18°C
From Chryssoskalitissa, we continue south on a paved road, through small olive groves and shrub-covered landscapes, as well as bare areas, initially without having a visual contact with the sea. After 4,5 km, we reach the beach of Elafonissi.
From Elafonissi we follow the coastal path, which is difficult to discern. About 300 m after the makeshift jetty, where the small boat from Paleochora docks, we continue for another 700 m, until we reach one of the rare areas of Crete forested with cedars.
Walking through the cedars on the beach, or however the morphology of the coast permits us, we arrive at a small clearing, where a well with brackish water is to be found; in case you wish to camp, remember that this water is only suitable for washing.
Be careful not to harm the young trees!
After the cedar-forested area, we begin to walk slightly uphill, to avoid the rocky coast. Having crossed a small stream, the path becomes more distinct. We descend again to the beach for a while and then we begin to climb up again. Throughout this section of the route, from Elafonissi and on, we constantly have visual contact with the chapel of Agios Ioannis on the slope of a hill, in the distance; this proves to be very helpful, given the poor route marking, as well as the frequently unclear path, which would otherwise make our orientation troublesome.
At about 4,5 km from Elafonissi, we arrive at Agios Ioannis.
Relatively Easy
E4 (Yellow/Black)
2 hours
9000m
Spring, summer, autumn
Hiking
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.
