The benefits of the Mediterranean diet have been recognised by nutritionist experts for decades. What's more, it is widely acknowledged that the healthiest diet in the Mediterranean is that of Crete. One of the reasons is that the Cretans tend to eat what is produced locally. That means plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables in season, whole grains and pulses such as lentils, beans and peas.

Salads and wild greens play an  important role in their daily diet. The island also produces a large quantity of olives: the number of trees is estimated to be 30 million. Today, over 95% of the olive oil produced in Crete belongs to the highest category of quality labelled as "Extra Virgin". Medical researchers have proven the benefits of olive oil for cardiovascular conditions, for various forms of cancers, stomach ulcers, diabetes, and nutrition for children and the elderly.

Cretans consume more olive oil than any other Mediterranean people and, as a result, the people of Crete have the lowest death rate from heart disease and  cancer in the world. Cretans, like most Greeks, consume large quantities of bread with their meals, but it is usually freshly-baked and made from whole grains. Delicious cheeses and yogurt are  produced locally from the milk of goats and sheep which graze on mountain vegetation. Fresh fish is grilled or baked and often served with a simple sauce of olive oil and lemon juice, while meat is grilled or stewed. While Cretan food is simply prepared, it is far from bland.

Herbs such as oregano, sage, rosemary and thyme grow wild all over the island and are used liberally in local dishes. Eating in a local taverna, especially in smaller villages, you will not be given a menu; rather you will be invited to have a look at what's cooking in the pots in the kitchen. A meal out in Crete often resembles a home style meal, with a selection of different dishes ordered for the table which everyone then shares.

In terms of shopping, the big supermarket chains, and even some smaller shops in areas where the are a large number of  foreign residents or tourists, carry products from all over Europe and you can find just about everything you need. But for fresh produce you will want to visit one of weekly street markets that take place in Chania. There you can peruse the stalls offerings fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables, cheeses and yogurt from the mountain villages, fresh eggs and much more. Even if you don't buy much, you'll enjoy soaking up the atmosphere.

If occasionally you feel you need a break from the local dishes, there are also a number of restaurants  serving foreign cuisines including Chinese, Indian, Mexican and Middle Eastern.