14°C
From Agarathou Monastery, we follow the dirt road which goes northwards; after approximately 100 m, we turn right onto a downhill dirt road which passes through a small slope north of the gardens of the monastery.
On our left, up the hill, a small chapel can be seen.
We continue on the unsurfaced road, hiking on slopes full of shrubs and low vegetation, and after about 1,8 km we come to an asphalt road. We go down this road for 1,5 km, until we emerge onto the main road, at a spot where there is an old farmhouse and a few cypresses.
The little village of Sampas can be seen on the slope, southwards, at a distance of approximately 150 m
We turn left, following the main road in an easterly direction; after 1,3 km, we come upon a right-hand turn-off that leads to Zofori village. We continue eastwards for 2 km, to the village of Apostoli. After another 4,5 km, we arrive at Kastelli.
The route to Kastelli passes through several olive groves and vineyards; it is pleasant, offering open views to the nearby hills and to Mount Dikti, eastwards, in the distance.
From Apostoli, a road leading to Thrapsano, to the north, begins. Thrapsano is one of the oldest and most important pottery centres of Crete
Easy
E4 (Yellow/Black)
3 hours
10500m
All year round
Hiking
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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.
