Τhe Council of Europe's Cultural Routes at the region of Epirus – Western Macedonia, a new tool of cultural tourism

From the first "Santiago de Compostela Pilgrim Routes" Cultural Route in 1987 to the 14th Annual Advisory Forum on "Resilient and Sustainable Cultural Routes" in 2025, the Council of Europe's Cultural Routes have highlighted a dynamic system of history, culture, values and local economy, unique in Europe, with sustainable development as a common axis. The study, identifying good practices from Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe, focus to the possibilities offered  for the Sustainable Development in the region of Epirus and Western Macedonia, in relation with cultural and educational actions. The Programme of the cultural routes combines cultural heritage with development and environmental sustainability, creating prospects and solutions for the economic empowerment of the regions through which such routes pass. Moreover, this initiative ensures the multi - level integration of various archaeological sites and monuments into historical narratives, through both physical and digital visits to the sites. The objective is to create a comprehensive experience in terms of the cultural and environmental wealth of each region.

 Keywords: Cultural Routes, Cultural Heritage, Sustainable Development, Tourism, culture.