The May and summer holidays are getting closer and closer! Greece's priority, just like last year, is the safety of both locals and travelers. There are health protocols in place and holidaymakers have the opportunity to avoid crowded places through the many undiscovered islands that Greece has. The sustainable traveler will be happy to hear that the country has also taken its first steps in a green direction, banning plastic straws on Paros to electric transport only on Astypalaia. Choose a safe and sustainable option for your next trip to Greece!
Smart Hotels
You will find smart hotels in many places. These hotels do everything they can to save energy and electricity. For example, they have a 'smart key'. When you leave the hotel room, the heating, air conditioning and all equipment will switch off automatically.
In addition, the cleaners only use environmentally friendly cleaning products and you can enjoy a typical Greek Breakfast with many local products such as Greek yogurt, honey, Mpougatsa, feta, freshly baked bread and deliciously scented Greek iced coffee.
Agro Hotels Corfu
In Greece you will find agro hotels in many places:'Guest Inn'. These are small-scale accommodations of farmers, which they rent out to travelers. They often also offer activities on their estate. This way you can pick olives and make olive oil with them.
In North Corfu you will find Guest Inn Arrogia Farm. Here you will find 3 cottages among fruit trees, vineyards, olive trees and an organic garden on 15 hectares of land, which are rented out to curious travelers. Together with the owner you can make local cheese and help with olive oil and/or wine production.
Astypalaia
Mission:switch to electric transport only
Astypalaia is a beautiful stark white island in the Dodecanese. The capital Chora is built against the hill, with a castle from the Venetian era on top, from where you have a 360 degree view of the Aegean Sea. You can reach Astypalaia via Athens by plane or via Kos by boat.
At the beginning of 2021, the island started a partnership with Volkswagen to replace all transport on the island (currently 1500 vehicles) with electric vehicles, scooters and bicycles. There will be a fully electric shuttle service for travelers. And to achieve this, wind and solar energy installations are being built on the island.
Crete
Mission:TUI helps small farmers with organic olive cultivation
You probably already know the beautiful beach of Balos? The archaeological highlight of Knossos? But you probably didn't know that you will find many vineyards on Crete. But Cretan cuisine is more than just fine wine! They also have excellent extra virgin olive oil.
And that is exactly what the TUI Care Foundation wants to protect:the small farmers who are having a hard time due to competition from large parties. They recognize organic farmers, help them promote this oil, so that their oil is served in local restaurants and that excursions take place where you as a traveler can experience the cultivation.
Paros
Mission:first Mediterranean island to be completely plastic-free
Paros is one of the most picturesque islands of the Cyclades. The island is famous for its typical white houses and blue roofs. You stroll through dazzlingly beautiful streets here and want to photograph everything.
The island also has a special mission:to be completely free of plastic waste within three years. So don't expect straws in your Frappé (iced coffee)! Drinking fountains are also installed. Which is not only good for the environment, but also for you as a traveler. And from old bedding in hotels, reusable shopping bags are made with which you can get all the tasty Greek ingredients in the supermarkets for the perfect picnic on the beach.
Lipsi
Mission:get rid of plastic and sail spot
Lipsi is a mini island of 10 km2 in the Dodecanese. The island has a beautiful nature and likes to remain authentic. You will find small-scale accommodations and pristine beaches. You can easily reach Lipsi from Kos, the hub for sailors. So if you rent a sailboat, you should definitely make a stop on this beautiful mini island.
And this island does its best to protect nature. This is how disposable plastic is replaced. So don't expect plastic cups of water, but a sublime view of an authentic place.
Skyros project Port
Skyros is close to the popular island of Evia, about 1.5 hours away from Kimi. In the north you will find green plains, bustling towns and the most beautiful beaches. In the south you will find beautiful mountains, deserted bays and ultimate tranquility. The ideal combination!
But every year in the summer something special also takes place in Skyros harbor, namely:a summer academy with the aim of reforming human behavior towards the environment. Students from various countries come to Skyros to learn everything there is to know about an environmentally friendly way of living and travelling. They participate in surveys and take part in competitions. This summer academy has been taking place since 2015 and has already won many awards. For example, in 2019 Skyros received an award for the first port with a blue flag.
Kalymnos:Sustainable food
Growing your own produce has been a tradition in Greece for centuries. Lonely Planet chose Greece this year as:'most sustainable food destination'. The Greeks eat seasonally and like to share this with travelers.
Kalymnos, the island where this video was made, is a 35-minute boat ride from Kos. The island is also called the sponge island and it will therefore not surprise you that you can dive here! You also eat fresher than fresh fish on the island and a popular climbing festival takes place every October.
p.s. Greece has announced that it aims to open to travelers on May 14.
