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Agrotourism In Crete – Experience The Authentic Crete

Agrotourism in Crete is constantly growing, It is a kind of tourism that offers the opportunity to try multi-activity in the agricultural sector and to get in touch with the local inhabitants, while showing respect for the environment and tradition.

The unique temperate climate of the island allows the production of plants and animal food which has particular nutritional value for the human body, contributing to the famous Cretan diet . In the mountainous and hilly areas, the inhabitants are mainly engaged in farming and rearing of large numbers of sheep. Several dairies produce traditional dairy products all over the island, one of the main agrotourism activities in Crete .

In several areas of Crete, especially villages, you will find organized Agrotourism in Crete Facilities offering special activities adapted to the natural surroundings and the special features of the Cretan countryside.  In some villages, you will have the opportunity to participate in food preparation and even learn the secrets of traditional Cretan cookery by using Cretan products, through organized courses provided. Most farm houses are privately owned farms and they cultivate organic products free from any kind of drugs and chemicals.  Cretan products like cheese and honey, vegetables, olive oil, thyme, sage, nuts, oregano, wine and from local vines and aromatic herbs will be the main ingredients of your food.

But even if you don’t want to participate in organized courses, just choose to stay in a traditional holiday home in one of the villages of Crete. You will have the opportunity to get acquainted with the genuine Cretan hospitality as the residents in the villages of Crete know how to provide it.

Agrotourism In Crete – The Grape Harvest

Wine is an integral part of Greek culture, even from the Minoan years, when the cultivation of grapes and winemaking were very popular. The same Minoan varieties are grown even today, in the same soil and sometimes almost under the same production process. Almost every Cretan house has its own wine.

The cultivation of the vine begins after the harvest. The main pruning is done, depending on the region and altitude, in January or February. Next stages are milling, tipping of shoots, sulfuration, and perhaps thinning of the grapes. Ripening and harvesting take place from the first ten days of August until the beginning of October, depending on the altitude of the region. Until then, the vine requires constant supervision and work in order various diseases to be prevented.

The social dimension of the vintage offers a typical picture of rural life and Agrotourism in Crete. From dawn friends and relatives harvest and carry grapes. When the harvest is over, the grapes are pressed in the winepress, or sometimes even on foot and a “must” is produced. The long hours of sunshine in Crete give the grapes usually quite many sugars, so we have several high-ranking wines.

This is the time when the housewife will take must from the winepress, will boil it with ash and bake the jelly adding walnuts, almonds, sesame and cinnamon. “Moustalevria” is an excellent Cretan delicacy!

When you finish off the press, the must goes into barrels or remains in the wine press for a few hours to get a rich dark color. Then, it is time for celebration! Everybody sits down at the table drink wine and wish to homemaker. The fatigue of the day turns into the mood for singing and dancing .

Agrotourism In Crete – Raki distillation

Wines are put in barrels and boiling is completed, the autumn has come and smoke stoves in the villages. If you spend your holidays this period in Crete, participating in raki distillation would be a great agricultural activity.

In all villages there are traditional cauldrons. The villagers put the marc in the cauldron and boil it until it reaches the appropriate temperature for distillation. During boiling, the alcohol of the marc is evaporating. The steam circulates in the pipe of the cauldron. At the external of the pipe there is cold water, so the steam condenses into a jar drop by drop. This is called “ protoraki ”.

“Protoraki” is the first distillate which flows out of the cauldron and is particularly very strong. In Crete, in several villages, they produce even “mournoraki” from distilled berries. Anyone who distills raki in the village, usually invite friends to taste a variety of local delicacies: wild mushrooms, chestnuts, “kallitsounia” with greens, all typical products of this time of year. Even today, agrotourism in Crete activities prove how important is the gathering of people in Cretan society.

Agrotourism In Crete – Olive harvest and Olive Oil production

The olive is the main crop throughout Crete. At the endless slopes of Crete is produced the best olive oil in the world. Rich in aroma and flavor and with low acidity is the main source of fat of the Cretan diet. The collection of olives is the most representative activity of Agrotourism in Crete.

Producers baste and gather their fruit into nets, while the trees are pruned in the shape of umbrella. The harvest season begins in November and continues until February, depending on the altitude of the region, which is mainly indicative of the degree of the olives’ ripeness. The olives are then brought to mills where crushing and extraction of the oil is performed.

The oil produced here, unique in nutrients and taste, is popular worldwide. As you will have assisted the production of olive oil, locals will certainly give you a satisfying quantity to bring back home.

Agrotourism In Crete – Livestock and Cheesemaking

At the mountains of the island, rich in aromatic plants and herbs, you will see thousands of sheeps which, during summer, graze in coastal desert areas. Salinity and sea salt give a special flavor to their meat. Livestock farming has always been the main occupation of the inhabitants of mountain regions, from the east to the west Crete. As soon as you meet a Cretan shepherd in the village, do not hesitate to ask from him to show you some livestock activities like the feeding of the animals, the milking or sheep shearing.

As for cheese making, Cretans produce traditional cheese products with the knowledge of thousands of years, now combined with modern methods. In modern dairies the first milk is pasteurized and then, is heated until it reaches a specific temperature. Most popular is the Cretan Gruyere, which is aged for several months before being offered for consumption. Other cheese, you should definitely taste is “myzithra”, “athotyros”, “feta” (white cheese) and “xygalo”. Amazing is the Cretan yogurt, which is made from sheep’s milk.

Agrotourism In Crete – Coulinary courses

The cooking of pure Cretan products is an adorable activity of Agrotourism in Crete! In agrotourist associations located in many areas, you can attend culinary and confectionery courses. By following traditional recipes, “Grandma’s recipes” as they called, you will be able to make jams, liqueurs, compotes, bread, fresh pasta, pies and many other Cretan delicacies.

Authentic Crete continues to make its presence felt through agricultural activities all over the island! Agrotourism in Crete takes place in the peaks of the mountains, in “mitata” and isolated villages. The “amenities” of culture have given their place in the daily contact with nature, accompanied by plenty of Cretan food and Cretan music.

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DALABELOS ESTATE

Welcome to the agro-tourism complex of dalabelos in rethymnon crete.

Dalabelos Estate is located near the Angeliana village, very close to the beautiful Panormo, on a hill overlooking the Cretan Sea, 5 km to the north coast of Crete at the foot of the legendary Mount Ida. It comprises of 10 stone-built modern and fully equipped studios and 2 luxury apartments.

The estate consists of the following room types: studio cottages, superior cottage, family cottage, Maria apartment and Konstantina Apartment, with the last two apartments also being hired as an entire villa.

The buildings merge harmoniously with the surrounding landscape and visitors are seduced by the serene culture of the Cretan countryside. Under the shade of our restaurant’s spacious courtyard, overlooking a superb scenery, you can enjoy traditional Cretan dishes, prepared from products of our farm.

Dalabelos Estate is your ideal holiday destination if you are looking for an eco-friendly, agrotourism complex and quiet resort in Crete. If you wish, you can even attend courses on cooking, bread kneading and traditional confectionery. Dalabelos Estate is featured as one of the top wellness retreat resorts in Europe.

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Dalabelos’ kitchen is a vegetarian’s delight. There are several dishes of organic vegetables cooked in virgin olive oil, wild herbs, salads with fragrant herbs and spices, all of them prepared in the traditional Cretan way that helps to good health, well-being and long life…

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Ecotourism in Crete: Cretan Holidays with Purpose

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Ecotourism in Crete offers a unique approach to experiencing one of Greece’s most beloved islands. In this blog post, we delve into how Crete is not just a destination for those seeking the sun and sea, but also for those who aim to travel responsibly. This majestic island, rich in history and natural beauty, has embraced sustainable practices that cater to the eco-conscious traveller. Here, you can find holidays that combine relaxation with respect for the environment and local culture. Join us as we explore the different facets of ecotourism in Crete, from eco-friendly accommodations and activities to local conservation efforts, ensuring your holiday leaves a positive impact on this enchanting island.

Understanding Ecotourism and Why It Matters in Crete

Ecotourism is defined as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and involves interpretation and education.” This form of tourism is intended to have a low impact on the environment while benefiting the local communities and ensuring that the places and cultures visited are also maintained and preserved for future generations. The main focus of ecotourism is on experiencing and learning about nature, its landscape, flora, fauna, and their habitats, as well as cultural history, traditions, and lifestyles.

As Crete witnesses an influx of global visitors, the need for ecotourism becomes paramount. This sustainable approach ensures that while travellers immerse in the Cretan experience, they do so without compromising the ecological balance. By adopting ecotourism, we’re not just conserving the pristine landscapes but also enriching our understanding of Crete’s intricate ecosystems and vibrant local cultures.

Sustainability in Crete: A Commitment to Future Generations

Crete, an island of ancient myths, sun-soaked beaches, and rich biodiversity, is deeply conscious of its responsibility to both its natural heritage and its future generations. As one of Greece’s most coveted travel destinations, Crete has made significant strides in intertwining sustainability with its socio-economic progress. From protecting its unique ecosystems to ensuring responsible tourism, the island has launched a range of initiatives that showcase its commitment to sustainable practices. The balance of preserving the age-old traditions while embracing modern eco-friendly approaches has placed Crete at the forefront of the green movement in the Mediterranean. Here are some commendable initiatives that Crete has taken over the years:

  • Natura 2000 Sites in Crete : The European Natura 2000 network has several designated areas in Crete. These sites are meant to protect the island’s rich biodiversity and ensure the conservation of vulnerable species and habitats.
  • Green Key Program : Some hotels in Crete have been awarded the Green Key, which is an eco-label for tourism and leisure establishments that are recognized for their sustainable operations.
  • Agri-tourism and Eco-tourism Initiatives : There are numerous agri-tourism and eco-tourism ventures on the island that promote sustainable travel, local farming, and cultural experiences.
  • Local Marine Conservation Projects : Given Crete’s rich marine biodiversity, there have been initiatives and organizations focused on marine conservation, including protecting endangered species and promoting sustainable fishing practices. For example ARCHELON – the Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece .
  • Renewable Energy Projects : With its sunny climate, Crete has potential for solar energy production, and there have been projects aimed at harnessing this energy source for the island’s power needs.
  • Water Conservation Initiatives : Due to Crete’s susceptibility to droughts, there have historically been efforts to promote water-saving measures, both among residents and tourists.
  • Waste Management and Recycling Programs : Efforts to promote recycling and reduce waste, especially in tourist-heavy areas, have been part of Crete’s sustainability goals.
  • Environmental Education Programs : Various non-governmental organizations have been active in Crete, promoting environmental education in schools and among the community.

Choose the ‘Shoulder Months’ for your Cretan Holidays

Ecotourism in Crete. Crete in autumn.

Visiting Crete during the summer months of July and August might be on many travellers’ bucket lists, but there’s a secret charm to exploring the island in the shoulder season . Crete’s sun-drenched beauty extends its warm embrace well beyond the peak months. Opting for a getaway in May-June or September-October in Crete presents not only a respite from the crowds but also a more intimate and authentic experience. Think of better prices, serene beaches without the battle for sunbeds, and local communities that greet you with an extra dose of warmth. This time of the year lets you relish Crete without the constraints of excessive planning or reservations, allowing for spontaneous adventures and genuine interactions.

Crete’s allure lies in its rich tapestry of culture, nature, and traditions that flourish all year round. With a thriving permanent population, the island boasts an array of establishments that remain operational throughout the seasons. Given its southernmost position in Greece, Crete enjoys a warmer climate, making the spring and autumn months perfect for eco-friendly activities. Whether you’re hoping to witness the island’s unique take on Orthodox Easter celebrations in April or dive into the age-old traditions of olive picking and rakokazana (a raki distillery experience) in the fall, there’s always a cultural gem awaiting discovery. And for those eager to forge a deeper connection, spending Christmas amidst the Cretan hospitality promises memories for a lifetime.

Sustainable Stays: Eco-friendly Accommodations in Crete

Imagine staying in a tranquil lodge powered entirely by renewable energy or in a traditional home refurbished with upcycled materials. Crete’s accommodation options now increasingly embody these principles. With a growing focus on sustainability, many hotels are incorporating energy-efficient practices, recycling programs, and water-saving initiatives. Such lodgings often come with the added benefit of organic meals, local cultural interactions, and experiences that conventional hotels might not offer.

Let’s take a look at five Eco-friendly Accommodations below:

Enagron Ecotourism Village

Location : Main Street, Axós, 74051, Greece

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Built in the centre of Crete at the foot of Psiloritis at an altitude of about 500 meters, Enagron Ecotourism Village provides you with the opportunity to know, explore, live and enjoy the uniqueness of Cretan nature. Enagron will immerse you in authentic Cretan culture and sustainable practices. Set amidst a 15-acre organic farm of olive trees, vineyards, and aromatic plants, you will experience traditional Cretan “Philoxenia” hospitality. Learn about the longevity-enhancing Mediterranean Diet, partake in local rituals like bread and cheese-making, and join in traditional activities like winemaking and the festive raki (tsikoudia) distillation process. With opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and understanding Cretan agricultural practices, Enagron epitomizes ecotourism and the sustainable celebration of local traditions.

Dalabelos Agro-retreat 

Location : Angeliana Geropotamou, Angeliana, 74052, Greece

agro tourism crete

Dalabelos Estate is your ideal holiday destination if you are looking for an eco-friendly, agrotourism complex and quiet resort in Crete. Dalabelos Estate seamlessly combines eco-tourism with authentic Cretan agriculture. Comprising 10 modern, stone-built studios, each equipped with modern amenities and offering picturesque farm views, this resort is a sustainable haven. Run by the Petrodaskalakis family, its 1,000 olive trees, vineyard, orchards, and vegetable gardens supply fresh produce for the onsite restaurant, where guests savour traditional Cretan dishes, including handmade bread and succulent lamb. Visitors are welcomed into the daily operations, with opportunities to partake in cooking classes, estate work, pottery courses, and eco-psychological activities, making it a serene and holistic sustainable experience.

Kiani Beach Resort Family All-Inclusive

Location : Kalami, Kiani Beach, Kalives 730 03, Greece

agro tourism crete

As an eco-friendly hotel, it blends in with the natural surroundings and respects the environment not only with its architecture but with its strong philosophy of ecological conscience and daily eco-acts. Because of this, they were awarded the HACCP & TRAVELIFE awards. This exceptional Chania resort, right on the award-winning blue flag beach of Kiani Akti, offers an amazing retreat for families with young children as it has been specially designed to comfortably accommodate both adults and younger guests. You can find more about their sustainability policies here :

Big Blue Studios Myrtos

Location : Main Street, Myrtos, 72056, Greece

agro tourism crete

Nestled in the picturesque village of Myrtos in southern Crete, Big Blue Studios Myrtos offers a serene view of the Mediterranean Sea. Prioritizing eco-friendliness, these spacious and soundproofed rooms are enveloped by a lush garden filled with citrus trees and aromatic herbs. Committed to sustainability, Big Blue Studios practices conscientious management of water, energy, and waste. They’ve initiated a robust recycling and composting system, and their 10 Kw photovoltaic unit offsets all CO2 emissions, showcasing their dedication to a greener tomorrow.

Candia Park Village

Location : Havania, Agios Nikolaos, 72100, Greece

agro tourism crete

Boasting a waterfront location, Candia Park Village features 4-star accommodation overlooking the Mirabello Bay. Candia Park Village, champions sustainable hospitality in Crete by emphasizing local hiring and providing extensive training for its staff. The village supports local communities through partnerships with suppliers and offers authentic Cretan experiences for guests. Environmentally, Candia Park Village employs water and waste management strategies, uses local building materials, and incorporates energy-efficient systems. Their commitment to preserving the environment is further evidenced by their beach’s consistent ‘ Blue Flag ‘ recognition since 1993. Through these initiatives, they foster an eco-conscious culture within the resort community.

Check for more eco-friendly accommodations here .

Engaging Activities for the Eco-conscious Traveler

Discover the hiking paths & gorges of crete.

Samaria gorge Crete Greece

Hiking is as eco-friendly as it gets, especially when you venture into one of Crete’s 22 Natura 2000-protected locations or the extensive E4 pan-European trails. Often referred to as the ‘King of Gorges’, Crete boasts over 400 breathtaking gorges , each uniquely shaped over time by the persistent flow of rivers.

Topping the list of must-visit hiking spots is the Samaria Gorge, a UNESCO-protected Biosphere Reserve stretching 16km. It’s a sanctuary to 450 types of flora and fauna, with 70 of them unique to Crete, like the wild goats and the snake eagles. The E4 trail also includes the picturesque Agia Irini Gorge leading to Sougia beach, serene coastal paths from Sougia to Agia Roumeli and Paleohora to Sougia, and the trail from Chrysoskalitissas Monastery to the enchanting Elafonisi. Not to be missed are Imbros, Crete’s third-most frequented gorge, and Aradaina, its deepest, which doubles as one of Europe’s premier bungee jumping sites at 138m deep. While these gems lie in western Crete, the eastern side isn’t lacking with treasures like Sarakina Gorge, Kritsa Gorge, Richtis Gorge, and Mylonas Gorge, among others. A comprehensive map of Cretan Gorges awaits you here .

Dive into Crete’s Culinary Magic and Savour its Authentic Flavours

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Not only can you indulge in Crete’s delightful dishes, but you also get the chance to uncover the Mediterranean culinary mysteries with the island’s finest in an eco-friendly manner. Enroll in an enriching cooking class , like the one at Authentic Cooking Class set against the backdrop of the majestic White Mountains . Here, it’s not just about cooking; it’s an immersive journey into the heart of Cretan flavours, with fresh organic ingredients, including the golden touch of extra virgin olive oil , local meats, and freshly harvested herbs and veggies. Alternatively, immerse yourself in the Cretan Cooking Lesson held in the enchanting Arolithos Traditional Cretan Village . Dive hands-on into making delicacies like ntakos, tzatziki, stuffed vine leaves, and more, culminating in a feast paired with exquisite local wines. For a rustic touch, consider the Cooking Class at a Family Olive Farm , where every dish is a testament to the farm’s fresh and pure produce.

Delve Deep into Crete’s Olive Oil Traditions

olive tree Vouves

Ever wondered about the rich notes in Cretan olive oil ? Dive into its origins by visiting an olive oil farm. Witness the enchanting process of turning olives into the very elixir of life and savour the taste of time-honoured tradition.

Experience it first-hand with an Olive Oil Tasting amidst a 2,000-year-old olive grove , perfectly complemented with curated Cretan food pairings. Venture to Terra Creta , a pioneering and eco-friendly olive oil institution. E mbark on a captivating hour-long journey to discover the full journey of olive oil, from the tranquil olive groves to your dining table. Visit Melissakis Olive Mill – A family-owned press in Tsivaras village, producing olive oil since the 1890s. To top it all, indulge in the Olive Oil Festival, dance the night away with local performers , and discover the art of making olive oil soap and honey production during your visit to a quaint farm in the village of Sissi. It’s not just a trip; it’s a taste-filled adventure!

Sip and Savor: Wine Tasting Adventures in Cretan Vineyards

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Crete boasts a winemaking heritage that reaches back to the Bronze Age and the times of the Minoan civilization, presenting a diverse array of native grapes that thrive in the island’s distinct environment.

A significant factor contributing to Crete’s exceptional wines is its unparalleled terroir. This includes the rugged terrain of the White Mountains, intertwined with verdant olive orchards and kissed by the saline winds of the Mediterranean. Such a combination bestows upon Cretan wines a flavour profile that’s truly incomparable.

  • Visit a family-run winery, founded in 1993 , and sip on the award-winning local wines like Vidiano, Muscat of Spina, and other international varieties such as Grenache rouge, Syrah, and Mourvèdre that take on a distinct twist thanks to the Cretan terroir.
  • Embark on a Vinous Journey in Chania with a stop at the esteemed Dourakis Winery . Here, delve into a 30-minute guided exploration tracing the rich legacy and craft of Cretan winemaking. Conclude your tour with a sensory delight, savouring five distinct Cretan wines.
  • Explore a family-run vineyard renowned for its sustainable and organic practices. Meander through verdant rows, tour the winery and indulge in a curated tasting of four handpicked wines.
  • Experience the essence of Cretan viticulture with the Cretan Wine Tasting Guided Tour . Dive deep into the region’s enological history and savour wines crafted from native grape varietals.
  • Venture to the Douloufakis Winery , a gem nestled near Heraklion. Immerse yourself in an insightful tour of the establishment, unravelling the art of wine creation. In the ambient tasting chamber, relish their exquisite wines while gaining insights into the iconic grape varietals that define Cretan vineyards.

Eco-friendly Water Activities in Crete

agro tourism crete

Eco-friendly water activities prioritize minimal disturbance to aquatic ecosystems and marine life, and they often promote conservation awareness. Here are some eco-friendly water activities:

  • Snorkelling: Crete’s diverse coastline offers a plethora of snorkelling opportunities. Its crystal-clear waters, teeming with marine life, make it an ideal destination for snorkelling enthusiasts. Whether you’re hopping on a boat to explore hidden coves and secluded spots away from the hustle and bustle or simply strolling to a nearby beach, there’s always a chance to immerse yourself in the underwater wonders of Crete. Remember to keep a safe distance from marine life, and avoid touching corals or rocks.
  • Eco-Friendly Scuba Diving: While regular scuba diving can have an impact on marine ecosystems if not done responsibly, there are eco-diving initiatives that emphasize conservation and responsible interactions with marine life. With Eco Diving Center you can participate in organized underwater cleanups or coastal cleanups, you can participate in eco-diving workshops, you can learn to be a responsible diver and expand your personal knowledge of marine life.
  • Stand-up Paddleboarding (SUP): An increasingly popular activity that’s not only a good workout but also an eco-friendly way to explore lakes, rivers, and coastlines. Nearly every organized beach in Crete has a water activities centre that offers SUP rentals. Whether you’re paddleboarding along the coastline, exploring hidden caves, or simply enjoying the tranquillity of the sea, SUP provides a unique perspective of Crete’s scenic beauty.
  • Kayaking and Canoeing: Stand out as sustainable ways to explore Crete’s stunning coastlines and serene lakes. Embracing these eco-friendly water activities allows you to navigate through hidden coves, venture into secluded beaches, and witness marine life up close, all while minimizing environmental impact.

When engaging in any water activity, it’s essential to be mindful of your surroundings, avoid disturbing wildlife, and leave no trace behind. This ensures that you have a minimal impact on the environment and that the beauty and health of our waterways are preserved for future generations.

In conclusion, Crete, with its rich tapestry of history, culture, and pristine natural landscapes, beckons travellers to tread lightly and embrace eco-conscious choices. By opting for eco-friendly accommodations and partaking in sustainable activities, visitors can immerse themselves in the island’s authentic charm without compromising its delicate ecosystems. Each sustainable choice made while on the island amplifies the collective efforts to protect and preserve Crete’s unique heritage. Let us remember that travelling is not just about witnessing beauty but also about ensuring its longevity. By championing eco-tourism, we don’t just experience Crete’s splendour – we help sustain it for future generations.

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Crete’s Ecotourism: Three Natural Legends Surfacing

Phil Butler - August 26th, 2016 03:12 pm

Courtesy Incredible Crete Incredible Crete Ecotourism

Crete is legendary for its healthy lifestyle, for the uncommon hospitality the people exhibit to strangers, and for its stunning history. The birthplace of might Zeus, home of the legends of Minos and the Minotaur,  of Daedalus and Ikarus, and rumors of Atlantis too, Crete has too many secrets and treasures to even list. Among the lesser known jewels of the Cretan landscape, the islands eco-tourism haunts are a treat worth discovery. To this end, Argo offers these wonderful green suggestions.

A casual definition of Ecotourism leaves us with a form of  tourism  that involves travelers visiting the fragile, pristine, and relatively undisturbed natural areas of this amazing island. The idea of eco and agro-tourism demands we understand how low-impact and small scale alternative to standard commercial (mass) tourism are “the way” for a sustainable future. It is to this end that one of the healthiest places on Earth, and one of the most pristine remaining, has really always embraced ecological utopia. Here is a sampling of this Greek paradise’s best ecotourism developments.

The view from Thalori and Kapetaniana

Thalori Traditional Village

Tucked away amid the high cliffs near the south-central village of Kapetaniana, is a stunning complex of unique accommodations named appropriately, Thalori Guesthouses . The name literally means “sea” and “hill”, which indemnifies the perfect blend of Asterousia mountain range landscapes, overlooking the amazing Libyan Sea. 20 traditional stone guest houses dot the landscape, which is otherwise untouched by commercial enterprise. This is the real Crete, the untouched marvel the ancient Minoans roamed.

Inside the one room house, one of Thalori’s most unique stays

The Markos and Popi Skordalakis, the owners and visionaries behind this marvel, have created a picture perfect Thalori Traditional Village, a serene spot imbued with the power of nature, the fabulous history of the region, and most importantly the traditional way of life of Cretans.  For those unaware, the Asterousia mountain range of is the southernmost chain in Europe, a unique biosphere where the ancient Minoans build the palace at Phaistos , to look out over the Massara  illuvial plains. The only words that adequately describe the place are epic and eternal.  The Minoans and subsequent inhabitants of these mountains attached a special religious significance to this place, and it is easy to understand why.

View of the Libyan Sea from a Thalori Guest House

Thalori’s wonderful traditional restaurant, activities planning, and a new art residency program being developed are but a few of the attractive elements of this retreat. Markos and Popi also believe mightily in the farm to table ideal, and guests are encouraged to participate in the retreat’s argo-tourism efforts. Organized Cretan cooking classes are another big plus.

The edge of infinity, the pool at Thalori overlooking the mountains and the sea

About the Thalori surrounds: 

While the landscape of Asterousia may seem stark and desert shrub-like, the area surrounding is one of supreme ecological value. For those unfamiliar with the region, it is included in the NATURA 2000 network, a land where endangered species stand the chance of surviving owning to ecological protective measures. Some 192 bird species have been recorded so far in Asterousia, some of which are permanent, some migratory. Among the birds of Asterousia are the griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus), the golden eagle (Aquila Chrysaetos), the Bonelli’s eagle, the peregrine falcon and the black falcon. Also of interest to nature lovers, diving excursions off Asterousia feature large Posidonia meadows (Posidonia Oceanica) and other species such as corals, sponges, anemones etc.

Thalori Retreat – Kapetaniana, Kophinas Municipality, Heraklion, Crete – Reservations:  +30 6976994896

Agro-tourism Complex Dalabelos

Situated outside the quint village of Angeliana, the Dalabelos Agro-retreat sits overlooking the Cretan Sea 5 kilometers to the North. A short distance from  the town of Rethymno, the farm-resort features 10 stone-built modern and fully equipped studios. But the heart of this amazing eco-tourism destination is the Dalabelos Estate, an idyllic green complex that integrates tourism with genuine Crete agriculture so perfectly. Run by Vassilis Petrodaskalakis and his family, the farm has 1,000 olive trees, a vineyard, an orange and fruit orchard, and several vegetable gardens that supply the restaurant.

Dalabelos has innumerable places to take a load off (Dalabelos Facebook)

All the units overlooking the farm have a balcony or a patio, a fireplace, air conditioning, a kitchenette, cable TV, telephone, Internet access, and the usual creature comforts. From the shade of Dalabelos’s restaurant, guests enjoy truly gourmet class Cretan cuisine, prepared in the traditional way with products exclusively from the farm. Even the bread is hand made. As for the hospitality, the legendary filoxenia (love of travelers) here is even more noticeable given how guest are incorporated into the daily routine. Cooking classes to excursions, and even helping out on the estate are all part of the schema.

Dalabelos is not without its creature comforts

Perhaps the retreat’s biggest attraction, the Dalabelos kitchen is what healthy Cretan cuisine is all about. Here organic vegetables cooked in virgin olive oil, wild herbs, and the freshest herbs and spices, further attest to one of the healthiest places on Earth. But don’t fret if you are a meat lover, Crete’s best kept secret is the fact the locals pride themselves in succulent lamb dishes. Take a pottery course, explore the countryside on a mountain bike, or take part in experiential activities for Eco-psychology, this is one of the most serene and laid back places on this world.

Looking out over the farm (via the Dalabelos Facebook pages )

About the Dalabelos surrounds: 

Dalabelos is located near the sea, on a cliff at the foot of Mount Ida (Psiloritis). The surrounding region is a vertible nature lover’s wonderland of endemic flora, set beside the mythical caves Ideon Antron on the Nida plateau, Gerontospilios at Melidoni and Sphendoni at Zoniana, and more. Deep gorges carve their way through a vibrant yet arid land where ancient civilizations once thrived. Guests with a penchant for archaelogy will find the nearby sites of Zominthos and Eleftherna, and the byzantine churches and Venetian monuments like the monasteries of Arkadi and Vosakou, powerful inticements for exploration. The estate is in fact, a key facet of this magical central Crete ecoscape, a place never to forget.

Dalabelos Ecotourism Estate – Ageliana Rethymnon Crete, Greece – Reservations:  +30 2834022155

Enagron Ecotourism Village

It was Herodotus who mentioned the village of Axos so favorably in the times of legend, the Virgil, then Cicero, and then… Well, you get the idea. Situated in the valley next to Axos is one of Crete’s most unique eco-tourism encampments. Not so many people realize this part of Greece has been inhabited for over 4,000 years, but even fewer are aware of how the developers of Enagron have assimilated all that is best in the Cretan way of life there. Located a short drive from Crete’s capital of  Heraklion, this speck of a village has all the amenities of a four star resort, with none of the pretense. In typical Crete form, the classy stone accommodations fit perfectly into the rocky crags decorate this valley. The quint coffee shops and 600 friendly residents of Axos, the nearby villages of Zoniana and Veni, give the visitor a real impression of what sustainable life should be all about. The word that best describes Enagron is harmony.

The blend of tradition and class chic at Enagron is tempting

The images here show the tailored accommodations of this extraordinary repose, but the surrounds are the real treasure for guests. Nearby caves, the countless monasteries dotting the hilltops (especially the Monastery of Vosakos), and activities like the Bucolic excursion to the house of Panoysis, the Shepherd, are as unique as they are memorable. The myriad social, cultural, and religious exhibitions that take place in all the villages around the area, ensure visitors are left feeling at home, as if the reality of western civilization can finally sink in. The old customs and traditions of Crete, are exuded throughout the Enagron experience.

A splash of color and life across the Cretan landscape makes Enagron all the more interesting – Crete is so alive

Perfectly adapted to the surrounding natural environment, in both traditional architectural style and pragmatic operation, Enagron is as close to ideal as it gets. From the playground to the coffee shop, the Enagron team have turned over every natural stone to perfect this place. And in the restaurant and cafe, all the benefits of the Cretan diets are on the menu, in picture perfect culinary display. Cooks Stavroula, Irene and Virginia create a gastronomic accent to a place King Minos himself would have doted over. Guest can do nothing and relax, or elect to take cooking or bread and cheese making classes, maybe hit the spa, and much more. Enagron is that nice, Axos that much of a cool place to tell folks back home about – or to stay and live in for that matter. Yiannis and Fani Papadakis create something magical, on a mysterious and epic island paradise.

Breakfast is served Cretan style

About the Enagron surrounds: 

This part of Crete has its own brand of ancient lore and everlasting natural value too. A walk up from the valley to the village of Axos will indelibly stamp the traveler. Guests get acquainted with the society here, and are immersed in the culture and the traditional activities of the locals. There’s more history and myths, and local stories and legends than almost anywhere you can name. Almost four thousand years of continual habitation have left a mark by humans here. Axos and Mount Ida were a whisper on the lips of Achilles and Odysseus no doubt. One can almost hear them echoing in the village’s labyrinthine paths today. But Axos is but one gem in the crown of Crete, countless geoheritage attractions are packed into Psiloritis Geopark and all that surrounds it, and Enagron is base camp for dozens of hiking, biking, climbing, and ecotourism expeditions into this natural wonderland.

Enagron Ecotourism Village –  Axos Mylopotamou, Crete, Greece – Reservations: +30 28340 61611

agro tourism crete

About Phil Butler

Phil is a prolific technology, travel, and news journalist and editor. A former public relations executive, he is an analyst and contributor to key hospitality and travel media, as well as a geopolitical expert for more than a dozen international media outlets.

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agro tourism crete

Hello! We are Alice and Kat. We decided to settle in Crete because we had a great idea and genuine values to share.

Our project: To set up an agrotourism activity that truly respects both the environment and the men and women who form an integral part of it, providing you with the opportunity to discover the multi-faceted wealth of Crete and its inhabitants.

Our aim: To offer you precisely what we would want for ourselves: an unforgettable stay – relaxing, exciting and enabling you to expand your horizons.

Speaking of horizons… Feast your eyes on beautiful, untameable Crete, an island rich in history and culture, peopled with free, proud and generous souls willing to open their arms even to those they don’t know.

Free cancellation up 60 days before your arrival

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Welcome to Milatos Village

Right outside your balcony – or close enough….

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Discover our boat cruises

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Getting to know Crete and its people

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Feel the pulse of Crete

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The wealth of Cretan plant heritage

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First Easter celebration in Milatos!

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Welcome to Eleonas Country Village

- Unforgettable holiday in nature -

For endless hours of joy and play

- Pool and childs pool -

Unique flavors that will amaze you

- Traditional Breakfast -

Unique flavors of authentic Crete

- ELIA Restaurant -

IN THE SHADOW OF THE MYTHICAL PSILORITIS

Eleonas Country Village complex lies in the shadow of the mythical Mt Psiloritis, the highest mountain of Crete ( The Global and European Geopark of Psiloritis Natural Park ), where according to the Greek mythology God Zeus was raised!

Stone carved from local craftsmen, the independent Stone cottages , provide spacious rooms of all types and convenient amenities that address the needs of the modern day traveler. All the cottages have private terraces and balconies that value your privacy and offer beautiful views over the landscape.

Eleonas country village  is the ideal holiday destination for ecotourism  or agrotourism  ,if is what you are looking for. Set in a spectacular and breathtaking scenery you are given the chance to enjoy peace and tranquility while practicing a number of amazing indoor and outdoor activities -or in other words ecotourism in Crete like trekking, birdwatching and walking the paths as well as map and gps with paths to follow.

Outside pool view

HOLIDAYS IN NATURE

Locate in Zaros is a true oasis to any visitor longing for ecotourism, agrotourism or rural holidays in the heart of nature.Stretched over a lush slope that is covered with perennial olive trees and enormous carob trees, Eleonas Country Village resembles a small village nestled in the arms of Cretan nature, just a stone’s throw away from the well- known village of Zaros.

At every step, aromatic herbs, plants and colourful flowers will awaken all your senses!

Eleonas Country Village in Zaros is a true oasis to any visitor longing for ecotourism, agrotourism or rural holidays in the heart of nature.

A refference point for your holidays if you are an action person and you like hiking, mountain biking, climbing, mountain side of Crete, bird watching, mountain exploring and the feeling of the local Cretan family hospitality or just if you preffer to relax for hours in your private heated pool enjoying the rare and wild beauty of the Psiloritis mountain and by hearing the birds to sing.

SEE OUR PHOTO ALBUMS

agro tourism crete

Accomodation In perfect harmony with the natural environment

Embraced by trees, flowers and plants, the stone cottages  at Eleonas Country Village are sparsely built in the heart of the olive grove covered with perennial olive trees.

Traditional decor, stylish wood furniture, kitchenette, bathrooms with a shower or a bath, offer a comfortable stay to all guests, family or individual visitors.

All private cottages  have  terraces or Balconies  that value your privacy and offer beautiful views over the landscape.

In perfect harmony with the natural environment, the Cottages have been built with stone and wood. Their interior is  cozy and ambient equipped.

Traditional Cottages Eleonas

Authentic Cretan Cuisine

The Eleonas Country Village complex represents the Cretan gastronomy which you can relish at "Elia", the traditional restaurant in the heart of the complex.

Mouthwatering products of the Cretan land, local recipes cooked with care, along with an extensive wine list from the Cretan vineyards guarantee an unforgettable gastronomic experience to all visitors and guests.

By meeting the necessary standards and requirements, the restaurant holds the “Quality Label of Cretan Cuisine” and focuses on the exceptional raw materials from the nearby farms that are perfectly combined in an exciting range of traditional Cretan recipes. The virgin olive oil comes from the complex's olive groves while the various types of traditional cheese from the family’s model dairy.

The Restaurant operates with reduced capacity and to ensure adequate space and socially distant set-up in accordance with the measures. Our restaurant has been implementing a food safety management system for several years now; HACCP, ISO 22000: 2005. The protocols we already follow are in many cases more stringent than the procedures currently in place to limit COVID-19 transmission.

Our personnel is highly trained in terms of food hygiene and safety.

PURE CRETAN PRODUCTS

Breakfast at Eleonas country village

The history and the abundance of flavours coming from the Cretan land, at Eleonas country village breakfast.

Fine local products, produced by our hotel’s farm, along with products of local small producers, Cretan recipes, nutritional and savoury goodies, are served at Elaionas Country Village breakfast.

Assigned the “Greek Breakfast” certification by the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels, Eleonas breakfast offers a unique mouthwatering experience to all its visitors, and is an introduction to the culinary tradition of Crete.

The extra virgin olive oil that comes abundantly from our private olive grove, the fine fresh local milk, used to produce our local cheese at our creamery, the eggs from our hens living freely out in the fields and the many recipes that we try every morning have a starring role at the morning table.

Cheese and dairy products are at the forefront. The famous fresh Greek Yogurt is combined with local honey and nuts, while the cretan gruyere (in Greek graviera) comes in different flavours, for instance with thyme.

The famous cretan pies with cheese, greens from the mountains or spinach are cooked every morning; omelettes with fresh eggs, local charcuterie and different types of rusks with a robust flavour, such as carob.

Fresh orange juice, as well as juices from seasonal fruits, are daily served to your table, along with a large selection of coffees, such as the traditional Greek coffee (also called Ellinikós kafes) prepared in the ember or hot ciders with sand.

There are several vegetarian and vegan options available at Eleonas Country Village breakfast.

**All product supplies, as well as their storage and preparation is certified by ISO 22000: 2005 FOOD SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM.

Cretan breakfast

LIMNI

Two eco-houses for rent in a remote greenery, above the beach of Ammoudara, in Crete

Two villas made of stones, wook, earth and straw, simple materials combined with precision and meticoulsness

A wise mix of olive and carob tress, where wild nature, orchards and comextible gardens are harmoniously coexisting

Crete to its pride

Off road holidays to discover Crete avoiding asphalt roads

Luxurious bedding

100% ecological bedding scenting well being for optimal sleep

Personalised service

Tailor made holidays, don’t hesitate to share your needs, your cravings or your questions

Total immersion

No wifi but a beautiful connection to a typical cretan land

Cretan diet

Natural gardens, remarquable trees, relax attitude, natural & comfortable.

Marguerite et Mimosa, two eco-houses, made of stones, wood, earth and straw, simple materials combined with precision and meticulousness for optimal comfort, from the foundations to the bedding, a coherent and original combination.

ORGANISE & EXPLORE YOUR OWN CRETAN PATHS AND HIKES

As the biggest island in Greece and 5th in the Mediterranean Sea, Crete is full of places to visit, for every taste and in any direction, between sea and mountains, villages and countryside, an array of destinations is awaiting you choose your favorite Crete. We would be very happy to advise you.

DISCOVER NEARBY

Agios Nikolaos is only 7 km from our location. A small friendly seaside town where yo can find almost everything, shops, crafts, archeological and foklorical museum … in a nonchalant disorder where publick buildings, taverns and municipal beaches mingle with ease. In the middle, a bottomless lake connecting with the sea an all around lay villages and a countryside that is definitely worth a visit.

  • Municipal beaches
  • Archeological sites
  • Isolated coves
  • Cretan cuisine
  • Paths and hikes

DELICIOUS & HEALTHY

Surely you have heard of the famous cretan diet, but have you ever tasted our local flavours ? Ancient recipes that combine an amasing virtuousity to simple and natural ingredients, if you are tempted, we have put together a nice little adress book and we would love to share our recipes on site.

CRYSTALLINES WATERS & ENDLESS MOUNTAINS

On foot, by bike, by motorbike … there is plenty to do and discover, shaded paths, forgotten villages, canyons leading to isolated beaches, steep roads that unfold breathtaking views, don’t expect to to them all one stay but rather enjoy every moment, here are some keywords to get you in the mood : Lato, Kolokitha, Richtis, Katharo, Omalo among many others …

VEGETABLE GARDENS et ORCHARDS

Around the eco-houses and to the very end of the property, gardens and orchards are located between rocks and older trees to offer you fresh and natural seasonal fruits and vegetablse. Don’t hesitate to visit them with your basket. You can also visit other local and biological producers nearby.

SPICE UP EVERY MOMENT of   YOUR HOLIDAYS

You dreamed of exploring underwater, of safely climbing a steep rock, you can’t live without your board or you bike ? Live your holiday to the fullest with new experiences to boot.

  • Water skiing
  • Windsurfing

REMARQUABLE & HISTORICAL TREES

Discover the remarquable trees of Crete thanks to the exploration of Cathy and Philippe Mercklé, two lovers of Crete and LIMNI who have taken adavantage of their holidays, year after year, to identify the most exceptional trees of the island, their discoveries are presented in constantly evolving book that containts all the information to find them with a beautiful sense of humor, a piece of history and great deal of respect for these fine specimens, some of which are three thousand years old.

CRETAN FARNIENTE

The sun in a cloudless sky, the warm sea and the song of cicadas, it’s your chance to take the time, to pause and relax, when we have a date with the hammock, a tree or a song … why resist ?

INFOS & EVENTS

Hello and welcome.

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Kalimera Kristell A long and beautiful journey travelled ! A human adventure, original encounters, eco-houses developed with patience and perseverance, that everyone comes to find rest and new experiences

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A new life in bloomin gin Crete's hills

New life is blooming in Crete's hills

T hey really are white, at least until late spring: Crete's dramatic limestone Lefka Ori (White Mountains) rise 2,453m (8,050ft) and remain snow-covered from mid-December to early May. And sitting aboard the 7am bus from Chania to Vamos, as the sun comes up, I'm transfixed by the glistening white alpine scenery rising incongruously above lush Mediterranean olive groves. This is the other Crete. A world away from the seaside resorts of the north coast, the mountainous hinterland is all about sleepy rural villages and dramatic pine-scented gorges.

Upon arrival in Vamos, I'm met by Giorgos, one of the founders of the Vamos co-operative. It started in 1995, when five local couples clubbed together and began renovating three old stone family cottages for use as guesthouses. Worried by the village's gradual depopulation and economic stagnation, they planned to revive the rural community through sustainable tourism, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the Cretan interior while providing locals with a new livelihood.

Keeping the cottages' stone facades, they modernised the interiors to include central heating and air-conditioning, and filled them with traditional wooden furniture. From this humble beginning, the co-operative now manages 35 holiday homes (some privately owned), including several in nearby villages. While some of the more luxurious villas sleep up to eight people and are set in walled gardens with outdoor pools, all of them are built in a traditional Cretan style using local materials.

I'm staying in one of two cottages that make up the Aggelamos House, dating from 1860. Built of golden sandstone reminiscent of the Cotswolds, inside it is warm and cosy, with a wooden beamed ceiling, whitewashed walls and wooden shuttered windows with stone surrounds. The log fire is ready to light (matches thoughtfully provided) and above the compact kitchen area wooden stairs lead up to a bedroom with a lovely yellow and blue tiled en-suite bathroom and a small terrace affording views down onto the village. There are TVs both upstairs and down, though the open fireplace proves infinitely more entertaining.

Later, over coffee in the nearby To Liakoto Art Café, Giorgos explains how the Vamos co-operative has succeeded in revitalising the village's rural community by helping create other businesses besides the cottage rentals. The Taverna Bloumosifis serves Cretan specialities prepared with fresh local ingredients - arni me anginares (lamb with artichokes) or kouneli stifado (rabbit stew) - while the Mirovolon delicatessen stocks organic olive oil, wine, raki (a potent spirit) , honey, jams, dried herbs, cheeses, pasta and olive-oil based soaps, all of which Vamos produces itself. Then there's the cafe, where a buffet breakfast is served daily and cultural events such as art exhibitions, live music evenings and film nights take place. Out front, a small open-air terrace affords terrific views over the snow-capped mountains.

Spring is the perfect season for hiking in Crete as the days are mild and the meadows speckled with wild flowers. From the village, I set off along a marked trail leading through woodland and olive groves and past two 12th-century frescoed Byzantine chapels. It's possible to join a four-hour guided trek along the length of the green rocky Diktamos Gorge.

Spring also brings Easter, the most important celebration in the Greek Orthodox calendar, with candle-lit midnight processions to parish churches on Good Friday and whole lambs roasted over spits for Easter Sunday lunch. Then in late April, Vamos begins afternoon cooking lessons, held in a renovated oil press for groups of six to 12, concluding with an open-air dinner at a long wooden table.

If you come to Vamos in summer, the sea lies less than four miles away, with sandy beaches complete with water-sports facilities at Kalives and Georgioupoli. Autumn brings farm activities such as the grape harvest and wine-making from August through September, production of raki in October, and the olive harvest from November to late December, all of which guests are welcome to help with. In winter, Vamos is the domain of weekending Greeks, mainly from Crete's capital, Heraklion.

In the afternoon, Klio, who runs the Vamos office, shows me some of the other stone cottages, each one as homely and cosy as my own, with beamed ceilings, traditional wooden furniture and fireplaces. She explains that most visitors book in for a week, though it is possible to stay just one night. Over Christmas and New Year, they're normally chock-a-block with Greeks.

I take some time to explore the rest of the village, which proves to be an incredibly friendly, and real, place with a school, grocer, baker, post office and even a bank. Up by the main square, pastel-coloured buildings recall the centuries Crete spent under Venetian rule. Jasmine and potted geraniums are coming into flower, and local cats lounge in the afternoon sun. I hear some people speaking English - although Vamos's population of 800 is almost entirely Greek, several retired British couples have bought properties in the area.

In the evening, Nikos, a former photographer who runs the cafe, prepares pasta with mussels for dinner. We drink local red wine and discuss future plans for Vamos. Giorgos would like to start an organic market garden within walking distance of the village, growing fruit and vegetables, and he'd also like to make Vamos more accessible to younger visitors, possibly opening a hostel-style hotel with cheaper rooms.

Whatever happens, it's clear that Vamos offers something special. In contrast to the series of brash package resorts along the coast, it gives visitors insight into another side of Crete, where rural life and tourism peacefully co-exist.

Expect to pay €65-85 per night for two people in April-May. Contact: 00 30 282 502 3251; vamossa.gr

Four more rustic havens in Crete

Milia Mountain Retreat

Vlatos, Kissamos, Chania;

00 30 282 104 6774; milia.gr

Milia (which means apple tree) lies in a high, narrow valley in the isolated mountains of western Crete, 34 miles from Chania. Dating from the 16th century but later abandoned, this tiny settlement of old stone cottages, built higgledy-piggledy into the sides of a rocky dell with chestnut trees and a stream, was reborn in 1982 when two local friends started an organic farm and began restoring the buildings.

Today, there are 14 cottages (sleeping two-four), each with exposed stone walls, restored traditional furniture and a wood-burning stove or open fire. Water is heated by solar power, rooms are lit by candlelight, and bathrooms are basic. Delicious food made from seasonal organic produce is served in the taverna. Milia is approached down a narrow, dirt track over a mile long with sheer cliffs to one side and no guard rail, so it's not for faint-hearted drivers.

Doubles, €75-85

Axos, Rethymnon;

00 30 283 406 1611; enagron.gr

Enagron centres on a working farm set amid organic vineyards, olive groves and orchards, overlooked by 12 purpose-built stone cottages. The 32 flats (sleeping two-six) each have a living room with a fireplace and kitchenette, a slick bathroom, central heating, air conditioning, and a veranda with mountain views. The resident cockerel makes a daily sunrise call.

Activities include botanic walks in spring (wild orchids flower April-May), hiking on Mount Psiloritis (look out for griffin vultures), mountain biking, donkey rides for kids, plus helping on the farm. The restaurant serves tasty food prepared with organic farm products and cookery courses are available. In summer, there's an outdoor pool overlooked by a stone terrace lined with sun beds, and backed by rugged, pine-scented mountains. You'll find it in the foothills of Mount Psiloritis, 26 miles east of Rethymnon.

Double studio, €78

Sarhos Malevyzi, Heraklion;

00 30 281 071 1332; viglatoras.gr

In the mountainside village of Sarhos, 12 miles south-west of Heraklion, lies Viglatoras. The main draw here is the five cosy bohemian flats (sleeping two-four), each a double-height space with a living room centring on a fireplace down below, while wooden stairs lead up to a mezzanine level which serves as the sleeping area. Guests congregate for herbal tea and nargiles (hookahs) around an open fire in the homely cafe, where the walls are hung with an eclectic array of traditional farm tools, copper pans, straw hats and tapestries. There's also a taverna, where you can help the owner prepare Cretan specialities, and a weaving room with a traditional loom where demonstrations take place.

Double flat €60-70

Agios Giorgios, Lasithi Plateau;

00 30 284 408 9101; lasinthos.gr

In eastern Crete, the Lasithi Plateau is renowned for the white-sailed metal windmills used to irrigate its lush vineyards and orchards. Up here at an altitude of 2,800ft (850m), 26 miles west of the busy seaside resort of Agios Nikolaos, lies the 200-acre (800 sqkm) Lasinthos Eco Park. Perfect for families with kids, it is home to wild boar and the endemic Cretan kri-kri, or wild goat. Activities include hiking up to the Diktean Cave (birthplace of Zeus), horse riding, mountain biking, and weaving.

Accommodation is in 20 purpose-built flats (sleeping two-four) with whitewashed interiors and tile floors. There's also a restaurant and a shop selling organic produce and handcrafts.

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Our Eco hotel is a sociable Eco-retreat of 4 independent villas and 3 cottages with a communal dining room and a swimming pool (one for adults and one for children), set in the mountains near Achlada rural, traditional Cretan village - dating back to the medieval era, but only 10 minutes from the beach of Agia Pelagia area (popular seaside holiday resort area on the island of Crete Greece ).

The main appeal of Mourtzanakis Residence is its rustic setting. As you reconnect with the beauty and tranquility of nature, it is easy to detox from urban stress. And you don’t need to worry about being too isolated - Agia Pelagia beach is a 10-minute drive away, while Crete’s capital Heraklion lies 18km up the coast, making Achlada a good base for visiting attractions on Crete and an infinity of ecotourism activities offered on this great island of the Mediterranean Sea.

Logo Mourtzanakis ecotourism hotel on Crete

We speak fluent: ENGLISH - FRENCH - GREEK

agro tourism crete

Lodge in the amazing nature of Crete

"Out in the dark blue sea there lies a land called Crete, a rich and lovely land, washed by the waves on every side…" HOMER, The Odyssey

eco hotel on Crete island

Our EcoHotel Villas & Cottages (apartments) on CRETE GREECE

Eco hotel accommodation types, we are open all year round - eco holidays on crete on any season spring - summer - autumn - winter.

villas for rent at the Eco friendly Hotel Mourtzanakis resort - Achlada Crete Greece

Confort Superior Villas

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Superior Villas

Eco hotel in Crete Greece: Studios and Apartments with double bed fireplace, TV, WiFi

Confortable Cottages

Ecotourism hotel in crete.

agro tourism crete

Are you looking for a destination for rest and relaxation moments in nature?

Book NOW at the traditional Mourtzanaki Ecotourism hotel in the village of Achlada, ONLY 20 minutes from Heraklion.

An ideal winter and summer destination, right into the Cretan nature. All our houses have a fireplace, in some of them there is a fireplace also in the bedroom, beside the one in the living room of your lodge.

We offer amazing discounts for families too.

We are looking forward to welcoming you at our fabulous Eco residence!

Ecotourism Activities, Tours & Experiences on Crete

Sailing tours on crete.

agro tourism crete

Enjoy horse riding tours in the nature!

agro tourism crete

Sunsets on the top of the mountain!

agro tourism crete

Cretan food cooking lessons!

Cooking lessons

Cretan traditional food!

Cretan food

Hiking tours on Crete!

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PHOTO GALLERY

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From a History... to a Family... from a Residence... to YOU !

Nearby beaches.

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Agia Pelagia beach

Agia pelagia is a mostly sandy beach and a bustling seashore & village where you can have a marvelous swim at its tropical green waters, while admiring the natural Mediterranean beauty of the greater region. A cocktail would probably come out handy!

agro tourism crete

Lygaria beach

Lygaria beach is a quiet, but vivid coast, mostly rocky. It is a very convenient place to swim and have a lunch, drink some wine and Cretan raki with your desert and gaze at the natural beauty of the beach and the hills surrounding it

agro tourism crete

Psaromoura beach

Psaromoura is a bay next to Agia pelagia. Once again, the green waters & surroundings are idyllic. It has a small bar by the beach, where you can order some snacks or drinks and enjoy the vibes

agro tourism crete

Fodele beach

Fodele is an idylic and large sandy beach. When in place, you no longer know if you’re in Crete or the north African shores. Its a wonderful coastline that seems mysterious, but feels like the authentic Crete

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Fylakes cove

Fylakes beach (prasina nera) is something else! The most convenient way to reach it, is via a pedalo. It’s absolutely worth it. This small sandy cove reminds more of a Caribbean one. The water is perfectly green. The palm trees and pines next to it, makes it paradise on earth

agro tourism crete

Tripiti beach

Tripiti beach (rocky & sandy beach) is the most inaccessible of all beaches in the area of Agia Pelagia. To reach Tripiti beach, you must hike a bit. When swimming there you get an utter sense of freshness and relief. And a sense of freedom

Our Ecotourism Hotel Location address

How to find us:

We are a small Eco-friendly, family friendly, apart hotel offering since 2008 ecotourism holidays on Crete (an eco resort for amazing agrotourism holidays in 4 cottages and villas) located right at the center of Crete, in the village of Achlada , near the airport and ferry port and the capital city of Crete, Heraklion, at a distance of just 23 km from Heraklion Airport , 18 km from the Ferry Port , 6 km from the sandy beach of Agia Pelagia , 4 km from the nearest coach – stop on the E75 roadway, and 18km from the center of Heraklion , 45 km from a Golf Course, 59 km from the Old Town of Rethymnon , 7 km from tennis courts, 160 km from Samaria Gorge, 30km from Knossos Palace the center of the ancient Minoan civilisation. We offer a romantic eco retreat for nature lovers, Crete lovers, in a small luxurious eco hotel at the ideal location - our aim is to provide all the means for a great ecotourism vacation on Crete, we are sure you will appreciate and be fully satisfied by your holiday by us!

agro tourism crete

Eco Hotel Mourtzanakis

e-mail: use the CONTACT US FORM tel: +(30)6970029525 www.ecohotelcrete.com

POSTAL ADDRESS: Achlada village, GR-71500 (Agia Pelagia Crete) CRETE ISLAND - GREECE

GPS Coordinates Longitude: 35.392659 Latitdue: 24.995032

WE ARE OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND

Our Ecotourism Lodge is a member of and follows the green policies for alternative tourism, according to the Greek and International sets of rules for offering Eco friendly Rural Tourism holidays / Alternative Tourism / Sustainable Tourism

Our Eco Lodge is a member of Ecotourism Greece

member of ECOTOURISM GREECE green policies for Eco friendly alternative tourism

Agrotourism Union of Crete Greece

member of AGROXENIA NET - Ecotourism Union of Crete

Agrotourism Union of Crete

member of Agrotourism Union of CRETE

Ecotourism is catering for tourists wishing to experience the natural environment without damaging it or disturbing its habitats. It is a form of tourism involving responsible travel to natural areas, conserving the environment, and improving the well-being of the local people (SOURCE: Ecotourism - Wikipedia )

Ecotourism is defined as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and involves interpretation and education” (TIES, 2015)

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  • Chaniá – Maze-like and Beautiful Venetian City in Western Crete
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Travel to Crete, Greece

Authentic Farm Stays, Educational Vacations and Agritourism in Greece

Agritourism is a rather new way of spending your holiday in Greece. Discovering the rural life in Greece, while taking part in the farm life with all the farming activities turns a simple travel experience into the unique discovery of culture, tradition, and personal friendships beyond nationalities in gorgeous Greek settings.

What is agritourism / agrotourism?

Different types of agritourism, where did agritourism start, why is agritourism popular, agritourism and ecotourism, farm stays in greece, agritourism – an educational holiday, why is agritourism important, agritourism and rural tourism in greece, agrotourism in crete, agrotourism in the cyclades islands, agrotourism in the north aegean islands, agrotourism in the ionian islands.

Agrotourism in Greece

Agritourism (or agrotourism) is bringing visitors to a farm or ranch, involving them in any agricultural activities. In different parts of the world agritourism has different definitions and might be referred to as farm stays, like in Italy. In the US agritourism may include a broad variety of activities, like buying produce direct from the farm, picking fruit, feeding animals, navigating tractors, or staying at a ‘bed and breakfast’ on a farm.

Different types of agritourism

There are five categories of agritourism:

  • Direct-to-consumer sales (e.g. farmstands, u-pick)
  • Agricultural education (e.g. school visits to a farm)
  • Hospitality (overnight stays at a farm)
  • Recreation (e.g. hunting, horseback riding)
  • Entertainment (e.g. hayrides, harvest dinners)

Where did agritourism start?

Travel to Samos, Greece

Agritourism is seen as a kind of niche tourism and a growth industry in many parts of the world, like Australia, the United States, Canada, the Philippines, and in Greece. Agritourism took its first baby steps in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, where farmers found a new way to diversity in their revenue. In Italy, they named this new business “Agriturismo” and in Britain, Australia, and New Zealand it has become known as “farm stay holidays.”

Why is agritourism popular?

The last decades, along with urbanism growth and huge import of various foods people have become more interested in where and how their food is produced. Not only in their own country but around the world as well. They want to meet the farmers and the processors and talk with them about how the food is produced.

To many people, especially children, a farm visit marks the first time they see the source of their food, be it an apple on a tree, a dairy cow, or corn growing in a field. Farmers use this interest to develop traffic to their farm and awareness about the quality of their products.

agro tourism crete

Agritourism and ecotourism

Ecotourism is part of agritourism. Depending on where exactly in Greece you stay, there will be many choices for you. Greece has with national parks, stunning landscapes, and wetlands one of the richest floras and faunas in Europe. If you love action in nature, do not miss out on your favorite sport in the incredible Greek nature, like swimming, mountaineering, mountain biking, hiking, fishing, and horseback riding. Wake up every morning hearing the birds singing, enjoy breakfast in the shade of old trees and prepare yourself for the adventures of a new day under the Greek sun.

Farm stays in Greece

Agritourism, or agrotourism in Greece

Greek Traditonal Life

GREEK TRADITIONAL LIFE PROGRAM

Farm stays or agritourism in Greece may involve you in picking olives using a variety of age-old harvesting techniques, and with transferring them to a traditional olive press, where you will learn how to extract the precious olive oil.

You can also take part in the grape harvest and see firsthand how they are transformed into wine or tsipouro, or pick fruits, mushrooms and herbs in nature and learn about bee-keeping. For you who love animals, getting to know how to take care of cattle or sheep may be quite a surprising experience with daily milking and caretaking. If you are interested in the more gastronomic side of the production, you can participate in the yoghurt and cheese productions.

Agritourism – an educational holiday

travel to Greece - Wine tasting

While taking part in any agritourism cooperative in Greece, you can take part in cooking classes learning how to prepare pastry and old-school jams, spoon sweets, stewed fruits, home-made bread, pies, fresh pasta as well as liqueurs and other delicacies of the local Greek cuisine. In some rural areas of Greece you can take part in pottery workshops and develop your handcraft skills. In wineries you will learn all about the secrets of varieties, aromas, colors, and taste, while sipping exquisite wine. Whatever your choice, you will carry valuable knowledge back home from Greece.

Why is agritourism important?

agrotourism in Greece - lunchtime

It is a kind of tourism that offers the opportunity to try multi-activity in the agricultural sector and to live the life of the local inhabitants, getting in touch with the authentic characteristics of the chosen region, while showing respect for the environment and tradition. Agrotourism brings the visitor really close to nature and the daily activities, while also getting to know the traditional cuisine and the local products. This simultaneously mobilizes the productive, cultural and developmental forces of an area – and is thus contributing to the sustainability of the rural environment, both economically and socially.

Agritourism and rural tourism in Greece

Many businesses – throughout Greece – offer you the satisfaction of getting to know the Greek countryside through special agrotourism programs. These businesses are classified in the following categories:

  • Outlets / exhibitions of agritourism products
  • Agritourist catering and recreation centers
  • Travel agencies organizing and implementing programs offering outdoor activities and excursions of ecotourism and cultural interests
  • Staying overnight at B&B’s on farms
  • Business producing traditional products
  • Popular art workshops

agrotourism in Greece - olive grove

  • Vamos Traditional Village Between Chania and Rethymnon, at the foothills of the White Mountains and only a short distance from the northern Cretan sea, is the traditional village of Vamos, with a rich cultural heritage.
  • Milia Mountain Retreat Milia is an authentic 17th century mountain settlement which has been transformed into and eco-friendly tourist complex; it seems to have sprouted from the lands of Crete. A glorious location boasting exceptional rugged beauty around Kissamos, Chania.
  • Eleonas – traditional cottages Guesthouses built at the foot of Mount Psiloritis. Guests will have the chance to interact with nature by participating in alternative tourism activities. There are areas suitable for hiking (the gorge, the lake as well as hiking paths on the mountain slopes). Nearby archaeological sites and beautiful beaches.
  • Stratos Villas Stratos Villas overlook a landscape with hills, which resemble an endless natural rock garden. Trees, bushes, and herbs grow among the rocky slopes. The small river, just 100m away from the villas, is inhabited by frogs, turtles, and crabs. This peaceful scenery makes our villas the perfect place to relax and revive your mind, body, and soul.

wine tasting tour crete greece

Crete Wine & Olive Oil Tour

PRIVATE WINE, OLIVE OIL, AND TERROIR TOUR WITH TASTINGS IN HERAKLION AREA

  • Enagron Ecotourism Houses On Mount Psiloritis in Rethymno, Enagron Ecotourism Houses grow olive trees, grapevine, all kinds of fruit trees, greens, vegetables and many herbs and aromatic plants with mild, natural, and organic methods, without fertilizers and chemicals. The farm has also many animals and poultry for eggs, milk, and meat.
  • Melidoni X Villas This exquisite holiday village development in Melidoni, is offering you 3 Villas at 70sqm and 2 Villas at 90sqm. Each Villa has its own pool furnished with beautiful sun terrace and surrounded by a colorful garden.
  • Lasinthos Eco Park “Lasinthos” is a pure proposal and a unique opportunity for all those who are interested in getting to experience and to know closely the beauty of life in the Cretan countryside in St. George, Lasithi Plateau, Crete

workshop - cooking class in greece

Crete Cooking Class

TRADITIONAL COOKING CLASS AT VATOS VILLAGE

holidays in Greece - greek salad

  • Red Tractor Farm  is a family owned guesthouse on the island of Kea in Greece. It is open all year round.
  • Pagali Hotel   is situated in the mountain village of Lagada, on the northeastern side of the island of Amorgos, Greece, above charming Aegiali Port and Town.

agrotourism in Greece - olive grove

Chios For Foodies

CHIOS TOWN FOOD TOUR

  • Arhodico agricultural pension Right in the heart of Kampos you will find an ideal residence for your holidays called ‘Arhodico’. It is a luxurious agrotouristic pension which was first run in 1993 but built in 1890 by the ancestors of the recent owners. It is a two –storey building with comfortable rooms.
  • Ikarian Wine & Rural accommdation Ikarian winery is in Pigy, a hill village 8 kilometers to the west of the port of Evdilos, in the region of what used to be the ancient Ikarian kingdom of Enoi. The Ikarian wine farm in Ikaria is a unit with an organic farm and a winery where guests stay in stone houses which have been restored using natural local materials.

ceramic class in greece - traditional pottery

Zakynthos Ceramic Class

CERAMIC MAKING EXPERIENCE IN ZAKYNTHOS

goat close-up agritourism greece

  • Logothetis Organic Farm Set within the bounds of the National Marine Park of Zakynthos (Zante) in Vasilikos region and close to Gerakas beach, Logothetis Organic Farm offers holiday houses, villas, and eco-activities for responsible and relaxing holidays.
  • Lithies Houses Lithies Organic Farm on Zakynthos island is ideally placed for hiking and pleasant walks in the stunning surroundings with maps available outlining suggested walking routes. Lithies houses are in the centre of Vassilikos which boasts the best beaches on Zakynthos.
  • Melivaro – ecological, traditional villa Melivaro is a large house of traditional architecture and construction, located in the mountain above the village of Tsoukalades on the west coast of Lefkada island. It is 700m from the village for essential groceries (very well-appointed minimarket) and taverns, less than 5 minutes’ drive from the beautiful Pefkoulia beach, and 10 minutes from the fishing village of Aghios Nikitas and from the living Lefkada town.
  • ← Paxoi – Sailing Destination with Unique Charm and Stunning Beauty
  • Sifnos – Undiscovered Haven of Tranquility, Beauty and Luxury →

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Agritourism

In the heart of nature, working with the land, working with the cattle, an educational holiday, get inspired.

agro tourism crete

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Beauty in Greece is exquisite; timeless; unspoiled. It was in this sacred landscape that love was born.

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After you’ve said “I will”, preparations for the wedding ceremony can begin.

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Family holidays

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A delicious visit to Thessaloniki's museums

Lakes reflecting beauty.

Like stunning mirrors of outstanding natural beauty, lakes in Greece reflect the splendour of the Greek landscape in their waters.

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  • Αχλάδα, 71500 Αγία Πελαγία, Ηράκλειο Κρήτης, Ελλάδα
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Ecotourism Hotel in Crete Greece

agro tourism crete

Eco Hotel Mourtzanakis residence - idyllic ecotourism holidays in rural Crete in Greece

Welcome to achlada traditional village on crete - mourtzanakis residence.

Traditional Eco Hotel in Achlada, Crete – Greece

Mourtzanakis Residence offers a stay in a range of 4 independent villas and 3 studio/apartments located in the traditional Cretan village of Achlada, Heraklion. Our Ecotourism Residence is only 4km away from the bus station of the Cretan national road (E75), 18km from Heraklion’s city center and its ferry port, while the airport has a distance of 23km. Last but not least, our place lies 7km away from the sandy beaches of the holiday resort of Agia Pelagia bay

map-of-crete

OUR ECO HOTEL

A spectacular sunset.

Mourtzanakis ecotourism Residence offers a panoramic view on the medieval village of Achlada, the Cretan sea and mountains, which historically protected the island from the times of the Saracens up till today. An amazing golden sunset adds a romantic touch

agro tourism crete

Our Ecotourism Lodge is a member of and follows the green policies for alternative tourism, according to the Greek and International sets of rules for offering Eco friendly Rural Tourism holidays / Alternative Tourism / Sustainable Tourism

ecotourism-greece-com-member-350x177-1

member of ECOTOURISM GREECE green policies for Eco friendly alternative tourism

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member of AGROXENIA NET – Ecotourism Union of Crete

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member of Agrotourism Union of CRETE

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Booking.com – Mourtzanakis ecotourism residence was awarded with the Guest Review Awards in 2016

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Booking.com – Mourtzanakis ecotourism residence was awarded with the Guest Review Awards in 2017

Mourtzanakis Residence Eco Hotel offers

  • Comfortble stay at our luxurious and traditional villas and apartments.
  • 10 minutes drive distance from wonderful beaches
  • 20 minutes drive distance from Heraklion’s city center and port
  • 23km distance from Heraklion’s Airport and ferry port
  • Paradise-on earth for the nature lovers
  • Has a big open space of the Reception’s building, where you can read at the library, meet other guests at the living room or relax at our spacious terrace while admiring the view
  • Interesting lectures on the history of Crete
  • Conciergerie services and tour organising in order to explore the nearby authentic Crete
  • Spoken languages: Greek, English, French and Arabic

agro tourism crete

OUR ADDRESS

ECO HOTEL Mourtzanakis Residence Achlada, 71500 Agia Pelagia, Heraklion Crete, Greece

Τηλ:   +(30) 2810 812359

Tel:   +(30) 697 0029 525

E-mail: support [@] ecotourismgreece.com

The Mourtzanakis Residence offers a range of ecotourism activities that allow guests to explore the island's natural and cultural treasures

CHECK OUR PRICES Availability & Special Offers! BOOK ONLINE

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Agrotourism holidays in Greece & the islands

Olive collection in Greece

Agrotourism holidays is a relatively new and yet undeveloped form of tourism . Although the country has large spaces of land and cultivations of many products , this tourism form still has to be developed. Agrotourism holidays in Greece will offer to foreign tourists a deep insight in ecology, farming, regional gastronomy and local customs of Greece. Away from mass tourism spots and large crowds, agrotourism offers the chance to come into contact with the nature and be part of an authentic village community.

Visitors to agrotourist farms can observe the agricultural activities and also work as volunteers if they want. Working with the land is a new experience for the city people who have no farming background or knowledge. Autumn is the period where most agricultural works are done in Greece. This is when people harvest the olives trees, press the olive oil, make wine, tsipouro or raki, gather seasonal fruits from the trees and vegetables from the earth, collect mushrooms and herbs from the mountainsides and make jams, spoon sweets and cheese.

Apart from taking part in farm activities, many agricultural farms also organize seminars for cultivations of various products and cooking recipes with fresh seasonal ingredients. They may also organize workshops for pottery, knitting or other folk activities of the Greek countryside. Of course, agrotourism holidays in Greece is most of the time combined with mountain sports in the nature , including mountain biking, mountaineering, hiking, bird watching or horse riding.

Kinsterna

Kinsterna in Monemvasia

The old mansion where Kinsterna hotel is housed in the right place to stay if you’ve been dreaming of accommodation at an idyllic location, near the most beautiful castle town in Greece. During your accommodation at Kinsterna, you will get to experience the best parts of life in the countryside, explore gardens & olive groves, have relaxing spa treatments & find your new favorite beverage at the hotel’s cozy wine cellar. The hotel’s rooms have been carefully designed, with hand-picked decoration & a warm atmosphere. View website | Check Availability & Prices

Opora country living

Opora country living

Opora country living in Nafplion

Situated in Pyrgiotika village, only a few kilometers away from Nafplio & surrounded by orange groves & olive trees, Opora Country Living will introduce you to the authentic Greek hospitality by offering an unforgettable countryside experience! The hotel’s country houses have a cozy atmosphere that will make you feel at home & at the dining facilities, you will get to taste some of the highlights of traditional Greek cuisine. In addition, massage therapies are offered to add a hint of luxury to your vacation & help you let go of all worries in order to enjoy nature to the fullest. Check Availability & Prices

Eumelia

Eumelia in Sparti

Learn more about olive oil, a staple in Greek gastronomy, by spending your vacation at Eumelia, a farm-hotel designed to offer an authentic experience of agrotourism! You will have the opportunity to participate in farm activities that are both entertaining & educating & will bring you close to the rural life of Greece. During your stay, you will visit olive groves & vineyards, participate in farm chores, special soap-making workshops & olive oil tasting sessions among other activities. The farm’s traditional facilities are located in Gouves village in Lakonia. View website

Enagron

Enagron in Rethymno

Enagron is located in Rethymnon, on the foothills of Mount Psiloritis, the tallest mountain in Crete. Enagron is an eco-tourism village that provides country houses with a warm ambience, where you will have an amazing time getting to know the culture & traditional life of Crete. You will have the chance to participate in various organized activities, or just relax & enjoy a scenery of unspoiled Cretan nature. In addition, a fascinating culinary experience awaits the visitor at the village’s dining facilities, where you will be able to taste numerous Cretan delicacies. View website | Check Availability & Prices

Orgon Farm

Orgon Farm in Heraklion

Orgon Farm in Herakleio offers numerous special activities, as well as relaxing wellness treatments at traditional accommodation facilities, close to the small picturesque village known as Kastelli Pediados. Promoting sustainable living, the farm is a result of the owners’ hard work & devotion. Its authentic atmosphere makes it a great choice for anyone interested in agrotourism & is seeking an alternative vacation experience. All the farmhouses have a traditional style & the natural landscape surrounding them is truly fascinating! View website | Check Availability & Prices

Dalabelos Estate

Dalabelos Estate

Dalabelos Estate in Rethymno

Dalabelos Estate guarantees an authentic experience of the Cretan countryside near Angeliana village. Surrounded by olive groves & offering great views of the sea & the mountains, the estate provides stone-built country houses & villas that are family-friendly & have a traditional design. Most of these cottages have a few luxurious additions, including hot tubs & they are family-friendly. At the restaurant of Dalabelos you will get to taste delicious Cretan dishes as well. If you find yourself enjoying the traditional lifestyle, it is possible to participate in cooking classes & other activities. View website | Check Availability & Prices

Metohi Kindelis

Metohi Kindelis

Metohi Kindelis in Chania

The Venetian mansion which houses the main building of Metohi Kindelis dates back to the 17th century. It has been fully restored & it currently is one of the best places to stay near the city of Chania. The hotel’s accommodation facilities include houses with a rustic style & during your stay, you will have the opportunity to taste local products from the farm of Metohi Kindelis. In addition, you will get to visit a fruit garden & taste what is available depending on the season. View website

Country hotel Velani

Country hotel Velani

Country hotel Velani in Heraklion

Offering a swimming pool with stunning views of Crete’s imposing mountains, Country Hotel Velani provides cozy rooms & suites with a countryside style that are family-friendly. Many of them feature private hot tubs or saunas & a restaurant where you can try mouth watering Cretan recipes is available among the hotel’s facilities. Additionally, horse riding sessions are offered, making it possible to explore the Cretan countryside on horseback! The hotel is surrounded by greenery & it is located only 2 kilometers away from the charming village Avdou. View website | Check Availability & Prices

Vamos village

Vamos village

Vamos village in Chania

Situated in the area of Vamos, Vamos Village is an amazing accommodation option for those interested in a unique experience of agrotourism. Inviting you to participate in cooking workshops & other fun activities, the village offers a heart-warming sense of community to visitors from all around the world who want to spend time getting to know the authentic Cretan way of life. You will have the opportunity to choose from a variety of accommodation facilities, including old traditional houses or stone-built villas with private pools. View website

Red tractor farm

Red tractor farm

Red tractor farm in Kea (Tzia)

Red Tractor Farm offers rooms & studios in a charming cottage near the port of Korrisia. The family-owned farm is great for getting to know the agricultural background of Kea, since it is surrounded by lush green olive groves & vineyards. The accommodation facilities available are well equipped & have the perfect atmosphere for a relaxing stay, offering you a chance to connect with the countryside of Kea. During your accommodation, you will be able to try out some locally produced delicacies & other handmade products as well. View website | Check Availability & Prices

La Maison vert Amande

La Maison vert Amande

La Maison vert Amande in Kea (Tzia)

La Maison Vert Amande is housed in a 19th century building a few steps away from the beach of Spathi in Kea. The farmhouse combines authentic hospitality with excellent facilities, designed with attention to detail so that you can experience a calming vacation in a traditional environment. During your stay at the guest room, you will have the chance to taste locally-made delicacies & become familiar with a slower way of living at the farm. At La Maison Vert Amande, you will learn more about the local agriculture, sustainability & the charming countryside of Kea. Don’t miss the chance to taste the most delicious honey of your life and take a few jars back home. View website | Check Availability & Prices

Stella Vineyard

Stella Vineyard

Stella Vineyard in Kefalonia

Stella Vineyard provides studios with a traditional design on the foothills of Mount Aenos, near the village of Lourdata. In addition to its stunning views of both the mountain & the sea, Stella Vineyard offers an amazing opportunity to take part in agriculture-related activities, including grape harvesting in the summer & olive-picking in November. You will get to learn everything about the steps of wine production & experience the authentic countryside life of Kefalonia. View website | More info

Villa Fioretta

Villa Fioretta

Villa Fioretta in Corfu

Set at an idyllic location near Paleokastritsa, the stone-built Villa Fioretta offers accommodation in a traditionally designed setting. Providing a well-equipped outdoor gym, the villa combines modern facilities with an authentic rural environment. A swimming pool is available in the middle of an olive grove, while you will also discover an organic vegetable garden for an opportunity to learn more about the local produce. The villa is perfect for a peaceful experience of accommodation & it is surrounded by dense greenery, offering great views of the natural landscape. View website | Check Availability & Prices

Therianos

Therianos in Zakynthos

The collection of traditional villas Therianos can be found in a quiet & peaceful rural area in Zakynthos. The hotel is family-run & outside its accommodation facilities, you will discover olive groves & vineyards, as well as a garden with fruit trees. The villas of Therianos are fully equipped & family-friendly, with wooden furniture & a traditional design that will allow you to experience life in an authentic country house. Outside your villa of choice, you will be free to explore the gardens & enjoy the magical scenery. View website | Check Availability & Prices

Katogi Averoff

Katogi Averoff

Katogi Averoff in Zagorochoria

Katogi Averoff is located in the picturesque mountainous town of Metsovo, an area surrounded by a dense forest. Boasting luxury rooms with a warm & inviting atmosphere & traditional wooden furniture, the hotel also features a wine cellar where you will discover more about the intriguing secrets of wine making. Wine tasting is one of the activities available to enhance your accommodation experience & the hotel’s setting is ideal for getting to know life on the mountainous side of Greece. View website | Check Availability & Prices

Vasilikia

Vasilikia in Thessaly

Cottages with a warm atmosphere, cozy cabins, a loft, an air-stream & other extraordinary accommodation facilities are available at Vasilikia. The farm was established in the 1980s & its location is one of the most beautiful ones on the Greek mainland, full of dense forests & other amazing spots. There is a wide variety of things to do in this area, from excursions & hiking trips to entertainment & other activities. In addition, the farm offers beautifully designed outdoor spaces, including herb & vegetable gardens, a greenhouse, groves, an artificial lake & much more. During your stay, you will get to meet the farm animals as well. View website | Check Availability & Prices

Argyriou winery

Argyriou winery

Argyriou winery in Thessaly

Argyriou Winery offers an amazing mountain retreat, housed in a fully restored building that dates back to 1867. Preserving its traditional atmosphere, the guest house offers cozy rooms with all kinds of modern comforts. The family-owned estate has included vineyards since 1998, as well as a winery, where you will have the opportunity to taste locally produced wine. Several agricultural projects have taken part in the farm throughout the years & this is one of the best places to learn more about production & to experience an authentic rural life. View website | Check Availability & Prices

Montanema handmade village

Montanema handmade village

Montanema handmade village in Thessaly

Situated in one of the most impressive mountainous locations in Greece, Montanema will allow you to reconnect with nature & experience the unspoiled beauty of forests, lakes, picturesque villages & more. Offering traditionally decorated rooms, apartments & holiday houses, Montanema provides a cozy atmosphere with an authentic design for your stay, as well as an indoor & an outdoor swimming pool for a touch of luxury. This area is the perfect starting point for hiking excursions & trips to some of Greece’s most popular mountainous destinations, including Meteora & Lake Plastira. View website | Check Availability & Prices

Ktima Bellou

Ktima Bellou

Ktima Bellou in Macedonia

Ktima Bellou can be found in the rural area of Agios Dimitrios village. This location is particularly known for its magnificent natural beauty & the traditionally designed estate is surrounded by mountains & lush green vegetation. Ktima Bellou offers the chance to introduce yourself to a traditional way of living at a farm, while also providing modern entertainment facilities. The estate is focused on a sustainable philosophy of production & breakfast made with locally produced delicacies is also offered. Hiking, wine tasting, honey production & essential oil making are only some of the activities you can join. View website | Check Availability & Prices

Platanorema

Platanorema

Platanorema in Halkidiki

Ideally located for long hikes, Platanorema is found at a short distance from both the mountains & the sea & it is surrounded by dense greenery. During your stay at the farm, you will get to see the livestock & learn more about rural living, while you will also have the chance to try various sports & activities at the relevant facilities or go horse riding in order to explore the surrounding area. The farm features an organic vegetable garden & some of the best local produce can be tasted at the restaurant of Platanorema. Check Availability & Prices

Gentilini retreat

Traditionally decorated rooms are available at Gentilini Retreat, offering the opportunity to combine your accommodation in Kefalonia with wine & olive oil tasting. The family-owned Gentilini Estate dates back to the 1770’s, continuing a long tradition of olive oil & wine production & during your stay you will get to know more about the procedures & also visit the vineyards & olive groves. At the wine cellar, you will be able to taste several types of wine & find your favorite one from a wide selection. View website | Check Availability & Prices

Bioporos organic farm

Located near the biologically diverse environment of Korission Lake, Bioporos Organic Farm allows you to experience for yourself life at an authentic organic farm in one of the most beautiful natural locations in Corfu. During your accommodation in one of the farm’s traditional houses, you will have a chance to join various farm activities, including honey production. You will also get to try traditional recipes at Corfu's only strictly organic restaurant & cooking lessons are available so that you can learn to prepare these dishes. Other things to do at the farm include spending time with the animals & learning how to make natural soap & other cosmetics. View website

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The Nexus Between Agriculture and Tourism in the Island of Crete, Greece

Profile image of Ioannis Vourdoubas

2020, Journal of Agricultural Studies

The relationship between agriculture and tourism in the island of Crete, Greece has been studied. Both agriculture and the tourism industry contribute more than 50% in the Gross Domestic Product of the island. The linkages between agriculture and tourism in many tourism-dominated communities and rural areas worldwide have been reviewed. The current status of agriculture and the tourism industry in Crete has been examined as well as the agro-tourism development in the island during the last few decades which is considered a typical example of agriculture-tourism cooperation. The healthy tasty Cretan diet is based on locally produced food ingredients and it is famous all over the world. Therefore, it could be further promoted by the tourism industry in the island. Increased use of local gastronomy could improve the competitiveness of the Cretan tourism industry which is currently based on mass tourism and the “sea, sun and sand” model. This could be a springboard to the local agricult...

Related Papers

American Academic Scientific Research Journal for Engineering, Technology, and Sciences

Ioannis Vourdoubas

agro tourism crete

Energy and Environment Research

The purpose of the current study is to examine the possibilities of mitigating the carbon footprint of the tourism industry in Crete, Greece, to estimate its carbon intensity and additionally the cost of eliminating all tourism-related carbon emissions with compensation credits in the island. Various mitigation options in different sectors of the tourism industry in Crete, including transport to the destination, accommodation, catering and various tourist activities at the destination, have been proposed. Mitigation of carbon emissions in accommodation is easier, due to the presence of appropriate technologies, than in other tourism sectors. Various carbon offsetting schemes including the use of carbon compensation credits and forest restoration have also been investigated. Based on existing research regarding annual CO2 emissions due to the tourism industry in Crete, the area of new forest plantations required for offsetting all tourism-related carbon emissions in Crete has been ca...

Dorothea Papathanasiou

Experiences (i.e. interactions with time, space, people, products and services) are the essence of cultural heritage (CH) - a cornerstone of every civilized society. As an indicative example, 77% of the European Union citizens consider cultural heritage an important driver of their everyday lives (Eurostat, 2011). In turn, CH consumers share their experiences (both positive and negative) through social media platforms, thus influencing other CH consumers’ decisions and affecting supply-demand curves. This becomes even more important for CH providers when considering the profile of CH consumers: they are skilled individuals who ride en masse the wave of self-designing collaborative consumption at heritage places (Harvey and Lorenzen, 2006; Chan and Goldthorpe, 2007; Lizardo and Skiles, 2008). At the same time, the strongly subsidized CH institutions (e.g. museums) are very slow in developing value propositions and business models that can satisfy the new demands, expectations and lifestyles of CH consumers (Caserta and Russo, 2002; Council of Europe, 2009). Bridging this gap is not an easy fix. It will require transformation of the CH supply side along three axes, corresponding to three major challenges: a) CH supply-side fragmentation; b) cultural communication; and c) value innovation (Papathanasiou-Zuhrt, 2011; Dümcke, 2012; Dümcke and Gnedofski, 2013; Lagos et al, 2005). In this article, we provide an analysis of these challenges and discuss their transformative potential for boosting growth in the CH sector. We then present different pragmatic approaches in addressing different combinations of these challenges, based on relevant international research and development projects that we engaged in. Finally, we showcase our research road path and future activities, for further investigating the aforementioned growth challenges.

Yorgos Melissourgos

Tourism and the agro-food sector are multi-facedly linked; strengthening their linkages at the local scale via a number of policies has always been pivotal for both the industry and local development. This paper examines the “Greek Breakfast” project as a concrete policy initiative in Greece that is about incorporating local produces in the breakfast menu of hotels. It does so through literature review and field work qualitative data, focusing in the case of Santorini island as an example. The empirical findings highlight the importance of contextual factors in explaining the relative success of the project.

JOURNAL OF TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT

Prof. Konstantinos Andriotis

Tourism in Crete is an irreversible phenomenon that has resulted in a process of change under the form of modernisation.This modernisation has both positive and negative consequences. Specifically, tourism has been transformed into a primary source of income and employment generation for the island and has improved the quality of life for the locals. However, tourism development was directed to the increase of demand through the increase of the numbers of beds, as well as the concentration of tourist arrivals in space and time, rather than the balanced development of the tourism industry. In effect, various social and environmental strains have resulted, such as environmental degradation, cultural pollution, commercialisation of human relations and negative demonstration effects. It is the aim of this paper to review past studies, having examined various aspects of tourism in Crete in order to investigate the costs and benefits associated with the modernisation of the island through tourism expansion and to provide recommendations for future development. Keywords: Tourism, modernisation, costs and benefits, development, demand and supply, Crete.

Environmental Management and Sustainable Development

The clean energy transition is an important and urgent issue in European islands contributing in the global effort for climate change mitigation. Island of Crete, Greece is a popular tourist destination while the most of visitors arrive and depart with aircrafts. Aim of the current study is to investigate the possibility of de-carbonizing the air-transportation to and from Crete. Air-transportation has a share at 10.62% in the total carbon emissions in the island while other studies have estimated higher values. This is higher than the estimated share of carbon emissions in aviation at 2-3% of the overall carbon emissions worldwide. Various technological and non-technological approaches for de-carbonizing aviation are examined including improvements in aircraft’s standards, use of sustainable aviation fuels, offsetting carbon emissions and developing new policies discouraging the frequent use of air travelling. The feasibility and the impacts of these methods are mentioned indicatin...

Tourism Geographies

Gabriel Laeis

Alexandros Passalis

The emerging demand for special interest tourism activities such as agriculture and food, can provide to Greek destinations the opportunity to differentiate and enhance their tourism product. Olive oil is a traditional Greek agri-food export which enjoys a worldwide reputation for quality, as well as a symbol of its rich culture and cuisine. Greece remains one of the top olive oil producing nations in the world and boasts the highest consumption of olive oil per person. However, very little has been done to promote this valuable product in Greece and developing strong agricultural and gastronomic tourism. The aim of this dissertation is to discuss how the olive oil can contribute to the sustainable tourist development in Greece, by differentiating and enhancing the Greek tourist product. The literature review highlights that during recent years, the searching out and consumption of local gastronomy has rapidly asserted itself in tourism consumption behaviors, creating a growing demand for the supply of local food products. Moreover local gastronomy is increasingly considered by new consumers (foodies) as a guaranty of authenticity, as well as a way to experience the culture of a place. On the other hand, this emergent phenomenon benefits the local suppliers and the destination. To investigate the connection of olive oil with the Greek tourism product, face-to-face, in-depth interviews were conducted with Greek tourism experts whose responsibility is the promotion of the gastronomy in the Greek destinations, or they are operating hotels which successfully promote the local olive oils. This methodology was chosen due to fitting the exploratory and qualitative character of the topic. This research concludes olive oil has a great potential as a marketing tool for the Greek tourism destinations and can be used as a tool for sustainable development. Overall, the study strongly supports the perception that the utilization of special interest tourism related resources, such as gastronomic tourism and local food products can be a serious means towards the differentiation and enhanced competitiveness of the Greek tourism product, which could be a model of sustainable development and contribute to the country’s way out of the economic and social crisis.

Amelia Moore

Caribbean islands have increasingly turned to tourism as a pathway for economic advancement, often to the detriment of other industries, particularly agriculture. The influx of millions of tourists to these island destinations increases food demand, escalates food importation, and oftentimes results in food insecurity. Agritourism, an alternative tourism form, has been proposed as a way to stimulate domestic food production and increase food security. This article provides a selective examination of the possibilities of relationships between agritourism and food security in the context of a specific Caribbean island: New Providence, Bahamas. Drawing from semi-structured interviews and site visits with over sixty farmers, we focus on the experiences of three farms that have attempted to engage in agritourism, with different approaches, levels of success, and potential impacts on food security. We find that the potential for agritourism to transform food security for Caribbean islands is constrained by demand and the consumption standards of both residents and tourists. The type of agritourism that has thus far proven to be most appealing to tourists is unachievable for the majority of farmers, has inconsequential contributions to island food security, and privileges wealthy farmers. Unfortunately, in its current form, agritourism is not yet a viable solution for the food security issues of New Providence, let alone other Caribbean islands.

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Incredible Crete

14°C / 57°F Chania

#incredible_crete, sense the authentic, welcome to our island.

The mountains and sea, the nature all around you, adventures awaiting you, the overabundant gastronomy, a culture which is expressed in many different ways, the music and art forms.

Crete is the largest Greek island and a landmark in the maritime crossroads between the West and the East, Europe and Africa, a unique and fascinating place full of transitions and surprises.

With its infinite coastline and mountain tops, a history that spans back to the end of times and a distinctive identity that bears its mark on every corner of the Cretan land, it is a one of a kind destination for every type of traveller.

Whether coming to the island for the first time or as a regular visitor, the endless beauty of Crete, either visible or out of sight, is unparalleled and yearns to be discovered.

From one side of the island to the next and from dawn to dusk, let yourself be swept away by its alluring nature and you will uncover YOUR OWN and Authentic Crete!

Necropolis of Armeni

Explore seasons.

Crete is an ideal place to visit all year round. Its mild climate and its unique mountainous features attract visitors before and after the established touristy summer season. Crete’s stunning natural beauty awakens in visitors an imperative need to discover its mountains, its gorges, its paths.

Nothing is repeated in Crete. Enormous geological contradictions and special weather conditions have formed unique landscapes, surprising the visitors and keeping senses constantly alert. Each route in Crete is unique. Variant sensations, pictures, colors, flavors, sounds accompany visitors at every step.

From the dunes of Lafonissi and Xerokambos to the tropical shores of Kedrodasos and Chrissi, from the hidden beaches in the wild gorges of Sfakia and Asteroussia to the emerald bays of Triopetra and Plakias, from Balos and Elounda lagoons to the palm groves of Preveli and Vai, from piney beaches of Ierapetra to the long organized strands of the northern coasts, Crete offers the ultimate combination of carefree holidays and natural beauty.

Crete is a heaven for nature lovers and those combining adventure and fun on their vacation. The island offers a variety of activities and opportunities for exploring nature and promises a unique and unforgettable experience for those who decide to explore it.

agro tourism crete

Explore Crete

Select an area to learn more about it., explore tastes.

The unique Cretan Diet is a healthy and tasty diet with centuries-old recipes and modern creative versions, which are always cooked, of course, with the same top quality pure products of the blessed Cretan earth. This diet is not just a variety of dishes presented on the table; it embodies a whole philosophy of life, the quality way of life of the Cretan people. The lucky ones that will visit the modern restaurants in the cities or the small taverns and cafes in the country will have wonderful experiences, participating in the life of the local people.

The Cretan Vineyard

Certified companies & products, traditional cretan recipes, latest news, keep what you love.

Create your own personalised experience using our guide. Log in to our website and add your loved posts and locations to your personal favourites page. Create your personal travel guide for your upcoming visit. it’s your Crete, your Experiences!

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agro tourism crete

"Crete the island inside you" - Crete Daydreaming

agro tourism crete

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agro tourism crete

"Crete the island inside you" - Falling in Love Daydreaming

agro tourism crete

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agro tourism crete

"Crete the island inside you" - Luxury Holiday Daydreaming

agro tourism crete

"Crete the island inside you" - Inner Self Daydreaming

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The CRETE FESTIVAL – Arts travel to the monuments of Crete

Race of sitia 2022, korissia international regatta canoe kayak sprint & sup in kournas lake, 6ο sitia geopark trail.

agro tourism crete

  • Aegina Island

Athens City

  • Hydra Island
  • Poros Island
  • Aitolo-Akarnania
  • Lasithi (Sitia)
  • Folegandros
  • Paros & Antiparos
  • Rhodes (Rodos)
  • Preveza & Parga
  • Central Evia
  • Northern Evia
  • Southern Evia
  • Antikythera
  • Corfu (Kerkyra)
  • Zakynthos (Zante)
  • Pieria & Mount Olympus
  • Thessaloniki (Salonica)
  • Karditsa (Lake Plastira)
  • Lake Karla & Mavrovouni
  • Magnesia (Pelion)
  • Trikala (Meteora, Pertouli)
  • Green Hotels
  • Art, History, Culture
  • Canoeing Kayaking
  • Cultural sightseeing
  • Gastronomy tours
  • Hiking tours
  • Mountain biking
  • Urban walking tours

THE SHINING STAR OF THE IONIAN ISLANDS

Zakynthos might be known for its beaches, but there’s a much more eco-friendly side to the island that’s worth discovering.

MOST ECO-FRIENDLY DESTINATIONS

You’re about to discover some of the most eco-friendly destinations in Greece, and we can’t wait to showcase them!

Somewhere between Greek mythology and philosophy, the area of Attica (Attiki in Greek), which holds today's cities of Athens and Piraeus but also numerous splendid attractions and serene hamlets, was dubbed as the best place on earth to live in. The city is also a quick springboard for many close-by destinations and islands, such as Aegina, Andros, Angistri, Hydra, Kea and Poros. On the mainland itself, attractions such as Cape Sounion, Vravrona, Elefsina, Marathon Lake, Mount Imittos and Mount Parnitha are astounding in their nature, activities and discovery.

Athens & Nearby Islands

Most Greeks agree on one thing, that Athens is one big village. Ancient Athens aside, this relatively young and noisy capital grew in one century from a few thousand people to some four million, and very quickly. Read more bellow...

Central Greece

Captivating, mysterious and achingly beautiful; these are only a few words that could be used to describe the former home of King Minos, the birthplace of Zeus and the land where Zorba the Greek once danced his way into the hearts of readers everywhere. Rising like two broad shoulders from the sea, Crete is the largest Aegean island spanning a vast surface area of 8,700 square kilometres. Criss-crossed by mountain ranges, gorges, caves and spectacular summits the island is a hauntingly beautiful reminder of the area’s tumultuous geological past. With its own regional dialect as well as native music, poetry, dance, clothing and customs fiercely maintained by the inhabitants of the island Crete is unlike anywhere else in Greece and often feels as though it’s a country unto itself. The island is divided into four distinct regions (known as ‘prefectures’ to the Greeks), those of Hania, Rethymnon, Heraklion and Lasithi, providing thousands of possibilities linked to ecotourism and alternative tourism.

Ionian Islands

Macedonia & Thrace

Macedonia & Thrace

North Aegean

North Aegean

Peloponnese

Peloponnese

Nature, culture, communities and much more.

Messinia in the Peloponnese will no doubt enchant you!

ECO JOURNEY ON MILOS ISLAND

To the seasoned traveler, Milos holds much more charm, authenticity and natural beauty than Mykonos and Santorini. See for yourself!

IMAGES

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  2. Agrotourism In Crete

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  3. Agrotourism In Crete

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  4. Traditional Cottages Eleonas

    agro tourism crete

  5. Traditional Organic Farming in Crete

    agro tourism crete

  6. Traditional Cottages Eleonas

    agro tourism crete

VIDEO

  1. Introducing Crete

  2. Crete, Greece- ULTIMATE 5 Day Travel Guide 🇬🇷

  3. CRETE Travel Guide

  4. Crete

  5. Crete

  6. Best Agro Tourism Resort In Dapoli

COMMENTS

  1. Agrotourism In Crete

    Agrotourism in Crete is constantly growing, It is a kind of tourism that offers the opportunity to try multi-activity in the agricultural sector and to get in touch with the local inhabitants, while showing respect for the environment and tradition.. Become a Cretico Guest and enjoy your Holidays in Crete in your Private Villa.. The unique temperate climate of the island allows the production ...

  2. Dalabelos Estate Rethymno Crete : Welcome

    Welcome to the agro-tourism complex of Dalabelos in Rethymnon Crete. Dalabelos Estate is located near the Angeliana village, very close to the beautiful Panormo, on a hill overlooking the Cretan Sea, 5 km to the north coast of Crete at the foot of the legendary Mount Ida. It comprises of 10 stone-built modern and fully equipped studios and 2 ...

  3. Ecotourism in Crete: Cretan Holidays with Purpose

    Green Key Program: Some hotels in Crete have been awarded the Green Key, which is an eco-label for tourism and leisure establishments that are recognized for their sustainable operations. Agri-tourism and Eco-tourism Initiatives : There are numerous agri-tourism and eco-tourism ventures on the island that promote sustainable travel, local ...

  4. Agrotourism and Ecotourism in Crete

    The holidays in an agrotourist hotel or village in Crete are bound together with famous Cretan diet, where the visitor has the chance to taste it and also help preparing it. Most ecotourism hotels have their own farms, where they culture biological and free from all chemicals products. By that, Cretan products like cheese, honey, vegetables ...

  5. Crete's Potential As An Agrotourism Destination Is Unmatched

    Crete's Potential As An Agrotourism Destination Is Unmatched. Phil Butler - July 6th, 2020 09:53 am. Aravanes in Thronos, Rethymno Prefecture. Agrotourism and culinary tourism should be at the heart of the Crete alternative tourism scheme, but somehow much of the world misses out because the island is mostly marketed as a beach destination.

  6. Crete's Ecotourism: Three Natural Legends Surfacing

    Thalori Retreat - Kapetaniana, Kophinas Municipality, Heraklion, Crete - Reservations: +30 6976994896. Agro-tourism Complex Dalabelos. Situated outside the quint village of Angeliana, the Dalabelos Agro-retreat sits overlooking the Cretan Sea 5 kilometers to the North. A short distance from the town of Rethymno, the farm-resort features 10 ...

  7. Milatos Village

    Milatos, Lassithi, 724 00 Crete Greece T. +30694 563 6953 (fr-gr) ; +306945051846 (fr-en) Email: [email protected]

  8. Eleonas

    Traditional Cottages Eleonas - Agrotourism, Ecotourism & Rural Tourism Resort in Zaros, Crete. [email protected]. +30 28940.31238. ΜΗΤΕ 1039K013A0005701. Created & Hosted by WEBMAN. Eleonas country village is the ideal holiday destination for ecotourism or agrotourism holidays.

  9. Be a farmer for a day in Crete

    Rural, sustainable Crete is flourishing, proving that tourism and the simple life can live side-by-side. The trip was provided by Agreco (caramel.grecotel.com). Its Farmer for the Day costs €52 ...

  10. LIMNI

    Your Crete ORGANISE & EXPLORE YOUR OWN CRETAN PATHS AND HIKES. As the biggest island in Greece and 5th in the Mediterranean Sea, Crete is full of places to visit, for every taste and in any direction, between sea and mountains, villages and countryside, an array of destinations is awaiting you choose your favorite Crete.

  11. New life is blooming in Crete's hills

    00 30 284 408 9101; lasinthos.gr. In eastern Crete, the Lasithi Plateau is renowned for the white-sailed metal windmills used to irrigate its lush vineyards and orchards. Up here at an altitude of ...

  12. Ecotourism hotel on Crete Greece: Mourtzanakis Eco hotel on Crete

    How to find us: We are a small Eco-friendly, family friendly, apart hotel offering since 2008 ecotourism holidays on Crete (an eco resort for amazing agrotourism holidays in 4 cottages and villas) located right at the center of Crete, in the village of Achlada, near the airport and ferry port and the capital city of Crete, Heraklion, at a distance of just 23 km from Heraklion Airport, 18 km ...

  13. (PDF) The Nexus Between Agriculture and Tourism in the Island of Crete

    Implemented studies so far have indicated that agro-tourism in Crete is limited to accommodation services without promoting active tourist involvement in farm acti vities (Alexakis, 2014).

  14. Agritourism and farm stays in Greece

    Agritourism and Rural Tourism in Greece Agrotourism in Crete Agrotourism in the Cyclades Islands Agrotourism in the North Aegean Islands ... It is a kind of tourism that offers the opportunity to try multi-activity in the agricultural sector and to live the life of the local inhabitants, getting in touch with the authentic characteristics of ...

  15. An eco-paradise in a forgotten part of Crete

    If you are looking for a unique and authentic experience in Crete, you should visit LIMNI, an eco-agro-tourism project that offers off-road holidays in a natural and sustainable way. LIMNI is not just a place to stay, but a way of living in harmony with yourself, others and the environment. You will enjoy the comfort

  16. Agritourism

    Session. Ecology, farming, local gastronomy, and the customs peculiar to a certain place; fresh air, simplicity, peace and warm hospitality: these are some of the benefits of agritourism, the par excellence version of travelling that brings you closer to Mother Ea.

  17. Internet and agro-tourism sector for regional development in Crete: a

    In Crete, agro-tourism entrepreneurs have developed commercial activities in the internet where customers and firms are linked up together in the exchange of agro-tourism services. This paper aims to assess 29 websites of commercial purpose within agro-tourism sector in Crete and rank them according to 13 content, design, navigation and e ...

  18. Ecotourism hotel in Crete Greece

    Traditional Eco Hotel in Achlada, Crete - Greece. Mourtzanakis Residence offers a stay in a range of 4 independent villas and 3 studio/apartments located in the traditional Cretan village of Achlada, Heraklion. Our Ecotourism Residence is only 4km away from the bus station of the Cretan national road (E75), 18km from Heraklion's city center ...

  19. Agrotourism Holidays in Greece & islands

    Agrotourism holidays is a relatively new and yet undeveloped form of tourism.Although the country has large spaces of land and cultivations of many products, this tourism form still has to be developed. Agrotourism holidays in Greece will offer to foreign tourists a deep insight in ecology, farming, regional gastronomy and local customs of Greece. Away from mass tourism spots and large crowds ...

  20. (PDF) The Nexus Between Agriculture and Tourism in the Island of Crete

    Keywords: Agriculture, agro-tourism, Crete, Greece, food, linkages, rural, tourism industry 1. Introduction The tourism industry is currently well developed in the island of Crete, Greece while the mild climate of the island favors the production of many agricultural food products. Both tourism and agriculture are very important for the island ...

  21. Hellenic Agrotourism Federation

    The Hellenic Agrotourism Federation (SEAGE) supports all agritourism businesses and local agritourism networks in Greece. It is affiliated with the European Federation of Rural Tourism (Eurogites). Numerous hotels, wineries and farms belong to this network. The Federation's objectives includes safeguarding heritage, environment, traditions and quality standards.

  22. Incredible Crete

    Crete is the largest Greek island and a landmark in the maritime crossroads between the West and the East, Europe and Africa, a unique and fascinating place full of transitions and surprises. With its infinite coastline and mountain tops, a history that spans back to the end of times and a distinctive identity that bears its mark on every ...

  23. Travel Guide Home

    An eco-paradise in a forgotten part of Crete. If you are looking for a unique and authentic experience in Crete, you should visit LIMNI, an eco-agro-tourism project that offers off-road holidays in a natural and sustainable way. LIMNI is not just a place to stay, but a way of living in harmony with yourself, others and the environment. ...