Cretan Food, Wine, Spirits & Organics
Ahh Cretan food! Of course the locals don’t know it, but the Cretan diet is the best in the world, according to the World Health Organisation. The locals just know, instinctively and via strong traditions, how to live life, and this includes how to enjoy good food.
Proudly, Crete now has one of the highest registrations of organic produce in all of Greece, which is a wonderful way of continuing land practices unchanged over centuries and ensuring healthy eating and a healthy planet.
Whatever your tastes, you will find something wonderful about Cretan food. Is it the atmosphere? Is it the air? The mountains? The soil? The fresh water? The Mediterranean? Is it the farmer or the cook? This will take a few hours of diálogo dialogue… so let’s pour another wine and discuss… Dópio local, is a great Greek word to know if you are travelling. It can refer to just about any food or drink or preparation, and ensures your hosts know you want the real thing. Ask for dópio crassi local wine.
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History of Cretan Nutrition
The Mediterranean diet is currently considered by Nutritionists as a modus vivende that endows people with longevity and sound health, with Crete at its epicentre, as supported by research conducted on an international scale1. It was established that the inhabitants of Crete manifest the lowest mortality indices with respect to cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Researchers then focused their attention on the particular aspects of nutrition responsible for such robust health.
The history of Cretan diet is very old; its roots lie deep in the Neolithic Age. Today science has no proof, only circumstantial evidence of the dietary habits of Cretans 5,000 years ago. However, a clear picture of those habits emerges from as far back as 4,000 years ago, when the Minoan civilization was at its peak. On the basis of archaeological findings, it seems that ancient Cretans, the Minoans, consumed pretty much the same products that are being consumed by modern Cretans today. Large clay jars (pithoi) were found in Minoan palaces that were used for the storage of olive oil, grain, legumes, and honey. In various pictorial representations2 we can also see the magnificent world of Cretan plants and herbs.
During the Byzantine period, the Cretans remained faithful to their dietary legacy and cooking habits. On the one hand, urban families were keen on preparing elaborate meals distinguished for their exceptional taste. On the other hand, the rural population subsisted strictly on products grown: greens, fruit, legumes, olives and olive oil. The Cretans, however, applied their accumulated knowledge and imagination to these lowly products producing delicious results. This practice sustained Cretans through adverse times, in periods of successive occupation by the Arabs (824-961), the Venetians (1204-1669) and the Turks (1669-1898). A turning point in the Cretan diet occurred with the introduction of new crops, particularly of the tomato, from the New World.
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On an international scale there is much discussion about, and deep interest in, finding the ideal diet, which will improve the health of human beings warding off illnesses. Ever since antiquity, the traditional diet of Cretans seems to be just such a one, including all the right ingredients. The Greek island of Crete has always been identified with healing and regeneration.
And once again, an ancient culture may offer lessons to the people of today!
Following scientific research and statistical analyses, the Cretan nutrition and diet has been proven to promote health and longevity. It consists almost exclusively of products that the people of Crete produce naturally. Products that only the island of Crete and its ideal climatic conditions can offer.
It is not only the unique in taste and quality Cretan products but also their combination, which gives an enormous nutritional value and can be found in every Cretan dish. A comparative study among several developed countries, which began in 1960 on behalf of seven countries, has a group of about 700 Cretan men from the countryside under medical observation, regularly checking the state of their health: so far this group has had the lowest percentage of deaths caused by heart attacks and different kinds of cancer.
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Red hot summers and mild to warm winters are typical characteristics of weather in Crete, which has a climate influenced by a Mediterranean weather system. The months of July and August are the hottest and rainfall is also at its lowest during this time.
Weather in Crete – find out about the weather in Crete Greece.
Summer in Crete
During the months of July and August, you can expect temperatures to be in the low to mid 30s, which many visitors may be inclined to find too hot. However, sun worshippers aren’t generally put off by this and the island’s beaches are typically full during these months. Things are somewhat cooler in June and September, and these are perhaps better months to visit if you intend on doing some sightseeing. Rainfall from June through to September is exceedingly low, if not non-existent, so you needn’t worry about storms curtailing your activities.
Winter in Crete
Temperatures in winter are very mild and you can expect daily highs of 15 ºC to 17ºC, which makes Crete the ideal place to head to if you are looking to escape the chills of a British winter. Rainfall is heaviest in the months from October to December, but even then, the rain is not significant enough to be a barrier to you enjoying your holiday.
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Crete weather is characterized by mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers. The climate in Crete is a temperate, Mediterranean climate
There are significant differences between the coastal zone and the mountainous areas, as well as between the west and the east part of Crete, when it comes to the weather conditions.
– Coastal zone: Dry summer, mild winter. The rainy season starts in late October and lasts till March or even April. Snowfalls are extremely rare in the coastal zone of Crete, especially so in the eastern part of the island.
– The east part of Crete (Sitia area) is drier and warmer than the west part (Chania district). This is obvious in the vegetation. Chania is a lot greener than the desert-like Sitia area. Crete Weather – Information on the summer & winter climate in Crete.
– The same difference applies between the north coast and the south coast of Crete, with the south coast being drier and warmer.
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Crete Villas is located on a hill and has a view of the green plain of Ayios Sillas and the wild beauty of the historical mountain Zeus (Giouxtas), and is an ideal resort for rest, relaxation and a pleasant vacation close to nature.
Crete Villas estate was or set out in 2001, and was based on the idea of the family to offer alternative holidays of high standard. As time passed it was developed to an agrotouristic unit of 50 acres that encloses 3 separate and independent villas with private swimming pools. For more information choose the category that interests you from the menu.
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Crete Apartments – Compare Vacation & Holiday Rentals
Find the perfect self catering holiday apartment in Crete with our free directory of short let Crete apartments. We charge 0% commission and all Crete vacation rentals include direct contact details for the owner/agent along with quality photos, detailed property information and more.
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Escape from the crowds – Rent a villa, house or a holiday apartment in Crete – Hospitable Crete Accommodation
Looking to escape from the crowds then we may just have what you’re looking for. Lovely places to stay on holiday for a week or two in peaceful locations. Enjoy the peaceful quiet of the countryside, a small village or perhaps the gentle bustle of a town, the choice is yours.
You can find a wide selection of Crete Accommodation to suit your needs.
Privately owned Crete villas are a popular holiday choice for families and couples wishing to escape the holiday crowds. Take a look at our range of villas available to rent in Crete, weekly and daily rates available. All are well priced, are in lovely locations and have private swimming pools.
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Crete composes one of the most popular holiday destinations worldwide. The culture, the natural beauty, the warm weather during most of the year and the many and beautiful beaches are some of the reasons for the many thousands of visitors that visit Crete every year for their holidays. This site offers you incredible deals for carefully selected, reputable hotels in Crete.
There are many choices of lodging on Crete of all types, like luxury of simple hotels in Crete, rooms for rent, camping, traditional houses, youth hostels and village resorts. The services available are convenient and satisfy every need. Here you can find description, photos, contact information and region information about traditional hotels in Crete.
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Crete enjoys hot, dry summers and mild winters. Temperatures in July and August range from 86ºF (30ºC) during the day to 72ºF (22ºC) at night. Rainfall is almost non-existent in summer but showers can be expected between October and April.
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