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MEETINGREECE
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“discovered” by those who prefer to enjoy their vacation without
the crowds from the big resorts.
H I K I NG - T RE KK I NG - C L I MB I NG
Crete is also ideal for hiking and trekking. In fact, Crete
demonstrates a unique mountainous zone of magnificent beauty
that transcends the island from west to east. In the west, Lefka
Ori (White Mountains) peak at 2.453 meters, while Mount Idi
(Pseiloritis) and Mount Dikti reach heights of 2.456 meters and
2.148 meters respectively. The rocky ground, the plethora of
mountain paths, and more importantly the famous gorges and
caves formed in the mountains, namely the Samaria Gorge, the
Rouvas Gorge, the Gorge of Aghia Eirini, Idaion Antro and
Diktaion Antro (considered to be the birthplace of Zeus) make
Crete ideal for hiking, trekking and climbing expeditions for both
amateurs and professionals. The most impressive of all the
gorges of Crete is the famous Samaria Gorge in the Chania
region of West Crete. The Samaria Gorge is the longest in
Europe, some 18 km and renowned for its majestic beauty.
S I GH T S E E I NG
Crete is the largest of the Greek islands and is fifth largest in the
Mediterranean. Its position has meant that it’s been at the centre
of the development of world culture and civilisation. Crete is an
island with huge archaeological and historical interest since it was
here the Minoan Civilization, one of the greatest ancient
civilizations and the oldest in Europe, flourished during the years
2600 BC to 1100 BC. There is a multitude of monuments from
that period all around the island, most notably the Knossos and
Phaistos palaces.
WHEN NA T URE GOE S TO CRE T E
In Crete, there are more than 2.000 different plant species with
approximately 10 % being indigenous in the island. Moreover, the
Cretan soil is very rich in herbal and pharmaceutical plants like
oregano, thyme and labdanum, with many of them being dried
and sold.
Crete has also a varied fauna. There are species that can be met
and admired only in the island of Crete, such as kri kri, a kind of a
goat.
CRE T AN D I E T
The economy of Crete which was mainly based on farming
started changing visibly during the 1970’s. While there is a still an
emphasis on farming, due to the climate and the fertility of the
soil, a drop in manufacturing and a big increase on the services
industry (mainly tourism related) has been observed.
Crete is also known for the quality of its agricultural products
(olives, oranges, potatoes, etc) that, due to the good climate, are
produced all year around.
Starting in the 1960’s and due to the temperate climate of the
island, there was a big increase in cultivating in greenhouses.
The main products that are currently being exported in the Greek
and international market are the raisins, olives and olive oil, fresh
fruits and horticultural products, honey and herbs.
Cretan cuisine is one of the most famous of the world as it
combines simple and fresh products with Mediterranean diet. A
comparative study held among several western countries found
that the people of Crete presented the lowest percentage of
deaths by heart attack and cancer, as well as the highest life rate
compared to other samples. This was largely attributed to the
healthy Mediterranean diet followed by all Cretan families.
Below, there are being presented some of the most famous
traditional Cretan dishes.
Dakos:
Cretan rusk with tomato, feta cheese, olives, oregano
and olive oil).
Horta vrasta:
Horta (greens) is an important element in the old
Cretan diet, and growing on the hillsides, are still hand-picked by
the villagers. Horta can comprise such things as black mustard
leaves, dandelion or beet greens, curly endive, sorrel, spinach,
kale and collards a medley of edible wild greens. The
combination is very dependant on the season and availability.
Horta are served boiled with olive oil, lemon, salt & pepper.
Desserts: Kaltsounia, sweet cheese pies made with mizithra
(similar to Italian ricotta) Greek yoghurt with honey.
Raki (or Tsikoudia):This is the local aperitif made from what is left
over after pressing the grapes and an important element of the
Cretan food Experience.
CRETE