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4.3 Hiking and exploration trails

The development of sustainable tourism throughout the year is something the island of Yeu has
been working on for several years by safeguarding natural areas and, very recently, creating a 23km
long coastal footpath around the island and five shorter (two and a half hour) routes for hikers, taking
in the island’s interior, architectural heritage and economic activities (fishing, crafts and agriculture).
Other projects are currently being studied, such as the development of cycling on the island
(establishing dedicated cycle paths, setting up cycling events, etc.), economic discovery tourism and
the development of tourist packages. The last two years have seen the development of many originally
themed tours to promote the discovery of local heritage (tasting tours, nature discovery tours with
specialised guides, etc.).
These tours could be further developed and others set up. There are many sites of interest on the island
that are not given any attention due to lack of financial support (e.g. the moulin du grand chemin
windmill, the Pointe du But foghorn and the citadelle). Moreover, there are no real educational spaces
on the island, except for the ‘little’ fishing museum, which however needs extensive renovation work
to meet current norms and the needs of today’s clientèle. Île d’Yeu has been successful in preserving
its natural areas, but it needs to do more if it is to become a real ‘green tourism’ destination adapted
to both long and short stays.
More information on the project: http://www.ile-yeu.fr/Visite-de-l-ile/Randonnee-pedestre

4.4 Recreational fishing

On Île d’Yeu, several fishermen have started to diversify by adapting their boat for recreational fishing
and a dozen of SMEs have been set up. This activity takes place during peak season.

The municipality is also encouraging tourists and hikers to enjoy beachcombing.
More information on beachcombing:
http://mairie.ile-yeu.fr/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/brochurevisitespatrimoineinternet-1.pdf

4.5 Ecotourism, preserving the heritage of renewable energy

The island of Kythnos set up the first wind farm in Europe in 1982. Few people know about that and
that is a heritage that can and should be highlighted. With the support of the Aegean Energy Agency,
the islanders are planning to set up a Renewable Energy
Sources Museum and a Smart Training Centre. The initiative
will present the technical solutions of the very first wind
farm in Europe, show the remaining facility from 1982 and
demonstrate the renewable energy solutions which are
currently in use.

The museum and exhibition centre could be located in the
old power station, part of the industrial heritage of Kythnos
main town Chora, along with a training centre to be located
in a neoclassical building in the very centre of the town.
The project would combine preservation of architectural
heritage with highlighting the history of Kythnos in the First wind farm in Europe, Kythnos, Greece
field of renewable energy. Similarly to the Samsø Energy Academy, the planned exhibition and visitor
centre on Kythnos will be a competence centre for people interested in energy, environmental
protection and renewables. As the island is not too far from the mainland, visitors from Athens could
reach the island and the centre’s training programmes could focus on training and educating young
people.

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