Crete is renowned for its high-quality, traditional products, many of which are still made using age-old techniques. By choosing to buy locally, you can support the island’s small businesses and traditional craftspeople.
Cretan Olive Oil: Considered some of the best in the world, Cretan olive oil is produced in small, family-owned groves. Visit olive oil farms, such as the Biolea Olive Oil Estate in Kolymbari, where you can learn about traditional production methods and purchase eco-certified olive oil.
Local Herbs and Teas: Crete’s mountains are home to a wide variety of herbs, such as thyme, oregano, and sage. Visit local herbal shops or markets to find unique Cretan teas, like the famous dictamus or mountain tea, known for its medicinal properties.
Handmade Pottery: The village of Margarites is known for its pottery tradition, with many family-run workshops still producing handmade ceramics. Purchasing pottery from these local artisans supports a craft that has been practiced on the island for centuries.
Honey: Cretan honey is highly prized for its flavor and health benefits, often infused with wild herbs. You can visit honey farms such as Melissakis Honey Farm near Chania to see the beekeeping process and sample organic honey.
By buying locally, you not only get to take home unique and authentic souvenirs, but you also help to sustain Crete’s economy and reduce the environmental impact of imported goods.
Crete’s natural beauty is one of its greatest assets, and reducing waste is key to preserving this pristine environment.
Reusable Water Bottles: The island’s hot climate means staying hydrated is essential, but single-use plastic bottles are a major contributor to pollution. Bring a reusable water bottle and refill it at your accommodation or local restaurants. Many places in Crete, especially in the highlands, have springs with fresh drinkable water.
Eco-friendly Toiletries: Reduce the use of plastic by opting for eco-friendly, plastic-free toiletries like solid shampoos and soaps. These can be purchased at shops specializing in organic products, such as Bioaroma Crete in Agios Nikolaos.
Avoid Single-Use Plastics: When shopping or enjoying a day at the beach, carry a reusable bag, cutlery, and even a travel coffee mug to cut down on single-use items.
Crete offers many options for eco-friendly travel, allowing you to explore the island sustainably.
Cycling Tours: Crete’s varied landscapes, from coastal roads to mountainous terrain, are ideal for cycling. Many towns, like Rethymno and Chania, offer bike rentals, and there are several eco-conscious companies that provide guided cycling tours, such as Cycling Creta, which focuses on connecting visitors with Crete’s natural beauty.
Hiking Trails: Walking is one of the most sustainable ways to explore Crete. The E4 European long-distance path runs through Crete, offering breathtaking hikes through gorges, mountains, and coastal regions. Popular hiking spots include the Samaria Gorge, Imbros Gorge, and the Lasithi Plateau. Be sure to stick to marked trails and avoid disturbing wildlife.
Electric Cars: Several car rental companies in Crete now offer electric or hybrid vehicles, making it easier to travel long distances in an eco-friendly way. This is a great option if you want to visit more remote villages or archaeological sites without contributing to carbon emissions.
Understanding and respecting local traditions is a vital part of sustainable tourism. Crete has a rich cultural history that dates back thousands of years, and engaging with this heritage can enhance your experience while supporting local communities.
Village Life in Anogeia: The village of Anogeia, in the mountains of central Crete, is known for its strong cultural traditions, including music, dance, and weaving. Visit the local workshops to see traditional loom weaving, and don’t miss the chance to enjoy a live Cretan music performance, which is a big part of local culture.
Rethymno Carnival: If your visit coincides with February or March, the Rethymno Carnival offers an opportunity to experience Crete’s vibrant and joyful traditions. This festival, one of the most famous in Greece, combines parades, costumes, and traditional Cretan music and dance.
Cretan Gastronomy: Cretan cuisine is deeply rooted in the island’s agricultural traditions. Dishes are often made from locally sourced, organic ingredients, reflecting a philosophy of sustainable living. Be sure to try dakos (a barley rusk topped with tomatoes, olive oil, and cheese), kalitsounia (small cheese or herb pies), and tsikoudia (a local spirit). For a hands-on experience, visit agritourism farms like Agreco Farm in Rethymno, where you can learn how to cook traditional Cretan dishes using fresh, organic ingredients grown on-site.
Agritourism is a growing movement in Crete, offering travelers the chance to experience traditional farming and sustainable living while enjoying the island’s natural beauty.
Agreco Farm: Located near Rethymno, this award-winning agritourism farm offers visitors the opportunity to explore a working farm, participate in traditional farming activities, and enjoy organic meals made from fresh, local ingredients. The farm also offers eco-friendly accommodation, making it a great choice for a sustainable stay.
Milia Mountain Retreat: Nestled in the White Mountains of Crete, Milia is a traditional village that has been transformed into an eco-friendly retreat. The village runs on renewable energy, and all of the food served is produced locally. It’s a fantastic spot to unwind while supporting a model of sustainable living.
Organic Wineries: Crete has a long history of winemaking, and several wineries are embracing organic and sustainable methods. Manousakis WineryMANOUSAKIS WINERY, near Chania, offers tours and tastings where you can sample organic wines made from local grape varieties like vidiano and kotsifali.
For those looking to dive deeper into sustainable travel and explore the hidden gems of Crete’s rural landscape, the Rural Tourism Network is a fantastic resource. This network connects travelers with authentic rural experiences, including eco-friendly accommodations, agritourism farms, and locally-run tour operators. It provides extensive information about sustainable practices, eco-conscious villages, and how you can engage with local communities in a meaningful way.
Our travel agency is proud to be a member of the Epaithros Rural Tourism Network, which ensures that we offer our clients the most sustainable and enriching travel experiences in Crete. Through this network, we provide access to authentic rural stays, guided eco-tours, and opportunities to participate in traditional farming, cooking, and craft-making.
By using the Rural Tourism Network as your guide, you can easily find eco-conscious accommodations in traditional Cretan villages, learn about local customs, and discover unique places that are off the typical tourist path. Whether you’re interested in hiking through the island’s picturesque countryside, staying in a family-run guesthouse, or learning about Crete’s agricultural traditions, this network has something for everyone seeking a more responsible and immersive travel experience.
Sustainable travel is all about leaving a positive impact. By following these tips, you can enjoy Crete’s stunning beauty, rich culture, and welcoming communities while ensuring that this extraordinary island remains unspoiled for future generations.
Whether it’s hiking through the mountains, exploring ancient villages, or savoring a farm-to-table meal, Crete offers endless opportunities for eco-friendly and responsible travel. So as you explore, remember to tread lightly, support local communities, and cherish the island’s natural and cultural heritage.
