15°C
From the square of Koustogerako an uphill cart track begins, which winds up along the impressive slope.
After 2 km of ascent on the cart track, at an altitude of approximately 700 m, we encounter a small plateau and we continue north.
After 1.400 m and having entered a forested area, we meet a right turn-off which we ignore. In the next 100 m we cross a stream and continue for another 600 m, until the end of the dirt road.
From this point, a barely discernible path heading north begins. After about 20 minutes of walking, at an altitude of approximately 1.000 m, we meet a stream which we follow up to the point where its bed turns eastwards, in an area named Olysma, where an old shepherd’s stone hut can be seen.
From Olysma, we still continue northwards, following the gently uphill and unclear path along a pine-covered slope.
In this section, the path is difficult to discern, so we must keep the bare summit ahead of us in mind, as an orientation point, since we must pass beneath it. A panoramic view of the area of East Selinos stretches out to the west. Down below, at the foot of the slope we pass along, the gorge of Agia Irini prevails.
About 3,5 km after Olysma, we follow a path (again hard to discern), at an altitude of approximately 1.200 m. Then, we descend to a small flat area, in Panochoriani Sterna, where there are a cistern and an old shepherd’s stone hut.
From this point on we follow the cart track, constantly going northwards, and 2 km after passing by a circular shepherd’s stone hut, we encounter the main paved road which connects Omalos and Agia Irini.
Having turned right and come (after 600 m) to the church of Agios Theodoros, we continue for another 1,5 km. Then, we arrive at Seliniotikos Giros, at the north-west edge of the plateau of Omalos.
Relatively Easy
None
4 hours & 30 minutes
12000m
Spring, summer, autumn
Bird watching, 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.
