14°C
We pass through Papagiannades, a village built on a steep slope, and then climb up eastwards to the mountain line, where we reach a water cistern.
We then cross the asphalt road and follow the dirt road that leads us eastwards.
After 500 m, we come upon a fork and turn slightly south-eastwards. After 1.000 m, we reach the mountain line where one of the first wind farms of Crete can be seen.
From there, the view towards the plateau of Handras opens up to the east.
We begin to descend gently and pass through a little abandoned settlement with a chapel; we then continue on our course to the village of Handras.
We walk along the central road of the village, until its southern exit; from there, we follow the asphalt road for 4 km; we pass through the narrow valley that connects the plateau of Handras with that of Ziros and then we reach.
Alternatively, we can follow the asphalt road from Papagiannades to Handras, to visit the abandoned settlement of Etia, where the villa Dei Mezzo, one of the most important Venetian monuments of the Cretan countryside is to be found.
Easy
E4 (Yellow/Black)
1 hour & 30 minutes
5500m
All year round
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.
