CloseChoose your accommodation thoughtfully
Many hotels in Greece are increasingly adopting eco-friendly practices to reduce their environmental impact and cater to the growing demand for sustainable tourism. This shift towards greener operations is not only helping the environment but also attracting eco-conscious travelers. Some key practices being implemented Ikos and Aldemar resorts are helping significantly reduce their environmental impact while appealing to a growing market of travelers who prioritize sustainability.
At “Ikos” local produce is paramount, with 56% of products used picked and purchased from local farms, cooperatives and small businesses. The most innovative action is the hotels’ partnerships with local restaurants. The all-inclusive resorts have an array of Michelin-star chef curated restaurants on site, but also know that is essential to support nearby restaurants and give guests a taste of cuisine outside of the hotels. Here enters Infinite Lifestyle, a local dining concept where guests can immerse themselves in the local food scene, choosing to dine out at nearby restaurants during their stay. To further support local eateries Ikos gives training and support to the chefs and restaurateurs, working collaboratively to create a positive, sustainable culinary community in the area.
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Family-run “Aldemar Resorts”, one of Greece’ leading hotel groups and considered one of its most sustainable, is making a splash with its water waste initiatives. The resorts found across Crete and in the Peloponnese, use solar and geothermal energy meaning that 90% of water is now produced by renewable energy. There is also a range of clever management practices at play to control consumption, monitor water, limit water flow and reuse treated water.
And that’s not all. The resorts are set to say goodbye to plastic bottles by installing water stations where guests can refill their reusable bottles with clean, fresh H20. Other single-use plastic items including utensils and straws have been all but eliminated.
A quarter of the fruit and vegetables come from organic production and food waste is reduced by minimising buffets and cooking “a la minute” depending on exact quantities needed by guests.
Respect the local culture and customs
Embracing local culture and customs in Greece means immersing yourself in the traditions, respecting the values, and honoring the way of life that makes each region unique. Whether you’re enjoying a local meal, participating in a village festival, or exploring historical sites, approach these experiences with curiosity and respect. By showing genuine respect and appreciation for Greece’s rich cultural heritage, you not only enrich your own experience but also contribute to the preservation of the traditions that make this country so special.
“Panygheria” or traditional music festivals are an indispensable element of Greek culture. They connect the past with the present, a religious tradition with the pleasure of dance and of getting together. Over the centuries, they have served as an occasion to get together, forge local traditions and enjoy a good time. Every village, be it on the islands or the mainland, has its own summer music festival. – and the small island of Schoinoussa in the Cyclades is one of them.
A typical Greek panygheri is a source of joy, with traditional food, local wine, music and a lot of dances. Yet, it can also generate tons of waste, plastics cups, plates and cutlery.
Finding a way to retain the fun while protecting the environment is no easy task. Yet, it can be done! On Schoinoussa, the local cultural and environmental associations were eager to find an environmentally sound solution for their annual Fava Festival. And they did so, with the help of “Sea Change”, a program of the Athanasios C. Laskaridis Charitable Foundation.
In the course of the winter, a donation by the program supported pottery lessons to island inhabitants. When summer came, the clay cups created were given out to festival attendees for their drinks. Single-use plastics were replaced by beautiful handmade reusable creations that kept the wine cool and the premises clean. The addition of bins for the collection of compo-stable material turned this landmark event into an opportunity to revisit sustainability, the way it implemented in past centuries. The outcome was a memorable event, with amazing music, superb delicacies, all-night dancing and waste-free surroundings.
Consume Local Food & Drinks
Looking for a travel destination that’s as kind to your taste buds as it is to the planet? Choosing to travel in Greece isn’t just a treat for your taste buds—it’s a way to support sustainable tourism. By opting for local, plant-based meals, you’re reducing your carbon footprint and helping to preserve the environment. The slow food movement, which emphasizes traditional cooking methods, local ingredients, and sustainable practices, is thriving here. By choosing slow food restaurants and markets, you’re not just eating well—you’re contributing to the preservation of local food traditions and supporting small-scale farmers and producers.
Renowned for its incredible cuisine, the buzzing, artistic city of Thessaloniki has been named a Creative City of Gastronomy by UNESCO, for its abundant natural produce (the sweetest pine tree honey, the creamiest yogurt), authentic flavors, fusion of cultural influences (Greek, Jewish, Balkan and Ottoman) and a thriving culinary industry which employs thousands of people.
Located in the heart of Greece’s richest agricultural region, the city is just a stone’s throw away from fresh, local produce found in the surrounding olive groves, forests, fields, orchards and ocean waters. As well as celebrating and defining the destination’s identity, Thessaloniki’s use of tasty local produce is one of the most sustainable ways to consume food, as the produce hasn’t had to embark on a long-distance expedition to reach the dining table, minimising the use of fuel.
Waste not, want not. One of many sustainable initiatives popping up in the foodie city is Food Treasure, an environmental action project focused on reducing and re-purposing food waste, as well as working with city councils, schools and the public to reshape behavior around waste. A key part of the initiative is ‘The Urban Shell’ project which explores composting techniques for small spaces in cities such as balconies, courtyards and gardens.
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The island of Paxos is adding alien to the menu. Climate change and human impact has meant invasive, non-native marine species have swum their way into the waters around the Ionian islands. Many are poisonous and kill native species which impacts both the marine life and local economy, which is reliant on tourism and sustainable fishing. To name and shame, the main culprits are lion-fish, rabbit-fish, cornet-fish and Atlantic blue crab.
Whilst they certainly have a place and purpose in their native waters, they are wreaking havoc in the local fish community.
Here enters ‘Pick the Alien’, a campaign from marine conservation organisation i Sea which encourages local seafood markets, restaurants and shops to sell and consume the invasive fish.
The initiative gets fishermen, chefs, restaurateurs and shopkeepers around the table to hatch plans and create chains to get alien species on the menu and in homes. Diners can also do their bit over a long lunch by picking a dish supporting ocean conservation.
Actively Support the Local Community
Engaging in activities that respect the local ecosystem in Greece not only enhances your experience but also contributes positively to the preservation of the destination and its natural environment. By choosing eco-friendly practices, such as participating in nature conservation efforts and respecting wildlife habitats, you help protect Greece’s unique landscapes and biodiversity. These actions ensure that the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Greece can be enjoyed by future generations while promoting a more sustainable and responsible form of tourism
The National Marine Park of Alonissos Northern Sporades is the largest marine protected area in Europe and the proud home to a population of Mediterranean monk seals.
An underwater playground for divers, the park is of cultural, scientific, and natural significance down to the vast array of plant and animal species, as well as magical archaeological sites such as shipwrecks, and churches dating back to the Byzantine Empire.
The park is home to some pretty special residents: Mediterranean monk seals, the only seal species in the Med , but also the most endangered seal on earth.
The Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk seal (Mom) is a Greek NGO working to protect Greece’s marine environments through protecting the precious gentle mammals. Initiatives include providing rescue kits to local response teams, so they are equipped to save a monk seal in danger, and creating “Seal Watching” guides for visitors, educating them on how to act if they come across a seal.
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For Caretta Caretta loggerhead sea turtles there is no better home than Zakynthos in Ionian Islands. There must be something in the water, as 80% of the Med’s population of turtles return to the island’s gorgeous, golden beaches each summer to lay their eggs. For over 250 million years the turtles have been free, thriving in the Mediterranean waters, but now due to human impact they are endangered.
The National Marine Park in Zakynthos is taking leaps and bounds to protect the shelled species and
the impact of humans by installing kiosks along the southern coast of the island. And as night falls it lights out on the beaches, so as not to disturb and confuse the nesting beauties. The park also keeps an eye on the new nests, and if not safe, relocates them, to a safe space.
From early May to mid-October every year, eco-conscious travelers wanting to get stuck in can volunteer with ARCHELON, The Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece, which is making waves on Zakynthos’ Bay of Laganas. The budding conservationists monitor turtle nesting activity in the bay, protect nests and spread awareness during the day, and at night, fall asleep under the stars in a private campground, safe in the knowledge they’ve made an impact.
Protect Nature and Wildlife
One of the pillars of sustainable travel is to promote destinations whilst protecting the environment and to achieve equality.
Greece’s crystal-clear waters and stunning beaches are a major draw, but they are also vulnerable to pollution and overuse. Responsible travelers can make a difference by avoiding activities that harm marine or wildlife. Moreover, they can participate in beach clean-ups or other activities to keep these areas pristine. Many regions in Greece have local initiatives aimed at protecting the environment and wildlife. By visiting national parks, nature reserves, and conservation centers, you can contribute to these efforts. Your entry fees and donations go directly toward preserving the natural habitats and species that make Greece so special.
Travelers can now embark on a sustainable seven-day adventure to captivating Crete with Intrepid Travel. Home to Europe’s oldest city Knossos and a glut of ancient sites, the island has a rich history which oozes through its sun-bleached buildings, Venetian harbours and cobbled streets. The holiday takes travelers away from the big hitters to the island’s quieter corners and unknown pockets.
Intrepid has partnered with non-profit organisation MEET, to line up a fascinating home-stay in the coastal village of Agios Ioannis, where visitors will spend an evening chatting with locals over honeyed Raki, the island’s locally made pomace brandy, as traditional music radiates the warm air, before spending the night in a charming guesthouse for a local family.
Travelers will hike through the wild and spectacular Agia Irini Gorge, before arriving at the small fishing village of Sougia, a haunt for hippies and nudists in the 70s and now a laid-back fishing community where time slows down and naps are encouraged. A stop in the colorful, creative harbor town of Chania is the place to fill bellies with authentic Greek food and wine.
The trip is carbon neutral and uses local guides, transport and accommodation to make sure money goes back into the community.
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Athens’ Acropolis is a big deal. A UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most spectacular and complete ancient sites in the Western world. The ancient citadel is crowned by the Parthenon, a timeless temple dedicated to the city’s namesake Athena, surrounded by archaeological remains seeped in myth and mystery.
And now this marvelous monument has become even more accessible. The local tour heroes at Alternative Athens have created “Sensing the Acropolis”, a tour specifically designed for the visually impaired, allowing them to truly experience the magnificent place.
A world first, guests will delve into the magical monument with a multi-sensory experience using touch, sense and smell. Using tactile maps, 3D models, storytelling and the touch of an original column, specially trained guides help visitors create a meaningful connection with the significant site.
This is the first ever guided visit of an open-air monument, specially designed for visually impaired travelers.
