Tourists' Beverage Guide to Crete, Greece

Part of the fun of vacation in a foreign land is doing things like the locals do. Part of the misery of being in a foreign land is that tourists don't know what the locals know. Achieve the first and avoid the second with this tourist's guide to beverages in Crete, Greece.

Water

Tap water in Crete is drinkable, and bottled water is readily available at all shops and restaurants. Crete's arid summer weather is part of its attraction, but the 3 month dry spell can lead to water outages. It is wise to have some bottled water on hand 'just in case.' Samaria brand bottled water is produced from a spring in the adorable village of Stilos in the Chania prefecture, making it a good local option. Most restaurants don't automatically serve water; when it is ordered they'll bring bottled water, chilled. If you prefer to drink tap water just ask for a nero apo vrises - which will not be chilled. Ice with water is not automatic - ask for pagakia.

Beer

There are several bottled beers available on Crete. The most common in tavernas are Mythos and Amstel. Mythos is a Greek beer so it's good to try for a little local flavor, but Amstel has a strong following among Cretans. If you want a different brand, there are many imported beers available at the larger groceries.

Wine

There are basically three kinds of Cretan wine. White, red, and the family's red. The last one tastes and looks more like sherry than the red wine we're familiar with. All three are typically served chilled in short, unstemmed glasses. At restaurants you can order a bottle of white or red or you can ask for the house wine. This is usually sold in half liter or liters for quite a bit less than the bottles. There are a few exceptions, but the average bottle of wine is not any better than the house brand - so the only reason to splurge is if you're considering buying the same kind from the grocery store as a souvenir.

Soda

Gerani is a soda bottler located in Crete's Chania prefecture. If you want something a little bit exotic, try gazoza or biral. If you prefer to stay with what you know, Coca-cola is widely available. Soda is served chilled in a bottle with a glass but without ice or straw.

Tsikoudia