17°C
The Natural History Museum of Crete functions as part of the School of Sciences of the University of Crete; despite its title, it does not only present the natural wealth of the island, but also of the rest of Greece and of the Eastern Mediterranean.
In the 800 square metres of the museum, in specially transformed areas, visitors have the opportunity to learn about the geological evolution of Crete, various important geological formations such as caves, the species that once lived on Crete but are now extinct, endangered animals such as the Monk seal and the Bearded vulture, as well as about plants and organisms of all kinds that thrive on the island.
The animals are displayed by way of accurate representations, in their real dimensions (dioramas). The museum also has an outdoor botanical garden.
Museum
Nature
Λεωφόρος Σοφοκλή Βενιζέλου
+30 2810 282740, +30 2810 393630
From May 1st to October 31st:
Monday to Friday: 09:00 – 17:00
Saturday to Sunday: 10:00 – 18:00
From November 1st to April 30th:
Monday to Friday: 09:00 – 15:00
Saturday to Sunday: 10:00 – 18:00
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.
