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 don’t have the chance to see cattle’s 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 you’ll develop your handcraft skills or you might also make the very presents you’ll 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 you’ll 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, don’t 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 can’t 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...