Last year I've spent my summer holiday in Sfakia. Sfakia is part of Chania province, and for Crete is quite unique as an area that is still untouched by mass tourism. It mainly consists of mountains up to 2453 metres high, fertile plains, and small villages along the coast and in the mountains in traditional Cretan style. Its small capital Chora Sfakion, also called Sfakia, has 400 inhabitants, and offers a small harbour where the ferries to other villages, and to Samaria gorge, dock. Most villagers live as shepherd, or fisherman, or they grow olives. There are also several family run small hotels and sea front tavernas, and a few shops.

The Sfakia region has about 2,500 inhabitants, and is famous for its history of resistance against invaders, impressive nature, very hospitable people, splendid weather, quiet beaches with crystal clear sea water, good food and wine, and its marvellous opportunities to walk along the coast, hike in the mountains, and go through several of the gorges that cross the mountains. The famous Samaria gorge lies in Sfakia. The area is quiet, being without an ongoing coastal road. Transport here is by ferry boats. Sfakia, in the southwest of Crete, is Europe's southernmost point.

George

Thank you for your support of Responsible Travel projects in Crete. Most of us would probably agree that more projects are crucial. That requires a lot of work by many dedicated people on this island of significant cultural and natural heritage. But if residents "build it" they should be assured that their efforts are appreciated and supported. That's still not clear.

There is much to discover in Crete but also much to protect and preserve. Implementation and support of preservation work that we all benefit from requires our active participation, whether we be public or private entities, journalists or travelers. Most of us love Crete for her culture and natural beauty...but we might not realize that what seems to be so accessible is always at risk.

If tourism is not benefiting the majority of residents or protecting and celebrating a region's fascinating heritage...we need to rethink our collective role in tourism and work together to make it better...to act before it's too late.

John