Crete: Sunset Jeep Tour with BBQ Dinner & Prosecco

Summary

Crete sunset jeep ride through villages herbs and wild hills

You’ll ride off-road through Crete’s hidden hills with a local guide, meet shepherds in Potamies, see the ghostly village of Sfendili reflected in the dam, gather wild herbs in Ebassas gorge, sip Prosecco at sunset, and finish with a proper Cretan BBQ dinner under open skies. The kind of evening that lingers long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what Crete smells like at dusk? I didn’t, honestly, until we were bouncing along those dusty roads in the back of a 4WD, windows down, air thick with oregano and that dry-earth scent you only get after a hot day. Our guide—Nikos—had this way of pointing out things I’d never notice on my own. He stopped us in Potamies first, where a shepherd’s family waved us into their mitato. The cheese tasted grassy and sharp; I tried not to look too greedy but…well, it was good.

We walked through gardens tangled with tomatoes and something that looked like tiny eggplants (I still don’t know what they were), and then came the dam at Aposelemis. There’s this half-sunken village called Sfendili—old stone houses just floating there. It felt weirdly peaceful. Nikos told us stories about families who had to leave when the water rose. I caught myself staring at the reflections for longer than I meant to.

Avdou was next—quiet streets lined with faded signs explaining how each building used to be something else. Then came the climb: dirt tracks twisting up into the Ebassas gorge. We stopped so Nikos could pick wild thyme and sage; he crushed them between his fingers so we could smell—honestly, it stuck to my hands for hours after. And then suddenly we were above everything, hills rolling out under pink-orange sky.

The sunset wasn’t what I expected—it wasn’t dramatic or loud, just soft light settling over everything while we passed around cold Prosecco and sticky slices of melon. Someone made a toast in Greek (I tried to repeat it; everyone laughed). After that came dinner: grilled meat, wine that tasted like summer afternoons, people talking quietly as the sky went dark. I keep thinking about that moment—the hush right before night fell.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sunset Jeep Tour and Dinner in Crete

• Depart from hotel to Potamies village
• Visit traditional mitato and meet shepherd family
• Walk through village gardens to Aposelemis dam
• Pass by Avdou village and observe buildings
• Drive up dirt roads through Ebassas gorge
• Stop to collect local herbs with guide
• Enjoy sunset with Prosecco and seasonal fruits
• Have dinner with wine and water

Top questions

Is pickup included for the Crete sunset jeep tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included with your booking.

What villages do we visit during the tour?

The tour stops in Potamies, Avdou, and passes near Sfendili village at Aposelemis dam.

Is dinner provided on this sunset jeep tour?

Yes, a BBQ dinner with wine and water is included after sunset.

Are drinks included during the experience?

You’ll have Prosecco and seasonal fruits at sunset plus wine and water at dinner.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with limited mobility?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels and is wheelchair accessible; child seats are available if requested.

Do we have a local guide on this jeep tour?

Yes, an experienced local driver-guide leads the entire experience.

How long does the sunset jeep tour last?

The exact duration isn’t specified but expect several hours including stops for food and sightseeing.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup by 4WD vehicle with fuel covered, visits to traditional villages guided by locals, tastings of seasonal fruits and Prosecco at sunset overlooking Crete’s hillsides, plus a full BBQ dinner served with wine and water before your return drop-off in the evening.