We Love Crete - Travel in the Greek Islands

The Mediterranean Lifestyle: A Natural Path to Better Health

by Miguel of Casa Miguel

There’s something special about life on Crete. From the moment you arrive, the pace slows, the food tastes better, and the days seem to follow a rhythm that just feels right. This isn’t a coincidence — it’s the Mediterranean lifestyle in action, and it’s one of the healthiest ways of living in the world.

On Crete, this lifestyle is part of everyday life. Meals are made from fresh, seasonal ingredients: juicy tomatoes, wild greens, fragrant herbs, olive oil straight from the grove, and fish caught that same morning. People gather around the table, not just to eat, but to talk, laugh, and enjoy each other’s company. Eating here isn’t rushed — it’s celebrated.

But food is only one part of the story. Movement is built into daily life. You’ll see people walking through mountain villages, tending gardens, or climbing hills to reach a church with a view. Nature is everywhere — and it’s not just beautiful, it’s part of how people stay well. Time spent outdoors, good rest, and strong community ties all play a role in the island’s wellbeing.

And science supports it. The Mediterranean lifestyle, as seen on Crete and across countries like Greece, Spain, and Italy, has been linked to longer life, better heart health, lower rates of diabetes, and reduced stress. But what makes it truly powerful is that it never feels forced. It’s not about restrictions — it’s about enjoying life the way it was meant to be lived.

I’ve traveled to Greece and was especially moved by the warmth of the Cretan people and the richness of their food culture. The lifestyle here inspired me so much, I even wrote a book about it. Whether you’re walking in the hills, enjoying grilled fish by the sea, or sharing a long lunch under the olive trees, you’ll feel what makes this island so unique. Crete isn’t just a place to visit — it’s a place to reconnect with yourself. That’s what it did for me. It sparked something that changed the way I live — and led me to share more about this way of life with others. If you're curious to explore it further, you’ll know where to find me.

My name is Miguel. I’m 48 years old, have Spanish roots, and used to work as a chef. In 2022, I faced serious health problems — high blood sugar, panic attacks, and type 2 diabetes. After visiting my family in Spain, I changed my life by embracing the Mediterranean lifestyle: fresh food, daily movement, and a slower, more connected way of living.

Since then, I’ve fully recovered, lost weight, and gained back my energy. I’ve maintained this healthy lifestyle naturally — and wrote a book to share how others can do the same.

Continue reading "The Mediterranean Lifestyle: A Natural Path to Better Health"

Crete For Life Childrens Charity - Our First 20 Years

by Olimpia Theodoli - Founder

Crete For Life is 20 years old, 20! I cannot believe it.

What I know is that I am still so lucky to live on this most wonderful island, in a country that has invented too many things to remember, but especially knows how to live well and at peace with oneself.

I am also privileged to be involved with the Crete For Life charity and continue to try and make life easier for children and young adults who are growing up in wars and natural or man-made catastrophes.

Here are a few words that come to my mind about Crete and Crete For Life:

θεραπεία - Healing - Crete's natural beauty - its stunning coastline, mountains, and diverse landscapes and the weather - offers a naturally therapeutic environment, fostering physical and mental well-being. This environment sustains our work, providing a supportive backdrop for recovery and growth. The experience of seeing the sea in Crete for the first time has been pivotal to our summer camps.

Φιλοξενία - Philoxenia - the Cretan spirit of "philoxenia" (hospitality) creates a welcoming and supportive community, crucial for the emotional healing of vulnerable children and those arriving to Crete under challenging circumstances. This human connection is a vital part of our recovery programs. No one connects like the Cretans!

Τοπική κουζίνα - Local Cretan cuisine - rich in fresh produce and olive oil, promotes physical health, contributing to the overall well-being of the children we support. Healthy eating is a cornerstone of holistic healing. It might be the sea air, fresh vegetables, tasty meals and wonderful sweets, but hardly anyone loses weight in Crete…

Δραστηριότητες και εποχές - Activities and Seasons - we incorporate outdoor activities - hiking, swimming, and gardening -into our programs, promoting both physical health and emotional healing through connection with nature. The weather and the changes of seasons, especially the explosion of spring, never cease to amaze me.

Κοινότητα - Community as Therapy - the involvement of local volunteers and the sense of belonging within the Cretan community offer invaluable social and emotional support, accelerating the healing process. It is also what attracts so many of us foreigners living in Crete.

Αρχαία Σοφία, Σύγχρονη Φροντίδα - Ancient Wisdom, Modern Care - Crete's rich history and traditional practices, combined with contemporary approaches, create a balanced and holistic approach to life.

Ελπίδα για το μέλλον - Hope for the Future - by providing a safe and nurturing environment, Crete for Life helps children overcome trauma and build a hopeful future, symbolizing the island's restorative power. Crete’s positive energy touches everyone.

If you are interested to know more about Crete For Life check our website Crete for Life and sign up for our free newsletter.

Continue reading "Crete For Life Childrens Charity - Our First 20 Years"

Day Trips in Crete Greece - discover our culture & amazing place

Day Trips in Crete Greece - discover our culture and amazing places

Continue reading "Day Trips in Crete Greece - discover our culture & amazing place"

lerapetra Holiday - Need Mobility Scooter

Hi there, I would like to know if it is possible to rent a mobility scooter in Ierapetra in Crete. Regards. Pam

Continue reading "lerapetra Holiday - Need Mobility Scooter"

Family cooking

We, seven of us including small children, will be on Crete for four days in two weeks. We have tried to find a fun cooking class that would be casual and

Continue reading "Family cooking"

The Villages of Crete - Palaikastro

Continue reading "The Villages of Crete - Palaikastro"

Paralia Kourna

Hi Team, my cousins have decided we will visit Crete from 13th to 19th August. They have booked us to stay in Paralia Kourna. We are 2 families of 4 each.

Continue reading "Paralia Kourna "

Bus transport for North Crete cities

Hello. I am planning my vacation in Crete from 19 June to 27 June. I want to stay in Rethymno and visit other north cities from there. I searched for transportation

Continue reading "Bus transport for North Crete cities"

Private guide for day trip from Heraklion to Chania

Hi there, We arrive Heraklion airport around 9.30 am and looking for a guide or driver to take us via Rethymno or other sights and end up in Chania.

Continue reading "Private guide for day trip from Heraklion to Chania"

The Beaches of Crete - Falasarna

Continue reading "The Beaches of Crete - Falasarna"

The Beaches of Crete - Elafonisi

Continue reading "The Beaches of Crete - Elafonisi"

Seven Beaches in Eastern Crete

Continue reading "Seven Beaches in Eastern Crete"

The Beaches of Crete - Vai

Continue reading "The Beaches of Crete - Vai"

Winter in Crete

We are looking to get away from our cold weather for a couple months over the January, February, March timeframe (not this year, in the next few years).

Continue reading "Winter in Crete"

The Sweetest Little Chapel in Greece

Visit Georgioupolis Beach in Crete to see this chapel by the sea...

Continue reading "The Sweetest Little Chapel in Greece"

The Villages of Crete - Margarites

Continue reading "The Villages of Crete - Margarites"

The Villages of Crete - Tzermiado

Continue reading "The Villages of Crete - Tzermiado"

The Villages of Crete - Kritsa

Continue reading "The Villages of Crete - Kritsa"