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Crete

Minoan villa of Vathypetro

Minoan house at Chamezi

The Walls of Chania and the Firka fortress

Minoan palace complex at Malia

Venetian villa De Mezzo

Minoan palatial centre at Monastiraki

The Venetian Loggia

Minoan Villa at Nirou Chani

Zominthos

Minoan cemetery at Armeni

Idaeon Andron

Sanctuary of Hermes & Aphrodite

The fortress of Gramvoussa

The fortress of Souda

Fountains of Heraklion

The Rimondi fountain

The Morosini fountain

Basilica at Panormos

Ancient Syvritos

The Municipal Market of Chania

Ancient Tarra

The Municipal Garden of Chania

Archaeological sites of Archanes & Yuktas

The Arsenali

Archaeological site of Agia Triada

Venetian walls of the city of Heraklion

Archaeological site of Gortyn

Archaeological site of Gournia

Archaeological site of Zakros

Archaeological site of Knossos

Archaeological site of Kommos

Archaeological site of Palekastro

Archaeological site of Tylissos

Archaeological site of Phaistos

Antiquities of Makris Gialos

Archaeological site of Mochlos

Antiquities of Myrtos

Saint Mark

Ancient Rizinia

Saint Minas

Saint Titus

The windmills of Lassithi Plateau

Archaeological sites of Sitia

Ancient Aptera

Ancient Eleftherna

Ancient Itanos

Ancient Kydonia

Ancient Lappa

Ancient Lato

Ancient Lebena

Ancient Lefki

Ancient Lissos

The Loggia of Rethymnon

Ancient Polyrrinia

Agia Moni at Viannos

Ancient Praisos

Psakofarango

Charakas Prinia

Vai Palm Forest

Wetland at Pirioliki of Ziros/ Ziros Lake

Skafidaras Wetland

Sfendoni Cave, Zoniana

Skafidaras Cave

Pelekita Cave

Skinaka-Skinakas Chasm

Lastros rift

Richtis geological points at the exit

Slopes of Vosakos

Pites tis Grias

Chosto Nero spring & Koutsounari spring

Almiros Spring

Zaros-Vorizia Pine Forest

Caretta Caretta nesting beach in Sitia

Gonies' Ophiolites

Plateau of Stroumpoula- Karst formations of Stroumpoula

Preveli Lake

Kournas Lake

Lake Votomos and the River Koutsoulidis

Livadi plateau - Faults of Krousonas

Mygeros Plateau

Koufonisi

Gigilos Peak

Katoptro Krousonas

Karoumes marsh

Zakros Marine Terraces

Syme Forest

The Forest of Trygiodo-Vroulidia

Selakano Forest

Rouvas Forest

The Natural Sculptures of Chonos

Gious Kambos

Vromolimni of Gergeri (the Tomb of Digenis)

Agioi Pantes rock formations

Ancient Quarry at Pelekita

Voulismeno Aloni

Omalos Plateau Chania

Omalos of Viannos

Plateau of Anopolis

Plateau of Askifou

Plateau of Kallikratis

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.