Grecotel: 2nd ‘Cretan Way of Life’ Conference Spotlights Mediterranean Diet

2nd ‘Cretan Way of Life’ Conference organized by Grecotel / Photo source: Grecotel

More than 150 academics and experts from 15 countries participated in the 2nd “Cretan Way of Life: Mediterranean Tradition & Applications in Modern Times” conference held at Grecotel in Rethymno.

The annual initiative focusing on the Cretan secret to longevity was organized by the Hellenic Center of Excellence for Health and Wellness and Grecotel with the support of the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) and the Region of Crete.

The five-day event included presentations and talks by experts from Harvard, Yale, and Johns Hopkins University, among others.

Photo source: Grecotel

Also attending this year were Rural Development and Food Minister Lefteris Avgenakis, Economy and Finance Minister Kostis Hatzidakis, Deputy Defense Minister Giannis Kefalogiannis, and Regional Governor of Crete Stavros Arnaoutakis.

Economy and Finance Minister Kostis Hatzidakis, Popi Kalaitzi and Regional Governor of Crete Stavros Arnaoutakis / Photo source: Grecotel

Participants also had the chance to experience first-hand the Cretan lifestyle with a visit to Grecotel’s organic AgrecoFarms, which has been paving the way for best practices in tourism and agriculture while offering insight into the traditional Greek Diet. They were also given a tour of main Crete attractions and sites, including the Arkadi Monastery and Knossos, and had the chance to sample local wines and olive oil in Heraklion and Chania.

Photo source: Grecotel

The event came to a close with a tasting event at Grecotel Caramel, featuring the very best of Cretan cuisine and products by local producers.

Photo source: Grecotel

On the sidelines of the event, awards were presented to Christos Lionis, professor of General Practice and Primary Health Care, journalist Antigoni Andreaki, and to Maria La Gloria for her work on the Mediterranean Diet.