Heraklion is officially included in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCNN). The UCNN is an initiative that started in 2004 with the aim of highlighting and promoting cultural creativity in and among cities around the globe. Every city that enters the network is selected for its outstanding cultural activities and its contribution to creativity and cultural sustainability. A number of cities from all around the world are distinguished in 7 thematic areas: literature, music, design, cinema, media arts, gastronomy, crafts/ folk arts.

Heraklion is one of the seven cities from around the world recognized as World Cities of Gastronomy for 2023.

And it’s true – Heraklion is a feast to the palate!

One thing we now here is that simple is delicious.

This is the greatness of our cuisine.

Traditional and timelessly modern cuisine, plain and up-to-date like none other.   

Our local products and unique recipes create the miracle of the authentic Cretan cuisine.  

Taverns, local cafés, and little meze hangouts scattered all over the island, with traditional olive oil, greens, mizithra, graviera and stakovoutiro, syglino and apaki, they put their pans and crock pots on the fire, pour some wine in the glasses, and take you on a “journey” to pleasure.

Come! Have a taste…