One of the most popular Greek islands among tourists and lovers of history and archeology is undoubtedly Crete. But after touring it, you visit all its tourist attractions and enjoy it, one always wants to take something with you to make us remember it. So, when it comes to thinking of a souvenir from crete… What can be?
Attention, because there are many things that we can bring from Crete but few original. Between these Cretan souvenirs I highlight one: the soaps. Seriously, not everyone knows that good quality soaps have been made in Crete for thousands of years. Yes, you read that right, thousands and not hundreds. Of course, the origins have nothing to do with the classic soap that we know. Before someone, a brilliant mind, came up with the idea of a bar of soap, the civilization of Crete used olive oil to cleanse the body.
Water alone does not wash away the dirt, but if you add oil this element does get rid of the dust and dirt accumulated on the skin. The people of Crete also discovered that the result was even better if sodium carbonate was added to it. Later more elements were added and then the industry of the cret soaphe gradually formed and grew using one of the most typical crops in the area: olive trees. Today Crete exports liters and liters of olive oil but still makes good soaps.
In Crete then we find some family businesses dedicated to making artisanal olive oil soaps. They say that they are excellent, good for all skin types, fresh and that they act without drying out. There are variations with essences, roses, aloe or thyme. You know, soaps can be a very good souvenir from Crete.