explore_crete_car_1100_840

Heraklion

Katarti and Salamia

Karteros

Gournes

Gouves

Aposeleme

Amoudara

Aghia Pelagia

The fortress of Koules

Monastery of Saint Anthony at Arvi

Varsamonero Monastery

Panagia Keralimeniotissa Monastery

Church of the Saints Peter and Paul

25 August Street

Old Monasteries of Viannos

Panagia Gouverniotissa

The Morosini fountain

Minoan villa of Vathypetro

Minoan palace complex at Malia

Minoan Villa at Nirou Chani

The Venetian Loggia

Sanctuary of Hermes & Aphrodite

Fountains of Heraklion

Archaeological sites of Archanes & Yuktas

Archaeological site of Agia Triada

Archaeological site of Gortyn

Archaeological site of Knossos

Archaeological site of Kommos

Archaeological site of Tylissos

Archaeological site of Phaistos

The Arsenali

Venetian walls of the city of Heraklion

Saint Minas

Saint Titus

Ancient Lebena

Ancient Rizinia

Agia Moni at Viannos

Saint Mark

Psakofarango

Charakas Prinia

Pites tis Grias

Almiros Spring

Zaros-Vorizia Pine Forest

Gonies' Ophiolites

Plateau of Stroumpoula- Karst formations of Stroumpoula

Lake Votomos and the River Koutsoulidis

Livadi plateau - Faults of Krousonas

Katoptro Krousonas

Syme Forest

Rouvas Forest

Vromolimni of Gergeri (the Tomb of Digenis)

Voulismeno Aloni

Omalos of Viannos

Dicte (Lassithi range)

Ida or Psiloritis

The Asterousia Mountains

CHOOSE DESTINATION

Accessibility

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

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:

  1. Environmental sustainability: preserving the natural landscape and ecosystems, with actions to reduce pollution, energy consumption and waste.
  2. Economic sustainability: supporting local economies, strengthening small businesses and creating jobs, while respecting the region's natural resources.
  3. Social sustainability: respecting local culture and traditions, strengthening social cohesion and ensuring that tourism activities benefit the quality of life of local people.

With sustainable tourism, visitors can have authentic experiences, knowing that the impact of tourism on the region is positive and lasting for future generations.

Locality

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.