The Region of Crete – Regional Unit of Chania, in cooperation with local associations, recognizing the value of wild, edible greens, is organizing a series of events across the Chania region to share the Art of Foraging and Using Wild Greens of Cretan Soil.

This activity is part of the project “Crete European Region of Gastronomy 2026.”

Crete is counted among the areas with the greatest variety of wild greens in the world, with more than 120 species recorded in its flora. Their use and consumption are a distinctive feature of Cretan gastronomy, having been on Cretan tables as a main part of the meal for over 2,500 years.

After the great response in the first two years, the program will expand in 2026 in partnership with 22 local associations, through hands‑on events at 15 different locations across the Chania Regional Unit. Activities will start on January 31 and run through April 2026.

A common thread in all events is the foraging of wild, edible greens in their natural environment, led by guides who share invaluable knowledge on identifying, using, and responsibly collecting them with respect for nature so it can continue to give to future generations. Participants also exchange experiences from different parts of Crete, highlighting names, properties, and traditional uses of wild greens — strengthening community, human connections, and the spirit of the project.

Each local association brings its own unique contribution to the hosted activity. All events are free to join, each one unique!

So… grab your little knife, choose your spot, and let’s go for greens together!

Event Program

31/01 – PLOKAMIANA
Cultural, Educational & Sports Association Vathis “Mousagores”
Meeting point: Old school of Plokamiana, 11:00 a.m.
Contact: Emmanouil Plokamakis, tel. +30 697 376 1676

01/02 – PLATANOS – GRAMVOUSA
Creative Beautification Residents’ Association of Platanos “Unity”
Cultural Association of Gramvousa
Meeting point: Platanos Pharmacy, 11:00 a.m.
Contact: Fani Marathaki, tel. +30 694 808 4386

07/02 – ALIKIANOS
Cultural Association of Alikianos
Meeting point: Association Office, opposite Alikianos Town Hall, 11:00 a.m.
Contact: Nikos Markoulakis, tel. +30 694 848 0301

08/02 – KALATHENES
Cultural Association of Kalathenes
Meeting point: Entrance to Kalathenes, “Patiri” location, 11:00 a.m.
Contact: Maria Papantonaki, tel. +30 697 413 7024

14/02 – PERIVOLIA
Municipal Community of Perivolia
Meeting point: Perivolia Municipal Stadium, 11:00 a.m.
Contact: Petros Michailidis, tel. +30 697 493 8832

28/02 – 01/03 – VRYSES KYDONIAS
Cultural Association of Vryses “Pergamos”
Sat 28/02, 11:00: “Stella, grab your knife… let’s go for greens” (registration required)
Sun 01/03, 11:00: “Cooks in action” (registration required)
Sun 01/03, 14:00: “Forks in the battle” (open event)
Meeting point: Vryses Kydonias Square
Contact: Stella Kaliontzaki, tel. +30 697 618 7606

07/03 – XIROSTERNI
Cultural Association of Xirosterni Everywhere
Meeting point: Old Primary School of Xirosterni, 11:00 a.m.
Contact: Ioannis Sgourakis, tel. +30 697 330 6157

08/03 – VOUVES
Cultural Association of Vouves
Meeting point: Vouves Square, 11:00 a.m.
Contact: Michalis Geraioudakis, tel. +30 694 910 2207

14/03 – PAIDOCHORI – PEMONIA
Cultural Association of Pemonia
Cultural & Beautification Association of Paidochori
Meeting point: Agioi Pantes Square, 11:00 a.m.
Contacts: Manolis Petakakis, tel. +30 698 565 7133; Maria Vatsaki, tel. +30 697 260 9723

15/03 – DRAKONA – KONTOPOULA
Cultural Association of Drakona
Cultural Association of Kontopoula
Meeting point: Old Primary School of Kontopoula Keramia, 11:00 a.m.
Contact: Stelios Bourlos, tel. +30 694 429 4694

21/03 – VOUKOLIES – NERIANA – NIO CHORIO
Ladies & Young Women’s Association of Voukolies “Care”
Cultural & Environmental Association of Neo Chorio “Kourtalou”
Beautification Association of Neriana “Analepsis”
Educational Club of Voukolies & Surroundings
Meeting point: Voukolies Square, 11:00 a.m.
Contact: Soula Karapataki, tel. +30 698 112 1249

22/03 – VRYSES APOKORONOU – EMPROSNEROS
Cultural Association of Vryses Apokoronou
Cultural Association of Emprosneros
Meeting point: Church of the Transfiguration of the Savior, 11:00 a.m.
Contact: Vangelio Kelaiidaki, tel. +30 694 505 8983

28/03 – KOLOMBARI
Women’s Association of Kolymbari
Orthodox Academy of Crete
Meeting point: Orthodox Academy of Crete, 11:00 a.m.
Contact: Maria Saridaki, tel. +30 693 289 2990

29/03 – FLORIA
Cultural & Educational Association of Floriani Everywhere & Friends
Meeting point: Old Primary School of Floria – Association Hall, 11:00 a.m.
Contact: Ilias Bombolakis, tel. +30 694 585 2124

05/04 – ANOPOLI
Cultural & Beautification Association of Anopoli
Meeting point: Anopoli Square, 11:00 a.m.
Contact: Georgia Kriara, tel. +30 698 443 7204