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Vori is a historical and traditional settlement in the heart of the fertile Messara plain, 62 km southwest of Heraklion, at an altitude of 60 meters. It has been continuously inhabited since the early Minoan period and is of great archaeological importance, with finds from all historical periods. The oldest quarter, Katochori, has been a traditional settlement since 1978.
Voroi is an ideal destination for visitors who want to experience the living tradition and daily life of the Cretan countryside. The village has a kindergarten and a primary school, while the inhabitants are mainly engaged in olive growing, viticulture and animal husbandry.
The Museum of Cretan Ethnology, founded in 1973, is a major attraction with exhibits depicting the folk traditions, agricultural work and social structures of Crete. Visitors can explore a wealth of churches of historical and artistic value. Of particular note are the churches of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary, St. John the Baptist, St. George Kontaras (14th century), and Panagia Kardiotissa, a former dependency of the Varsamonero Monastery, with exceptional frescoes of Western influence. Voroi was a favorite destination in the Cretan hinterland for Nikos Kazantzakis, who visited the village whenever he had the opportunity and stayed with his good friend Charilaos Stefanidis.
Voroi has a rich history: it was the capital of the province of Pyrgiotissa during the Venetian occupation, was almost entirely uninhabited by Muslims during the Ottoman period and played a role in the resistance during World War II. In 1995, it was twinned with two communes in France, Camblanes and Meynac, strengthening its international cultural presence.
A village with deep roots, authentic life and a strong cultural identity, worth discovering for every traveler.
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.
