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• Crete
• Eastern Crete
• Sitia Town
• Museums
• Itanos Municipality
• Palekastro
• Elia
• Vai
• Zakros
• Kato Zakros
• Toplou Monastery
• Beaches of Itanos
• Virgin & Nature
• Rural Life
• Tradition & Culture
• Cretan Nutrition and its Products

• The Secret of Cretan Longevity

Crete is the largest island of Greece and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean; it is situated approximately 175 km south of Athens and is divided into the four prefectures of Hania, Rethimno, Iraklio and Lasithi. It has an area of about 8300 sq km. The island is elongated, measuring 260 km long from east to west and between 15 and 60 km North to South. The coastline is over 1000 km long and is extremely varied in its characteristics, consisting of both sandy and rocky beaches and majestic mountainous scenery.
The high mountains are a characteristic of the Cretan landscape and form three mountain complexes, each with their own distinctive ‘personality’ between which lie semi-mountainous zones which form the greater coverage of the island. The rugged countryside inspires artists, painters and photographers alike. In late January, after a relatively short mild winter, spring bursts in to life with a spectacular display of wild flowers. Red poppies and mustard yellow flowers carpet the olive groves on uncultivated ground wild anemone, tulips and delicate orchids bloom.

The warm, genuine friendliness of the local people continues to amaze and delight every visitor, which is why so many people choose Crete as their holiday destination year after year.

Being one of the most southerly parts of Europe, Crete enjoys over 300 days of sunshine each year! In the summer months, the heat is alleviated on the north coast by the breezes of the "Meltemi". The start of the break-up of the long, dry months usually begins at the end of October. January and February form the real winter, yet often have lovely bright, sunny, warm days.

The eastern corner of Crete is known as being the most unspoilt area of the island. It has a great deal more to offer than "sun, sea and sand", it offers a real insight into the way the Cretan people live. It is therefore ideal for the individual traveller.

Eastern Crete is one of the safest areas in the world, the criminality rate has always been particularly low, almost naught. The experts claim that here you should search for the different, calm and smiley landscape of eastern Crete!

If you seek peace and quiet, isolated beaches, taverns and 'cafenions' frequented by the locals, a chance to participate in all local events, then this is for you!

We want ουr visitors to really experience our traditions and culture, to meet the locals and take part in festivals of singing and dancing and of course, sample the real local cuisine.

We have found ουr best means of advertisement to be word of mouth and see clients returning year after year, which proves that ουr policy works.

A journey to Sitia is a pilgrimage, to the springs of the European civilization!
The Minoan civilization, as known, is the first high level civilization on European ground and you find the first hubs and harbors of this civilization here at the Eastern Crete in Ζakros and Palekastro in Mochlos and Psira. Many charming and ancient myths take reference on these places.


Nowhere else in the world the Nature and the Myth match so well together. It is remarkable that the habits and rituals of worship, the myths and the legends survive even today in some villages of Sitia.

The Sitia town is ideal for everyday pleasures at places where the modern culture is best revealed. On the beaches and on the squares, in shops and in taverns, the visitor will find out that Sitia is a vivid town with many alternatives. The intense night life is combined with cultural events throughout the year that reach their hottest part in the summer where selected music, theatre and dance events are performed.

Those who explore the area will find that eastern Crete has remained the most unspoiled area of Crete, the extreme eastern coast being the most wild and beautiful on the island. The town was rebuilt amphitheatrically in the corner of the bay of Sitia in 1870; having been previously destroyed by earthquakes and pirates. There are 45 villages to discover in the area of Sitia, a region renowned for its hospitality.


For the walker, the hills are covered with aromatic plants and hundreds of beautiful flowers, especially in the springtime.


East Crete is ideal for those who enjoy walking, be it a short walk or a good hike! There are some routes in and around Sitia and, in the Palekastro area, 5 routes of varying lengths and difficulty have been specifically mapped out. One of the walks' is through the gorge of Kato Zakros, at the end of which, there is a section marked out for rock climbing.

Flower lovers will be amazed by the beautiful wild flowers and herbs which cover the countryside during April and May. Divers will also find the area to be of great interest.

The long archaeological and historical research at the Sitia area has brought to light rare and valuable finds and information of all civilizations from the Neolithic Age and the Minoan period to the New Age. The civilizations that have flourished the grounds of Sitia, one of the richest areas in archaeological sites internationally have bequeathed us magnificent samples of material and intellectual wealth that are exhibited in the district Museums and Collections.


One of the most important Cretan Museums is located in the Sitia town. In the town's archaeological museum are placed important finds of Minoan Civilization and other archaic Cretan civilizations. Unique exhibits of the excavations in Zakros, Mochlos, Psira, Palekastro, Itanos, Agia Fotia and other significant Minoan hubs in central Crete present a new experience for the visitor. Many of the exhibits refer to the olive, the vine cutlery, fishing bee- keeping as to other sectors of rural activity.

Ιn spaces fit out for exhibitions you find items that represent the Cretan folk culture and the rural and pastoral life. Three kilometers in the east of Sitia next to the Road to TOPLOU - Vai is built by the Sitia touring Club, a large and well equipped Centre of Traditional Culture with Folklore Collections, Art Workshops, show rooms - selling points- rooms for trying local products, cinemas, multiple purpose halls, exhibition halls etc.


The Folklore Museum of Sitia was founded in 1975 by the educational and cultural association "Vintsenzos Kornaros". It contains many important folklore exhibits; Embroideries, Woven, Furniture, Handiworks, Costumes, Kitchenware, Pots, Icons, Loom room.

Τhe municipality of Itanos is situated at the East Coast of Crete. It is based in Palekastro, a small town 19 km from Sitia. Τhe overall area hosts important archaeological sites and spots of unique natural beauty marking this region as one of the last virgin destinations for holidays. Αt this district are also submitted the settlements Agathias, Vai, Mirtidia, Lidia, Chochlakies, the TOPLOU Monastery, the area of Itanos, Agios Nikolaos, Agios Spiridonas, Vagias, Kalamaki and Analoukas.

Α big and powerful ancient city in eastern Crete, 1 km away in the north of Vai. It was established in the Ρprehistoric period and probably named after Phoenix or the Curette Itanos. Itanos was autonomous in the course of history and for great periods of time was administrating Dragmos, Ampelos and Grammios, the Dionisades, Elasa and Koufonisi (Lefki) islands and the temple of Dictean Zeus which was an important revenue source. In the "Arbitration of the Magnet's" carνed on a plate οn the wall of the main hall of the TOPLOU Monastery, the people from Itanos were vindicated over the people of Ierapitna regarding the territorial claim of Lefki. Itanos was a big harbour of cross-trade especially to the East. It reached its peak in the classic period as one can assume from the buildings, temples (of Asklepios, Tychi, Athena, etc.) and the silver coins which are genuine pieces of art.

Especially in the Hellenistic time, Itanos was involved in conflicts with the neighbouring cities of Praissos and lerapitna, but it managed to confront them with the help of the Ptolemy's of Egypt without being politically depended on them. During the Roman time, Itanos kept its powerful position, contributed to the Cretan public and issued its own coins. The city was flourishing towards the first Byzantine period as the many big churches reveal and it is assumed that it was inhabited in the time of the Venetian rule. Itanos was first traced by the archaeologist ΗaΙbherr. Research was also conducted by Bursian and Demarge, as well as by the French Archaeological School, while today the research has been continued by the Institute of Mediterranean Studies. Many inscriptions, coins, pots, golden earrings etc. were found. According to historical tradition, the inhabitants of Itanos were driven away from the city in the 17th century and founded Sitano.

Nowadays, there are newly built summer houses within the archaeological site. Walking through Ancient Itanos through all these antiquities, the acropolis, the ruins of the Minoan buildings and temples, the inscriptions and bewitching environment is an unprecedented experience.

Palekastro is a lively, unpretentious village, at the east coast of Crete 20 km away from Sitia and the seat of the Municipality of Itanos. It was named after an old castle. Although the village is growing, it manages tο retain its character and charm. The village square is the centre οf activities and is lined with cafes and taverns. Many pleasant hours can be passed here, watching the world go by. During the summer months, weddings are often held in the village, with the huge wedding feast taking place in the square, tο which everyone is invited. Α chance to try your hand at Cretan dancing!


The town of Palekastro is an agricultural town which has opened its arms to embrace the mass tourism which has not quite arrived yet. There are plenty of working class taverns in the central part of town and plenty of working class people to fill them at night.

The town is slowly being built up as apartment buildings and hotels have sprung from the ruins of the traditional stone family dwellings which have been allowed to collapse in favour of commerce.
Palekastro with the fertile grounds, important antiquities and marvellous beaches is the liveliest and a greatly developing settlement in the Sitia district. In the town there is a folk museum and many cultural events are taking place.

Ancient city built in today's position of Rouso - Lakos was called ELIA (1690 B.C.). At the place Rousolakos was revealed a big and significant Minoan town. It prospered at the Post Minoan period but there was also found ruins from the first and the middle Minoan era especially graves perfectly maintained with numerous bones. The anthropologists after the examination of the bones came up with considerable conclusions about the body structure of the Minoans as i.e. that the men were 1.60 m. tall and the women 1.50 m. Α central road crossing with four other roads divide the town in 9 districts in everyone of which according to a belief used to live equal genders. The fronts of the houses facing the central road are very imposing, while a complete sewage system runs all districts

Very near to that place were also found the plates with the hymn of the Dictean or Cretagenous Zeus. It is the first hymn in the ancient world dedicated to a god and in the reality it is about a hymn to peace and life. Young naked shield-bearers used to sing this hymn every year in the spring dancing around the Zeus altar imitating the Curettes and they pleaded him to come to earth in order to bring peace, happiness and justice among people, fertility to the ground, protection to the youth, fair winds to the ships etc. At this site was also found an important archaeological discovery, a statuette 50 cm tall made of gold and ivory that constitutes a magnificent piece of Minoan Art; is said to represent a Minoan young god and can be viewed at the Archaeological Museum of Sitia. Many of the important archaeological findings are on display at the museum of Sitia, Iraklion and at many foreign museums.


The excavations were conducted about 100 years ago by the English archaeologists Bosanquet and Dawkins and are still ran by the English School of Archaeology. Α recent investigation ("radiophotography") of the subsoil gave Seriοus evidence that under the ground of Rousolakos is hidden the fifth big Minoan palace from Crete!


Life in the Minoan town of Palekastro as in Zakros and in other Cretan towns was suddenly eradicated because of the volcanic eruption on Santorini in about 1500 BC. Αt Kouremenos were excavated 7 sub-Minoan houses, at Castri houses of the Geometric and the Hellenistic period while at the temple of Agios Antonios, ΗaΙbherr discovered a part of the treaty between Knossos and Ierapitnas.

Α palm tree forest stretching on a marvellous valley and sandy beach, next to the ancient Itanos, 28 km away from Sitia. It is 8 km away from Palekastro and 6 km away from TOPLOU Monastery. It covers 200 acres and consists of self planted palm trees of Theophrastus (Phoenix Theofrasti). It is unique of its kind in Greece, Europe and probably the world. There are many legends about how it was created. It is said that it was created by the Phoenicians who as it was believed were the first to settle Itanos, while according to other versions it was created by the seeds of dates that Egyptian soldiers of Ptolemy VI (pilometor) used to eat, or the soldiers of King Mithridates of Pontus who came as allies to that area, or Saracen pirates or invaders. Whatever may be the cause of the Vai forest's existence, one thing is for sure, it is maintained due to the dry, hot climate and the underground water of the valley. In addition, the palm tree existed in ancient Crete as mentioned in the works of Theophrastus and Pliny and the depiction of the palm tree on coins and pots. Apart from palm trees, you also find other species of African vegetation that contribute to the biodiversity of this area. This location is also the meeting point, the crossroad for migrating birds.

Vai because of its special value and beauty is protected by the Greek state, European Union and international contracts.

It is a village within a green environment in the eastern edge of Crete, 38 km away from Sitia. The following settlements belong to the administrative district of Pano Zakros: Kato Zakros, Adravasti, Azokeramos, Kellaria, Klisidi and the monastery dependencies: Agios Georgios, Sfaka, Kaneva, and Skalia. Archaeological sites have been traced in many of this area as well as a temple on the peak of Traostalos.


On the road to Kato Zakros at the village limits the archaeologist professor N. Platon,
excavated a Minoan mansion with a stone winepress and murals with plant topics of various colours and a large jar with characters of the linear. Αt the upper part of the village, are the big and renowned springs of Zakros and in the village there are many water mills which were recently restored for the foundation of the Water Museum.

It is a coastal area with a settlement 8 km away from Pano Zakros at a magnificent bay with sandy beach. Kato Zakros is the most impressive small fishing village, hidden away in the south-east corner of Crete, behind a beautiful tamarisk-fringed beach. Anyone staying in Kato Zakros will want to walk down the "Valley of the Dead", approximately a 2-hour walk, which leads down from Pano Zakros, to the sea at Kato Zakros.


Here, in 1961 the renowned archaeologist Nikolaos Platon traced and excavated the fourth Minoan Palace on Crete. The first to trace evidence of ancient ruins was Spratt. After him the archaeologists' ΗaΙbherr and Mariani, Evans and Hogarth searched the area, while golden jewels found by a peasant and the finds handed in by Em. Figetakis and Ν. Karantonis gave evidence of the existence of ancient sites. The overall size of the central building was bigger than 10 acres and there were about 250 chambers for different use. The palace was not looted when found so although smaller than the ones in Knossos, Festos and Mallia, the finds there were more in number (over a 1000) and more significant, thus giving us valuable information about the life and civilization of the Minoans. Many of them are "royal", real pieces of art.


The palace was mostly developed due to its geographic position. It was the big port of call for the Minoan ships coming from and heading to Egypt and the East. This was evidenced by the many finds and raw materiaΙs coming from these areas. The handicraft and arts were particularly developed in the Palace of Zakros and were very profitable. The palace finds are exhibited in the Museums of Heraklion, Sitia and Agios Nikolaos. The palace was unexpectedly destroyed by the volcanic eruption in about 1500 B.C.

The Greek Fund of the Archaeological Resources and Expropriations (TAPA) has published a brief guide where you can find basic information. Moreover interesting excavations have taken place in the palace annexes. The old palace was located there, a metal furnace was found and other buildings were revealed with numerous finds, plates of the linear Α and Β etc. Ιn the gorge of Zakros (that is why it was named the gorge of the dead) and on the hill of Agios Antonios tombs in caves were excavated. The porous stone quarry with which the palace at Pelekita was built was found there as well as a cave with traces of Neolithic habitation. Kato Zakros is an archaeological paradise in a pure natural landscape of exceptional beauty.

TOPLOU monastery is one of the biggest and most important monasteries in Crete, 10 km. away in the east of Sitia. It is situated in the middle of an open low plateau at the edge of Kavo-Sideros Cape. It is 6 km away from Palekastro. The buildings are very imposing and look like a castle. Its official name is "Panagia Αkrotiriani" (the Cape Madonna).

TOPLOU means the one that possess a cannon ("top" in Turkish) and the monastery was named like that because it had a cannon to drive away the pirates during Turkish domination. The monastery was probably built in the 16th century around the small temple of Virgin Mary from the 14th century as shown by its murals. Very soon the monastery gathered many assets and founded churches all over Crete when at, the same time other monasteries declined and came under its power. The monastery from time to time suffered great lootings and catastrophes by pirates, knights' of Malt and especially from Turks because of its riches and the support it offered to national struggles.

The Monastery was probably destroyed by invaders at the end of the 15th century and its restoration was associated with the Kornaros family (South wing) and Metzos family (North wing). The great number of significant icons from the 14th and 15th centuries show that the monastery-Fortress flourished especially in that era. The icons signify the development of the art Constantinople which was gradually settled in Crete after its fall. The great artistic value of the icons is also significant for the high education level in the monk community at the Akrotiriani monastery that contributed to the cultural deνelopement of Crete in the Renaissance. The earthquake 1612 caused great damage to the monastery. They were restored by the bishop Gabriel Pantogalos with the support of the Venetian senate. The monastery was restored and at the same time the south aisle of Saint John was built. The main hall is of the arched types while the front and the imposing bell - tower is of the renaissance. The rooms are arranged around the inner court on three stores with bulwarks. The buildings are made up of obviously different features from Byzantine and Western architectural typology. In1646 the monastery was looted by the Turks and in 1704 was taken under the protectorate of the ecumenical patriarch and that contributed to its survival. The bishop Parthenios Kafouros renovated the monastery and invited many great painters like Ioannis Komaros and Stamatis who created a number of magnificent paintings. Many monks were slaughtered during the liberation fights in 1821 and in 1940-44. At the courtyard there is an outstanding sculptured monument by Manolis Tzompanakis.


In the last few years restoration works are taking place and they continue. Furthermore two remarkable museums one of icons and relics and one of engraving were created. The monastery is a centre of organic olive oil and wine production and furthermore a wind park was established nearby. Many visitors are coming every year to the monastery which is one of the most important religious, historic and cultural monuments.

Τhe municipality of Itanos offers some of the most picturesque and clean beaches in the world. There are those beaches that combine the peacefulness with small scenic fish taverns where after a good swim you can enjoy the nonchalant sunset with snacks and a drink or with a Greek coffee. You can also fish, practise water sports or simply relax and enjoy nature and the delicious Cretan Food.Τhe most important beaches of the municipality of Itanos from North to South are the following:


Itanos (Erimoupoli) it consists of three smaller picturesque beaches. Τhe ruins of the ancient city of Itanos can be found here, part of which is sunk in the sea. It is a lee area, 9 km from Palekastro.


Vai, It is situated only 1 km south of Itanos, in a νalley that ends in a breathtaking sandy beach. Every year the beach of Vai is awarded with the "Blue Flag" confirming that it is one of the best organised and clean beaches of Greece. But Vai deserves the attention! It offers a variety of water sports, restaurants, cafes etc.

Maridati , Is a small scenic beach with one restaurant. Here you may relax and admire the sea view.

Kouremenos , Is a long sandy beach near Palekastro (1.5km). Along the beach, there are apartments to rent, restaurants and a small fishing harbour.


Around the Palekastro area, the "MeItemi" wind increases its strength through the local thermal and funnelling effect that gives the surface wind an additional 2 Beaufort. This makes Kouremenos bay one of the most winds-certain spots in Europe with wind statistics of 20-28 wind days per month from April to October.

AVERAGE WIND STATISTICS

For those interested, somewhere in the middle of Kouremenos beach, a Windsurf station, the only fully equipped one on Crete, and its teaching team, is there to teach, equip or just instruct on new freestyle moves.

Chiona, Is an ideal beach for the whole family. It is situated only 1.5 km from Palekastro, at close proximity to the small village of "Agathias". Τhere are three restaurants serving fresh fish by the beach. You may visit the archaeological site still under excavation by British archaeologists. According to them, there is strong evidence for the existence of a Minoan Palace.

Karoumes, Α solitary beach ideal for those who love walking since it is situated at the end of the gorge in Chochlakies.

Kato Zakros. Not only will you enjoy the sea and the local cuisine in the restaurants by the beach, but you will definitely appreciate a quite stay in the accommodation provided. There are taverns along the beach with fresh fish and there are rooms to rent though they can get scarce in the mid summer. Beyond Zakros the pavement ends but if you are adventurous don't let that stop you.

 

The nature of Sitia district remains rich and virgin.
 

• There are many expanded candidate "NATURA areas"

• Numerous sites of exceptional natural beauty

• Rare geological forms and sights of geological development

• Ten (10) large gorges and geological crevices

• Three hundred (300) caves of great interest

• Two thousand one hundred (2100) species of self-sown plants, 300 are endemic and there are many aromatic or medicinal plants

• Α great number of rare animal and bird species. Her you can find the biggest colony in the world of the Eleanor's falcon (FALCO DΕ ELEONORA).

• Wide meadows with the protected seaweed kind "Poseidonia"

• The unique in Europe Palm tree forest of Vai

• The beginning of the European path Ε4

• Many biotopes of mixed Euro-African vegetation (in Vai, Koufonisi etc.)
  
  
  
   

As rich and beautiful the nature in Sitia district is so interesting and alive is the rural life there. The grounds of Sitia, the plains, the valleys the hills and the feet of the mountains are cultivated while the rest of the land, the mountainsides the holly and olive tree forests the acres covered with prickly brooms, sage, thyme and other aromatic plants offer lodging and food to many free-range flocks of sheep and goats.


Furthermore near the biotopes which are suitable for shrubs and wild flowers, "clusters" of bee hives the so called "bee gardens" are placed. The majority of the population in the province are farmers.

Olive-growers, vine-growers, vegetable growers in greenhouses or outdoor, cattle-breeders, bee-keepers while in the villages along the coast are the fishermen. The visitor in the province will be delighted to find nice pictures of rural life which may be primitive and moving: Old people who insist oil using old methods for example olive-harvest with a stick the so called "katsouna" vine-harvest with the basket, digging with a mattock, sheep shearing and milking, going fishing with the boat and the fishing-nets, transportation with donkeys, and so many other activities that tend to disappear quickly due to the modernization and the mechanization of farming.


Of course you will see modern farmers as well, with farming machinery, automobiles and processing and packaging facilities; the inevitable technological development in our times that allows the mass production and the standardization of rural products in order to reach the consumers far away having reasonable prices and being of good quality.

In Sitia district the traditional and the modem coexist not only in the farming but in any sector in a harmonious and impressive way most of the times. Α typical example is the harmonious coexistence on the Chandra Plateau where old windmills are used to draw water for watering while the modern wind generators are producing electricity out of wind power. You can see clusters of those generators, the so called wind parks, in other places of this district as well for example near the villages Achladia, Xerolimni and Palekastro. These modern windmills strike a different note in the mountain scenery and "stand for" the ecological landscape.


Due to these pioneer wind parks that have caught the European attention, Crete is the
first island in the world to have recovered mild renewable energy sources. The rural landscape of Sitia district is marked by the predominance of the olive trees. The visitor can see everywhere the holy tree of Athena with the silver -green leaves standing there playing with the wind and receiving in rest the hot sun rays, transforming its juice to the magical elixir of life and health, the olive oil.

The Sitia town and the tourist developed areas live in the rhythms of a modern cosmopolitan life. Next to this modern everyday reality coexist in a way all the features that define the cultural character of the Cretan folk tradition. For these material and intellectual features, the manners and customs, the ancient habits the vigorous local folk tradition gains distinction as an inexhaustible contemporary cultural entity. This modern folk culture, the continuity of a long and rich Cretan tradition, finds its expression in the innumerable celebrations and festivities where ancient features and attitudes survive up to this day. There the variety of music and the literal folk tradition is revealed. In every popular festival you will experience unknown emotions by taking part or watching the ancient local dances, the different kinds of live music, the Sitian "kontilies" (the mastery of the lyre) and "mantinades" the old or improvised folk Cretan couplets, traditions in which Sitians the born revellers are unrivalled. Usually simple or casual meetings of locals or foreigners turn out to become a party.

Ιn autumn the "kazanemata" the very old process has become very attractive to the Europeans the last few years, ends up to be a modern Dionysian feast. The characteristics and the rhythm of life that are impressed upon the fortunate travellers on the long lived Cretan land survive above all in the simple daily joys and habits.

 

The close links of Crete with Europe are widely recognised, since Crete is the place where the continent received its name. In Greek mythology, lust-loving Zeus, in the guise of a white, winged bull carried off on his back the beautiful princess of Phoenicia, Europa, daughter of king Agenor, to the island of Crete where he fathered the progenitors of a magnificent civilization known as the Minoans.

One of the basic elements of this civilization has been nutrition, or the way of production and consumption of food stuff. The Cretans have developed their ancient nutritional habits with everything that the Cretan land so generously provides: olive oil, wheat, wine, honey, legumes and vegetables, mountain greens and aromatic plants, low fat cheese, meat and fish; the base of the Cretan cuisine that according to the research over the last few years proved to be healthy and of great nutritional value. You can taste this cuisine in the traditional taverns and local restaurants.

This civilization, forged on such values as hospitality, honesty, and dignity can, without exaggeration, be considered as a culture of health. For thousands of years now, the dietary habits of the inhabitants constitute an on-going, informal biological experiment, the results of which highlight the soundness of the Cretan diet, as it was formally recorded in the "Seven Countries Study" by Dr. Ancel Keys. The consumption of olive oil, wine, legumes, fruit, vegetables, honey and herb tea offers a unique privilege to Cretans. It endows them with a long, healthy life with the lowest mortality indices in the world in terms of heart diseases and cancer. In modern times scientific research has confirmed the value of this dietary prototype which is highly recommended by experts in nutrition.

Crete is proud of the fact that today, 5000 years after the rise of the Minoan civilization, is in a position to offer humanity an excellent dietary prototype that greatly improves the quality and expectancy of life.



THE WINE

The wine of Sitia has been famous since the antiquity. Lucullus used to transport by ships the wine from Sitia to Rome for his renowned Lucullean feasts! Today the Sitian wine is of excellent quality and is selling like hot cakes in Greece and abroad.

It's growing in the polymorph landscape of Sitia following it in its ever changing alteration of hills and valleys which pleasantly surprises and fascinates the visitor. Ιn an ancient long co-existence with this natural environment, the local varieties of grapes endow the territory with a priceless richness of bio-diversity. The mild and without extremes winter, combined with long hot and dry summer, the long periods of sunlight during the year and the cool breeze of the Cretan sea, ensure ideal conditions to the germinate cycle of the wine. Thus it's not strange that Sitia holds a 4000 years old tradition in winery and wine cultivation. The confirmation comes from the Minoan Palace of Kato Zakros where the oldest cultivated vineyard was found.

The favourable soil and climatic conditions and the systematic cultivation of the area since the ancient times, produces excellent varieties of grapes from which the re-known Sitia wines originate.

Visitors in late August and September will witness the grape harvest and will more than likely be offered an armful! Wine is still made in the traditional way by treading the grapes. The must left over is used to distil the local drink Raki. During October, the "Kazanemata", (raki making sessions) are held you may see them at the roadside. Visitors are always welcome and given a sample. It is quite an exceptional experience!



THE OLIVE OIL

Α truly priceless treasure indispensable in the daily nutrition of the Cretans since the dawn of history. It is produced in the beautiful olive groves which cover the hilly and mountainous embossed soil of the Sitia's land, under ideal soil and climatic conditions (extensive periods of sunshine, mild and sweet winters, cool summers, natural fertile soils, clean atmosphere). SITIA olive oil has won international acclaim, receiving many awards for its excellent quality and superior taste.

The fresh fruit juice of olives is produced in Crete since the Minoan era and it is a product obtained by mechanically processing the olive crop. It is consumed in its virgin form without further processing. It has a wonderful aroma, a fruit's like taste but mainly it is rich in remarkable biological, nutritional, preventive and therapeutically properties with beneficial action in the development and protection of the human system.

The olive oil centralizes the most benefits by comparison to any other oleaginous substances of those humans are consuming. Το this fact agree and have concluded long and extensive laboratory and clinical researches. In additional to these conclusions, the same result has been reached by many independent epidemiological researches around the world. But the experience, deriving from the excellent results of the highly successful diet of the Cretan population, based on olive oil for many centuries ago; possibly represent the best possible proof. Among others those researches proved that the olive oil:

• Cures gastrointestinal and hepatic diseases

• Deters the development of cholelithiasis and protects urinary system.

• Comforts the diabetic patients

• Protects the human skin against the sun rays

• Exercises beneficial influence in the development of the human skeleton

• Extends the young ness of the human body

• Precludes the appearance of arteriosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases and various forms of cancer.
  
  This is probably the main reason that more and more people in the developed world try to subsume to their eating habits the Cretan diet.

Αnzel Keys' renowned study of seven countries, which was published in 1980, revealed that the health level of Cretans was the highest in the world. Cancers and cardio-circulatory disease were rare, since out of 100.000 people on Crete, there were only 9 deaths attributed to these diseases as opposed to 466 in Finland. It was further proven that this was largely due to the dietary habits of the Cretan, people, whose basic ingredient is olive oil.

THE PRODUCTS

For Cretans, the secret of longevity is very simple. They eat anything that their rich soil produces! They consume a lot of fruit, vegetables, greens, fresh produce, legumes, cheese and bread. Cretans use herbs to add flavour to their meals; they make sweets/cakes with natural sweeteners, honey and grape-juice syrup. Cretans do not eat meat or, rather, they did not eat meat until a few decades ago. Meat has always had a ritual quality in Crete, and generally in Greece. In antiquity, Cretans consumed only the meat offered to the gods on the altar of sacrifice. In modern times, they consumed meat only a few times a year, i.e. during festivities or, if wealthy enough, every Sunday. In other words, the dietary code of Cretans has deep cultural and historical roots.
Fresh products grown under the most suitable climatic conditions have a prominent place on dinner tables. Cretans do not require doctor's orders to consume large amounts of fruit and vegetables. Grapes, raisins, oranges, etc. are a way of life. Even on days strictly associated with meat-eating, such as the Easter Day, Cretans do not eat only meat. On the contrary, they cook meat with artichokes, wild greens or vegetables a delicious choice!


THE RESULTS
Mr. Serge Renaud, a French researcher-scientist said, "Following a 15-year follow-up study, it was concluded that Crete manifests the lowest mortality rates irrespective of the cause of death". There is no doubt that the above statement attests to the benefits of the Cretan diet. The French scientist was referring to wide scale research on nutrition that was conducted with the participation of seven countries, including Greece, in 1956 by Dr Ancel Keys, a pioneering investigator and health revolutionary American. Today, the international community has adopted the Cretan model of nutrition by recommending it, as the basis of human nutrition.

Ancel Keys, 1986 compares mortality rates among various regions of the world, including four Mediterranean regions. Crete is last with respect to death causes with a significant difference from the country before last.

Also we have a comparison between the results from the above mentioned study in the seven countries (up to 1986) and pertinent statistical data provided by the World Health Organization (WHO) per 100,000 participants (Serge Renaud, 1995). Again, Crete is at the bottom of the list with regard to mortality rates.

In addition to the above, we have the results from a French study in Lyon. The French doctors divided their patients with heart diseases in two groups. The first group was put on a diet recommended by the US Society of Cardiology a low fat/cholesterol diet and served as control group. The second group was prescribed the Cretan diet to be followed during their normal way of life. The results were statistically significant. In two years mortality rates in the second group dropped by 75%!

Cretan producers and local processing, packaging, and marketing companies warrant that all Cretan products are pure, without chemical substances or other preservatives and additives. Cretan products, being part of a centuries old tradition, are treated with the same respect as that afforded to them by our ancestors
 

"Crete's mystery is extremely deep. Whoever sets foot on this island senses a mysterious force branching warmly and beneficently through his veins, senses his soul begin to grow."
Nikos Kazantzakis, Report to Greco.
 

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