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Saint Nikolaos Monastery (Zaros)

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At the southern entrance of the homonymous gorge is located the Saint Agios Nikolaos Monastery, which was the third major monastery of the region of Zaros. Today, is maintained only the small temple of Saint Nikolaos which is going back to the 14th century. Also, are survived several parts of wall-paintings from that period and seems to have been a nunnery which was abandoned after some possibly destruction.

Saint Nikolaos Monastery (Zaros)

In recent years the monastery is expanded with new buildings to meet the needs of the brotherhood of the Julian calendar which has installed in the monastery. On the eastern side of the gorge, 500 meters distance above the monastery of St. Nikolaos, is located a small cave hermitage of Saint Euthymius who came from the neighboring village Nivrytos to which it belongs the surrounding area.

The tradition says that the nuns of the Monastery of St. Nikolaos killed accidentally the ascetic Efthimios when once, they perceived him within the gardens of the monastery, dressed with animal hides.

East of the river and outside the precincts of the monastery of St. Nikolaos, is located the small chapel of Saint Minas. Probably in the entrance area of ​​the gorge had flourished monastic state just like in many other gorges of Crete, in which is observed concentration of religious and monastic sites.

According to the tradition in the St. Nikolaos, in antiquity, was existed the Temple of Poseidon, in place which was created the Christian church of Saint Nikolaos. Agios Nikolaos is somehow a replacement for Poseidon in Christian religious tradition. Perhaps, it is not coincidence its reference in many Venetian maps Templio De Saro (ie. the Temple of Zaros) and be associated with the nearby ancient sources of Sterna and Votomos in where may be worshiped the Poseidon.

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Accessibility

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

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:

  1. Environmental sustainability: preserving the natural landscape and ecosystems, with actions to reduce pollution, energy consumption and waste.
  2. Economic sustainability: supporting local economies, strengthening small businesses and creating jobs, while respecting the region's natural resources.
  3. Social sustainability: respecting local culture and traditions, strengthening social cohesion and ensuring that tourism activities benefit the quality of life of local people.

With sustainable tourism, visitors can have authentic experiences, knowing that the impact of tourism on the region is positive and lasting for future generations.

Locality

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.