At Bavaria’s most important alternative tourism and leisure tourism exhibition f.re.e, Crete will be honored as a Region (Partner Region) this year. The exhibition has been organized every year since 1970 and will open its doors again at the Munich Exhibition Center from February 18 to 22, 2026.
As the largest platform for experiences and inspiration in southern Germany, f.re.e presents a comprehensive range of products and services in the fields of travel, caravanning and camping, water sports, cycling, as well as outdoor activities and physical health and wellness. In 2025, around 1,000 exhibitors from 50 countries presented their innovations in eight exhibition halls of f.re.e., while more than 120,000 visitors took the opportunity to learn and participate in live demonstrations and interactive activities.
Crete will be showcased through its unique combination of impressive nature, centuries-old culture – especially after the inclusion of the Minoan Palace Centers in UNESCO – and authentic hospitality, while as the “Gastronomic Region of Europe for 2026” it will have the opportunity to present to visitors its exceptional gastronomic heritage, which is based on fresh local ingredients, timeless traditions and the globally recognized Cretan diet, through presentations on the diverse possibilities that Crete offers as a year-round destination and tasting of traditional products.
The opening will take place on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 09:30 a.m., while the exhibition will be honored with the presence of the mayor of Munich, as well as representatives of the Bavarian state government. A week earlier, on February 10, a press conference will be held at the sculpture gallery, where journalists and official guests will be informed about the exhibition and the participation of Crete as an honored Region.
The great importance of the German market for Crete, the profile of the German tourist, the high connectivity with the capital of Bavaria and neighboring cities during the summer season, as well as the direct Heraklion – Munich connection during the winter make the presence and promotion of Crete within the framework of f.re.e. extremely important.
The booth of the Region of Crete will be located in Hall A4, No. 407.
Source: crete.gov.gr