Our visit to LALERI Festival

From the 21st to the 23rd of November, we had the opportunity to visit the beautiful areas of Troizina, Methana and Poros and take part in the LALERI Festival, a three-day journey through olive groves, volcanic slopes and lemon-scented valleys. Mrs. Katerina Sakelliou and the Odyssey NGO team had crafted an experience that invited all of us to connect with local culture, nature and the region’s environmental challenges in a gentle, human-centred way. It was an approach we were truly eager to see in action. 

By the end of the festival, we were genuinely impressed. We witnessed an innovative model that showed how tourism businesses can speak about ecosystems in a guilt-free, engaging manner – helping visitors care without feeling lectured. 

We are sharing these reflections so that anyone interested can better understand the experience, even if they couldn’t join this year. We hope it offers insight and perhaps inspiration. 

Day 1 — Friday 21/11 

Introduction: The Perfect Pairing of Ingredients 

 The festival opened “from the end”, with flavour. 

Since olive oil, oregano and lemon come together so naturally in our regional cuisine, the festival began with a tasting experience shaped around fresh fish. Katerina wanted the visitors’ very first moments to connect them directly with the reality of the region. And so, we started where everything here truly begins: by the sea. 

At the small marina near Odyssey estate, Tasos Ladas, president of the Poros Fishers Union and an experienced fishing-tourism guide, arrived with his boat and the day’s catch. With the calm confidence of someone who has spent a lifetime at sea, he shared stories of modern fishing, the pressures on small-scale fishers, and the growing role of fishing tourism in keeping coastal communities alive. 

To add an environmental twist, instead of the expected fish, Tasos brought lionfish and Germanos (rabbitfish), two alien species that are rapidly spreading across the region. Their presence sparked immediate curiosity. Why are they here? How did they arrive? What do they mean for our fisheries and ecosystems? 

Panagiota Stappa, marine biologist from WWF, stepped in to guide the discussion, offering clear, accessible explanations about invasive species, their impact on biodiversity, and the practical ways communities can respond. She also introduced the upcoming updated WWF Greece Responsible Seafood Consumption Guide (FishGuide), which helps consumers choose seafood responsibly, including Greek and non-native species, aquaculture products and imports. The conversation was lively, genuine and grounded in local experience, making complex issues feel both understandable and actionable. 

Once questions were answered, only one remained: How do they taste? 

Chef Giorgos Mauroulis and his wife Mirto answered in the most convincing way possible, through the plate. Their dishes transformed these unfamiliar species into memorable flavours. Visitors were surprised, delighted, and immediately saw the potential: if handled correctly, alien species can enrich our cuisine while helping our environment. 

The insight was simple and powerful: sustainability becomes accessible when it is experienced. 

1st Visit: Olive Oil – The Golden Miracle of Troizina 

 From the sea, we moved to the land. 

Our next stop was the beautiful Tombazis Estate, where we were introduced to the deep cultural, historical, and nutritional importance of the olive tree. Local experts guided us through the centuries-long relationship between nature, diet and wellbeing, showing how olive oil has shaped everyday life, tradition, and identity across the region. 

It was a quiet yet meaningful reminder that our landscape doesn’t just produce ingredients; it produces culture. 

Day 2 – Saturday 22/11 

2nd Visit: The Volcano-Nurtured Oregano of Methana 

 Saturday began with a sensory journey to the Palaeokastro of Methana. Surrounded by sweeping views and the intense aroma of native oregano, visitors experienced one of the region’s most iconic ingredients. 

Ilias Rizos, from the Methana Citizens Association, introduced us to Methana’s unique oregano variety, shaped by volcanic soil, known for its intensity, and deeply rooted in local tradition. Visitors tasted and smelled the herb, accompanied by small bites the organisers had prepared, creating a simple but unforgettable gastronomic moment. 

An important lesson was also shared: harvesting herbs from nature must be done responsibly, with respect for the plant and the ecosystem. Sustainable foraging is part of protecting our natural heritage, a message that resonated strongly with the group. 

Our next guide, Vangelis Papathimiopoulos, brought the setting to life by walking us through the history of the ancient Acropolis. He explained how our ancestors learned to coexist with nature, using the landscape not only for survival but for creating a balanced, safe, and meaningful daily life. 

The enthusiasm and engagement of the group made one thing clear: people are searching for authenticity, simplicity, and connection – and they find it when local stories and landscapes come together. 

The Community Heartbeat: The Gidi Panigiri 

 The day reached its emotional high point with the Gidi Panigiri (Goat Festival), co-organised with the active To Gidi ton Methanon team. Crowds arrived from local towns, Athens and Nafplio, turning the evening into a vibrant celebration of community spirit. 

The atmosphere was vibrant. Music, dances, conversations, and the irresistible aromas of local dishes filled the night. Watching hundreds of people celebrate together was a powerful reminder of why culture must be at the centre of sustainable tourism. Traditions like this aren’t simply “events”; they are a living expression of identity and belonging. 

What made the evening truly special was the collaboration behind it. 

For the first time, local groups and traditional clubs from all three areas came together, sharing their products, their music, their flavours, and the pride of their origins. It was proof that, when united, our communities can elevate local culture in ways that inspire both residents and visitors. 

Day 3 – Sunday 23/11 

3rd Visit: The Aromatic Finale — A Day in the Lemon Grove of Poros 

 Our final day unfolded in the serene Lemonodasos. Walking through the grove among bright yellow fruit and citrus-scented air felt like a cleansing ritual. 

We began with a scenic walk from Artimos Bay and a small tasting at a local church. 

We then visited the traditional museum of Mr. Kiriakakis, who generously shared invaluable local history. 

At Agios Serafim, the heart of Lemonodasos, Voula Vlachou spoke about her family’s lemon-juice company “Lemonodassos”  and their sustainable journey from tree to bottle. Christina Orfanidou added personal memories that beautifully connected past and present. 

Our last stop was Fotini’s traditional taverna, where agricultural expert Mr. Goumas discussed the region’s urgent water challenges and the structural changes needed to protect the grove’s future. 

The festival closed at one large communal table – a symbolic moment where titles disappeared and everyone became part of one shared experience, reflecting on everything we had seen, tasted and learned together. 

LALERI’s goal is to find the right balance: a joyful visitor experience that also reveals real environmental challenges – not through heavy data or scientific lectures, but through exploring, listening, connecting and participating. 

Tourism should not be short-sighted. It can be holistic – rooted in our heritage, shaped by our landscapes, and enriched by authentic human connection. 

If our region is to thrive, we must remember one essential truth: 

Nature is our silent investor. We must respect it, and invest back. 

You can read a detailed, first-person account of the festival by the organisers. 

Or read more about the Grant, here.