Sustainable approach

According to the Cape Town Declaration, 2002, sustainable tourism is tourism which:
  • minimizes negative social, economic and environmental impacts
  • generates greater economic benefits for local people and enhances the well-being of host communities
  • improves working conditions and access to the industry
  • involves local people in decisions that affect their lives and life chances
  • makes positive contributions to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage embracing diversity
  • provides more enjoyable experiences for tourists through more meaningful connections with local people, and a greater understanding of local cultural, social and environmental issues
  • is culturally sensitive, encourages respect between tourists and hosts, and builds local pride and confidence
 
We aim to achieve the above with community based development which preserves tradition and conserves the local environment.
 
old village

Renovation

Buildings from the18th, 19th and early 20th century have been restored with particular attention to their individual architecture, the aesthetics of the house and the local environment. Materials used for restoration are mainly stone and cypress wood and the plaster is made using the special techniques of local builders. Furnishings and decoration are also either antique items or made using local handicrafts.
Moreover, our initiative in using these premises of renovation has influenced local people in the direction of renovating family houses for tourist or other needs, rather than building new ones.
 

New job positions

The renovation and rebuilding have brought employment to many local professions, including builders, plumbers, electricians, etc.
Local shops, taverns and cafes have flourished as a result of the increased business.
And many local women have obtained satisfying and valuable jobs, such as becoming a chef in our restaurant, preparing sweets for the small handicraft shop, giving cooking classes or cleaning and taking care of our gardens.
 

Supporting local producers

We support and promote local handicrafts and produce such as wine, cheese, olive oil, bread baking with a focus on traditional methods.
 

Traditional activities and responsible travelers

By organizing activities such as cooking lessons, country walks, visits to places of interest or to local artisans places of work, we bring visitors closer to our history and architecture, to the local nutrition, to the secrets of nature and we make them feel like more responsible travelers, tourists who respect and protect the cultural and historical aspects of our unspoilt traditional villages.
 
We are not claiming to be perfect, but we do believe we have influenced the local development of both our village and the surrounding area a great deal already, based on the principles of sustainability.