Food & Drink

Pyrofaneia 2026 — Nea Chora Sardine Festival

Free grilled sardines and Cretan wine the length of the Nea Chora quay, with lyra, three dance troupes and lamp-lit boats.

The biggest free food night in the city, and it still belongs to the fishermen. Nea Chora's little harbour fills with grills the length of Akti Papanikolaou, the sardines come off them free, the wine goes round, and three dance societies work the quay until late. The name is the giveaway: pyrofani is the old technique of fishing by flame at night, and the decorated caiques still light up on the water for it. Music is the Notios Dromos ensemble, with the Agia Aikaterini parish choir opening a cappella and Giannis Nikolaou Kriarakis compering. Go early if you want a spot at the water, go hungry, and expect the entire neighbourhood to be out.