17°C
From Agios Ioannis, we follow the slope to the south, constantly having a visual contact with Elafonissi. As soon as we turn south-east, leaving the chapel behind us, a little cove can be seen down below, towards which we descend, after approximately 1200 m. Reaching the cove, we see some scattered unfinished marble columns and some carved stones, evidence that the area was used as a quarry in Antiquity.
From the cove, uphill to the east, we see a small saddle between some characteristic rocks, where the by now easy to discern path leads us. Having walked up to the saddle of Cape Krios, we see a beach stretching out ahead of us, to which a small gorge ends, its footpath reaching the beach of Krios. We walk along the beach and, having crossed the mouth of the stream, we continue on the beach road for about 450 m parallel to the coast line. Then, we continue inland for 250 m and turn right on the main road, which we follow passing through a sparsely built area with greenhouses.
In approximately 4 km, we reach the small peninsula of Koundoura, with clusters of cedars on a small cove of the same name. From this point, we continue for another 4 km, constantly having a visual contact with the sea or passing by beautiful small beaches, until we arrive at Paleochora.
Relatively Easy
E4 (Yellow/Black)
3 hours
13000m
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.
