16°C
Askifou Plateau is located in the west part of the White Mountains – on the road from Sfakia towards Apokoronas and Chania.
It resembles a cup, and is surrounded by the peaks of Kastro (2218 m) at the west, Trypali (1493 m) at the east and Angathes (1511 m) at the south. Around the edges of the plain are the villages of Ammoudari, Kares, Kosto, Petres, Mesa and Exo Goni and Stavorachi.
The plateau has been cultivated for a very long time: it produced high-quality potatoes, grapes and wine, walnuts and small amounts of fruits.
Its name is unusual: perhaps from the word skyphos (a bowl or cup) recalling its physical form. It is mentioned for the first time in the Byzantine period (1182), as a fief of the Melissenoi.
Under Venetian rule it was run by a proveditore.
During the Ottoman years, the region was the scene of bloody conflicts between the insurgents and the Turks, as the plain was another natural way in to the Sfakia region. There is even a Turkish fort, but it was never manned for long. Here convened the Grand Assembly of the Cretans to declare union with Greece in the failed revolution of 1886.
One can get here from Chania, by a long trek via Chora Sfakion.
In Kares there is a privately-run War Museum. In Ammoudari exist rent-rooms, restaurants, cafes, bakers with traditional goodies and a Post Office. Askyfou itself is famous for its paximadia rusks and its pies!
Mountaineering, Bird watching, Hiking, Mountain bike
726m
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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.
