Published on
November 15, 2025
A new European project promoting sustainable tourism development through the cultivation of olives and vines \is being implemented in Crete by the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Chania (MAIX) and the Cretan Winemakers Network. This initiative, part of the INTERREG Greece-Cyprus program, aims to sustain tourism by integrating the agricultural activities of Crete and Cyprus. The project seeks to showcase the Mediterranean’s cultural heritage with the cultivation of olives and vines, a key element of sustainable tourism, and aims to preserve and promote the cultivated traditions of the Mediterranean.
OLIVE AND VINE – Cultural Routes of Knowledge, EL-WINE ROOTS, aims to improve the tourism product by demonstrating the historical and cultural interrelation of the two regions. The project activities, promotion and construction of new infrastructure, and tools to focus and preserve the culture and the trees and vines of tourism. The project is to promote the trees and vines as the tourism pillars of sustainable culture.
The Integration of Olive and Vine Culture into Sustainable Tourism
The island of Crete has a long and storied agricultural history and a deep-rooted tradition of producing olive oil and wine. As one of the Cretan economy’s pillar products, olive oil produced from the island’s many olive groves is a integral part of the island’s culinary culture. Likewise, the many vineyards featuring wine produced from Cretan’s historic/ancient winning culture – dating from the Minoan period – are significant contributors to the Cretan culture of winemaking.
These traditions are the foundation for the principle of the Olive and Vine – Cultural Routes of Knowledge\” – the promotion of sustainable tourism is centred on the prospect of Integration of the olive and vine culture within the tourism structure of the island. As part of their educational experience, customers will have the opportunity to interface with local agricultural practices and cultures. This will be facilitated by visits to local farms, olive oil tasting tours, and wine-tasting educational programs. A focus on the environmental stewardship of the practices will be a integral component of the overall experience.
While learning about local food heritage and traditions, the project helps promote responsible and sustainable tourism. This initiative encourages sustainable tourist practices and helps economically benefit local communities while safeguarding the natural surroundings.
Cultural Routes and Infrastructure Development
An important part of the project involves the establishment of cultural routes, which connect the olive and vine cultivating areas all over the island of Crete. These routes will provide the visitors vivid illustrations of the agricultural practices and the customs and heritage of the culture flowing from these crops. Visitors will enjoy the Mediterranean style of life from scenic routes which offer views of modern and medieval architectural masterpieces and historical vineyards, olive tree plantations, and varied other sites.
The construction of interpretative centers, the installation of wayside exhibits and the provision of guided tours will enhance the convenience of tourists who wish to engage with the agricultural history of the region. The project also includes the construction of facilities, and the expansion of existing structures to provide the necessary space for the hosting of cultural and educational activities for tourists, in the form of celebrations, festivals, and workshops on olive oil and wine production.
The Cretan Winemakers Network is working with local farmers and producers to make sure the routes follow sustainable methods. The local community is being integrated by the active promotion of responsible tourism. By supplying local businesses and farmers with the appropriate equipment and know-how to diversify into tourism, the project advocates eco-responsible tourism.
Fostering Cross-Border Tourism Between Crete and Cyprus
The initiative also aims to develop even more collaboration between Crete and Cyprus by emphasizing the parallelism of the two regions’ cultures with regards to olives and vines. Both areas have a long tradition in the production of olive oil and wine, and the EL-WINE ROOTS project aims to bridge the two islands with olive oil and wine traditions.
The partnership between Crete and Cyprus is going to feature joint promotional activities, cross-cultural exchanges, and avenues for borderless tourism. This project aims to develop a distinct tourism product capitalising on the shared history of the Mediterranean with special focus on olive and vine. Both destinations stand to benefit as tourist traffic is increased between Cyprus and Crete. This also enhances the overall tourism potential of the two destinations.
Educational and Environmental Impact
The attraction will teach tourists about sustainable tourism and supporting local Agri-businesses. People will understand the importance of the organic farming and water saving practices, and the biodiversity of the products and make better choices of the products and local businesses.
The tourism cycle and the Olive and Vine project also teach travellers the importance of sustainability and the choice of green hotels and means of transport. The initiative also promotes long-term environmental stewardship, and enhances the region’s aim of sustainable growth and tourism ecological balance.
The Future of Sustainable Tourism in Crete
The Olive and Vine – Cultural Routes of Knowledge project establishes the prospect of sustainable tourism in Crete. It enhances the visitor experience and serves as a development framework designed to augment local agriculture, preserve the island’s cultural heritage, and attract eco-tourism.
The inclusion of olive and vine culture with the rest of the tourism-related activities on the island adds a new dimension to the island’s tourism products and positions the island as a place where culture and sustainability coexist. Thanks to the support of the INTERREG Greece-Cyprus program, Crete has advanced into a model destination where cultural heritage and sustainable tourism provide mutually beneficial results to the visitors and the destination community.
Tags: Crete tourism development, cultural routes Crete, cultural tourism Crete, cultural tourism Greece, Cyprus tourism partnership, eco-tourism Greece, Mediterranean cultural heritage, olive and vine culture Crete, olive oil tours Crete, sustainable farming tourism Crete, sustainable tourism Crete, tourism sustainability Greece, wine tasting Crete
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