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Up to the end of the 1980s, north of the village of Zaros and right at the feet of the mountain there existed a small wetland centred on the spring of Votomos.
A natural depression at the spring had allowed the wetland to develop. In 1987, with the assistance of the Ministry of Forests a small artificial lake was created around the spring – which has become one of the most chief areas for woodland recreation in Crete.
West of the Votomos lake, and but a small distance off, is the smaller spring of Sterna, whose name comes from the Roman cistern, that is still visible today.
This engineering work is one of the greatest hydraulic feats achieved by the Romans in Crete – from here the water was led in a covered aqueduct all the way to Gortyn.
Today, after some landscaping work in the area, and in combination with the plant-life and the natural environment of the river Koutsoulidis, Stena is a place ideal for outdoor recreation.
Of great ecological interest is the ecosystem of the river Koutsoulidis – whose waters start in the springs of Votamos and Stena (whence the water supply for Gortyn, capital of Roman Crete).
The river then continues on in the gorge of Aghios Nikolaos, passing through Zaros village and the valley of the same name .. to end at the Phaneromenos dam. Its verdant banks, chiefly so because of the plane trees, and the presence among other fauna of a large population of eels and the river striped-neck terrapin (Mauremys caspica) makes the river a place of exceptional worth.
In recent years the local authorities at Zaros have made great efforts to clean up the river and the two springs – so keeping the ecological balance in trim.
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.
