Lighthouse Tourism: Suggestions for an Innovative and Sustainable Use of the Greek Traditional Lighthouses

Abstract

The Hellenic Lighthouse Network (HLN) is one of the most extensive and organized systems worldwide. Some of its most remarkable and historic lighthouses and beacons have been characterized as “Monuments of Modern Cultural Heritage” and are available to the public for small-scale, non-profit cultural uses. An increasing number of activities have taken place at or near lighthouses for the past decade, but lighthouse enthusiasts are convinced that such events could be organized on a more frequent and regular basis. Lighthouses are delicate albeit multifaceted structures that attract people seeking sophisticated and solitary experiences beyond the mass tourism realm. Since the practical significance of lighthouses is declining due to advances in navigation technology, their cultural worthiness is rediscovered and utilized in many tourism development plans across the world. This paper aims at suggesting an innovative and sustainable framework for the tourist valorization of Greek traditional lighthouses that is respectful of their inherent tangible and intangible values. The historical background explaining the cultural heritage Greek lighthouses represent, as well as national legislation restrictions regarding their management, are discussed and taken into account.