11°C
Gigilos peak of White Mountains range is considered as one of the most enchanting mountain summits of Crete. Rearing up from the depths of the gorge below Xyloskalo, it rises defiantly and rockily barren (ashen in colour), as its old name would suggest.
Gigilos is from a pre-Greek word – girgiros – a pile of rocks.
The climb up starts from the tourist kiosk built on its steep side: above we enter the longest scree slope in Crete – a very dangerous passage. Indeed the path to the top encounters several treacherous parts and sharp rocks: it is rightly considered the hardest peak in Crete to ascend. Yet one’s enjoyment on reaching the amazing summit is indescribable. At 1800 m, on the west, is the spring of Zeus, whilst on the south (at 1500 m) is the famous Ellenoseli and its spring.
In a cave – the so-called Daimonospelio – below the spring was thought to been an oracle, and nearby a city, destroyed by the great earthquake of 360/365 AD. The infernal noises audible within the depths of the cave may be from underground water courses.
On the north edge, in another cave, Gigilos lore has it that the sounds of a lyra can be heard – that of a shepherd ensnared by nymphs. Round and round they dance with their blond hair flying loose, singing all the while and holding in their arms babies as white as sea-foam!
Even though Gigilos is not part of the E4 walking trail, it is worth the effort of climbing the sharp peak: the harsh ascent, the joy of reaching the top and the chance of seeing a nymph – all offer their own excitements!
Mountaineering, Hiking
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.
