18°C
One of the most striking landscapes in south Crete, this beach with its small church to Aghios Pavlos is set at the mouth of the Elygia Gorge.
The church has stood here since the early 11th century AD, when Aghios Iannis Xenos, one of the most important personages in Cretan history, built it in honour of Saint Paul the Apostle who – according to tradition – was shipwrecked here on his way to Rome. After the wreck, he is said to have spent some time here, baptizing all and sundry.
The church has a cruciform plan, with a façade of pale marble and of stone. Inside are today preserved a very few fragments of later frescoes, in the apses and the dome.
The bay itself is beautiful enough – isolated with crystal-clear deep water, sand and pebbles. In addition, above and behind it stands the imposing bulk of the White Mountains, while pines and 30 m-high sand dunes hold it in their embrace. Though the scenery is fantastic, the beach itself is exposed to the west winds’ (melteme) fury. The beach is extensive, and an ideal spot for free camping and nudism. A small taverna nearby can supply food and water.
Αμμώδης, Βότσαλο
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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.
