Hiking/Trekking | Agroxenia

At the Heart of the Bee

Tzoumerka: The paths of tradition meet “At the Heart of the Bee.”

The cooperative team KoinSEP “At the Heart of the Bee” consists of six completely different people who live and work at the foot of the Tzoumerka Mountains, creating the conditions for a spiritual and high-quality life. They dedicate themselves to the land with a focus on sustainability, emphasizing organic blueberry cultivation and beekeeping. They connect and apply older traditional arts and techniques, revitalizing tradition through musical events organized at the group’s music tavern.

Location

Tzoumerka is a vast massif, part of the great Pindos mountain range. As you approach the area, you are immediately captivated by the imposing mountain views, with countless waterfalls and many streams, often originating from beautiful springs carved with care centuries ago, still quenching the thirst of passersby. In the endless, pristine forests, whose enormous biodiversity makes them unique, wild species such as bears, wolves, deer, and eagles find refuge, as well as a wide range of endemic and migratory birds. Beautiful, picturesque villages where continental stone art predominates, with squares and alleys that transport you back in time. With bridges, monuments, and architectural achievements of the era, still standing tall and functional. The wider area offers activities such as rafting, canyoning, climbing, and cycling, among many others, providing a true experience of contact with nature, due to its unchanged character.

Details

Our region is developing dynamically through a variety of activities that combine respect for nature with tradition and innovation. The crops, along with beekeeping, produce high-quality products that form the foundation for the final offerings. At the same time, crafts such as stone and metal art, carpentry, and instrument making preserve traditions and strengthen the local economy. The ongoing effort to enhance the area is closely linked to the development of cultural and musical events. Meanwhile, the already successful tavern and grocery store are integrated as core activities, offering an authentic culinary experience and local products to visitors. The long-term goal is to create a welcoming destination that fosters sustainable development and cultural exchange.

ΚοινΣεπ: “Στην καρδιά της Μέλισσας”
Address:
47045, Kalloni Central Tzoumerka, Epirus
Town/village:
Kalloni
Region:
Central Tzoumerka, Prefecture of Arta, Region of Epirus

+30 6981 52 9011

roula09@hotmail.com

Guesthouses Vasilikata

Area

Vasilikata guesthouses are located in the beautiful Lassithi plateau in Crete, at an altitude of 850 m. This place has a rich cultural heritage and history. Italian cartographer named Francesco Vasilikata was the first to map the area.

Activities

Caves
The caves of the Lasithi plateau are one of the most important poles of attraction of the Lassithi plateau. Their reputation is due both to their incredible natural beauty and to their archaeological significance.
Mountain climbing
The mountain belt of the Lassithi Plateau, through which the European path E4 passes, consists of a series of more than 20 alps, the height of which starts at 1163 m. Alp Louloudaki has a height of 2148 meters! Among these alps, there are small fertile valleys and smaller plateaus such as Limnakaros, Katharo, and Nisimos.
Observation of birds and wildlife
The visitor can enjoy a gentle hiking in the area and be impressed by the 14 species of wild orchid, aromatic and medicinal herbs, such as diktamo, but also many other rare plants and trees, such as the vineyard. There are many national trails, such as the Minoan trail.
Monasteries and chapels
The Vizian Monastery and the Kroustalenia Monastery exhibit unparalleled natural wealth and incredible historical data.
Cycling
On a plateau with 25.000 square meters of flat land, there is no better destination for a bicycle ride in nature.
Local cuisine
The locals have always had a slight independence from the grocery. The local cuisine is based on family production as well as on the gathering of wild herbs. The visitor can initiate in this philosophy and participate in the process of collecting, preparing and cooking the food. He can also see the whole process of the brewed bread, starting from the field with the sprats, from the carving and the polishing, from the milling and of course the kneading and baking in an authentic wood oven.
Cooking Classes
Take your basket and your appetite and come with us to our organic farm. Together we will gather all we need for our Cretan cooking experience. Our family will make you feel as you are invited for a Sunday meal with friends.
Yoga
Soap seminar
Demonstration of soap-making

Guesthouses Vasilikata
Address:
Agios Konstantinos, Oropedio Lasithiou
Town/village:
Agios Konstantinos
Region:
Crete

vasilikata.gr

+30 6977248456
+30 28440 31147

info@vasilikata.gr

Educational farm Dounias

family-owned agricultural farm and tavern

The idea of gastronomical center of Cretan diet, Ntounias, was born when Stelios Trilirakis decided to create his own place, a place that he could resurrect the scents and the tastes that was introduced to as a child in their own village. A kitchen lab with “parasies” (traditional pots) and wood oven always accordingly with the highest standards of hygiene and food security. A small family business was assembled along with a small farm with organic products, wine oil and honey that are used exclusively in the restaurant.

“TO KERAMIANO”

Keramiano honey is a family business that has a legacy of over 50 years. Since Manolis Nikiforakis started to produce honey in the 60s a lot have changed. Except the supreme quality of the Cretan thyme honey. After that his son, Yannis and nowadays his grandson Manolis evolved to adjust in the modern production ways offering high quality organic honey.

MAVRES WINERY

Mavredakis family coming from the village Katochori cultivates grapes on the foothills of White Mountains and makes wine according to the family and the local tradition. Locally grown and international varietes of grapes in over 200 acres of the family vineyard, a unique and well known one about the productive capability in the climate of Keramia Village. Here you can find the famous variety of red grapes in Chania, called Romeiko.

Ntounias Educational Farm
Address:
Keramion, Nerokouros, Chania 731 00
Town/village:
Keramion
Region:
Crete

ntounias.gr

+30 28210 65083
+30 6974 989 248

steliostrilyrakis@gmail.com

Guesthouse Rokka

The first image that welcomes you to Rokka guesthouse is the panoramic commanding view of the Stouros mountain peak, whilst the courtyard is an open window to the surrounding valleys. This is where your journey begins and where you get to know the village life, its people and us! Rokka isn’t just another guesthouse in Zagori. This is our home and it’s open to those who would like to experience our way of life with us!

accomodation

The guesthouse exterior is representative of the distinctive grey stone-built architecture of the region, which dates all the way back to the 19th century. Inside, we have 5 bedrooms, which have been fully renovated to offer a simple yet homely, cosy and tranquil space to relax. Rokka is not about luxury, it’s all about the warmth of the home and the people. All of the rooms have toilet and washing facilities and two of them have their own fireplace.

wool & weaving

On the first floor of the guesthouse, two rooms have been dedicated to the art of weaving and the world of wool. Lena has been immersed in this world for over a decade and if you like, she can show you how to weave and create your own piece of fabric.

In the workshop you can witness all of the stages of wool processing: carding, spinning using a distaff and spinning wheel, and finally you can dye the wool different colours with natural plant dyes that have been collected from the surrounding nature.

When you are ready you can make your very own creations!

activities

The surrounding area offers ample opportunities for a vast range of activities in nature. Georgia can help you plan short or long-distance treks, depending on what you would like to see and do.

You can go horse-riding and explore the valleys and paths of the picturesque villages of Mikro Papigo and Megalo Papigo, two villages which have been amphitheatrically built on the steep slopes that look up towards the imposing Astraka peak of Mount Tymphe.

Vasilis can take you water rafting in the crystal-clear, turquoise waters of the Voidomatis river.

The spring and autumn seasons offer the opportunity to grab your baskets and go mushroom foraging in the valleys with Katerina so you can collect your own wild mushrooms, black and white truffles.

As far as rainy days are concerned, these aren’t a problem as we turn them into hours of creative fun in Lena’s Saita workshop which is located on the first floor of the guesthouse.

Guesthouse Rokka
Address:
Elafotopos (Tservari),Central Zagori, Ioannina
Town/village:
Elafotopos
Region:
Ioannina

rokkazagori.gr

+30 26530 71580
+30 6942 485213

rokkazagori@gmail.com

Arcadiani Multifunctional Farm

The multifunction agro tourism farm Arcadiani located in the small village Psari Trikolonon, built on 5,5acres and 700 feet’s over the sea, in the heart of Mainalo mountain in Arcadia.
The two-storey built establishment also houses a library with over 650 cookbooks where you can discover age-old local recipes.
A cookware museum showcasing items used by Greek back as the beginning of the 19th century and the restaurant that serves local delicacies.

Workshops

Vegetable Picking and Cooking Class with a Local Grandma
• You will enjoy a tour of the fields, pick fresh vegetables from the garden and feel closer to nature than ever before. Then join a Greek cooking class with a local cook and learn how to make Arcadian recipes like , rooster with hylopitas, pumpkin pies or spoon sweets.
Visit the traditional pasta workshop
• You will join a guided tour of the Arcadiani workshop which
Includes the traditional workshop preparation area. You will take part in the preparation of local pasta. Sift flour, break eggs and feel the smell of tradition.
Bread Making in a Wood-Fired Oven
• Experience the amazing aroma of freshly baked bread. You will have the opportunity to make your own embroidered bread from scratch with the local woman and bake it in a traditional wood-fired oven. You will take it home with you

Accommodation

Accommodation in a three-level stone villa up to 8 persons , or in a two-level stone villa up to 5 persons located in the village.
The price includes organic breakfast.

Around activities we will book for you

• Horseback riding In the fir forest of Mainalo. Horse and pony rides in the mountains and riding lessons safely by certified staff.
• Rafting Ιn Lousios and Alfeios river. With the boats you have the opportunity to reach the other inaccessible places of unique beauty. A magical combination of action and contact with nature.
• Sheep Farm Guided tour of a modern standard unit of 300 sheep to see up close the animals, their breeding, but also how the milk is collected from the primary sector. In the unit you are very close to nature and agritourism
• Hiking on Mainalo mount and specifically on the Mainalo Trail
Τhe first European certified trail in Greece and the eighth in Europe

Arcadiani Multifunctional Farm
Address:
Psari, Trikolonon Gortynias, Arcadia, Greece
Town/village:
Psari
Region:
Arcadia

arcadiani.gr

+30 2791027161
+30 6976762276

info@arcadiani.gr

Fabrica Houses

A perfect quiet countryside getaway with lots of hospitality

Fabrica provides a chance for the visitors to get familiar with agriculture, its culture and its authentic features, to get involved in the rural activities, to taste local products and traditional cuisine and to get to know locals’ everyday life. Fabrica intends to bring the visitor in touch with nature, rural activities, where he can participate, entertain himself and feel the joy of discovery and knowledge!

Location

Fabrica is located in Vamos, a traditional village at Chania, Crete. It lies between the sea and the mountains, offering amazing view while traditional architecture harmonizes with nature. The houses are made of white stone and the smell of Thyme and Oregano floats on the air welcoming every guest, as arouses feelings of coziness and familiarity. The small society is full of love about the country and shares the joy of friendship and communication through the Cretan-Greek hospitality.

Details

Fabrica’s agrotouristic settlement consists of two parts: the Fabrica Houses and the Fabrica Farm. The houses are made of domestic white stone, with tile roofs, to preserve the traditional architecture and they blend in with the surrounding landscape. Every house is autonomous and functional in order to meet every visitor’s needs.

Fabrica Houses comprises three houses and the old olive oil press, where nowadays cooking classes are taking place. They were built and owned by Frantzeskakis family in 1886 in Vamos’ old neighborhood. In 2001 the building was restored to its original form and was named Fabrica as the old olive oil factory. The guesthouses follow the area’s architecture in very green surroundings, offering exceptional quiet.

Fabrica Farm includes five houses built in the olive grove owned by the family. Among the olive trees, there is a small stone-built amphitheater where many events take place and next to it lies the Philosopher’s corner, where you may meet a philosopher reciting a poem! Down the path, there’s the vegetable garden, the firewood oven and the wine press, where the wine making process takes place. The fruit-bearing trees and the aromatic plants are filling the scenery with smells and colors, which you can enjoy at the Romantic corner, under the oaks surrounded by the stream.

Fabrica Houses
Address:
73008 Vamos Chania, Crete
Town/village:
Vamos Chania
Region:
Crete

fabricahouses.gr

+30 28250 22310

+30 6936 500 670

info@fabricahouses.gr

Elisson Guesthouse

In the footsteps of local tradition, agro-tourism and culture

The right choice for groups, families with children and people travelling on their own! Visitors can enjoy their stay in a beautiful and relaxing environment, for training, recreation and cultural purposes. The hostel Elisson is created with love and faith in the Greek countryside and meets the need of qualitative accommodation in the rural area of the Corinthian upland region. The hostel was built above the valley of Elisson river, offering a large view over it. The architecture of the building – stone, timber, tile – is in complete harmony with the traditional architecture of Kryoneri and with its the natural landscape.

Location

Kryoneri village is in the centre of Corinthia county, at the same distance between the sea and the mountains. It is built like an amphitheatre, at 740 meters of altitude and has a panoramic view on the Corinthian Gulf, surrounded by vineyards and only 150 km from Athens Airport. Mount Vesiza (1.200 m) overlooks the village and constitutes the natural border with the plain of Stymfalía. From this mountain, the river Elisson spreads, which crosses Kryoneri and the evergreen plain, before flowing into the Corinthian Gulf, towards Kiato.

Details

The Hostel Elisson is an agro-tourism enterprise of people living in the mountainous village of Kryoneri Korinthias. The hostel has five rooms with big verandas, common spaces with fireplace and small restaurant, libraries, seminar and meeting rooms, as well as a nice green courtyard of 7 acres, with trees, grass, flowers and organic vegetables garden.

The conscious use of renewable sources of energy and systems of protection of aquatic resources is included in the eco-tourism philosophy. It uses a biological sewage cleaning system, so that the water can be re-used to irrigate the garden, and precious potable water is not wasted. A geothermic system ensuring hot water from the ground, supplies the hostel with heating.

Elisson Guesthouse
Address:
20200 Kryoneri Korinthia, Peloponnese
Town/village:
Kryoneri Korinthias
Region:
Peloponnese

elisson.gr

+30 27420 51002
+30 6946 331613

xenon@elisson.gr

Guesthouse Olympia

A journey through macedonian history

Surrounded by trees and in absolute harmony with the nature there is the Hostel ‘Olympia’. The owners have managed to create a warm and pleasant environment, to enjoy for hours with relax and tranquillity your vacation.

Location

Vergina is a small town in northern Greece, Central Macedonia, located in the prefecture of Imathia on the foothills of Mt. Pieria at an elevation of 120m above sea level and about 80km south-west of Thessaloniki. The town became internationally famous in 1977, when the Greek archaeologist Manolis Andronikos brought to light the most important archaeological discovery of the 20th century in Greece, the burial site of the kings of Macedonia, including the tomb of Philip II, father of Alexander the Great. The archaeological site is protected by UNESCO as world cultural heritage.

Details

Hostel ‘Olympia’ offers ten (10) rooms, fully equipped and spacious. Two-bed, three-bed or four-bed rooms are awaits, depending on your needs. Every room has TV, hairdryer, refrigerator, air conditioning and heating and a comfortable fully equipped bathroom. Each one has its own private terrace with panoramic view over the Royal Palace, the city of Veria, Pieria, Vermio and Mt. Paiko.

A beautiful garden can also help on your relaxation and whenever is allowed by the weather, you can enjoy your coffee or your breakfast.

Guesthouse Olympia
Address:
59031 Vergina Imathia, Central Macedonia
Town/village:
Vergina
Region:
Macedonia

xenonasolympia.gr

+30 2331 0 68052
+30 6937 255468