The Cretan diet is the healthiest and it is the basis of the Mediterranean diet while the longevity of the Cretans is well known.

Olive Oil: Cretan olive oil is one of the best known around the world and is exported to many foreign countries. It is a staple of the local diet, and produced in large quantities. It is excellent quality oil with ideal color, flavor and acidity. You can find it in the shops with traditional products, as well as in supermarkets.

Tsikoudia: Considered one of the most famous products in Crete. If you visit a village in the prefecture, the locals will definitely treat you to tsikoudia. This traditional drink made from grapes and is plenty strong, so don’t overdo it! If you are visiting the area during October or November, you will be able to witness the process of tsikoudia manufacturing.

Cheese: Cretan cheese making is rich and varied, and you should definitely take advantage of the opportunity to try as many as possible. From simple anthotyro (ricotta) to the sharp graviera (gruyere), all have their unique taste. You need not be a cheese snob to find a taste that will delight you.

Herbs: In the mountains of the island there is a very wide variety of herbs, many of which are unique to the area, such as the diktamo (burning bush, or flaxinella). Some have healing properties. If you find yourself in a shop with traditional products will surely find plenty of them.