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Selakano Forest is one of wild beauty, one of the most important ecosystems on the island and so included in the Natura 2000 network.
A pine forest, in a mountain setting, it begins some 35 km to the northwest of Ierapetra and runs on up the slopes below the summit of Afendi Christos peak of the Dicte massif.
Composed mostly of the Calabrian pine (Pinus brutia), which is resistant to drought and tolerant of rocky soil, the Selakano ecosystem also includes various oaks, cypress, maple, plane and pear, and sage. Birds of prey (hawks and vultures) soar free over the steep slopes.
In the area known as Melissokipos (the Bee-Garden) the bees indeed have their little kingdom, In the spring, the hives’ numbers swell as bee-keepers from all over Crete bring their swarms here, making the Selakonos forest the most important apicultural regions on the island.
The forest lends itself to walks unlimited in a landscape that alternates between steep slopes, ravines, full-blown gorges (that of Selakanos itself is well worth a visit), springs, streams and forest glades.
Access is through the villages of Selakanos and Kalamafka: a network of forest roads spreads within; the E4 Walking Trail passes through too.
Though recently fires and over-grazing have posed threats, yet it remains amongst the most stunning mountain-scapes in Crete.
Mountaineering, Bird watching, Hiking, Mountain bike
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.
