The role of cheesemaking in the tourist development of the region – A two-day trip full of flavors and aromas of Crete!
*By Katerina Mylona
Tourism goes through the stomach! We did not discover… the wheel, it is now commonplace, gastronomy plays a key role in tourism development, the visitor wants to taste traditional dishes and products of each place.
Crete and, of course, Psiloritis, is able to be proud of its goodies, one of which is cheese. Graviera, kefalotyri, mizithra, anthotyros and yogurt occupy a prominent place on our table, a practice that catering and tourism professionals are also invited to follow.
An interesting two-day experiential Thematic Workshop entitled: “Cheesemaking in Psiloritis: a look back from yesterday to today. Perspectives in catering and tourism” is organized by AKOMM Psiloritis AAE OTA, which participates as a partner in the Transnational Cooperation Project entitled “Local Tour”.
The Transnational Cooperation Project is implemented within the framework of the Local Programme CLLD/LEADER Measure 19 of the RDP 2014-2022.
The workshop will take place on 24-25 June 2025 in Anogia at the site “Mitata, the Shepherd’s Place”.
Ms. Evi Vrentzou, representative of the organizers, tells that cheesemaking plays an important role for the region, moreover, livestock farming is the main economic activity of the residents. The Anogia cooperative is being revived, the Union of Agricultural Cooperatives in Perama produces cheese while in the wider area there are dairies and cottage industries that produce cheese. Farmers give their milk to dairies for processing while there are also partnerships with large supermarkets.
This is an activity that spreads throughout Psiloritis, in Anogia, Livadia, Krana, Perama, Amari, Gergeri, Agia Varvara…
This activity keeps young people in the area, which is actually experiencing population growth. It is crucial, however, that there is modernization and training in new techniques. Within the framework of the programs that are “running”, visits are also made by farmers to other areas of Crete, such as the Peloponnese, Thessaloniki, Evros and Syros.
Kefalotyri, graviera, athogalo, anthotyros, pies with sour or sweet mizithra are produced, the milk is also used in baked goods, sheep and goat milk.
The goal of the program is to connect the primary sector with the tourism sector. Catering professionals and hoteliers can adopt recipes based on local products.
Let’s say that a similar event, focusing on greens, was organized in Zaros.
The two-day program
On the first day, Tuesday, June 24, there will be presentations on the history of cheesemaking in Psiloritis, the nutritional value of cheese products and the promotion of Cretan gastronomy, cheesemaking in the coastal areas of Crete and its connection with the agri-food system, as well as examples of good practice in the field of gastronomy and sustainable tourism.
The day will conclude with experiential activities open to the public from 19:00 onwards, initially with a presentation by the Winemaker and member of the Board of Directors of the Winemakers Network of Crete: “Wines of Crete”, Mr. Zacharias Diamantakis, on the relationship between cheese and wine and a tasting of local cheeses with wines from the members of the Crete Winemakers Network, as well as an outdoor kitchen by the renowned gastronomy chef, Lefteris Soultatos with Food Styling based on cheese and local products from producers in the area. The presentation of the new culinary proposals will be made by actress Vasso Laskaraki. The first day will close with music from Vasilis Dramountani and members of his band.
Of particular interest is the second day, Wednesday, June 25, where participants will have the opportunity to participate in the experiential process of the traditional way of cheesemaking in Topos tou Voskou and visit the dairy production company: “Zominthos”. The event will close with a visit and discussion of the conclusions of the workshop in a local cafe.
The action is part of the initiative “Crete European Region of Gastronomy 2026”.
Source: cretalive.gr
