Santorini: Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting & Optional Meal

Santorini isn’t just about stunning sunsets, whitewashed buildings, and crystal-clear waters. Alongside its famous sights, the island offers unique experiences that reveal its local flavors and craftsmanship. One such gem is the Brewery Tour at Ftelos Brewery, a relaxed yet insightful glimpse into Greece’s burgeoning craft beer scene, right in the heart of Santorini.

What makes this tour stand out? For starters, you get to taste six artisanal beers—including the iconic Blue Monkey—paired with carefully selected bites. The best part? It’s the only walk-in brewery on the island, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at production and the eco-conscious efforts of the brewery, like their lush bioclimatic garden. While it’s a shorter activity, clocking in at 45 to 75 minutes, its engaging content and cozy setting make it a worthwhile stop for beer enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.

One thing to keep in mind: this experience is centered on learning about craft beer and its local ingredients, which might not appeal if you’re more into wine or traditional sightseeing. Still, if you’re open to sampling excellent beer in a friendly environment, this tour is a delightful way to spend part of your day. It’s especially suitable for those who appreciate authentic, artisan experiences and don’t mind a bit of a laid-back, touristic vibe.

Key Points

• Authentic local brewery experience with insight into craft beer production
• Taste 6 different artisanal beers, including the famous Blue Monkey
• Educational tour led by knowledgeable guides explaining beer ingredients and process
• Eco-friendly setting with a beautifully landscaped bioclimatic garden
• Paired bites enhance the tasting, making it a tasty cultural activity
• Walk-in brewery offers a rare chance to see the brewing process up close

Why This Santorini Brewery Tour Deserves a Spot on Your Itinerary

If you’re traveling to Santorini and craving something more than just the typical sunset or archaeological site, this brewery tour offers a refreshing change of pace. It’s ideal for those who value local craftsmanship and sustainable practices while enjoying a friendly, intimate atmosphere. The tour’s price of around $28 per person is quite reasonable for a guided experience that includes six tastings and snacks, especially considering the quality and the informative nature of the visit.

The Focus on Blue Monkey Beer and the Brewery’s Unique Aspects

This tour is centered around Ftelos Brewery, a standout on the island for producing on-site, artisanal beers using signature local ingredients. Of course, the star is the Blue Monkey beer, inspired by the painted monkeys on Akrotiri’s walls, which has become a symbol of the brewery’s creative spirit. The guide will walk you through the specifications, ingredients, and brewing techniques that make these beers special, making it much more than just a tasting.

You’ll appreciate the close proximity to the brewing process. Depending on the timing of your visit, you’ll see the bottling, filtering, or tank cleaning operations, providing a real sense of how these craft beers are made from start to finish. The control panel and fermentation tanks are visible from the tour area, making it easy to connect what you’re drinking to the process behind it.

The Setting: Eco-Conscious and Visually Delightful

One of the tour’s subtle highlights is the bioclimatic garden that surrounds the brewery. This beautifully landscaped space helps offset the brewery’s carbon footprint and creates a microclimate that’s both refreshing and calming. It’s a tangible reminder of the brewery’s care for the environment, and you’ll notice how it adds to the relaxed, green oasis-like atmosphere.

The Tasting Experience: What You’ll Sample and Why It Matters

The six beers are carefully curated to offer a variety of flavors, from hoppy craft styles to more subtle, nuanced brews. Many reviewers highlight that the appetizers paired with the beers are thoughtfully selected, complementing each sip perfectly. One guest expressed that the pairings exceeded expectations, especially for someone used to wine pairings rather than beer.

The guides are praised for their friendly, knowledgeable approach. They explain the ingredients, brewing style, and what makes each beer unique, making the tasting both educational and enjoyable. Several reviews mention how engaging and passionate the guides are, adding extra value to the experience.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This activity is best suited for adventurous drinkers and craft beer fans. If you’re seeking an authentic, behind-the-scenes look at one of Santorini’s lesser-known local businesses, you’ll find this tour fascinating. It’s also perfect for those who enjoy eco-conscious initiatives and appreciate well-thought-out pairings.

However, note that alcohol is served only to guests over 18. Children get a refreshment but won’t partake in the tasting. The tour is accessible for wheelchair users and offers the possibility of private groups, which can cater to special occasions or larger parties.

Duration and Practical Details

The tour lasts between 45 and 75 minutes, so it’s a flexible activity that can fit into a busy day of sightseeing. Check availability for specific start times, and plan to arrive at least 10 minutes early to ensure a smooth start. The activity includes entry fee, tastings, and snacks but does not cover extra food or drinks unless you opt for additional purchases or a package upgrade like the gastronomy tour.

Booking is flexible—you can reserve now and pay later, with full refunds available for cancellations more than 24 hours in advance. The tour is conducted in English and Greek, and private groups can be arranged for a more personalized experience.

What Makes This Brewery Tour Special?

Beyond the obvious appeal of tasting excellent beers, the key to this experience is the story behind Ftelos Brewery. Its commitment to environmental sustainability through the lush bioclimatic garden, the passion of the guides, and the chance to observe the full brewing process make it more than just a tasting session. It’s a chance to connect with local craftsmanship and understand why craft beer is gaining momentum on the island.

Many guests mention how knowledgeable and friendly the guides are, making the experience feel like a warm invitation into a local secret. The pairings are consistently praised—many reviewers, like Kirstie, said the appetizers matched the beers perfectly and enhanced their appreciation for the brews.

The Value for Money

Considering the cost of $28.23 per person and the inclusion of six tastings plus snacks, the tour offers great value, especially when compared to other boutique experiences in Santorini. You not only get to sample a variety of beers but also gain insight into the brewing process and the environmental efforts behind the scenes, which many travelers find enriching.

Final Thoughts

This brewery tour on Santorini is a worthy addition to any itinerary, especially if you’re interested in local drinks, sustainability, or looking for a relaxed activity with a social vibe. It’s an opportunity to learn about craft beer, enjoy some delicious pairings, and experience the island from a different perspective.

The experience is well-rated, with many visitors praising the knowledgeable guides, quality beers, and beautiful surroundings. It’s a chance to step away from the crowds and dive into the local artisan scene in a fun, informal setting.

Whether you’re a dedicated beer lover or just curious about Greece’s craft brewing scene, this tour offers a taste of authenticity that’s hard to find elsewhere on the island.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children can join and will receive a refreshment, but the beer tasting is only for guests over 18 years old.

How long does the tour last?
The tour takes between 45 and 75 minutes, depending on availability and group size.

What is included in the tour?
Entry to the brewery, tasting of six beers, and snacks are included. Extra food and drinks are not included unless you book a specific package.

Can I book a private group?
Yes, private group options are available, making it ideal for special occasions or larger parties.

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

What is the focus of the brewery’s environmental efforts?
They have a bioclimatic garden that helps offset their carbon footprint, creating a pleasant microclimate and sustainable environment.

Do I get to see the brewing process?
Absolutely. Depending on the timing, you’ll see bottling, filtering, or tank cleaning, and observe the control panel and fermentation tanks up close.

What makes Blue Monkey Beer special?
It’s inspired by painted monkeys on Akrotiri’s walls and is the brewery’s signature beer, reflecting their creative and local approach.

Is this experience worth the price?
Given the quality of beers, the educational component, and the beautiful setting, most guests find it offers excellent value for money.

In summary, this Santorini brewery tour provides an engaging, authentic, and tasty experience that reveals a different side of the island. Perfect for craft beer enthusiasts or anyone looking to enjoy a relaxed cultural activity, it’s a memorable way to connect with local craftsmanship and enjoy some well-crafted drinks in a scenic environment.