Kallichoron Becomes Astypalea’s First Bike Friendly Hotel

The Kallichoron Art Boutique Hotel, located on the Dodecanese island of Astypalea, has been certified as a Bike Friendly Hotel and has received the special seal from NATTOUR, a nonprofit organization promoting sustainable tourism practices, and the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (EEPF).

The seal is awarded to accommodation facilities offering bicycle rental options and tours, bike racks, organic breakfast choices, rejuvenation and wellness programs among others.

Kallichoron is the first hotel on the island to receive the bike friendly certification.

According to an announcement, the hotel met all six basic requirements in order to receive the seal, as well as six of the 10 optional criteria, offering its full support to tourists, who travel by bicycle and seek for alternative and adventure tourism options.

“Our contribution to sustainability, as well as the adoption of environmental practices, has been a way of life and an integral part of our philosophy,” the hotel’s manager and head of the Kallichoron Goes Green program Carolina Alkalai said.

“We look forward to make Astypalea and Kallichoron a meeting point for bicycle tourists,” she added.

It should be mentioned that the hotel launched its “Kallichoron Goes Green” initiative in 2015, with the aim to conserve natural resources through the adoption of “green” practices in harmony with the natural environment of Astypalea.

Within this framework the hotel has been saving energy and water; promoting the use of eco-friendly detergents and products of personal hygiene, while supporting local producers.

‘’It is a great pleasure to welcome Kallichoron to the Bike Friendly Hotels family. We urge visitors to explore the island of Astypalea with bicycles and promote this environmentally friendly practice to the rest of Greece,’’ said Vicky Karantzavelou, PR manager of NATTOUR.

Photos: Kallichoron Art Boutique Hotel