Taste the local Crete

Is the local cuisine of Crete vegetarian at its core? 🌱 Absolutely! 👌Cretan food relies on seasonality, fresh ingredients and simple cooking preparations. Many pies in Crete are naturally vegetarian, filled with cheese, seasonal vegetables, or wild greens (horta).🍃 🌴Cretans have a deep connection to their land, and it is reflected in the cuisine. Fresh vegetables, herbs, and greens play a starring role. Extra virgin olive oil is the backbone of the local cuisine.💯 🫒It’s used generously in salads, stews, and drizzled over dishes. The quality of Cretan olive oil is exceptional, thanks to the island’s ancient olive groves. Want to taste more? 👉Download your free Cretan recipe guide! Just click the link in bio! What's your favourite Cretan vegetarian recipe? #tastethelocalcrete #greekvegetarian #cretanfood #cretefood #greekfoodies #vegetariancuisine #creteislandgreece #localfoodguide

Spring is the perfect time to visit one of the greener areas in Crete!🏝️ 🏞️The valley of Amari is sited south-east of the city of Rethymno (the 3rd largest city in Crete). 🌱It's one of the most verdant and ecologically rich regions on the island! A green fertile valley bounded by three mountains: Psiloritis, Kedros and Samitos.⛰️ 🧭As you drive south, your route passes by many remote mountain villages and the view to Psiloritis Mountain is incredible (the highest mountain in Crete which stands at 2,456 meters!). Thanks to its abundant springs the area is covered with fruit trees (oranges, cherries, apples).🌳 👌Don't miss the chance to step into one of the monumental olive groves of Crete: 🫒Hidden in the small settlement of Monastiraki, two of the monumental olive trees of Crete that date back 3,000 years, still stand there as living museums from the Minoan times (3,000 BC - 1,700 BC). 😉 Check out our self-guided itineraries in bio for off-the-beaten-track experiences in Crete! 👉Crete is not just a beach destination. Would you travel to Crete off season? #tastethelocalcrete #springtrips #Spring2025 #cretegreece #cretelovers #visitcreteguide #offthebeatentrail

These are serious problems in Crete!😅 😉Can you name another one? #tastethelocalcrete #creteislandgreece #visitcreteguide #cretegreece #cretanfood #localfoodguide #cretelovers #greekfoodlovers #cretelife

🧭1-day itinerary in Rethymno city, in western Crete! 🌊Enjoy life by the sea in Rethymno City, the 3rd largest city on the island: 👉A 12 km sandy beach close to Rethymno city center. Combine city trip & beach holiday vibes! 🩴 👙The long sandy beach in the city of Rethymno offers plenty of space to find your ideal spot but it's also lined with rows of umbrellas and beach chairs for a relaxing day out. 🤩Old Town of Rethymno The old town of Rethymno, just a few meters away from the city's beach, is a maze of charming narrow streets. It's perfect for relaxing walks that take you through the heart of the city's history and culture. 👌Enjoy a meze-style dining experience in the old town just like locals do! Tip: Experience the magical ambiance of the old town at night! 🏰 Castle of Fortezza The landmark of the city is the Castle of Fortezza built in 16th century when the Venetians who ruled the island. It was the most important fortification infrastructure of the Venetians. Behind the castle, lays the old town of Rethymno with scenic alleys and monuments. Its imposing walls and panoramic views are a sight to behold. Tip: Walk up the hill leading to the central entrance of the castle to enjoy a stunning view towards the north Cretan Sea! ⚓ Old Venetian Port The Venetian port, with its distinctive lighthouse, is another architectural gem that reflects the different eras it has witnessed. 🌊New Port (marina) The new post is a great spot for romantic walks and offers a magnificent view to the castle of Fortezza. Tip: The best hour to take a stroll around this lovely harbour is during the sunset! 😉First time visiting Crete? Get the free foodie's guide to explore Rethymno city! Find the link in bio! #tastethelocalcrete #creteislandgreece #rethymnoncrete #visitcrete #cretelovers #itineraryplanning

A must-try cheese pie in Crete!👌 As we're heading to the peak of the Carnival season, the last week is linked to the custom of "tirini" in Greece. 🧀The name "tirini" arose from the consumption of cheese-based foods (in Greek "tiri"). "Nerati" is the flagship cheese pie of eastern Crete. It has its origins in the area of Sitia. 🥧Unlike many other Greek pies, Cretan pies are typically cooked in a pan. But what's so special about this one? 🔎It's not made out of phyllo pastry sheets. Water ("nero") is not only used for the making of the dough but also to spread nicely the dough in the pan with your hands, adding just some olive oil. 👉Α recipe based on few good ingredients: Flour, extra virgin olive oil, water and a local sour mizithra cheese (xinomizithra) with a creamy texture. Local tip: Drizzle some Cretan honey on top and enjoy an authentic Cretan breakfast! 🍯 More Cretan tastes? 😉Get your free Cretan recipe guide! Check out the link in bio! #tastethelocalcrete #musttryfood #cheesepies #greekpies #greekfoodie #cretanfood #cretefood #creteislandgreece #visitcreteguide #cretelovers

⛱️ A must-visit city beach in Crete! 🌊Enjoy life by the sea in Rethymno City, the 3rd largest city on the island: 👉A 12 km sandy beach close to Rethymno city center. Combine city trip & beach holiday vibes! 🩴 👙The long sandy beach in the city of Rethymno offers plenty of space to find your ideal spot but it's also lined with rows of umbrellas and beach chairs for a relaxing day out. Beyond its 12km sandy beach, Rethymno offers plenty of other opportunities to soak up some authentic Cretan experiences. 🤩 The old town of Rethymno, just a few meters away from the city's beach, is a maze of charming narrow streets. 🌅 Don't miss the chance to go for an afternoon stroll in the old town and then walk along the sea around the fortress of Fortezza. 😊 Sun & beach holiday team or not? #tastethelocalcrete #visitcreteguide #cretelovers #creteislandgreece #cretegreece #citybeaches #beachcities #europebeaches #europecitytrip #rethymnocity #rethymnoncrete

🍖5 Meat-based specialties to taste when visiting Crete! 🎉As we're heading to the peak of the Carnival season, we celebrate the custom of "Tsiknopempti" in Greece! 🥩It took its name from the smoke (in Greek "tsikna") that the meat produces when its grilled on charcoal. 😉Check out five meat-based Cretan foods right from the heart of the local cuisine of Crete: Lamb chops 👉 Grilled local lamb marinated in extra virgin olive oil and Cretan wild herbs Antikristo 👉 The mountain-style roast lamb Apaki 👉 The smoked pork or chicken which is marinated in extra virgin olive oil and Cretan wild herbs Tsigariasto 👉 Pan-fried lamb cooked in extra virgin olive oil and its meat juices Foukaki 👉 Pan-fried pork cooked in a generous amount of lemon juice 🤩Download your free Cretan recipe guide to cook the Cretan way! Just click the link in bio! #tastethelocalcrete #creteislandgreece #meatbased #meatlove #cretelovers #cretanfood #visitcreteguide #greekfoodies #localfoodguide #cretefood

3 Things that make sense only in Crete! 🏝️ 🥧 Unlike many different pies from other regions of Greece, Cretan pies are typically cooked in a pan. 🍯 We add a ton of Cretan honey on top of cheese, mixed with cheese and used as a filling, or added in tomato sauce. 🍵Even Cretan herbal teas are served with drizzled honey on top! 🐌Crete loves snails (locals call it "chochlioi")! 👌 Cretan snails are particularly small in size. They are cooked in many different ways, served as a meze-style dish when cooked in red wine vinegar and rosemary (boubouristoi). 🤤Or as a main dish when cooked with wild greens (horta), and xinochondros trachanas (a type of Cretan pasta). 👉Get your free Cretan recipe guide to cook easy recipes of the real local cuisine! Check out the link in bio! ☺️Would you try a recipe with Cretan snails? #tastethelocalcrete #creteislandgreece #cretanfood #cretelovers #localfoodguide #visitcreteguide #foodtravels #greekfoodlovers #cretegreece #thingsthatmakesense

🤤 Save these must-try foods for your next trip to Crete! 🧀Saganaki: The most favourite meze-style fried cheese with Cretan graviera cheese. 🥔Oftes: The Cretan baked potatoes served with extra virgin olive oil, salt and squeezed lemon on top. 🥧Marathopita: The humble fennel pie cooked in a pan. 💯Unlike many other pies from different regions of Greece, Cretan pies are typically cooked in a pan. 📌Download your free Cretan recipe guide! Link in bio! 👇What's your favourite Cretan food? #tastethelocalcrete #creteislandgreece #musttryfood #visitcreteguide #eatlikealocal #cretanfood #cretefood #greekfoodies #greekfoodlovers #greekmeze

🤩A must-visit place in western Crete (Rethymno)! 📌Save this local food spot for your next trip to Crete: 📍Kafeneion Raftis Spili village, Rethymno 🤤That's the kind of casual eatery in Crete that serves both meze-style dishes and drinks. It's where the heart of the island beats! 💯Cretan food is a lot more than dakos salad. 😋Try the Cretan baked potatoes (locals call it oftes) with extra virgin olive oil, salt, and a squeeze of lemon. 🍵Don't leave the island without tasting a cup of Cretan herbal tea (vrastari) made with local wild herbs growing only in Crete (malotira, dittany). 🍯For extra flavor, add a spoonful of Cretan honey like locals do! 👌For more local tastes and experiences beyond the tourist trail, check out our digital self-guided itineraries! Just click the link in bio! What's your favourite Cretan food? #tastethelocalcrete #creteislandgreece #visitcreteguide #cretanfood #mustvisitplaces #localplace #foodtravelers #greekherbs #cretelovers #localfoodguide #eatlikealocal

😂 What does cooking with oregano look like in Crete! 👌That's how you'll never run out of oregano again! 😉Don't forget to download your free Cretan recipes! Check out the link in bio! 👇What's your favourite spices in cooking? #tastethelocalcrete #creteislandgreece #oreganoplant #oregano #cretanfood #greekfoodlovers #cretelovers #wildherbs #greekrecipes #cretancuisine

🎉This weekend we celebrate wines of Crete! 📌Save the date for Crete's top wine festival: Oinotika Wine Fair February 1-3 2025 Find out more OiNotika Cretan Wine fair 🍷Did you know these facts about Cretan wines? 🏝️The island counts 11 local grape varieries, both white and red. 🤩Crete boasts a 4,000-year wine-making tradition contributing significantly to Greece's overall wine production. 💯The fertile soil along with the mild climate conditions, the high altitude of Cretan vineyards and the cool sea breeze offer wines of distinctive aromas. 🍷Approximately 60 wineries can be found on the island. 😉Follow for more local insights from Crete! #tastethelocalcrete #greekwines #cretanwine #WineFriends #wineculture #wineloverworld #winesofgreece #cretegreece