Bodies and Organizations

Psiloritis UNESCO Global Geopark is an excellent geotourism destination that offers experiences for recreation and education. High mountaintops such as Timios Stavros (2456m.) alternate with valleys, plateaus, gorges, forests, and caves creating unique
landscapes. A variety of birds of prey, amphibians and bats are protected in the Nature 2000 Areas and Wildlife Refuges, while the rich flora offers the opportunity of observing rare and endemic species.

The coexistence of landscape and man is unique. The stone is transformed into a mitato (shepherd’s mountain- shelter), a threshing floor and a dry-stone wall to serve a sustainable relationship from the ancient times to the present day. The area of the Geopark includes many important archaeological sites and monuments from the Minoan period to modern times that are worth visiting such as Idaion Antro, ancient Eleftherna and the Arkadi Monastery. The visitor can discover Psiloritis of every season through mountain skiing routes, hikes and walks in villages with workshops of traditional arts, local food and local festivals.

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The Regional Development Company of Crete S.A. (P.AN.ETAI.K.) was founded in 2003 under the name Anaptixiaki Chania SA in order to take over the management of the then Regional Market of Chania and the building complex in Agyia. The activities of P.AN.ETAI.K. SA are enriched every year with the planning of actions, the implementation of studies, programming contracts and the implementation of projects through National / European programs, programming contracts, etc. Read less

Sitia Development Organization, Local Development Company SA, is one of the first 3 Developmental Companies in Greece. It was founded in 1988 and has participated in over 53 development projects, programs & studies. It aims to contribute to the integrated development of the former Province of Sitia, the Regional Unit of Lassithi and the Region of Crete. Read less

The Museum of Natural History of Crete belongs to the University of Crete and was founded in 1993, while institutionally it exists since 1980. It is housed in the building of the old electric in Heraklion which has been donated by the Municipality of Heraklion to the University of Crete for this purpose. It includes the following departments: zoological, botanical, anthropological, paleontological, geological, mineralogical and has rich research experience, as it has participated in more than 86 national and European programs. It is the only institution in Greece which has organized dozens of scientific missions within the country and more than ten in Cyprus. It is active in matters of natural environment management, education, environmental awareness and the formation of ecological museums in Greece and the Mediterranean. In addition to its collections and workshops, an important goal of the Museum was the creation of an exhibition space where the public would have the opportunity to get in touch with the Museum's collections and be informed about the natural environment. Read less

The Network of Winemakers of Crete started its operation in 2006, wishing to follow a new route and to cultivate a climate of cooperation and synergies. The beginning was made with the Regional Unit of Heraklion, as the central core of bottled wines, thus giving the initial kick to what would follow in time, namely the Network of Winemakers of Crete. Two years later, the Chania- Rethymno Winery Network was created, while the Region of Lasithi joined the process, resulting in the achievement of the Network's goal which was the structured promotion of Cretan wine inside and outside the island. The two bodies operate autonomously but always in collaboration with each other, under the umbrella of "Wines of Crete" on the basis of a collective action planning. The main objectives of the network remain the promotion and recognition of Cretan wine inside and outside the country, but also the development of the wine tourism current on the island while making use of several tourist advantages that exist in Crete. Read less

Lassithi Plateau is in the homonymous municipality and is about 70km away from Heraklion. The Municipality of Lassithi plateau, one of the eight Municipalities of the Regional Unit of Lassithi, occupies most of the western side of the mountain complex of Dikti. The number of inhabitants of the Municipality amounts to about 2.500, while it consists of 11 municipal districts. The primary production sector occupies a dominant position in the Municipality regarding employment. At the same time, the region favors the development of alternative forms of tourism- mainly rural and agri-tourism – while accommodation can support this effort, provided that they operate almost all year round.

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The Cultural Society of Panormo “Epimenidis” was created in 1998 and its members are- among others – residents of the area of Panormo. During its operation, the industrial monument of the Carob Mill was restored and transformed into a contemporary space of art and culture. The main purpose of the company is the organization of Curriculum and Research, with emphasis on issues related to humanitarian education, language and art. The Program of educational and cultural events of the company consists of speeches, discussions, film screenings, exhibitions, music, dance and theatrical events In addition, inside the Carob Mill, where the company is housed, there is a space specially designed for tasting agricultural products.

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