Crete, the largest Greek island, is renowned for its rich culinary traditions and flavors. The Cretan cuisine is characterized by its use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients such as olive oil, vegetables, herbs, and seafood. Here are some famous dishes you should try when visiting Crete:

1. Dakos: A traditional Cretan meze consisting of a barley rusk topped with chopped tomatoes, feta cheese, olives, and drizzled with olive oil.
2. Kalitsounia: These are small pastries filled with various ingredients like cheese, herbs, and vegetables. They can be baked or fried and are a popular snack or appetizer.
3. Souvlaki: While souvlaki is not exclusive to Crete, it is still a popular dish on the island. It consists of skewered and grilled meat, often pork or chicken, served with pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and garnishes.
4. Gamopilafo: A traditional Cretan wedding dish, gamopilafo is a rich pilaf made with rice, meat (usually lamb or chicken), and a flavorful broth. It is cooked slowly until the rice absorbs all the flavors.
5. Apaki: This is a smoked pork dish that originates from the mountainous regions of Crete. The meat is marinated in a mixture of herbs and spices, then smoked over aromatic wood before being sliced and served.
6. Boureki: A delicious Cretan vegetable dish consisting of layers of zucchini, potatoes, and Myzithra cheese, topped with a béchamel sauce and baked until golden and creamy.
7. Stifado: A hearty meat stew made with beef or rabbit, cooked slowly in a rich tomato sauce flavored with onions, garlic, cinnamon, and other spices. It is typically served with pasta or mashed potatoes.
8. Sfakianes Pites: These are traditional Cretan pancakes filled with local cheese, usually Myzithra or Anthotyro, and served with honey and sprinkled with cinnamon.
9. Loukoumades: A popular Greek dessert found throughout Crete, loukoumades are small, deep-fried dough balls drizzled with honey syrup and sprinkled with cinnamon or sesame seeds.
10. Ntolmadakia: Also known as dolmades, these are vine leaves stuffed with a mixture of rice, herbs, and sometimes minced meat. They are typically served as an appetizer or part of a meze platter.

These are just a few examples of the delicious dishes you can find in Crete. The island offers a wide range of culinary delights that reflect its vibrant food culture and traditions.