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To the south end of the Gulf of Messara, this was in times past the port of Festos: by the beach you will today happen on the ruins of the old city.
Essentially this is a single huge beach divided for convenience into two: the north part, called Potamos (River) is one of the largest venues for nudism. It is secluded and without organization; no hotels and catering facilities exist in the area as it has been classified as a protected archaeological zone. On every side are not only tamarisks and carobs that extend their shade to campers, but also sand-dunes. In contrast the southern part, by Kommos proper, is well-organized – with umbrellas, sunbeds, showers and a lifeguard.
Both sections have sand, clear water and large smooth rocks in the sea. As with other beaches, this one too is exposed to the west winds, which can create large waves.
Here again the loggerhead turtles (Kareta kareta) choose to lay their eggs in the summer, at which time the beach is patrolled by the Archelon society, responsible for protecting these creatures.
If here, then you can enjoy one of the most magnificent sunsets in Crete, looking out at the Paximadia islands. Here too you can examine Volaka, a gigantic rock that sits a few metres out into the sea. This, according to myth, is the very one that blinded Polyphemus the Cyclops threw at Odysseus to stop him escaping the island where he was held captive along with his companions.
Just 2 km from Kommos is Matala, one of the most popular destinations for visitors to Crete.
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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.
