What exactly is Agritourism really? It is the absolute experience for every traveler who desires true connection with nature and the culture of a place; local cuisine, customs and traditions. Now you can become one with mother Earth and its people, in a few words, you now have the chance to return to a simpler lifestyle.
Due to its geophysics, its unlimited natural sources and its traditions, Greece should be the ideal tourist destination even during the winter. However, at the Environmental Journalism Conference of Aristotle University, it was mentioned that the statistics are still in extremely low levels and since the state’s support is practically non-existent, private owners eventually take the initiative. On the one hand this is really positive and beneficial for the entrepreneurs but on the other hand, during a harsh financial era for our country, we are not embracing our strongest asset: Greek Nature!
Be a farmer for one day!
The rural areas of Greece, offer a great variety of farming activities where you can literally enjoy the fruits of your labor!
Some of the options:
–Olive harvest and transfer of the fruits to a traditional oil press. Is there anything better than offering your own virgin oil to friends and family?
– Grape harvest and pressing for wine or tsipouro production!
– Seasonal fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, herb and nuts harvest
-Beekeeping, a pleasant and safe activity if you have the right equipment!
If you got excited and wish to learn more about this new trend, you can visit the official site of SEAGE (Hellenic Agrotourism Federations) or their facebook page, to keep yourself updated about the numerous activities that take place around Greece. Find the nearest spot and start your journey!
Bend it like…your grandma!
If farm life is not your cup of tea but you’re looking forward to tasting local delicacies, wear your apron and join one of the agriculture associations. You can attend cooking lessons and discover recipes straight from granny’s hands, like pies, marmalades, spoon sweets etc. And if you are an artistic soul, then you can simply join a Ceramic workshop or do handcrafts!
Find out more, here
Connect with Nature…
Ecotourism is closely linked to Agritourism. Back in 2002- the National Year of Ecotourism, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), used the term “ecotourism” for the first time, in order to describe the act of observing and appreciating nature as the main goal of a traveler and with activities that are friendly towards the environment and cultural heritage. Maybe this is the best opportunity to learn everything about the flora and fauna of our destination (eg.excursions at wetlands and national parks) and conduct various sports activities while breathing fresh air and enjoying the colors and sounds of Greek Nature (eg.trekking, hiking etc)
To conclude, I am quoting the words of the American author Sylvia Plath: “I felt my lungs inflate with the onrush of scenery- air, mountains, trees, people. I thought, “This is what it is to be happy!”
Also published at ThinkFree Magazine
Μαρία Ελένη Βασιλειάδη 