MUNICIPALITY of FESTOS

It is a dynamic Municipality, having its capital in Mires and within its administrative boundaries the tourist can visit the archaeological site of Phaistos, the Matala area known since hippies period and Timbaki which along with Ierapetra have 'marked' during previous decades the production of early vegetables exported all over Europe until today. The inhabitants of Phaistos are mainly engaged in agriculture and livestock farming. In recent decades, there has been a strong residential development, involving installation of artisanal or, mainly, small industrial units. At the same time, the gradual exploitation of opportunities for tourism development, particularly in coastal and mountainous areas where traditional character has been remarkably maintained, reveal new forms of economic activity which claim part of agricultural land.

Timpaki Region

Agriculture remains the main occupation of the inhabitants, whereas processing corporations have been developed in the field of agriculture (packaging), despite the fact that in recent years the situation has not been very promising. In the mountain villages, reaching the roots of Priloritis and the boundaries of the Regional Unity of Rethymno there the livestock farming sector has been developed, whereas many tourist activities have been developed in many beaches of the area.

Zaros Region

The wider area of Zaros hosts areas of particular natural value, wild flora and fauna, whereas at the same time it presents features of particular anthropogenic and cultural interest, based on a timeless course of evolution, showing traces from installations dating since the Late Minoan period until today. The region has enough water of exceptional quality and has developed tame forms of alternative tourism while the lake of Zaros attracts the interest of visitors.