16°C
The spectacular, verdant gorge of Patsos is located in the inland area of the Prefecture of Rethymnon, at the north-west part of the Municipality of Amari. It is a beautiful gorge with a small river running through it. It has been developed for the visitors’ ease of walking, by the Forest Authority.
It is 1.5 kilometres long and the walk requires 2 hours in total,including the return to the entrance. The elevation difference between the highest point and the entrance reaches 240 metres.
Inside the gorge there are designated rest areas and a bird watching hide. The charms of the gorge are numerous: the huge plane trees and the luxuriant vegetation that grows in the watercourse; the imposing high walls; the chapel of Agios Antonios, which is built in a niche of a large cave.
The altar of an ancient open air sanctuary used to stand next to the chapel; the god Hermes (Kraneos Ermis), protector of shepherds, forests and the fertility of nature, as well as the god Pan, were worshipped there in Antiquity.
Patsos Gorge or Agios Antonios Gorge is formed in limestones and dolomites of the “Tripolis” unit. Although not very long, only 1.5 km, it is quite impressive and representative of Crete due to its rich vegetation of plane trees and endemic plants, the presence of water for most of the year, and the various forms of karst erosion it encompasses. At the beginning of the gorge lies the cave-like chapel of Agios Antonios, and there are facilities for the relaxation and recreation of visitors. From the middle to its exit, small and shallow ponds with impressive waterfalls are formed. The gorge ends at the technical lake of the Potamoi Dam.
The geosite description is a result of the deliverable of the research project Joint Innovative Activities for Outdoor Tourism-JoinOut. The project entitled “Partnership of Innovative Rural Tourism Actions” and distinctive title: “JoInOuT”, is implemented within the framework of the Action “Cooperative Innovation Formations/SCC” – 2nd Call: Businesses” and is financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and by National Resources in the context of the Operational Program “Competitiveness, Entrepreneurship and Innovation (EPANEK)” of the NSRF 2014-2020″ (Project code: ΓΓ2CL-0359457).
Bird watching, Hiking
-
2000m
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.
