13°C
The Gious Kambos is located on the northwestern slopes of Mount Kedros, between the Amari Valley and Spili, about 31 km southeast of Rethymno. The name Gious Kambos means “the plain of Eos,” from Eos, the goddess of dawn in Greek mythology. Access to Gious Kambos is via roads from the villages of Gerakari, Patsos, Spili, or Kissos. If you come here, it’s worth taking a stroll through the other villages of Amari and the Agios Vasileios province, observing nature and the traditional settlements, visiting the Potamos Dam, climbing Mount Kedros, and discovering the lace-like coasts of Agia Galini. However, what makes this small and humble plateau so significant, like few other places in Crete, is its immense ecological importance. Here, thousands of endemic tulips of the species Tulipa doerfleri create a crimson carpet in spring. This species has been declared protected by presidential decree since 1981, as it is found worldwide only in the plain of Eos. Here also grow many rare orchids that attract dozens of biologists from all over Europe every year. Over five species of orchids can coexist in a square meter in this important habitat of Rethymno.
At the source of Agios Giannis with its majestic plane trees and the refreshing spring water that flows from the rocks, visitors can relax and cool off. Drought-resistant vegetables are cultivated on the plateau, known for their taste and sought after for their nutritional value. The waters of the plateau feed the Gorges of Agia Fotia, Kissos, and the stream of Spili.
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).
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.
