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...a point of reference of peoples and cultures in three continents...
Ο The Prefecture of Heraklion occupies the northern part of the island of Crete. It is a colourful puzzle comprising not only clear blue seas, bright sun and golden beaches, but also a remarkable history, mythology, high mountains with inaccessible peaks, gorges, significant cultural riches, authentic traditional music and pure Cretan diet.
Following the innumerable paths of the farmland inland visitors can discover monasteries and hermitages, forgotten castles and fortresses nestled on hard to reach peaks, unfolding this way the land’s history piece by piece. For climbing aficionados there are many opportunities throughout the prefecture, which is also strewn with caves presenting religious, historic and speleological interest, as well as magnificent beaches that offer attractive and easily accessible solutions for cool moments and hours of fun.
Visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy a broad variety of activities in nature while staying at rural accommodations. Biking on the rural roads crossing the prefecture, horse-back riding, participation in traditional feasts, cart racing tracks and water parks, make vacations in Crete a very attractive proposal. Finally, activities such as diving and sailing are available at Heraklion through organized training centres with necessary equipment available for rent.
Recent studies have concluded that Crete has a very low death rate and attribute that to the Cretan diet.
The consumption of valuable dietary elements plays a key role in the prevention of diabetes, heart illness and certain types of cancer.
For the Cretans the secret to a long life seems very simple. They eat everything produced by the Cretan land. The olive oil, a basic element of the local diet, is consumed on a daily basis, the same as fruit, vegetables, greens, legumes, dairy products, lamb and goat meat, fish, rusk (crisp bread) and bread, honey and molasses, wine and tsikoudia (local spirit). Consumed in moderate amounts, all the above compose the pyramid of the traditional Cretan Diet.