AGRO TOURISM IN CRETE - GREECE

The interest for agrotourism (or rural tourism) is constantly growing.

Many people today only know the urban life style and rhythm and this
might
be
the
reason
for
the
growing
interest.
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.

A return to nature through alternative tourism is a unique experience.

Visitors have the opportunity to come to contact with traditional life by
staying in one of the many agrotourism cottages in the hinterland.

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.

Agrotourism lodges and several specialized companies provide seminars

for traditional cooking, making pastry, kneading bread and collecting of
wild greens, herbs, mushrooms, snails and truffle.

Moreover, one can participate in the harvest of olives, the process of the
olive oil production, distillation of raki, vintage, honey production,
vegetable cultivation, collection of milk and dairy products processing,
raising of domestic animals, sheep shearing, etc.

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 Earth and her children.
Taking part in farm life goes beyond a simple travelling experience to
become a return to tradition. It is this immediate, personal
relationship between people and the land when a guest soon becomes a
friend that one can restore by taking part in agritourism activities.

The morphological diversity of Greece and its endless natural resources

combined with its unique culture and tradition make up a rare blend of
images and experiences where lovers of the authentic will relish the
blessings of nature.

Working with the land

Help with picking olives using any of a number of age-old harvesting

techniques, and with transferring them to a traditional olive press;
initiate yourself into the traditional art of extracting the precious oil!

Harvest grapes to make wine or tsipouro, or pick fruits, herbs,

and mushrooms. Take part in reaping and learn about bee-keeping by
having your own hands-on experience.

Working with the cattle

For those who love animals, getting to know how to take care of them
will sure be a challenge. After all, you dont have the chance to see
cattles
grazing
or
milking
every
day!
A more gastronomic choice involves participation in the yoghurt
and cheese making procedures.

An educational holiday

In agrotourism cooperatives around the country one can take lessons of

cookery and pastry and prepare old-school recipes of jams, stewed
fruits, spoon sweets, home-made bread, fresh pasta, pies, liqueurs and
other delights of the local cuisine.
In pottery workshops youll develop your handcraft skills or you might
also make the very presents youll carry back home from

Greece. Wineries will let you sip exquisite wine and initiate you into the
secrets of wine: varieties, aromas, colors, tastes.

Ecotourism is part and parcel of agrotourism. Depending on where

youll be staying, there might be a plethora of wonderful choices for
you in store. National parks, wetlands, stunning landscapes and one of the
richest floras and faunas in Europe await you. If you are into action, dont
miss out on the chance to do your favorite activity in the midst of the
superb
Greek
natural
beauty:
swimming,
fishing, hiking, mountaineering, horse-riding. But you cant go wrong
choosing the Greek nature for a relaxed holiday either: wake up to
the singing of birds and have breakfast in the shade of a vine, or dine at
the sight of sunset coloring olive groves in gold and green.

Many businesses throughout Greece offer you the satisfaction of

getting to know the Greek countryside through special argotourism
programs. These businesses are classified in the following categories:
outlets / exhibitions of agrotourist products
agrotourist catering and recreation centers
travel agencies organizing and implementing programs
offering outdoor activities and excusions of ecotourism and
cultural interests
farms
businesses producing traditional products
popular art workshops

You will find friendly local hospitality in the small communities of

Crete, where there is a proud tradition of welcoming guests.
Philotimi is the Greek word roughly translated as hospitality, but
meaning so much more. Truly the Cretans are known for their
generosity and warm-hearted inclusion of travellers.

Village life - experience the natural Crete, see the herbs growing,
wander in the olive groves and taste the local produce, from olive
oil to wine and fresh fruits.
This is also the opportunity for the village to share its history, its
speciality and its wares. Be it pottery, woven cloths, honey or raki,
each village has something to offer.

Take some time and you will be made to feel welcome and start to
unravel the mysteries of this wonderful island. This is the true
meaning of the modern word 'agrotourism'.

Some of our cottage selections are close to the beach, some are
well and truly inland; high in the mountains. Some traditional
houses have evolved into and ecotourism resort, which means that
there are a lot of activities for you to experience the local nature
and customs of Crete.

Take your pick, perhaps combine a country experience with visits

to the beach, or choose the mountains for some great trekking
experiences...