Discover the traditional Cretan diet
The traditional Cretan diet celebrates seasonal ingredients and the island’s rich culinary heritage. The abundance and the variety of the products of the island over the centuries have created a cuisine with unique taste, freshness and originality.
The Cretan nature has the materials and the Cretan people have the experience for the creation of unique tastes, which are ideally combined with the seasons and the natural environment of the island.
Dairy products, honey, aromatic herbs, greens and so many other products of the Cretan mountains, are the basis of traditional Cretan cuisine.
The Cretan diet belongs to the wider Mediterranean food tradition, with vegetables, pulses, fruits and cereals accompanied by olive oil. Local dairy products, honey, herbs and greens add distinctive island flavours.
Taste Crete during your Rethymno stay
Food is part of the pleasure of discovering the island. Start with familiar ingredients such as olive oil and seasonal vegetables, then explore local cheeses, honey and aromatic herbs. Ask about the ingredients and preparation of a dish to learn how local cooking brings these flavours together.
A visit to the city’s shops and markets can introduce you to the products behind the recipes. Our Rethymno shopping guide includes ideas for local foods and gifts, while our Cretan breakfast article explores the morning table at Mythos.
For more about the city’s culinary traditions, browse the official Rethymno gastronomy guide. Enjoy discovering what makes each meal distinctive, from the ingredients of the season to the people who prepare and share them.