Crete Announced European Gastronomy Region 2026 by IGCAT

Crete Region Stavros Arnaoutakis holding the award at the ceremony. Photo source: Crete Region

Crete was recently announced as the European Gastronomy Region 2026, recognized for its rich local cuisine and high-quality products

The International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts, and Tourism (IGCAT) awarded the Region of Crete following a thorough evaluation by experts who visited the island earlier this year. IGCAT experts developed the Region of Gastronomy Award to recognize the growing convergence of food, culture, and tourism sectors and the exciting developments happening at a local level that could support regional development.

“Gastronomy is a future-focused investment we undertake as a region in collaboration with all of Crete’s institutions,” said Stavros Arnaoutakis, Crete Regional Governor, during the recent award ceremony in Heraklion.

“There is a steady flow of tourists eager to experience Cretan flavors, gastronomy, and local quality products…that’s why we invest in quality, identity, and competitiveness,” he added.

Cretan officials and IGCAT jury during their visit in May. Photo source: IGCAT

The Crete Region and local institutions backed the proposal submission in late 2023. In May, an IGCAT jury visited the island to assess Cretan cuisine, sampling its unique flavors and high-quality products showcased in exquisite recipes.

“The Jury was impressed by how the vision for Crete, Candidate European Region of Gastronomy 2026 is so closely linked with IGCAT’s focus areas,” IGCAT official’s mentioned in a statement after their visit.

According to officials, the island’s nomination aligns with the region’s strategy to promote Cretan gastronomy as a tourism experience, emphasizing its culinary and cultural heritage while creating new synergies with local professionals.

Photo source: IGCAT

Recently, the region won with its short film “Crete, Sense the Authentic Taste” in the International Food Film Menu 2024 competition, once again organized by the International Institute of Gastronomy.

The film highlighted the bond between grandmother, mother, and daughter, celebrating the island’s flavorful cuisine.