Agritourism is an alternative form of tourism, now evolving into one of the most dynamic sectors; visitors from around the world are showing interest in sustainable development and ecological practices. Therefore, they actively want to experience the rural areas and the rural way of life and strengthen their relationship with the natural environment. Guests under the agritourism live and participate in the work of residents of the region. The aim is to direct contact with rural life, cultures, nature, flora and fauna, the development of the senses that is difficult to grow in large urban city centers. Furthermore, rural tourism can be combined with other forms of alternative tourism such as sports, religious, historian tourism and health tourism. Alongside the benefits of the regions participating in agritourism are many. Agritourism is an economic factor in the development, especially in remote areas of outstanding beauty of the region; it attracts visitors to local events, increases the production and sale of local products, while interesting intercultural events create strong social bonds.
Greek Agritourism can be found in a competitive position relative to other countries, thus helping to protect the natural environment and cultural heritage.
Indicative activities under agritourism is:
- Participation in agricultural work
- Observation of ecosystems (birds, fauna, flora, wetlands visits, etc)
- Participation in sports close to nature (eg rafting, hiking, etc.)
- Cultural tours (eg, visits to monasteries, churches, folklore museums, etc., traditional villages, archaeological sites).
- Courses (eg courses loom, Greek dancing, gastronomy – Greek cuisine, wine, wineries, local produce, etc.)