Top Ten Greek Eco-Retreats by Heidi Fuller-Love
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From farm stays, to marine parks and sea adventures follow our top ten guide to eco -friendly retreats.
Why go now? Propelled by a growing eco awareness and a plethora of TV programmes proposing back-to-nature vacation ideas, eco-friendly venues are burgeoning all over Greece. “Not so long ago green awareness was perceived as a neo-hippy thing, but now its trendy to get back to nature in an environmentally friendly way,” says Patrice Lamouroux, editor of www.eastcretemagazine.com.
1. Self sufficiency in Epirus
What is it? Nestling in the shadow of the mighty Tzoumerka mountain range, Kedros village is a family-friendly eco-settlement with its own mini market, bar and restaurant.
Where will I stay? In one of 20 comfortably equipped wooden chalets with solar heated hot water and wind-powered energy.
Why come here? To get away from it all without leaving civilisation, whilst sampling adventures activities ranging from trekking and archery, to rafting in the Arahthos river.
2. Agro tourism near Athens
What is it? Tucked into an undulating sea of olive trees, orchards, and grape vines on breathtaking Kea island, Red Tractor Farm is a guesthouse and gourmet organic cannery run by dynamic Kostis and American wife Marcie.
Where will I stay? In one of the farm’s four houses equipped with double bed, bathroom and kitchenette, only 5 minutes walk from the beach.
Why come here? For rides in a traditional wooden boat built by Kostis, organic cooking lessons with Marcie - and the chance to help out on the farm, if you’re handy with a chainsaw .
3. Eco tower in Evrytania
What is it? Mantania is an 18th century tower surrounded by stone buildings that have been sympathetically renovated using traditional local building techniques, to create a luxurious and atmospheric country hotel.
Where will I stay? In one of the hotel’s sumptuously luxurious rooms stylishly decked out with comfy canapés, ornate bedsteads and giant bathtubs.
Why come here? To fish for trout in the local rivers, sit at the bar and enjoy amazing local-made local liquers made with nuts, and blackberries or just chill out in this untamed region where the forests are full of bear and wild boar.
4. Luxury and organics, Corfu
What is it? Mastrogiannis country retreat is a large estate spread out over hillsides near the picturesque village of Kavadades, which produces organic olive oil using traditional Corfiot techniques.
Where will I stay? In one of the estate’s four luxurious villas with private pool and seaviews set amongst olive- and, lemon- groves
Why come here? To laze by the pool savouring the estates sumptuous organic jams and wines, whilst admiring the fabulous views.
5.Turtles and tradition, Zakynthos
What is it? Close to the protected nesting grounds of the loggerhead turtle at Gerakas beach and surrounded by sweet-scented pine forests,
Logothetis is a working organic farm set within the bounds of the island´s National Marine Park.
Where will I stay? In one of Logothetis comfortable stone farmhouses - tastefully renovated using local techniques, each house has it’s own private garden.
Why come here? To spot turtles, sample some of the farm´s organic produce, then slough off the calories with sailing, scuba diving and water sports in the Ionian sea next door.
6. Peace in paradise, Agistri
What is it? Nestling in dense pine forest on the smallest of the Saronic islands, Rosy´s Little Village has been lovingly renovated to look like a traditional Greek village.
Where will I stay? In one of Rosy´s fourteen double rooms, or two family rooms, with en suite bathrooms and panoramic views over the Saronic Gulf.
Why come here? To escape the summer bustle in a paradisiacal setting and
sup on home cooked organic meals using fresh local fish, vegetables, and herbs.
7. Lakeside lazing, Crete
What is it? A charming Cretan eco-farm, Eleonas resort stands at the foot of Mount Idi overlooking the lake and watermills of Zaros village.
Where will I stay? In one of half a dozen traditional stone houses with wooden beams and open fireplaces with panoramic views over Zaros lake.
Why come here? To feast your eyes on fabulous mountain scenery, help feed the farm animals - and feed yourself on the farm´s home-cooked organic meals.
8. Sea adventure, Cyclades
What is it? A series of week-long sailboat eco projects organized by a team of divers, biologists and environmentalists who’ve banded together under the name Mystic Blue
Where will I stay? In one of the comfortable wooden-beamed cabins of Tahita, the team’s spacious sailing boat.
Why come here? To spot rare species and help the environment, whilst discovering deserted beaches and the delights of sailing, and diving.
9. Eco volunteer, Lesvos
What is it? Set along a bumpy rural track near the pretty village of Milies on lush and lovely Lesvos island, Toumba is an organic farm growing olives and figs.
Where will I stay? In one of the farm’s five bijou guestrooms with hot water and electricity powered by wind, and sun.
Why come here? To join in volunteer activities that include path clearing, spring maintenance and rebuilding drystone walls, whilst sampling local grown organic produce, or riding out on one of the farm’s horses to visit the gorgeous surrounding countryside.
10. Holistic holiday, Peloponnese
What is it? Framed by the Taygetos mountain range and overlooking the fishing village of Agios Nicolaos, The Spirit of Life Centre is a retreat where you can join in holistic- and meditation- courses.
Where will I stay? In one of the retreat’s twin bed apartments, with terrace and garden area.
Why come here? To find inner peace, in between trips out to explore Byzantine sites and beautiful beaches nearby.