Types of tourism

As in the rest of Crete, coastal tourism is important in Asterousia, especially during the summer months.

Ever since the Minoan times, Cretans have lived and been active near the sea. Nowadays, the island’s largest cities are by the coast and some of the main economic activities, such as tourism, are inextricably linked to the sea.

One of the objectives of the inclusion of Asterousia in the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves is the development of rural tourism.

Asterousia has the potential, natural wealth, history, and beauty required to further develop and thrive throughout the year thanks to ecotourism; agritourism; equestrian tourism; mountain climbing tourism; hiking tourism; botanical tourism; gastronomic and wine tourism; spa tourism; cultural tourism; geotourism; as well as religious and archaeological tourism.

The inclusion of Asterousia into the Global Network of Biosphere Reserves of the UNESCO MaB Program aims to promote, strengthen, and coordinate these activities as well as to connect ecotourism activities with cultural/religious events and the historical monuments of the region.