In this section, routes designed to be made by car, motorcycle or, for the adventurous, even by bicycle, are presented; they can serve as basic guidelines for visitors who wish to get to know Crete.
The Cretan segment of the E4 path starts at Kasteli of Kissamos, it runs south to Elafonisi, then west-east all along Crete (twice it splits into two sections before rejoining) to Kato Zakros, where it turns north again to end in the area of Sitia.
The “wine roads” of the Heraklion of Crete lead visitors to age-old vineyards, historical villages, old monasteries, antiquities, as well as wineries that are open to the public.
Following the georoutes of the two Geoparks of Crete one can enjoy landscapes of unique natural beauty, wander through settlements that retain their authenticity and get to know small businesses in the rural side.
The Rural Greece is an online portal that connects travellers with unique destinations and local businesses in the countryside, offering authentic experiences through activities that highlight nature, traditions and culture.
For the Rural Greece accessibility is fundamental to enhancing an inclusive tourism experience. Following the principles of inclusion and equality, the epaithros Rural Tourism Network and its member businesses are constantly working to enhance the tourism services provided, ensuring that all visitors have the opportunity to experience the authentic beauty of the Greek countryside.
Sustainability in tourism refers to a way of developing tourism that respects and protects the environment while strengthening the local economy and preserving cultural traditions. The aim of sustainable tourism is to provide unique and authentic experiences for visitors without harming the natural and social environment, while ensuring that local communities benefit from tourism activity.
This type of tourism is based on three pillars:
With sustainable tourism, visitors can have authentic experiences, knowing that the impact of tourism on the region is positive and lasting for future generations.
For Rural Greece, localism is one of the most important factors for the development of sustainable tourism, as it promotes a strong link between the tourism product and the local society, economy and culture. Through localism, visitors get the opportunity to explore authentic elements of the destination, such as local products, traditions and culture. This not only boosts the local economy, but also helps to sustain and strengthen local businesses, creating new jobs and supporting the development of local communities.
Furthermore, localism contributes to the sustainability of the tourism sector, as it reduces the use of resources from other regions and encourages the use of local goods and services, reducing the ecological footprint of tourism activities. Thus, integrating localism into tourism practices enhances sustainability awareness, both among visitors and local businesses, creating a more responsible and sustainable tourism destination.
