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This lovely spot is that of the old city of Lissos, in its lushly green valley setting. The beach is secluded, with sand, pebbles, rocks and deep waters; it is open to the strong south winds. Though undeveloped, all around it grow many trees that allow bathers to unwind in their shade.
The E4 Walking Trail passes through the ancient city, some hour’s walk from the beach.
Lissos was the only town in ancient Crete to issue its own gold coinage – the Lission, which portrayed the heads of the goddess Aphrodite and a dolphin. It acted as one of two harbour towns for the city-state of Elyros, further inland. You can visit the ruins: marvel at the mosaic pavement in the Asklepion, where came the sick from all over Crete to be cured. It was destroyed by an earthquake. Also visit the Roman cemetery and the remains of the theatre.
East of the beach, quite close by, is the picturesque chapel of Aghios Kyrikos: the saint’s day is the 15th July. If you are in the neighbourhood, a stop-off to join the festivities is worthwhile. Pilgrims come by boat or on foot – and a big feast follows the service!
Continuing east, the next stop is Sougia.
Βότσαλο, Βραχώδης
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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.
