13°C
The gorge of Agios Nikolaos is flanked by the peaks of Ambelakia, to the east, and Samari, to the west. It is considered as the most important gorge of Psiloritis and of Central Crete, and it was named after the Byzantine chapel of Agios Nikolaos which is located at its southern entrance. It extends along the imposing southern part of Psiloritis, from the north heading south, and it connects Rouvas forest to the north with the valley of Koutsoulidis river to the south, in the Zaros area.
The gorge is 4 kilometres long in total. It begins north of the chapel of Agios Ioannis, where there is a recreation area, and ends up at the Monastery of Agios Nikolaos, to the south. Passing through the gorge takes 4 hours.
The largest section of the route, which is 2,7 kilometres long, is landscaped and ideal for mild recreational activities, such as walking, mountaineering, rock climbing. This magnificent environment is also great for those who love nature and enjoy watching wildlife species in their habitat.
Indeed, this is one of the richest ecosystems in Greece, rich in flora and fauna, and full of breathtaking ravines, interesting geological formations and vertical slopes of rare beauty. Up until the beginnings of the 20th century it was a Cretan wild goat habitat. In 1994, though, a certain part of the forest was destroyed at the southern entrance, due to an extensive fire.
Αναρρίχηση, Mountaineering, Bird watching, Hiking
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5000m
All year round
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.
