Cretan Diet – Mediterranean Nutrition from Crete

A World-Famous Diet

The Cretan diet is widely regarded as one of the healthiest in the world and is closely associated with longevity and low rates of chronic disease. It is based on fresh, local, seasonal foods and simple preparation methods that preserve natural flavour and nutritional value.

This traditional way of eating is also the foundation of the broader Mediterranean diet model recognised internationally for its health benefits.

Key Principles of the Cretan Diet

• Abundant vegetables and wild herbs
• Whole grains and legumes
• Olive oil as the primary fat
• Moderate dairy (mainly cheese and yogurt)
• Limited red meat
• Seasonal fruits
• Local wine in moderation

Food as a Way of Life

In Crete, meals are social, slow, and shared. Eating is deeply connected to community, agriculture, and the rhythms of daily life rather than simply nutrition. Recipes are passed down through generations, and ingredients often come from family gardens, mountainsides, or local farms.

Local Ingredients of Exceptional Quality

The Cretan diet relies on ingredients that are internationally recognised for both quality and health value:

• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Wild mountain greens (horta)
• Fresh seasonal vegetables
• Traditional cheeses (graviera, mizithra, anthotyro)
• Thyme and pine honey
• Native herbs such as oregano and дикταμο (dittany of Crete)

International Recognition of Cretan Products

Cretan agricultural products are consistently awarded worldwide for quality, authenticity, and nutritional excellence.

Cretan Olive Oil
Crete produces some of the most awarded extra-virgin olive oils globally, regularly winning distinctions at major competitions such as:

• NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition
• London International Olive Oil Competition
• Athena International Olive Oil Competition (Greece)

Many Cretan oils also carry PDO/PGI certification, confirming origin and traditional production methods.

Cretan Cheeses

Graviera Kritis (PDO) and other traditional cheeses from Crete have received international recognition at European cheese awards and gastronomic exhibitions for flavour and artisanal production.

Cretan Honey

Thyme honey from Crete is among the most prized in the Mediterranean and has earned awards in European and global honey competitions for purity, aroma, and biodiversity origin.

Cretan Wines

Indigenous grape varieties such as Vidiano, Liatiko, and Kotsifali are increasingly awarded at international wine competitions and praised by global wine critics, highlighting Crete as an emerging premium wine region.

Discover Healthy Cretan Flavours

Visitors can explore the Cretan diet through local dishes, markets, village tavernas, and culinary experiences across the island during their stay at Royal & Imperial Belvedere.

The Cretan Kafenio Experience at Royal & Imperial Belvedere

At Royal & Imperial Belvedere, guests can experience the authentic atmosphere of a traditional Cretan kafenio — the island’s historic social gathering place, at the resort’s Kafenio restaurant.

Inspired by village coffee houses of Crete, the Kafenio offers:

• Traditional meze and local recipes
• Cretan cheeses and regional products
• Olive oil-based dishes and seasonal ingredients
• Local wine, raki, and herbal infusions
• Relaxed communal dining atmosphere

In Cretan culture, the kafenio is more than a place to eat it is a space for conversation, storytelling, and shared moments.

This spirit of conviviality is reflected in the Kafenio experience, where guests can taste authentic flavors while enjoying the warmth of Cretan hospitality.

Taste the Authentic Diet of Crete

During your stay at Royal & Imperial Belvedere, the Kafenio and Cretan-inspired cuisine invite you to discover the island’s celebrated diet, a culinary tradition rooted in nature, community, and wellbeing.