Vamos, a traditional destination
Vamos Traditional Village is a small local company specializing in holidays with a difference that focus on the cultural aspects of the Vamos area and which promote ethical sustainable eco-tourism and agro-tourism. Step back in time in our beautiful traditional village, away from the busy tourist resorts but only a few minutes’ drive from several sandy beaches. Our guests range from individual travellers, families and small groups of friends, who love to enjoy the benefits that responsible low-impact tourism can bring to the area and the local community.
In Vamos you will find a warm hospitality, traditional atmosphere, Cretan tradition, village life, pure flavor, and rich flora and fauna.
In short, if you would like to live in a stone and wood village cottage, taste natural honey and virgin olive oil, walk on village paths or local countryside, smell the flowers in bloom, say ‘kalimera’ (good morning) to the locals whilst drinking coffee or ‘tsikoudia’ (local drink) at the village kafenion and tavern, enjoy the sun and sea in nearby beaches, come to visit us!
Using our services is more than just staying somewhere.
It is an authentic Cretan experience.
Our company is managed by Elena, Kleio, Margarita and George. We do our job with passion, working hard to take care of our guests and their every need. We want you to feel welcome in our village and in the house you choose to stay in.
From your first minute here, you’ll have direct contact with us. We will help you from the first email to your departure. And we will provide you with all necessary services to make sure your stay is as enjoyable as possible.
We ourselves have all chosen to live in a small village after coming from bigger cities and we have our own personal experiences with this village and Cretan life. And we are happy to share our enthusiasm and passion for our traditions and the beauty of our island.
The “Vamos Traditional Village” organization was not created to be a business activity and will probably never be profitable. But we are happy!
Vamos Traditional Village
Vamos, Apokoronou 73008 Chania, Crete Greece
tel: +30 2825022190
fax: +30 2825022110
email: [email protected]
Sustainable idea
According to the Cape Town Declaration, 2002, sustainable tourism is tourism which:
- minimizes negative social, economic and environmental impacts
- generates greater economic benefits for local people and enhances the well-being of host communities
- improves working conditions and access to the industry
- involves local people in decisions that affect their lives and life chances
- makes positive contributions to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage embracing diversity
- provides more enjoyable experiences for tourists through more meaningful connections with local people, and a greater understanding of local cultural, social and environmental issues
- is culturally sensitive, encourages respect between tourists and hosts, and builds local pride and confidence
We aim to achieve the above with community based development which preserves tradition and conserves the local environment.
http://vamosvillage.gr/sustainable-idea
Renovation
Buildings from the18th, 19th and early 20th century have been restored with particular attention to their individual architecture, the aesthetics of the house and the local environment. Materials used for restoration are mainly stone and cypress wood and the plaster is made using the special techniques of local builders. Furnishings and decoration are also either antique items or made using local handicrafts.
Moreover, our initiative in using these premises of renovation has influenced local people in the direction of renovating family houses for tourist or other needs, rather than building new ones.
New job positions
The renovation and rebuilding have brought employment to many local professions, including builders, plumbers, electricians, etc.
Local shops, taverns and cafes have flourished as a result of the increased business.
And many local women have obtained satisfying and valuable jobs, such as becoming a chef in our restaurant, preparing sweets for the small handicraft shop, giving cooking classes or cleaning and taking care of our gardens.
Supporting local producers
We support and promote local handicrafts and produce such as wine, cheese, olive oil, bread baking with a focus on traditional methods.
Traditional activities and responsible travellers
By organizing activities such as cooking lessons, country walks, visits to places of interest or to local artisans places of work, we bring visitors closer to our history and architecture, to the local nutrition, to the secrets of nature and we make them feel like more responsible travellers, tourists who respect and protect the cultural and historical aspects of our unspoilt traditional villages. http://vamosvillage.gr/activities
We are not claiming to be perfect, but we do believe we have influenced the local development of both our village and the surrounding area a great deal already, based on the principles of sustainability.
These are extracts from the Vamos Village website, taken by Fresh Eyes with the permission of Vamos Village
Fresh Eyes does not need to be involved with travellers as they go to Vamos Village and Greece (unless you request our assistance), out of solidarity we simply want to link you with people committed to working for more socially, environmentally and economically sustainable approaches to travel there.
Please, Travel to Greece as part of your Solidarity with the people of Greece.
After you have travelled to Vamos Village and Greece Fresh Eyes would appreciate you sharing your experiences. Please write to [email protected] Thank you