On these islands you will frequently hear the "Cretan diet" referenced as being the healthiest in the world and it is easy to see why. These islands have very low heart disease and cancer rates and this is all put down to the fantastically balanced diet they have. Here you will find fresh seafood, fruit, vegetables, honey and the sacred olive oil.
Greek cuisine is best enjoyed outdoors with a view to the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. You will find many traditional dishes in the restaurants on the islands with which the locals are proud of. Meze is selections of traditional starters in bite sized treats. Souvlaki is chunks of lamb or pork marinated in spices and grilled on a skewer and Paidkaia is chargrilled lamb chops, served succulent and tender. Another firm favourite with the locals is pastitsio, this is a dish with noodles, meat, tomato and cheese baked on a low heat and served with vegetables. Of course another traditional dish is moussaka. For the more adventurous mountain lamb and goat are on offer and even herb-fed snails.
The islands also like their aperitif and the most popular seems to be the Ouzo, an aniseed flavoured spirit. Retsina is the most popular wine, proving to be a quite robust flavouring wine. The most favourable wines for most meals are Domaine Carras, Minos Palace and Boutari, these all offer a subtle introduction into the local wines.
All across the islands you will obtain a view from the restaurants. One day you will see fishing boats from a table by the harbour, and the next a beautiful sunset from a small village in the hills. What could be better?