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Protected Area of North Karpathos and Saria Island Nature area in South Aegean region in Greece

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Split between the two Greek Dodecanese islands of Karpathos and Saria, the Protected Area of North Karpathos and Saria Island is characterised by its natural beauty and unique culture which has been preserved thanks to a small population and its location off the well-trodden Greek ‘holiday’ track.

Home to one of the largest colonies of Mediterranean seals and countless rare plants, the rocky coasts and cliffs provide an unbeatable backdrop for the Feel Like a Local on Karpathos Island ecotourism experience.

🏝 Feel Like a Local on Karpathos Island Tour

Developed and managed by the protected area in collaboration with Karpathos Travel tour agency, this multi-day immersive experience includes trekking to ancient Greek cities, traditional cooking demonstrations and snorkelling through an underwater trail from the turquoise beach of Palatia.

Visitors can also meet local craftsmen, visit Olympοs village in a guided tour and learn to dance to traditional folk music.

♻️ MEET Network ecotourism model

The MEET Network’s Model for ecotourism development was used by the natural park to develop the experience during a sustainable tourism project called DestiMED PLUS. The model helped the protected area managers to find innovative ways to reduce the environmental impact of the ecotourism product such as limiting the use of motor vehicles during activities and opting for simpler meals with less meat.

Members of the local community are also central to developing and running the tour which has led to a positive social impact from the ecotourism experience. Through the experience visitors gain a greater awareness of the conservation efforts taking place across the park and the vital role the community plays in preserving traditions from typical dishes to history and art.

👉 Inspire your travellers with the MEET Experiences: www.meetnetwork.org/travel-industry


📹 Video credits: Green Traveller

Original video footage created by: Art Studio - Films & Photography; Director / Cinematographer: Nikolaos Panou; Original music composed by: Manos Agtzides

Underwater footage. Video Production: Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology & Aquaculture (IMBBC), Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR); Scientific supervision: Dr. Thanos Dailianis, Dr. Vasilis Gerovasileiou; Underwater video: Ioulios Glampedakis, Dr. Georgios Chatzigeorgiou

📸 Photo credits: Sara Folegani, Michail Reisis, Elisabetta Freuli

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Hello Travel Massive community! I'm Carla from the MEET Network 🙋‍♀️

Speaking of off-the-beaten-track locations, I bet Karpathos and Saria islands are one as well known as Mykonos or Santorini.

The isolated location of the territory has allowed to keep alive its many traditions, from music and dances to recipes and religion. And all this while having breathtaking beaches and mountains, part of this Natura 2000 site, as background scenery 🌄

A clean-up activity is also planned during the visit to Tristomo Bay, where visitors can contribute to tackling the issue of marine litter. Are you keen on doing this type of conservation activities during holidays?

1 year ago
CMO, UnTours & UnTours Foundation

One of my favorite places in our MEET Network line-up. We loved it so much on our product development trip, we went back afterwards and stayed for almost a month as tourists - slow tourists.

1 year ago
CEO, Sampan Travel

This sounds great. It is always difficult to find the balance between a smooth experience for a traveller, benefit for the local community AND a truly authentic experience.

Well done to those who have created this and hope that it continues to bring benefit and joy to hosts and travellers!

1 year ago
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Protected Area of North Karpathos and Saria Island

Protected Area of North Karpathos and Saria Island was posted by Carla Danelutti in Place , Nature , Greece , Responsible Travel , MEET Network . Updated on Dec 21, 2022 (1 year ago). Protected Area of North Karpathos and Saria Island is not rated yet.
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