Crete has long been blessed with thousands of olive trees, the vital source of the olive oil at the heart of its cuisine. This "liquid gold", unique to the island, plays an important role in Cretan culture, from food and folk medicine to customs and religion. It was the Minoans’ chief export and still accounts for 70 percent of Greece’s total virgin olive oil production.
The Cretan diet comprises large quantities of olive oil and carbohydrates, minimal animal fat and plenty of fresh vegetables: a simple and healthy combination, delicately prepared. Crete has remained firmly faithful to its culinary heritage and as a result, its inhabitants continue to enjoy long and healthy lives, envied the world over.
Download some of our well-known Cretan recipes Recipes.
