The Region of Crete, in a strategic move to highlight the cultural heritage of the island, is proceeding with the submission of a dossier to the Council of Europe in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, for the creation of the Cultural Route for the Culture of the Olive Tree and the certification of the “Elea Heritage Route”.
With a presentation of high symbolism and strategic importance, the Region of Crete placed Crete at the heart of European cultural developments, within the framework of the 14th Annual Consultative Forum of Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe held in Cappadocia (22-24/10/2025).
In the context of the work, the Deputy Regional Governor for Culture of Crete, Georgia Milaki, presented with online participation the landmark proposal of Crete for the creation of the Cultural Route “Elea Heritage Route”, after previously the Head of the Department of International Relations of the Ministry of Culture, Marianthi Anastasiadou, informed the representatives of the member states of the Council of Europe about the initiative of the new cultural route.
The strategic importance of the initiative was confirmed by the executive of the Permanent Representation of Greece to the Council of Europe, Eleni Kanaki.
The presentation before the representatives of the member states and European cultural networks, aroused increased interest. The President of the Cultural Routes, Rui Gomez, requested the distribution of the proposal file to all delegations, in order to immediately explore the prospects of cooperation. He expressed his absolute satisfaction, underlining that
the “Elea Route” is a Route of the utmost importance for the Council of Europe, as it embodies the fundamental values of European identity, harmoniously linking culture, nature and our common heritage.
“The “Elea Heritage Route” was born from the light and land of Crete, where the olive tree was first cultivated in Europe”, emphasized Georgia Milaki. “It is a route that combines culture, science and environment, in accordance with the principles of the Council of Europe and the objectives of the EU Green Deal”.
The Region of Crete, through the Elea Heritage Route, seeks to promote a new model of cultural and environmental governance, which empowers local communities and strengthens the European dialogue for the protection and exploitation of our common heritage.
