Alternative tourism
Alternative tourism is not just a new trend but a new philosophy of tourism, related with delicacy and quality of the tourist product, the search for the authenticity of the destination, in harmony with the natural environment through its protection and sustainable development, away from massive nature of the current tourism.
Alternative are all these forms of tourism connected with every different interest of tourists beyond the “traditional” tourist product “sun-sea-beach”. Tourists are interested to experience the cultural identity of other peoples and traditional lifestyle and to participate in adventurous and close to nature activities.
Ionian islands and western coast of Greece with their cultural and historical richness in conjunction with the unique and wild beauty of the Ionian, with the alternation of mountains, plains, lakes, rivers, beautiful sea and significantly protected ecosystems (such as the Marine Park in Zakynthos for the protection and spawning of Caretta-caretta, the Ambrakikos gulf, the delta of the river Acheloos, Alfios and Araxos, the lagoons Messolonghi-Etoliko and many others) are the ideal destination for the development of all forms of alternative tourism.
The noble and green island of Corfu (Kerkyra), with the picturesque alleyways (the famous kantounia), beautiful buildings and rich customs and traditions, is one of the ideal destinations for alternative tourism. The nature and traditional villages in Corfu are offered for the development of ecotourism and rural tourism.
Corfu is also one of the ideal destinations for the development of sports and adventure tourism. Here, takes place every year the world championship watercraft FORMULA 2, Panhellenic Games of waterskiing, as well as the cricket festival!
Do not miss visit the ancient monuments in Corfu and the Christian church of Aghios Spyridon, patron saint of the island. Those who are interested in gastronomy, the Corfiot cuisine, will love the traditional dishes like Corfiot pastitsada, bourdeto, sofrito and noumpoulo. Do not forget to try the traditional drink “kumquat”.
Paxos is the smallest of the Ionian Islands, located near Corfu, close to the coast of Preveza. It is a beautiful island with unique beaches and crystal clear waters, ideal for endless walks close to nature. The picturesque villages of the island will charm you and make you share with the local residents their daily habits and taste the local cuisine. The lovers of adventure activities will enjoy marine activities, particularly the diving at the bottom of Paxos, which according to fans of underwater activities, is among the most beautiful in Greece.
The lakes and caves on the island constitute the basis of ecotourist activities. In Paxos, have been found several hot springs known since ancient times. Most of them are exploited, shaped like swimming pools and recommended for the treatment of skin and rheumatic diseases. The best known are those of Ozia, Giannas and Glyfada.
Besides the natural beauty, the island also offers numerous religious and interesting historical sites and a museum hosting exhibits of particular importance since prehistoric times and the classic years, until the period of the Balkan Wars and the Epic of 1940.
The easy access to the island of Lefkada, by car from the mainland, combined with its many beauties, makes it the first choice for alternative tourism.
Known for its amazing wild beaches and turquoise waters, as well as the beautiful villages keeping alive all their customs and traditions, Lefkada is the best option for ecotourism and rural tourism. For lovers of sports and adventure activities Lefkada’s island offers unique experiences.
In Lefkada there are two of the best beaches in the world for surfing, those of Aghios Ioannis and Vassiliki. Also, Lefkada hosts the World Championship watercraft Formula 3 and has all the facilities for scuba diving, kite surf, sailing, canoe etc. Do not forget to taste dishes from the local cuisine, based on the delicious fishes of the island and the famous Lefkadian salami (delicatessen).
The visitors of Kefalonia will have the opportunity to enrich their holidays with various alternative activities. The many different shores of the island in conjunction with the weather conditions on the island create the best scenery for those who love water sports like diving, waterskiing, sailing and windsurfing. Kefalonia is also a good choice for the lovers of extreme sports like paragliding, mountain bike, rafting, trekking and mountaineering.
The history and culture of Kefalonia have left archaeological and religious, mainly Byzantine, monuments and rich culture waiting to be discovered. In many traditional villages of the island, there are developed rural tourism centres which will bring you close to the traditional local lifestyle.
Kefalonia is also a place with great environmental and ecological importance, attracting the attention of many scholars and researchers.
Whatever you are interested in, this island will cover all your needs.
Ithaca, the island of Odysseus attracts the lovers of calmness and vacations near a beautiful and serene environment. The continuous alternations of landscape with its stunning coastline, the mountain villages, the lush vegetation and crystal clear waters attract the visitor.
The picturesque villages such as Stavros, Frikes, Kioni and Lefki are ideal for rural tourism activities. Ithaca is ideal for trekking, mountain bike and diving; Ithaca’s bottom is one of the most amazing. Those who are interested in history and culture can visit the historical and cultural museums of the island.
Also, the monasteries and churches of the island are unique for their decorative and architectural characteristics, captivating visitors, who are fond of religious tourism.
Do not miss the traditional seaside taverns and enjoy traditional dishes and excellent wine.
Zakynthos, the island of music, poetry and unparalleled natural beauty, is known for its rich cultural heritage, the traditional villages, the tasteful traditional dishes, numerous beautiful churches and amazing beaches with crystal waters in conjunction with its environmental importance, as it is the home of the famous and rare Mediterranean turtle Caretta-caretta. Zakynthos is a destination that can accommodate all different types of alternative tourism; rural tourism in villages like Lithakia, Katastari or Argassi, ecotourism by visiting thematic parks such as Askos Stone Park and the National Marine Park of Zakynthos, diving and extreme sea sports in organized beaches.
Those who are interested in gastronomy should definitely taste the traditional Zakynthian dishes like stuffed rooster in the oven, sofigadoura (usually sheep meat and potatoes), pancetta stuffed, sgatzeto and skordostoumpi.
The island of Kythira is one of the least touristically developed islands and it is waiting to be discovered! With its rich diversity and natural environment combined with the significant archaeological and religious monuments and the traditional ways of living from the few habitants, Kythira is the ideal place for the development of rural tourism and ecotourism. The region of Kythira and Antikythira are very important for ornithology because they are one of the main station for migrants. In Antikythira, there is a Bird Observatory. Kythira are also ideal for trekking and mountain bike.
Between the mountain range of Pindos and Ionian Sea, Thesprotia offers alternative tourism activities in both the majestic mountain landscapes and the green valleys alongside the rivers Acheron and Kalamas, as well as the unique beaches and the other parts of the prefecture, such as Paramythia, Sagiada and Syvota. Here you can deal with rural tourism and ecotourism activities, as well as adventure activities like horseback riding, canoe-kayak and trekking.
The prefecture of Preveza is an area of ecological and archaeological interest. Coupled with the Oracle of Acheron (Nekromanteion), Nikopolis of the Roman period and the historical Zaloggo, the region of Preveza offers plenty of monuments from different historical periods. It is well known for ecotourist activities at Lake Ziros, in Louros Valley and the region of the river Acheron. You should not forget to visit Parga, the most popular summer resort of the county, that will reimburse you with the beauty and alternative activities offered.
Etoloakarnania is one of the least touristically developed and exploited prefectures, although it has to offer many beauties and activities. The varied topography of the region with continuous alternations of mountain ranges, lakes, plains, rivers, steep beaches and wetlands are a great basis for development of different types of alternative tourism, especially ecotourism and rural tourism (agrotourism).
Etoloakarnania is the prefecture with most lakes in Greece that are home to important and rare flora and fauna. The Messolonghi and Etoliko lagoons, of international importance, are protected ecosystems with important ecological value, which have attracted the interest of many scientists. The many traditional villages scattered in the district maintain their cultural identity and are ideal destinations for those interested in rural tourism.
Important religious monuments and churches in unlikely places attract many people interested in religious tourism. Thermal and spa tourism is at the early stage of development, with remarkable hot springs. Etoloakarnania is a destination for all types of holiday. Take the opportunity to discover its beauties!
The prefecture of Achaia manages a unique combination, combining the hectic pace of the city with many cultural events (culminating in the famous Carnival of Patras) and modern conference-exhibition centres, as well as the beauty of the natural environment by renowned caves, monasteries, gorges, paths and mountainsides.
The lovers of adventure tourism and sports will be fascinated by the mountains Helmos, Erymanthos and Panahaiko, where they can do hiking, climbing, ski in the ski resort of Kalavryta with has the most beautiful ski runs, as well as paragliding, mountain bike, canoe kayak and rafting at the rivers Vouraikos, Ladon and Aroanios.
In Achaia, there are also good sports facilities with the capacity to host many national and international competitions.
Do not miss visiting the historic monastery of Aghia Lavra in Kalavryta and the unique Cave of the Lakes that will impress you.
The prefecture of Ilia, inseparable from Ancient Olympia and the glory of the Olympic Games, offers a thrill as for the cultural and archaeological tourism. Ilia also offers the most interesting adventure tourism activities; rafting at the Alfios river, canyoning in Neda river and trekking at the paths and routes by the rivers. In Ilia, there is also the only “flat” forest of Greece, the forest of Foloi. The areas of Zaharo and Kyllini are known both for its beaches but also for the thermal baths.
Messinia prefecture with its green sites, the sea, the mountains, the traditional villages and the castles is one of the areas that can satisfy lovers of all forms of alternative tourism.
Its rich cultural activity, mainly with the event of International Dance Festival held every summer and the archaeological and religious monuments offer a rich opportunity for growth for the religious-cultural and archaeological tourism. The traditional villages of Messinia and its environment are suitable for rural tourism and ecotourism.
The weather conditions and the combination of mountain, sea and sports facilities meet the most demanding needs for sports and adventure tourism. In recent years, after the establishment of the university, it can accommodate conference tourism, as well.
