18°C
Opposite the famous island of Spinalonga lies Plaka, a small fishing village which is 16 km from Aghios Nickolaos and 5 km. approx. from Elounda. In front, there is a beach sheltered from the winds, with white pebbles, clear waters and a number of tamarisks for shade – it is ideal for swimming and also fishing.
At Plaka, many tavernas work, where you can sample Cretan cuisine, as well as plenty of cafeterias and bars. Rent-rooms and hotels exist here, and of course more a few kilometers off at Elounda. A local community clinic exists at Schisma (closer to Elounda), open to locals and visitors alike.
If you come to Plaka, you simply have to visit Spinalonga: between 1903-57, this was a leper colony. Today the island, still a spectacular Venetian fortress, is but in ruins, including the sanatorium and the church.
During the summer season, each day regular boat trips are made to the island from Plaka, Elounda and Aghios Nikolaos. The crossing from Plaka takes but a few minutes.
East and south of Elounda, but still on the Spinalonga peninsular, lies the beach of Kolokytha.
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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.
