Why You Shouldn’t Order Ouzo on Crete

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If you’re travelling to Crete for the first time, ordering an ouzo might seem like the most Greek thing you can do. After all, ouzo is famous worldwide — anise-flavoured, milky with ice, and closely associated with Greek summer evenings by the sea.

But here’s a small cultural surprise: on Crete, ouzo is not the locals’ drink of choice.

Ordering one won’t offend anyone — but it will quietly mark you as a visitor. Understanding why helps you experience Crete more authentically and introduces you to one of the island’s most deeply rooted traditions.

Ouzo: A Greek Classic — Just Not a Cretan One

Ouzo is strongly connected to mainland Greece and islands like Lesvos, where many well-known brands originate. It’s traditionally enjoyed as an aperitif, often paired with seafood and meze.

Crete, however, has always followed its own path. While ouzo is available almost everywhere, it never became part of everyday Cretan drinking culture.

Instead, the island developed its own spirit — shaped by wine production, rural life, and a strong sense of hospitality.

The Real Local Favourite: Raki (Tsikoudia)

If you want to drink like a local on Crete, there’s one clear answer: raki, also known as tsikoudia.

Raki is a clear grape spirit distilled from the leftovers of winemaking. Unlike ouzo, it contains no anise, resulting in a clean, strong flavour — closer to Italian grappa.

But raki is far more than just alcohol:

It’s offered as a welcome drink, often without asking
It’s served at the end of meals, usually free of charge
It’s shared at family gatherings, village festivals, and celebrations

On Crete, raki symbolises hospitality and connection. Accepting a glass often means accepting the moment.

If you’d like to explore more of the island’s drinking culture, take a look at *Wines from Crete – an overview*

Should You Avoid Ordering Ouzo on Crete?

Short answer: no — but understand the context.

You can order ouzo in most tavernas, especially in tourist areas. However, in traditional restaurants and villages you’ll often notice that:

Locals usually drink wine or raki
Ouzo is rarely ordered by Cretans themselves
A complimentary raki often appears after the meal

If you want to blend in, simply ask for raki — or wait and see what your host brings.

Ouzo mit Blick auf Sonnenuntergang – 📷 @konstantinaneo

A Cultural Tip for Travellers

Drinking on Crete is closely tied to time, food, and company. Alcohol is rarely rushed and almost never consumed without eating.

This relaxed mindset explains many small cultural differences visitors encounter — from language nuances to restaurant etiquette.

To avoid awkward moments, we recommend reading *5 linguistic pitfalls to avoid on Crete*:

Where to Experience Cretan Drinking Culture Best

Historic towns are ideal places to observe local habits, especially in the evening.

A stroll through the narrow streets of Rethymno’s old town reveals small tavernas where raki quietly appears at the end of dinner, often accompanied by fruit or a small dessert.