Crete: The Great Encounter – Local Products & Flavors of Greece

A Celebration of Greek Gastronomy Returns to Thessaloniki | October 25 – November 2, 2025

Discover the authentic flavours of Greece and the rich Cretan tradition at the country’s largest gastronomic and cultural festival!
The Exhibition & Festival “Crete: The Great Encounter – Local Products and Flavours of Greece” returns to Thessaloniki from October 25 to November 2, 2025, transforming the open-air area of the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF) into a vibrant hub of taste, tradition, and culture.

Experience Greek gastronomy at its finest — meet local producers, taste authentic Cretan products, and explore the culinary treasures that make Greece one of the world’s top food destinations.

A Unique Greek Food Festival in Thessaloniki

For nine delicious days, the heart of Thessaloniki will host more than 40 producers, family businesses, and small Greek brands from Crete and across Greece.
Visitors will have the opportunity to taste, shop, and discover products that reflect the true essence of the Greek countryside.

From Heraklion, Lasithi, Rethymno, Chania, Malevizi, Mylopotamos, and Kissamos to Attica, Imathia, Thessaloniki, Kavala, Kastoria, Kilkis, Larissa, Serres, Trikala, and Halkidiki — every region brings its own authentic flavours and traditions.

What to Expect – Authentic Greek & Cretan Products

Indulge in the best of Greek gastronomy:

• Extra virgin Cretan olive oil and traditional raki & rakomelo
• Cretan cheeses, honey, and beekeeping products
• Fine wines, liqueurs, smoked meats, and homemade pasta
• Kalitsounia, paximadia, sfakian pies, xerotigana, and other authentic Cretan delicacies

Explore nuts, legumes, trahana, hilopites, vine leaves, olives, herbs, and spices, alongside carob, royal jelly, teas, and natural superfoods.

Sweet lovers will enjoy halva, tahini, jams, chutneys, pralines, honey bars, dried fruits, Turkish delights, loukoumades, and handmade sweets. At the same time, refreshing options like ice cream, granitas, juices, and Greek soft drinks complete the experience.

Greek Natural Products & Wellness

The festival also features a natural beauty and wellness corner, with handmade Greek cosmetics, essential oils, herbal creams, aloe products, aromatic candles, and natural skincare made with ingredients from the Greek land.

Discover the power of Greek nature — for your body, mind, and home.

Culture, Music & Entertainment

Every day, enjoy a rich program of live music, traditional dances, and cultural performances, celebrating Greek heritage and the spirit of Crete.
Taste, dance, and celebrate in a joyful atmosphere filled with colour, flavour, and melody — an actual festival of the senses!

Event Details

📍 Location: Thessaloniki – Open-Air Area of TIF (across from the Y.M.C.A. Arch)
📅 Dates: October 25 – November 2, 2025
🕙 Opening Hours: Daily 10:00 – 22:00
💰 Admission: Free entry for everyone
🚗 Parking: Accessible parking available
🎭 Cultural Events: Free musical and dance performances every day

Why Visit “Crete: The Great Encounter”

• Discover authentic Greek and Cretan products directly from local producers
• Support small Greek brands and family businesses
• Experience Greek gastronomy, culture, and tradition all in one place
• Enjoy free entry and live cultural events every day
• A must-visit Thessaloniki event for food lovers, travellers, and families

Join and Taste Greece!

The Festival “Crete: The Great Encounter – Local Products and Flavours of Greece” is more than an exhibition — it’s a celebration of Greek identity, tradition, and taste.
Come and experience the authentic spirit of Crete and Greece through food, culture, and music.

👉 Visit us from October 25 to November 2, 2025, at the Thessaloniki International Fair!