focuses on authentic, everyday Greek eats. Skip the tourist traps and head to where locals actually shop and eat.

Here’s what I love about this kind of tour:

• Variety: You won’t just try one meal—you’ll taste a dozen different things, from fresh koulouri (sesame bread rings) to creamy feta in local pies, souvlaki, and yoghurt with honey.
• Market life: You’ll explore the Central Market (Varvakios), where the sights, sounds, and smells create a sensory overload—in the best way.
• Neighborhood flavors: Many tours weave through Psirri, Monastiraki, and Plaka, so you’ll see beautiful streets in between bites.

Tip: Come hungry. And if you see loukoumades (Greek honey puffs) on the menu, don’t miss them. They’re little bites of heaven.

Cooking Class Option:
If you’ve got extra time in Athens, join a cooking class. Many start with a short market visit to pick up ingredients, then guide you through making classic dishes like spanakopita (spinach pie) or gemista (stuffed vegetables).

Best Things to Do in Athens

Beyond the food, Athens is packed with must-see sights.

Start with the Acropolis and its iconic Parthenon, then explore the Acropolis Museum for a deeper dive into ancient history.

Stroll through Plaka and the whitewashed alleys of Anafiotika, and explore Ancient Agora, the second most important site in Athens.

For sunset, head up to Lycabettus Hill for sweeping city views. Then wrap up your day with dinner at one of the many terraces overlooking the Acropolis.

Best Hotels in Athens:

There are numerous accommodation choices in Athens but here are some of my favorite ones:

• Luxury: The One Acropolis & The Dolli at Acropolis.
• Mid-Range: Living near the Acropolis by Sylvia Staikou & Rastoni Athens Suites near Acropolis.
• Budget: Dryades & Orion Hotel & Victory Inn Hotel.

Spending more time in Athens?
My Athens Travel Guide includes neighborhood tips, walking routes, and practical advice to help you explore the city beyond food stops — all based on my local experience.

Nemea – Wine Country with a Greek Soul

If Athens is energy and variety, Nemea is peace, nature, and some of the best wine in Greece. It’s located in the Peloponnese and is famous for its Agiorgitiko grapes—rich reds that are smooth and full of flavor.

On your way to Nemea, you can stop at the Corinth Canal, Ancient Corinth, and Acrocorinth.

My Food Tour Pick
This isn’t your typical walking tour—Nemea is all about winery visits. Join a wine and lunch experience where you:

• Visit three family-run vineyards and learn about Greek winemaking history (which goes back thousands of years here).
• Taste at least four different wines, paired with local cheeses, olives, and cured meats.
• Sit down for a proper lunch made with fresh, seasonal ingredients—often with recipes passed down through generations. Book the tour here.

The vibe here is slow and warm—you’ll probably leave feeling like you’ve just been to a big family lunch.

💡 Tip: Agiorgitiko pairs beautifully with lamb or pasta dishes. Don’t be shy to ask for pairing advice while you’re there.

What else to do in Nemea

I suggest you visit Ancient Nemea, home to the impressive Temple of Zeus and the ancient stadium where the Nemean Games were held.

Drive through the rolling hills to discover small, family-owned wineries, or hike through the beautiful countryside in spring when the wildflowers bloom. Nearby, you can explore the picturesque villages of the Peloponnese or stop at Lake Stymphalia for a peaceful nature escape.

Hotels in Nemea

Nemea doesn’t have a huge range of hotels, but here are some of my favorites:

• Naias Nemeia Luxury Rooms
• Kera Neme
• Vagelis Nemea apartments.

Nafplio – Romance on the Plate and in the Streets

Nafplio is one of Greece’s prettiest towns—seafront views, neoclassical mansions, and narrow streets that feel like a movie set. But beyond the postcard charm, it’s also a place for amazing culinary experiences.

In Nafplio, I recommend joining a 3-hour guided food walking tour that lets you taste your way through the town while exploring its charming streets and landmarks.

Starting from the meeting point, you’ll wander past neoclassical mansions and Venetian balconies, stopping at a traditional grocery store to sample local cheeses and sausages while learning the grocer’s secrets.

In Syntagma Square, your guide will share the history of this lively heart of Nafplio before leading you to a wine cellar for a tasting of local varieties.

Finish with a scoop of authentic, traditional ice cream and a walk to the waterfront, where you’ll admire the Bourtzi Fortress and hear its fascinating story.

Tip: Wear comfortable shoes—this tour mixes great food with beautiful sightseeing, and you won’t want to miss a step.

Best Things to Do in Nafplio

This romantic seafront town is packed with charm.

Climb the Palamidi Fortress for sweeping views, wander the cobbled streets lined with neoclassical buildings, and relax in the lively main square.

Go to Arvanitia or Karathonas for a swim.

Take a stroll along the Arvanitia Promenade, a scenic coastal path perfect for golden-hour walks. History lovers will enjoy a visit to Bourtzi Castle, set on a tiny island in the harbor. Nafplio also makes a great base for exploring nearby Mycenae or Epidaurus.

Hotels in Nafplio:
Nafplio has a large number of beautiful hotels. Here are some of my favorite ones:

• Castellano Hotel & Suites & 3 Sixty Hotel & Suites
• Nafplia Palace Hotel & Villas
• Hotel Ippoliti (with a swimming pool).

Kalamata – Where Olives Rule the Table

You might know Kalamata for its famous olives, but it’s also a lively seaside city with a relaxed vibe and an incredible food culture.

My Food Tour Pick:

Join an Olive Grove tour & Olive oil tasting & lunch that will open your eyes to the variety of flavors here. These tours often include:

• Tasting freshly pressed olive oil right at the source (and learning how to spot the good stuff).
• Walking through the city’s central market to see the freshest produce, herbs, and seafood.
• Greek lunch at a local tavern.

If you’re into unique experiences, you can also book a Cooking Class & Private Dining with Head Chefs, which is fun and surprisingly hands-on.

Tip: Kalamata’s seafront is perfect for an evening stroll. Grab a drink at one of the beach cafés and just enjoy the view.

Best Things to Do in Kalamata

Kalamata is more than olives—it’s a vibrant coastal city with plenty to explore. Wander the old town’s narrow lanes, visit the Archaeological Museum of Messenia, and stop by the central market for fresh local produce.

The city’s sandy beaches are perfect for a swim or a lazy afternoon, while the seafront promenade comes alive in the evenings.

For day trips, head to the postcard-perfect village of Kardamili or the dramatic Taygetus Mountains for hiking. Kalamata’s mix of history, nature, and seaside relaxation makes it an ideal foodie stop.

Hotels in Kalamata

If you’re heading to Kalamata for sun, sea, and good eats, these are the hotels I’d book in a heartbeat.

• Grand Hotel Kalamata
• Messinian Icon Hotel & Suites
• The Residences Kalamata.

FAQs on food tours in Greece

Show me a map of the areas we are visiting

Greek Food Ingredient Challenge – Answers & Fun Facts

Guess the correct ingredient in each dish—only one of the two options is right!

1. Moussaka
Which ingredient is essential?
a) Eggplant 🍆
b) Zucchini 🥒

2. Tzatziki
What gives it its fresh kick?
a) Dill
b) Basil

3. Spanakopita
Which green is the star?
a) Spinach
b) Cabbage

4. Souvlaki Marinade
Which spice is classic?
a) Oregano
b) Rosemary

5. Dolmades
What’s used to wrap the filling?
a) Grape leaves
b) Cabbage leaves

6. Greek Salad (Horiatiki)
Which cheese is traditional?
a) Feta
b) Halloumi

7. Fasolada Soup
Which bean is used?
a) White beans
b) Chickpeas

8. Loukoumades
What’s traditionally drizzled on top?
a) Honey
b) Maple syrup

Answers:

1. Moussaka – ✅ Eggplant 🍆
Fun fact: Greek moussaka layers eggplant, minced meat, and béchamel. In Turkey and the Middle East, variations use different vegetables or spices.

2. Tzatziki – ✅ Dill 🌿
Fun fact: Dill is the traditional herb in Greek tzatziki, though some island recipes use mint for a sweeter freshness.

3. Spanakopita – ✅ Spinach 🌱
Fun fact: Spanakopita dates back to the Byzantine era, and the crispy phyllo was originally handmade and rolled extremely thin.

4. Souvlaki Marinade – ✅ Oregano 🌿
Fun fact: Greek oregano (rigani) grows wild and has a more intense aroma than the dried oregano you find in most supermarkets.

5. Dolmades – ✅ Grape leaves 🍃
Fun fact: In ancient Greece, grape leaves were used not only for food but also to wrap cheese for preservation.

6. Greek Salad (Horiatiki) – ✅ Feta 🧀
Fun fact: True Greek feta is made from sheep’s milk or a blend of sheep and goat milk—never cow’s milk.

7. Fasolada Soup – ✅ White beans 🤍
Fun fact: Fasolada is sometimes called the “national dish of Greece” and was even offered to ancient Greek gods during festivals.

8. Loukoumades – ✅ Honey 🍯
Fun fact: Loukoumades are thought to be the world’s oldest recorded dessert, served to winners of the ancient Olympic Games.

Conclusion

So there you have it—some of the best food tours in Greece to tempt your taste buds and fill your camera roll. Come hungry, stay curious, and let Greece feed you in every way possible.

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