 AGROTOURISM
/ ECOTOURISM IN CRETE GREECE!
The
island of Crete has invaluable natural treasures and beauties some
of which are not even known to the locals as they are found
in remote areas away from the interference of development and mass
tourism. Some of these natural landmarks of Crete are visited
regularly and some are still being discovered. Here are some
of the most well-known natural landmarks of Crete:WEST COAST
The
Samaria Gorge, 43
km to the west of Chania, Samaria is the longest gorge in Europe,
18 km long and renowned for its beauty. At one point the passage is just 3 meters wide and at some
other points the steep
sides rise to a height of 600 meters. The gorge is traversed by a stream
which flows between the highest peak of the White Mountains and
Mt. Volikas. At the entrance of the gorge, at Xiloskalo, there is
a tourist pavilion with a view of the majestic Mt. Gigilos (alt.
2.083 m.). When reaching
the end of the gorge you are on the south coast in the village of
Aghia Roumeli. Please
ask us for more information regarding organised tours to the gorge.
The
Therissos Gorge,An
impressive gorge, 6 km long running between Chania and the village
of Therissos at the fotthills of the White Mountains, 16 km south
of Chania.
Hora
Sfakion,
is found 74 km south of Chania, built on a rocky, barren area.
Gavdos, a
tiny island 24 nautical miles south of Chora Sfakion. There are scheduled boats from
Chora Sfakion to this unspoiled island with its transparent waters
and cedar trees. There
are very few tavernas and rooms to rent.
Lake
Kournas, 48
km east of Chania, it is the only lake in Crete. You
can paddle in the water by renting a pedalo on the spot.
Argyroupoli, is
a most picturesque village 27 km southwest of Rethymno, emerging
through the greenery found in the area, near the natural water springs
which is kept in dams and provides a
big part of the island with water. The springs also form small cataracts in which the fluffy
traditional Greek rugs are washed.
Chryssi
island, An
islet lying 9 nautical miles across Ierapetra, on the south coast, an island with golden beaches after
which it got its name, with crystal clear waters and cedar trees. Nothing is built on this island apart from a small
taverna.
CENTRAL CRETE
Municipality of ZarosZAROS, is a picturesque village located
at the southern slope of the mountain IDI (Psiloritis) at a height
of 340m, 45 km fromIraklion with 2.300 residents. The main
occupation of the people is farming, stock breeding and weaving.
The name Zaros means abundant water flow. It has a long past
starting as back as the Minoan Era. There are many monasteries such
as The Vrondissi Monastery, belonging to the 16th century with frescoes and according to historians it is the most
beautiful open air artistic fountain of Crete. The Monastery
of Valsamonero, it is about 600 years old and it is one of the
oldest monasteries in Crete. It is decorated with spectacular
frescoes and the famous Cretan Painting School flourished there
in the 16th century. The Monastry of Aghios Nikoalos,
is inhabited by monks and has a beautiful view of the lake and the
gorge.There is a regular bus connection from Iraklion
to Zaros. It has unaccountable natural wealth and beauty and it
is a developing area in Agrotourism. Some of the main attractions
of the area are:The lake of Zaros, located in the territory
of Votomos, covering a total surface of 5 acres irrigating more
than 2000 acres of greenery. The drinking water of Zaros is
of immense value and for this reason it is bottled and distributed
all over Greece.Zaros gorge, is very rich in flora and fauna,
a natural treasure which you can walk through in 3 hours, at the
end of which lies the forest of Rouvas. Mountain climbing and walks
are recommended in the area (path E4). Forest of Rouva, is a beautiful forest in
which there is a small church and some traditional buildings. Development projects
In this area there are some traditional
houses standing proudly in the middle of acres and acres of trees and
unspoiled vegetation.One of these houses is owned by a family from Iraklion
who have projects in developing their house in a traditional agrotourism
residence.
Please contact
us if you need more information regarding this project.
  
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