Crete Travel Guide

Savoring Crete: 5 Delicacies You Must Try

Crete Travel Guide
May 01, 2024By Crete Travel Guide


Crete, the largest of the Greek islands, is not only known for its stunning landscapes and rich history but also for its mouthwatering cuisine. From fresh seafood to flavorful cheeses, the local delicacies of Crete are a must-try for any food enthusiast. Here are five irresistible dishes that you simply can't miss when visiting this beautiful island.

1. Dakos

Dakos is a traditional Cretan meze made with barley rusk, ripe tomatoes, feta cheese, olive oil, and oregano. This simple yet delicious dish is a perfect combination of flavors and textures. The juicy tomatoes, tangy feta, and crunchy rusk create a delightful culinary experience that will leave you craving for more.

National Cretan, Greek snack (dakos). Crackers with grated tomatoes, feta cheese, oregano, olives and olive oil on a white background close-up.
Dakos

2. Kalitsounia

Kalitsounia are small, savory pastries filled with a mixture of local cheeses, such as mizithra and anthotyro, along with herbs like mint and dill. These delightful little parcels are often baked or fried and are a popular snack or appetizer in Crete. The combination of the creamy cheese filling and the crispy pastry shell is simply irresistible.

kalitsounia greek food, crete dessert
Source: Visit Greece

3. Souvlaki

No visit to Crete would be complete without trying the famous souvlaki. This grilled meat skewer, typically made with pork, is a beloved street food in Greece. Served with pita bread, tzatziki, and a side of fresh vegetables, souvlaki is a satisfying and flavorful dish that you'll find at local tavernas and food stalls throughout the island.

Vertical shot of beef souvlaki with French fries, pita bread and salad, with tzatziki on the side

4. Cretan cheeses

Almost every Cretan village has its own signature cheese. They are usually made from sheep or goat’s milk, or a combination of both and each cheese variety has its local interpretation. Of the legion of delicious cheeses, look for graviera, a harder cheese that’s sweeter when new, but nutty and flavourful after aging. Soft, creamy cheeses, abound like pichtogalo Chanion, which has AOC protection, or myzithra, a young whey cheese with a lovely mild taste.

Myzithra Cheese Crete
Myzithra cheese, Source: Tasteatlas

5. Loukoumades

To satisfy your sweet tooth, don't miss out on loukoumades, a beloved Greek dessert that has been enjoyed for centuries. These golden, crispy dough balls are deep-fried until they are delightfully puffy and then drizzled with honey and sprinkled with cinnamon. The combination of warm, fluffy dough and sweet syrup is pure indulgence.

Loukoumades are pastries made of deep fried dough soaked in syrup, chocolate sauce, or honey, with cinnamon and sometimes sprinkled with sesame or nuts

Exploring the local delicacies of Crete is an essential part of experiencing the island's culture and traditions. Whether you're a fan of savory or sweet flavors, there's something for everyone in the vibrant and diverse Cretan cuisine. Be sure to savor these five must-try dishes and more on your next visit to this culinary paradise.