Alternative tourism is a new manifestation that has only recently been presented itself in society over the last decade or so. Nevertheless, we firmly believe that through alternative tourism you truly get to learn a country, so rich in nature and culture, such as Greece. If you are confused about what alternative tourism is, let us simply break it down for you using tourism as a reference point.
Tourism or even mass tourism is what a large proportion of individuals have fallen subject to, including us at one point in our lives or another. How many of you are guilty of purchasing that cruise around the Greek islands, or that hotel tour package, or abuse those international beach parties where everyone decided to pitch up? The real shame behind that is not being exposed to that personal and authentic experience of being in a country with such rich history, culture and traditions. Tourism is the backbone of many economies, especially for us here in Greece, so let us show you how to really discover Greece!
Alternative tourism is a type of tourism dissimilar to that of mass tourism with the intention of encouraging people to interact with the environment, people and communities. The term is in fact ambiguous and includes various “forms” – for example there is “active tourism” and “explore and encounter tourism” – a broader category; needless to say these categories are not set in stone.
Active tourism as the name implies, inspires individuals to explore the great outdoors. Greece is home to not only historic grounds but to some of the most breathtaking landscapes and waters known to man. Visiting Greece gives tourists an opportunity to actively explore what the nation has to offer. Hiking is a perfect example of one of the many activities that someone may wish to do. Likewise, imagine climbing up the columns of the sky to find yourself floating in the clouds in Meteora, or how about trekking up the mountain of the Gods to be closer to Zeus in Olympus. Hiking, trekking and simply walking around are just some of the activities that you can do in Greece that involve nature. Others that may spark your attention include biking, horseback riding, Kayaking and so on.
One of the most important factors to consider when visiting a country is having the opportunity to mingle with the locals, such as by drinking a class of traditional ouzo or wine and becoming a Greek for a day! We don’t mean to brag, but Greece is known for its delectable and flavorful cuisine, if you don’t know just where to start, how about enrolling in a food and culture tour, it combines both the chance to gain knowledge about Greek culture as well as the chance to fill you up with some Greek deliciousness! Being active and exploring Greek terrain is one thing, but how about Greek history and monuments? The great thing about Greece is the fact that no matter where you may be, there will always be some sort of historical significance lurking around somewhere! Take this as a chance to visit historical places and archeological sites, the Greek myths and stories behind each monument are simply captivating.
Grekaddict offers activities that will expose you to true Greek culture and traditions – check our our experiences here and book your alternative experience today!
