Santorini: Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting & Optional Meal

If you’re visiting Santorini and looking to add a different flavor to your trip, the Ftelos Brewery tour offers a fun, authentic look behind the scenes of local craft beer production. This experience combines a guided exploration of the only walk-in brewery on the island with generous tastings of six artisanal beers paired with delicious bites. It’s perfect for those craving a break from the usual sunset and sightseeing routines, especially if you enjoy discovering local flavors and eco-conscious practices.

What makes this tour stand out? First, you’ll get to taste the famous Blue Monkey beer, inspired by the playful monkeys painted on Akrotiri walls. Second, the bioclimatic garden surrounding the brewery is a rare sight that adds to the experience, creating a relaxing environment that offsets the brewery’s carbon footprint. Lastly, the expert guidance ensures you leave with a deeper understanding of beer-making, ingredients, and pairing ideas.

One potential consideration is the tour duration—lasting between 45 to 75 minutes, so if you’re tight on time or prefer longer experiences, plan accordingly. Also, since alcohol is served only to guests over 18, those traveling with children should note the optional refreshment for minors. This tour suits adventurous travelers, beer enthusiasts, or those simply looking for a unique, educational activity in Santorini.

Good To Know

• Authentic Visit: The only walk-in brewery on Santorini offers a genuine look at local craft beer production.
• Tasting Experience: Sample six artisanal beers, including the iconic Blue Monkey, paired with tasty bites.
• Environmental Focus: Surrounded by a bioclimatic garden, showcasing eco-friendly brewing practices.
• Expert Guidance: Learn about beer ingredients, brewing techniques, and specifications from a knowledgeable guide.
• Visuals & Facilities: Get a close-up view of brewing tanks, bottling, filtering, and even the control panel.
• Flexible & Accessible: Duration varies; suitable for many travelers, with private groups available and wheelchair access.

You can check if your dates are available here:

A Detailed Look at the Santorini Brewery Tour

The Experience Begins: Easy Accessibility & Meeting Arrangements

Starting your brewery visit is straightforward—arrive 10 minutes early at the designated meeting point. The tour is designed to accommodate different schedules, lasting approximately 45 to 75 minutes, depending on the day and your pace. The tour concludes back at the starting point, making it convenient for those planning to explore the island afterward.

Visiting Ftelos Brewery: The Only Walk-in Brewery on the Island

One of the biggest draws here is the chance to enter Ftelos Brewery, the sole brewery on Santorini accessible to visitors. Unlike larger industrial setups, this is an artisan operation that prides itself on quality and local ingredients. The brewery’s on-site production means you can see everything firsthand—from the fermentation tanks to the bottling process—offering a rare glimpse into small-scale brewing.

Guests have appreciated the transparency of the operation. As one reviewer noted, being so close to the production area, they could observe the control panel, fermentation tanks, and even the bottling and filtering process. It’s a fascinating peek into the craft side of beer making, especially for those interested in the technical aspects.

The Bioclimatic Garden and Eco-Conscious Approach

Surrounding the brewery is a beautifully landscaped bioclimatic garden. This lush space helps offset the brewery’s carbon footprint and creates a microclimate that keeps the area cool and pleasant. Visitors have raved about how this garden adds a peaceful, scenic element to the experience—something you wouldn’t typically expect from a brewery visit. It’s a subtle reminder of the local commitment to environmental sustainability, which many guests find inspiring.

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Learning from an Expert & Tasting Six Beers

A highlight of this tour is the guided tasting led by a knowledgeable expert who explains the ingredients, brewing process, and flavor profiles of each beer. The Blue Monkey beer, inspired by murals in Akrotiri, is a crowd favorite. Reviewers have mentioned that the pairing of beers with carefully selected bites elevates the experience—making it not just about drinking, but about appreciating beer craftsmanship.

Guests taste a total of six different artisanal beers, from the refreshing, crisp drafts to more complex modified brews. The expert guide also shares stories behind each style, which enhances the tasting and gives you ideas for future pairings.

Food & Snack Pairings

The snacks included are a well-thought-out accompaniment to the beers. Many reviewers praised the quality and variety of the nibbles, emphasizing how well they matched each beer—whether salty, savory, or slightly spicy. For vegan or other dietary needs, some guides are flexible, as noted by a guest who appreciated the vegan options provided when requested.

Additional Insights & Personal Touches from Reviewers

One reviewer expressed how the passion and enthusiasm of the guide, Minos, made the experience memorable. They appreciated his friendly attitude, detailed explanations, and the fact that he made everyone feel comfortable—even if they were the only participant at the time. This personal touch elevates the tour from a simple tasting to a fun, engaging activity.

Several guests mentioned the value for money—with six beers and snacks included for just over $28 per person, many found it a fantastic deal. As one reviewer simply said, “Great value for money and great unique beers!”

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience appeals most to beer lovers, eco-conscious travelers, and those seeking a local, authentic activity away from the usual tourist spots. Its informative nature makes it especially good for curious travelers who want to learn something new. It also works well for groups, couples, or solo visitors looking for a relaxed yet educational afternoon.

Practical Details & Tips for Visitors

Price & Duration: At around $28.23 per person, the cost is quite reasonable for a guided experience that includes tastings and bites. The tour lasts between 45 to 75 minutes, so plan your day accordingly—it’s perfect as a quick, engaging activity.

Availability & Flexibility: Check availability to see the specific starting times, but the flexibility to reserve now and pay later offers peace of mind, especially during busy months.

Accessibility: The tour is wheelchair accessible and offers private group options, making it inclusive for various needs.

Age Restrictions: Since alcohol is served only to those over 18, children will be offered a refreshment, but the main tasting experience is for adults.

Additional Services: If you’re interested in pairing this activity with a meal, some options include an optional meal upgrade—though this is not included in the standard tour.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for children? No, alcohol is served only to guests over 18. Children will be offered a refreshment instead.

How long is the brewery tour? The tour runs between 45 and 75 minutes, depending on the schedule and group size.

Is it accessible for wheelchair users? Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

Can I book a private group? Yes, private groups are available, making it a great option for special occasions or family outings.

What languages are available? The tour is conducted in Greek and English.

Do I need to pay upfront? No, you can reserve your spot now and pay later, offering flexibility with your travel plans.

Are snacks included? Yes, snacks are provided as part of the tasting experience, paired to enhance each beer.

Can I visit the brewery without a tour? No, access is part of this guided experience; however, you might be able to see the brewery’s facilities during the tour.

Is there a recommended time to do the tour? Morning or early afternoon are often best to enjoy the experience without rush, but check the availability for your preferred time.

What if I want more than six beers? The tour includes six tastings—additional beers or food can be purchased separately, but are not included in the standard package.

Final Thoughts

This brewery tour in Santorini offers more than just beer tasting; it’s an interactive, behind-the-scenes look at a local craft brewery committed to sustainability. With expert guidance, a scenic setting, and a variety of flavorful beers, it’s a value-packed experience for anyone looking to see a different side of the island. Whether you’re a craft beer aficionado or simply curious about local production, this tour provides a relaxed yet enlightening break from the typical sightseeing.

Ideal for adventurous spirits, eco-conscious travelers, and those wanting memorable stories to tell. The combination of quality beer, engaging guides, and environmentally friendly practices makes it a worthwhile addition to any Santorini itinerary.

In summary, expect a friendly, educational, and delicious experience that makes the most of Santorini’s local brewing scene. It’s a chance to enjoy great beer, learn about sustainable practices, and savor the beautiful surroundings—all in just under an hour. Perfect for those who value authenticity, good value, and a bit of fun in their trip.

You can check if your dates are available here: