RURAL ACTIVITIES | 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

Karaiskos Farm

Description

It all start in our vegetable garden.

In a beautiful landscape within the lush forest of Pelion, the unique Karaiskos farm awaits those who wish to get closer to nature and enjoy good food. The farm is located two kilometers beyond the village of Portaria. The farm’s philosophy is based on the principle that “everything starts from our vegetable garden.” The vegetable garden is the focal point of the visitor’s experience, utilizing local seeds and traditional, organic practices for its cultivation.

The farm’s culinary offerings include a restaurant and café where guests can enjoy inspiring dishes and beverages. Only seasonal ingredients from the vegetable garden and pure raw materials from small producers are used to showcase the region’s culinary richness. The combination of olive oil and freshly harvested vegetables promises to fill the table with unique flavors and aromas that will leave a lasting impression on guests.

For young visitors, there are outdoor activities designed to make their visit unforgettable. Staying in the farmhouses completes the overall experience.

Location

Portaria is one of the most popular villages of Pelion. Portaria combines the atmosphere of an authentic Pelion village with unsurpassed views of Volos and the Pagasetic Gulf, as well as considerable tourist infrastructure development. Its picturesque natural beauty and close proximity to the Pelion ski center, the sea, and the city of Volos, make it an ideal destination and a great base for excursions all over Pelion.

Trees and flowers decorate the cobbled streets, traditional stone houses and the squares, and scattered around the village are great mansions, ornate stone fountains, churches, chapels and other monuments.

The village is a holiday destination all year round, as a cool retreat in the summer months with swimming on the coast of the Aegean and the Pagasetic Gulf, for skiing in winter, but also for excursions, hiking and other activities in the autumn or spring nature.

Details

Close to nature with a private garden and BBQ facilities, the farm cottage features a large bed and a sofa bed for children up to the age of 12, a monsoon shower, and a fully equipped kitchen. Immerse yourself in the tranquility and beauty of Pelion, where comfort meets nature. Wake up to the sounds of birds, enjoy fresh air, explore the picturesque surroundings and the farm garden. Unwind with a barbecue in the evening, or relax in the garden with a good book. Your perfect vacation awaits!

Karaiskos Farm
Address:
2nd km. Portaria – Zagora, Pelion, Z.C.: 37011
Town/village:
Portaria
Region:
Pelion

karaiskosfarm.gr

+30 6978556347

info@karaiskosfarm.gr

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