Crete is the largest and most populous of the Greek islands and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. It forms a significant part of the economy and cultural heritage of Greece. Crete was the center of the Minoan civilization (circa 2700–1420 BC), the first civilization in Europe and the first European country with a palace (at Knossos).
Heraklion is the largest city and capital of Crete. The principal cities are:
Heraklion
Chania
Rethymno
Agios Nikolaos
Sitia
Crete is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Greece. Fifteen percent of all arrivals in Greece come through the city of HeraklionVisitors reach the island via two international airports in Heraklion and Chania, or by boat to the main ports of Heraklion, Chania, Rethimno and Agios Nikolaos. Popular tourist attractions include the archaeological sites of the Minoan civilisation, the Venetian old city and port of Chania, the Venetian castle at Rethymno, the gorge of Samaria, the islands of Chrysi, Elafonisi, Gramvousa, and Spinalonga.
The Cretan dietis the traditional diet of the Mediterranean island of Crete, a typical case of the so-called “Mediterranean diet”. The core of this diet consists of food derived from natural sources, whereas food of animal origin was more peripheral in nature.
In the 1960s and 1970s, American universities began to study the phenomenon of Crete’s high life expectancy. The results of these studies showed that Crete suffered much less disease than many other countries.
The quality of Cretan and Aegean olive oil enjoys wide reputation all over the world. Today it is believed that the secret for a long and healthy life lies in olive oil, the principal ingredient of Cretan diet. It is pure, light and tasteful; in short, it is the best olive oil in the world.
The basic types of olive oil are:
- extra virgin olive oil
- virgin olive oil
- pure olive oil
