Walking holiday in Naxos, Greece
How this holiday makes a difference
Environment
The walks pass by many natural springs, where our customers are encouraged to refill their water bottles rather than buy another plastic bottle of mineral water. We are actively involved with environmental bodies and village councils with regard to such issues as the clearing and maintenance of traditional paths and litter collection. We are also active members of the Naxos Animal Welfare Society. We introduce guests to some of the unique frescos in the islands chapels, and explain their significance. We point out that they are extremely fragile and vulnerable and don’t allow guests to touch them or take flash photographs.
Although we, founders Gilly and Robin, run these holidays rather than local guides, it presents an opportunity to emphasise environmental issues, such as the fragility of the Mediterranean biome and plant communities, waste disposal, water conservation, animal welfare, the seasonal way of life and its hardships.
Guests stay for some of the time at our country villa, where we generate enough solar power to feed energy into the island's power grid. We advise on water conservation, rely on open windows and insect screens for air-conditioning, and serve as much food as possible from our own or neighbouring land; we recommend evening meals at nearby family-run tavernas with home-grown, home-made food, wine and raki.
Community
Naxos produces its own dairy and meat products, olive oil, wine, fruit and vegetables, and we let customers know of local specialities, recommend tavernas known for their home cooking, and use seasonal ingredients, several from our own garden, for our picnics. We give our visitors the opportunity to visit local (rather than tourist centre) pottery and village co-operative weaving shops and explain what’s special about the products. We have vines and olives on our property, which we maintain and process with the help of local people and co-operatives, and can give guests an insight into traditional production methods.
Self-guided guests stay in a locally-owned small hotel in Naxos town, and in family-owned en-suite rooms in the villages of Apiranthos, Filoti and Moutsouna, bringing much needed business to these remoter communities and extending their business beyond the July and August 'season'. We recommend local tavernas and village shops that are locally owned and invariably serve food produced from their own or neighbouring land. When necessary, we use local taxis. As we have experience in journalism, marketing and tourism, we help new businesses in these areas with their marketing and development.
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