Holidays in Greece, Greek islands

Aghios Efstratios, Greece

nikana80@gmail.com (Nikana) — Sat, 02 May 2009 13:20:00 +0000

Agios Efstratios (Saint Eustratios) is a very quiet, isolated, unvegetated and small island between the islands of Limnos and Lesbos in the Northern Aegean.

Agios Efstratios is around 30 km South of Lemnos and 200 km far from Athens.

The locals call the island "Ai Stratis". The island takes its name from the ninth-century monk Saint Efstratios, who lived and died as an exile there. The inhabitants of Agios Efstratios will proudly show you his supposed grave inside a cave.

It is around 42 km² large.

The population is approximately 300 people. Climatic conditions on the island are arid with little rainfall during winter months and long hot summers. Local topology is mostly rocky with scarce and low vegetation. The island is surrounded by rich fisheries which are being exploited by local fishermen.

In the Medieval times, the island received the frequent attacks of pirates.

From the 1930s and the mid-1970s, it was used as a place of exile. Many communists were sent there during that period, including the world famous political activist and music composer, Mikis Theodorakis, the composer of music for Zorba, the Greek.

In 1968. an earthquake demolished most of the houses, which were replaced by concrete prefabricated buildings.

Jimmy Tsiblis the famous greek artist spent part of his life at Agios Efstratios. Tsiblis lived there as he was president of the Opera House located in the small island for a period of 12 years.

Agios Efstratios is the only small island in Europe with an Opera House.

During his stay Jimmy Tsiblis composed the collection of poems "To Telos Tis Arhis" ("The End Of The Start"), refering to the political prisoners during the 1930s.
Agios Efstratios will appeal to visitors who appreciate the simple, healthy life away from crowds and close to nature. With its lovely beaches alternating with steep rocks, is the ideal place for a stress-free holiday, for relaxation and meditation.

There is only one village on the island, also called Agios Efstratios, which still retains its old Mediterranean charm.

Only a few tourist facilities can be found on Agios Efstratios, including some rooms to rent, traditional coffee shops and taverns. It isn’t developed in terms of tourism at all and that is why you can have relaxing holidays there.

With a colourful array of buildings and houses, and a very friendly and hospitable environment, the island welcomes many visitors each year who are seeking something different from their Greek island holidays.

It has pleasant sandy beaches, many sea caves and small churches dotting its hills, and is ideal for those who desire quiet holidays on an island with minimal tourist traffic.The island has volcanic soil with its largest plain in the northeast section. Much of the coastline is dotted by cragged rocks and sea caves.

In fact, Ai Stratis is regarded as an extension of the Sea Park of the Northern Sporades island chain. A large section of the land on the island belongs to the Aghioreitika Monasteries of the Monasteries of Megisti Lavva, Dionysiou, and Karakallou which rent the land to the locals.

Fishing boats, transport day-trippers to even the remote beaches for a day of sunbathing and swimming. There are small pensions and rented rooms available, mainly in the port, as well as some taverns and cafe-bars.

There are many beaches for that small island: Agios Antonios (Saint Antonios), Agiou Dimitriou (Saint Dimitrios), Ai Nikola (Saint Nicolas), Trigari, Ftylio, Lidario, Tripiti, Gournias, Kalami, Mouroulia and Alonitsi

The main beaches are Agios Antonios, Lemonies and Avlakia.

Camping is free.

The small size of the island makes it one that is perfect for exploring, and those who enjoy trekking will find some excellent routes along which to explore the island and it's magical scenery.

Agios Efstratios can be reached by small ferry from Myrina - ferry Aiolis- (2 hours) either with ferry boat from Lavrio port (8 hours) or Kavala (7 Hours) or Myrina (1 hour 15 minutes).

Hotel Blue Palace, Thassos

nikana80@gmail.com (Nikana) — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 18:20:00 +0000

Beautiful hotel at Tripity beach, 4* Blue Palace, (Thassos island), will be ready at May, 1st. Hotel offers swimming pool (in the garden of 550 square metres), one indoor swimming pool with jets and jacuzzi, waterslides, 2 restaurants - 1 indoors and a taverna on the beach, weekly quizzes and cabaret, lounge with TV, bar area, beach bar, tennis, pool table, table tennis,gym, sauna, whirlpool bath and steam bath...

Samothraki island (Samothrace)

nikana80@gmail.com (Nikana) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 21:24:00 +0000

"Long a vacation secret of the northern Greeks, Samothrace (or Samothraki) is beginning to open to international tourists—particularly those who enjoy nature in its wilder forms. According to Homer, Samothrace was the island from which Poseidon watched the fall of Troy."

Edward Batchelder

S

"It is one of the last truly virgin islands of Greece, where modern civilization has made an exception and hasn’t ruined its natural beauty. Samothraki is an island that wins you over with only one visit and will enchant you with the crystal waters of its waterfalls, its lush vegetation as well as its imposing mountain Saos. From the peak of this mountain, Fengari, Poseidon reputedly watched the development of the Trojan war."

Samothraki a place of rough beauty and rich Mediterranean variety.
The island lies about 30 km in the Southwest of Alexandroupolis. The size is 180sq.km.Alexandroupolis is the port where you can get a ferry to the island. It is en eliptical island very mountainous and the highest peak of the mount is Fengari. It is the highest mountain in the Aegean at 1611 meters. It's an amazing view when you approach from Alexandroupolis and you see the islands shape appear from the haze.

Even though Samothraki has many natural beauties and charms to offer its visitors, it has stayed away from tourist expansion. This only makes it more beautiful. Because the island is off the beaten track it is relatively difficult to reach for tourists, so allmost all of the visitiors are Greeks. But the island has many things to offer for someone who decides to go there for vacations.

The main port of the island is called Kamariotissa and is located on the northwest coast of the island. It has an adequate tourist infrastructure, a bus station, and is the base for the caiques to the southern coast, the sand beach of Pachia Ammos, and the waterfall at Kremasto Nero (Hanging Water), also in the south. This is a small village that consists mostly of a long narrow main street that runs along the harbor's edge. Here you'll find a string of cafes, restaurants, nightclubs, occasional shops offering souvenirs or beach essentials, a few banks, the island's only internet café, and most of its car and motorcycle rentals. Kamariotissa is, in summer, non-stop traffic. There are hotels and apartments in town, but Samothrace's beauty lies along the north shore.

If you head out of town on the main road for about 14 km, you will come to Therma. It's the alternative nightlife spot on the island and the site of the island's mineral springs, that attracts both the elderly and infirm and the young and New Age-ish.

The main town, Chora, is six kilometers inland from the port, and has a lovely, quiet, and picturesque atmosphere. It is concealed in a natural amphitheater in the mountain—a better to hide it from pirates during the medieval period. It's a small and charming town of narrow streets that twist their ways up and down along the hillside, and the central section offers a number of popular restaurants, Greek-style kafeneion with their tables spilling out onto the street, and trendy Western-styled cafés, many with beautiful views over the sea. There is also island's small hospital, folklore museum, and the ruins of a fort.
The entire island displays a raw and wild beauty, with and sheer drops into green gorges, creating waterfalls and natural pools. Much of the southern portion of the island is inhospitable though outstanding for its natural beauty. The southern coast is reached by caique, an excellent way to see some of the rugged beauty of the island. Its nearly 3,000 inhabitants concern themselves primarily with farming, fishing, and tourism. On Samothraki you will find nature at its best, with outstanding landscapes and marvelous walks, hot springs at Loutra on the northeast coast, and wonderful archaeological sites, the most important of which is the Sanctuary of the Great Gods.

Finally there are the beaches, although stoney and pebbly, they are beautiful and very clean.
Pachia Ammos i the most famous beach on the south shore about 15 km from Kamariotissa. The beach offers 800 meters of sand and protected swimming, offering a beach bar, an excellent fish taverna, fresh-water showers, and chaise lounges with sun umbrellas. The beach is accessible by bus from Kamariotissa.

Kipos lies about 18 km east of Therma on the north shore road, and also can be reached by bus. It offers very comfortable sunbathing, crystal-clear water for snorkeling and diving, and an strong dose of peace and solitude (although there is a small food stand).

The Vathos beach can only be reached by tour boat or several hours of hiking from Pachia Ammos. Nearly the entire north shore of Samothrace functions as a beach. The road follows the sea closely, and there are innumerable quiet spots where visitors pull off and walk down to claim their own private pebble beach nestled in the curve of the shoreline.

There are many archaeological remains worth visiting on the island.

Samothraki's ancient site is at Paleopolis. The Sanctuary of the Great Gods can be found there. It is one of the most evocative ancient sites. The rites performed here remain unknown to our date, and this mysticism prevails throughout the whole island.

Samothraki became worldwide known after the beautiful statue Victory of Samothraki which now decorates the Louvre Museum. The statue was discovered in 1863, made of marble and is thought that has been created as a monument for an important Greek naval martial victory. It is a female winged body that descended from the sky in the prow of a boat. Its feathers look like tearing its dress, which "is caressed" softly by the wind, showing off its strong body and its legs, while the drapery of its dress give emphasis in swirling movements. Niki of Samothrace is an unimpeachable sample of the sculptures of Hellenistic period. The name of its creator is unknown.

In July and August it may be somewhat difficult to find a room, so do reserve it in advance. Almost all the big hotels have been built in the 80s with a very sensitive notion to their environment. But they are a bit expensive. Yet, you can find places such as rooms or domatia for every budget category.

Most hotels are at Kamariotissa, Therma and Palaiopoli, while rooms are let at Hora and Karyotes. There is also a camping site at a short distance from Therma.

Some of the famous products of the island are olives, olive oil, cottage cheese, honey and goat meat. Hora is well known for its walnut and apricot traditional preserves. There is fish but mainly what you may find is goat meat like the tasty semi-savage goat on the spit which is something that the visitors have to try.

All the island is very green, you can see there plenty of valleys full of oak and plane trees, thick forests of olive trees, very dense shrubbery, and beautiful wild flowers.

There is plenty of water on the island, there are many waterfalls that flow into deep cold pools, like Fonias and Gria Vathra, that are very nice to bath on the hot summer days.

The island is very rich in animal life. In the many springs you can find many kinds of frogs, toads, and turtles. The meadows are also rich of butterflies. Plenty of goats on the rocky mountainside are clanking their bells in the form of an idyllic melody.

Some of pictures I borrowed from www.samothrakiphotos.com. Take a look at this beutiful blog about Samothraki with hundreds beautiful photos...

Mykonos island

nikana80@gmail.com (Nikana) — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 09:15:00 +0000

"It is by now a common secret that the moment anyone sets foot on Mykonos something happens to them. An invisible electric cable surrounds every visitor causing an inner craze that will soon lead to the first symptoms of a non-stop ecstasy. Is it the landscape? Is it the winds that blow you away? Is it the beautiful and glamourous faces that flood the island? Whatever it is, Mykonos is Numero Uno and wishes you a great vacation!" www.mjourney.com/destinations

Although one of the smallest islands of the Cyclades complex, Mykonos is definitely the most famous, thanks to its natural beauty, rich history, cosmopolitan character, wild nightlife...

It is also the most expensive island of Greece.

It attract very wealthy tourist and celebrities from all over the world.

Also it is still one of the favourite holiday destination of Greeks from all over the country.

All over the social classes can enjoy the beautiful and cosmopolitan island of Mykonos.

Mykonos has a crazy and diversified night-life.

The island is also famous as a Greek capital and oasis for homosexuals. It is considered as one of the top gay destinations in Europe.

Direct international charter flights and regular domestic flights from Athens serve frequently, during summer, the airport of Mykonos.

Mykonos gets really overcrowded during peak season but for those who enjoy the crowd, great fun and all night long entertainment, holidays in Mykonos are ideal.

Most of the people are concentrated in the capital Hora, or Mykonos Town.

Mykonos is also very beautiful with a wonderful mountainous landscape, clear waters, long sandy beaches, beautiful churches, chapels and windmills and picturesque villages.

The capital of the island, Hora or Mykonos Town is one of the most beautiful little cities of the Cyclades.

It is representative of the island’s architecture which is typically Cycladic with white cubic houses with flat roofs, blue doors and windows, narrow streets, flowered balconies and magical atmosphere.

Many movies have been set in Mykonos because of it's beauty.

The island is part of the Aegean group of island called Cyclades and lies between Tinos, Syros, Naxos and Paros.

As a typical Cycladic island, Mykonos’ landscape is very stony and hilly and almost without trees, with only a few olive trees and a few bushes.

Delos and Rhenia are the islets surrounding Mykonos and they were Greece’s most important spiritual centres during ancient times with Delphi and the acropolis of Athens.
Mykonos is famous also for its beautiful golden sandy beaches and clear waters. There is a beach for every taste: nudists, party people, families and those who seeking a break from the madness of Mykonos.

The beaches on the south shore of the island have the best sand, view and are protected from the Meltemi, the local Cycladic wind. In the afternoons they are just overcrowded. The north coast beaches are less developed but just as beautiful. They are less organized and crowded and for those who look for calm. To reach them, one will need a private car or motorbike for no bus serves them, explaining why they are more peaceful.

Beaches:

Psarou: Fully organised beach offering water sports (including a diving school) attracting thousands of visitors during summer.

Platis Gialos: About 4 km from the center of Mykonos town. It is one of the longest beaches on Mykonos. From here one may hire a small boat to visit other beaches like Paradise, Super Paradise etc. There is a very good connection by bus with Mykonos town, till very late at night.

Paranga: One of the island's smallest beaches, it is a combination of two sandy beaches separated by a headland. Although organised, it has a new-age feel about it, with fine sand and huge rocks juxtaposed with blue water. The beach can be reached by bus or by a 15 minute walk from Platis Gialos.

Paradise is famous as one of the best party beaches in Greece, nudist friendly, attracting mostly a young population by all day and all night parties. It is reachable by a footpath from Plati Gialo, by bus or by small boat.

Super Paradise: Nice small beach with calm water, rugged landscape to enjoy. It is famous for nudism and homosexuals. Has parties with very loud music all over the day and night.

Elia: The largest of the southern beaches, it has good restaurants, hotels, bungalows. In the area just before Elia beach, there is "Watermania", a 60,000 square metre water park!This beach is offering water sports facilities such as skiing, parasailing and windsurfing.

Agios Ioannis: Situated 5 km from Mykonos Town, it is fully organised, wind-protected beach, ideal for families. You can enjoy a wonderful view over the island of Delos. Agios Ioannis has soft sand and crystalline blue waters.

Aghios Stefanos: It is the closest to the capital of Mykonos and protected from the winds.

Agrari: The beach located near Elia. Together there are forming the most important sandy beach of the island. It can be reached by local bus and by taxi-boat. It is less popular and much calmer then Elia.

Crete island

nikana80@gmail.com (Nikana) — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 14:39:00 +0000

"Out in the dark blue sea there lies a land called Crete, a rich and lovely land, washed by the waves on every side..." --- The Odyssey

Crete is the largest of the Greek Islands. It is home to around 650,000 people and several million olive trees.

The island has visitors from northern Europe, other parts of Greece, and indeed, visitors from all over the World.
It consists of four prefectures: Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion and Lasithi. Crete, is one of the 13 regions into which Greece is divided. It forms the largest island in Greece and the second largest (after Cyprus) in the East Mediterranean. The island has an elongated shape : it spans 260 km from east to west and 60 km at its widest, although the island is narrower at certain points, such as in the region close to Ierapetra , where it reaches a width of only 12 km.

Crete is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Greece. Fifteen percent of all arrivals in Greece come through the city of Heraklion (port and airport), while charter journeys to Heraklion last year made up 20% of all charter flights in Greece. Overall, more than two million tourists visitCrete every year, and this increase in tourism is reflected on the number of hotel beds, rising by 53% in the period between 1986 to 1991, when the rest of Greece saw increases of only 25%.

Today, the island's tourism infrastructure caters to all tastes, including a very wide range of accommodation; the island's facilities take in large luxury hotels with their complete facilities, swimming pools, sports and recreation, smaller family-owned apartments, camping facilities and others.

Crete lies to the southeast of the Greek mainland in the Mediterranean Sea. Crete’s unique geographical position – between Europe, Asia and Africa – has shaped its history from antiquity to modern times. The island of Crete has a rugged, mountainous terrain, with numerous gorges and ravines. The most well known is the Samaria Gorge, which is 18 km long and has vertical walls of rock that reach a height of 500 m. Samaria is the last refuge of the kri-kri, the Cretan wild goat, and home to many rare Cretan wildflowers. Samaria and the many other ravines in Crete have played a crucial role in preserving the rich flora and fauna of the island, because they are far removed from human activity.

The island has three significant airports, Nikos Kazantzakis at Heraklion, the Daskalogiannis airport at Chania and a smaller one in Sitia. The first two serve international routes, as the main gateways to the island for travellers.

Crete is a different world compared to other parts of Greece. Crete is a place with its own tradition, its own character and its own dialect. Local people are very proud of their Cretan origin.

Nowadays, Crete has a flourishing economy which is based partly on tourism. It has giant hotel resorts where you can enjoy splendid facilities. In the south of the island, you will find hundreds of exotic beaches, some crowded and some isolated which can satisfy any taste.

Crete is famous for its fruit and vegetable production. So by visiting Crete, you have the chance to taste the world-known Cretan diet based on vegetables and pure olive oil.

For centuries Crete has held intact its own distinctive rich and proud culture. While Crete has a modern, rapidly growing economy based on tourism and agriculture, the Cretan people, especially those in small towns and villages still maintain time-honored customs and traditions, including Cretan music played on the Cretan lyra, Cretan dances like the pendozalis, and Cretan food.

Crete has a rich and fascinating history. Modern archaeological discoveries reveal that from about 3000 to 1200 BC Crete was the centre of a flourishing Bronze Age civilization. The Cretan cultural achievements of this period, called the Minoan period, revealed those of Egypt and Mesopotamia in the same period. The island had 90 independent cities, the greatest of which was Knossos, capital of the realm of the legendary Cretan king Minos.

In 67 BC the island was conquered by the Romans. In 395 AD it passed to the Byzantine Empire. The island fell to the Arabs in 826 and remained under their rule until 961, when it was re-conquered by the Byzantines. Following the Fourth Crusade (1204), Crete was sold to the Venetians. In 1645 the Ottoman Empire began military operations in Crete against the Venetians, completing conquest of most of the island in 1669 and acquiring complete control in 1715. Cretan revolts against Turkish rule subsequently occurred and in 1913, following a bitter and lengthy struggle, Crete was ceded to Greece.

Crete’s archaeological sites – most notably the Minoan palaces at Knossos and Phaistos, its rich historical and cultural development, and its striking natural beauty, make it an ideal location for a university.

Cretan people are known for their love of freedom and independence; they have played a leading role in all the struggles of the Greek nation.

Limnos island (Lemnos)

nikana80@gmail.com (Nikana) — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 12:42:00 +0000

"Limnos with one of the prettiest harbours in Greece, beautiful beaches and picturesque, traditional villages untouched by modern-day tourism, hardly fits with any Greek Island stereotypes. It lies low with gently rolling hills, a lush green carpet in the spring that becomes cracling yellow-brown in the summer. The landscape is dotted with fields of grain, quirky scarerows and beehives. "

Limnos is a very beautiful island of Northeast Aegean that you will get impressed as soon as you visit it. Blue sky, clean, wonderful beaches, fresh fish, traditional life,mountains, wild nature...

Castles, museums and unique natural beauties, stone formations and other creations of nature.
The food here is a special experience. Restaurants and taverns prepare for you the best tastes.
Fresh fish is a main characteristic of Limnos island, sea food, local cheese, wines and traditional recipes.
Local people, kind and friendly will offer you anything can make your stay comfortable and pleasant, they will offer yout those things that mother nature gave them so plenty.
There are hotels and rooms all over the island ideal to fulfill any of your needs and demands.

Unique wines, delicious cheeses and delicacies will charm you. Restaurants and taverns are a lot, cafeterias and bars also. Enjoy the special food and have fun till the morning...

Limnos is the eighth biggest island of Greece of 438 s.m. extend.

Limnos is a volcanic island. There are no forests but there are many extensive, fruitful plains with vines and cereals.

The beaches of the island are wonderful and Limnos is ideal for calm vacation.

The basic occupations of the residents are cattle-raising, agriculture and fishing. Also tourism, commerce and nautical occupations develop also.

Limnos produces many goods of excellent quality like: cereals, legumes, wine, figs, almonds and honey. In Limnos island you can taste the great "Limnos" wine, with special odor and taste. Dairy products like feta cheese, salamoura and varelaki.

The island has a lot of special fish. The rocky beaches around the island are ideal for underwater fishing.
According to the myth islands Limnos and Imbros were were one island that belonged to one sovereign. After his death the island passed to the possession of his two children. The first son wanted to take the biggest part of the island. The gods got angry and slit the island into two parts. Lemnos and Imbros created.

This myth must have a historical base since very deep in the sea, in Saint Ermolaos gulf there are remnants of houses, temples e.t.c.

Limnos island has to show a great cultural history, with many monuments and settlements that reveal its great development during antiquity and contemporary life.
At the same time, remarkable customs and morals have their roots years ago and preserve the tradition of the area.
Horse ridings is a very beautiful activity that takes place to the Municipal department of Kalliopi in Limnos, every year at Saint Georgios day, since the era of Turkish occupation.
Even the Turks respected Saint Georgios since the horse ridings had two teams. One Greek and one Turkish.
Only in 1940 stopped for 2 years, since there was no young men, due to the war.
The three first riders used to be rewarded by the parish priest of Saint Georgios church.

There are many sights that worth seeing. The impressive castle of Myrina, museums, Paxies Ammous (where you can see the sand hills) and many other places.
You have also many choices about your stay. Hotels, rooms and studios are at your disposal so as to choose the appropriate according to your needs.

Capital city and main port of Limnos island is Myrina with 16 000 inhabitants.
From 1998. municipal departments of Plati, Kaspakas and Kornos belongs also to the municipality.

The name came from Myrina, daughter of kind Krithea and husband of the first king of Limnos, Thoantas. Was settled in 12th or 13th century when Minies was govern Lemnos and the first castle was built also.

The castle that you see today was built in 1186 from Andronikos A' Komninos.

Ordinary scenes from the small port, taverns, traditional paths, the castle and the chapel of Agios Nicholas make create the picture of a special place. Romeikos Shore is the closest beach and Rixa Nera is the next one. The waters are clear and the sand is beautiful, that is why the beaches are much-frequented. A few kilometres away from Myrina you can see the beach of Avlonas.

The picturesque village of Plati is located on a hilltop close to Myrina.
Down below the hill is the beautiful Plati Beach; a large sandy shore with several tourist lodgings, taverns and bars. Plati beach is considered the most sophisticated on the island and it attracts a large number of bathers. Its sand is perfect for sunbathing, games and idle for chating under the sun.

Next to Plati is the lovely village of Thanos with its nearby superb sandy beach. It is surrounded by low hills. To the east and the west of the village there are still fields on which almond trees are cultivated.

Villages on Lesvos

nikana80@gmail.com (Nikana) — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 20:33:00 +0000

Whoever comes in Lesvos island should visit the village Agiasos. This mountainous village has a particular green nature and excitable inhabitants.

Its narrow and picturesque streets bring the visitor to another period of time.

The Agiasos is a religious and intellectual centre, country mother of wood carvers and ceramists. It will satisfy many of your expectations, especially if they have to do with the religion or the arts (theatre, dance and music), the nature or the tradition.

The village Agiasos got its name from the inscription of the holly icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary that Agathon from Ierosolyma brought with him. The icon was named "Mother of God, Agia Sion".

The Municipality of Agia Paraskevi is situated in the centre of the island of Lesbos.

The architecture is combination of modern and rural.

In the surroundings of Agia Paraskevi there are the most important archaeological treasures of the island.

The Municipality of Agia Paraskevi is famous for the "Religious Festival of Tavros". Until now Agia Paraskevi has managed to remain intact to the effects of the massive tourism' s development. The efforts of the Municipality aim to the development of a qualitative tourism and the financial development of the area without affecting its cultural particularity and natural environment.

Village Gera is situated among the green hills and the olive-trees.

It consists of 6 villages, which are the villages Papados, Scopelos, Mesagros, Plakados, Perama and Paleokipos. The Municipality of Gera is one of the 13 enlarged municipalities of Lesvos.

Apart from its natural beauty, this geographical department has a great historical and cultural importance.

Gera is 20 kilometers away from the capital of the island. Communication is made with buses and it is regular. The trip from the capital to the Municipality of Gera is wonderful.

The climate of the area is very healthy with mild winters and fresh summers because of the north winds that blow in the area as well as in the whole Aegean Sea.

The old castles, such as the Paliοkastro, the Kasteli in Papados and the Castle in Meti, are some of the sightseeing I recommend to the visitor .

Lesvos island

nikana80@gmail.com (Nikana) — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 18:43:00 +0000

"At the eastern end of Greece, the Aegean Sea retains its fascinating nature, challenging you to explore it and enjoy an authentic Greek location.With its warm Greek hospitality, the pure local products and the unique natural beauty, the most uncharted area, unspoilt by tourism, invites you and dares you to explore it."

Lesvos belongs to the islands of the Eastern Aegean Sea and it's the third largest Greek island after Crete and Euboea. It occupies an area of 1,630 square Km and its coastline stretches for about 370 km.

The climate of Lesvos is mild and salubrious : the winter is warm and the sun shines during all the seasons of the year.

Mytilene is the capital of Lesvos.

The Municipality of Mytilene consists of the villages Agia Marina, Taxiarches, Loutra, Panagiouda, Moria, Alyfanta, Afalonas, Pamphila and the city of Mytilene.

It has about 25000 inhabitants.

Impressive buildings of a neo-classic architecture, historical monuments, unique archaeological treasures, and the natural hot springs compose a rich cultural context.

In the centre of Mytilene we will find the Ministry of the Aegean Sea, the Regional Administration of the North Aegean Sea and the Central Administration of the University of the Aegean Sea.

The centre of the town is divided into three main parts: Kioski, which is a very beautiful suburb, the central old neighbourhoods and the west neighbourhoods

Kioski, the old aristocratic suburb of Mytilini where we can find the new Archaeological Museum, is not far away from the Enetic Castle.

The Castle was situated on the isolated, by the channel of Euripus, part of Mytilini and seemed like a small island.

Important ruins of ancient and roman structures are also discovered in the north part of Mytilini. Along the coast the visitor has the possibility to enjoy an interesting stroll, during which he will have the chance to admire the mansion, where the old Archaeological Museum is established, the beach that belongs to the Greek Touristic Organism ,the small and clean beach, called " t' apeili", and above that, on a small hill among the pine trees, the bust of Sapho, the poetess, worked out artistically and given to the Municipality of Mytilini by the American artist Erietta Fors.

Metalia and Palataki in Limenaria, Thassos

nikana80@gmail.com (Nikana) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 09:29:00 +0000

The beach of Metalia stretches golden and "seducing" under the galleries erected by the German company Speidel in 1903. in order to quarry the iron deposits of the island. The quarries facilities stand still while the accumulated red and black solidified iron dust creates a weird scenery. The "Little Palace" or Palataki as locals call i is an impressive edifice that dominates the pine-clad hill and functioned as seat of the company. On the right of the elevation lies the little harbour with the mole and the caiques. Its inlet surrounds a small beach, while its edge is protected bu lower hill. From Palataki a shortcut passes trough lush vegetation and after crossing the little wooden bridge leads to Limenaria.

Path with stairs to the Palataki

Path in the shade of pine trees.

Palataki

Bench in front of Palataki and beautiful view at Limenaria.

Limenaria again...

Cactus around Palataki.

View at Metalia beach and old mine.

Metalia beach between funels.

The only bar on the beach.

At the beach...

Wild ravine behind Palataki. Ideal for nudists...

Rock ideal for jumping in the sea.

...and romantic evenings at Metalia beach...

with view at Athos in the distance...

Santorini I

nikana80@gmail.com (Nikana) — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 23:11:00 +0000

The island complex of Santorini lies in the south end of the Aegean Sea. It is the southwest complex of Cyclades and consists of the island of Thira, Thirassia and Aspronhsi.

Santorini is after Vesuvius one of the most and best studied volcanoes as very seldom in the construction of a complex a volcano appears so clearly. A tragic irony in the geophysical history of Santorini is that the great destruction, lost in the centuries speeds today its incomparable beauty everywhere. To get aware of it one has to tour the caldera from which he will see its deep blue waters and in a height 200-300 meters the dark colored walls of caldera. The different colors of volcanic sand and different kinds of lava are very distinct because of their colors which vary from red to braon and black.

Different geological researches in Greece have proved that in that place of Aegean Sea of today there was a snore that connected Greece with the minor Asian and Crete.

The activity of the volcano didn’t stop exist.

Nowadays the volcano is quite calm. In many a place we can distinguish hot vapours and sulphur from which are formed crystals at Sulphur.

The whole history of the island is involved with its volcanic activity. This activity has formated Santorini throughout the centuries until its nowadays shape and geological structure.

Today, seven craters are located on the Nea Kameni island and one crater on palea Kameni island, just in the middle of caldera. The craters are still smoking even today. This continious gas expansion decreases the possibility of volcanic eruptions.

The main characteristic of Santorini's architecture is the "dug-in buildings", buildings that are constructed into the tephran earth, the tephra. The typical "dug-in house" is characterized by a narrow facade and is very deep lengthwise. At the front of the house we find the living room and at the back, the bedroom.

The ground in Santorini, as well as the ground of the most Cyclades islands is rocky.
But its volcanic structure makes it really productive, especially for some product, that are derived exclusively in Santorini.
Those special and peculiar products are:

Wine (the famous Vinsanto)

Arid Tomatoes, cherry tomatoes of Santorini is a special agricultural product with great history. tomato is a characteristic products of Santorini and has a factory pelte cooperative of Santorini, which gives hope for the future. From tomato besides pelte made pentanostimes fresh salads, but also its famous tomato-balls (tomatokeftedes).

Sprit Peas (Fava) -the Fava of Santorini is the most important products of the island.
The traditional methods of treatment, give the fava of Santorini authenticity and taste specificity!

White Egg is a traditional crop of Santorini. Because of the land's specifications is not bitter like other eggplants. Instead it is sweet and juicy.

Katsouni is like a cucumber, but larger and thicker having lighter color. If the farmer will not cut it at the appropriate time, it change its color and become yellow and tastes very sweet as the melon.

Beaches on Thassos

nikana80@gmail.com (Nikana) — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 22:15:00 +0000

Thassos has more then 60 beautiful beaches. Here are only few of them just to show you their beauty.

1. Alyki beach itself is quite picturesque-the beach is very popular and therefore does get pretty busy. Two small white-sand beaches, calm seas with soft sand in and out of the water, a tradition village, the ancient marble quarries, pine trees, fishing. Here we have a beautiful little beach of which I thought it was only possible to be seen on paintings. Alyki is the site of a great archaeological interest, with many ancient and medieval monuments. Right behind the shacks that stand of the beach today there was once a significant ancient settlement. In its heyday, the settlements was very prosperous, evidence of which can be seen in the surviving monuments.

The most important of these are the sanctuary, the cult caves and the marble quarries. The settlements of Alyki seems to have had its most prosperous period during the Middle Ages judges from what remains of two basilicas churches from the Byzantine era built on a rise a short distance from the quarries.

The beach of Alyki is a favourite among tourists and locals alike as it combines sand, pebbles and rocks while the see is so clear that one loses all sense of depth.

2. Psili Ammos is a tourist resort about 5 minutes south-east from Potos. The beach is about 250m long. It is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. It is the ideal place for water sports.

3. Pachis is beautiful beach just north of Skala Rachoni. There is a long stretch of golden sand backed by tamarack trees with plenty of parking beneath the trees. There are a couple of large tavernas set back from the beach and some smaller ones on the beach itself.

4.Trypity lies to the west of Limenaria, abut 5 minutes put of town and is well marked from the main road. A long dirt track runs behind the beach for much of its length and there are beach bars at either and serving basic snacks and drinks. Cars can be parked under the trees at either end of the long track near to the beach bars.

5.Metalia, beautiful beach in Limenaria.

6. Pefkari, Paddle boats, surfboards and jet skies prominently parked on the manicured white sand-clues, if you needed them, to the popularity of the fine beach. Gently shelving sand and shallow water make this an ideal spot for children and the nearby headland offers plenty of splendid cliff side walks.

7. Marble beach is one beautiful small beach with white send and blue water. This is fantastic and quite place with very clean water.

8. Makryammos is a very pretty beach with clear waters in a picturesque bay bordered by pine trees to the east of the town of Limenas. The beach is sandy, with organised facilities ideal for endless hours of sunbathing. To the right of the beach is wharf , a shelter for small boats and pleasure craft. Right opposite, on the other side of the bay, is small, pine-clad rock adding to the beauty of surroundings.

There are tourist lodgings near the beach for visitors who wish to stay the night.

9. few kilometres down from Panagia is one of the island's the best known beaches. Golden beach appears to be truly endless golden beach with sand which leaves the first-time visitor the speechless. There are pine trees along the 3,5km bay and lodgings for tourists.

Golden beach organised facilities for those who enjoy water sports and long hours of sunbathing. On of the most beautiful spots on this beach from which you can admire its entire expanse, is Vigli, a densely forested place above the beach where a picturesque taverna is situated, surrounded by cool greenery.

10. Paradise beach is one of the favorite tourist spots, is by by road that winds its way through a wooded area. The beach is not particularly long, but the forest around it and the fact that the sea is almost always pounding in with big breakers, make it reminiscent on an exotic tropical isle. The water is transparent green and certain points amond the rocks often provide a retreat for nudists. The small forest directly above the beach is ideal for camping and is full of caravans and tents throughout the summer.

About Greece

nikana80@gmail.com (Nikana) — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 23:31:00 +0000

Greece is a country that has much to offer to the visitors: paradisiacal landscapes, hundreds of charming islands, amazing sandy beaches in crystal waters, a passionate history…

The Greek coast has a total length of approximately 16,000 km. Half this length is found around the thousands of Greek islands.While the rest extends along the mainland.

In 2006, 404 beaches and 5 marinas in Greece were awarded the “Blue Flag” (See below), a figure that places the country in a top-ranking position among other European countries.

The majority of the thousands of Greek coasts are freely accessible and you have the opportunity to discover and enjoy them without the presence of a large number of swimmers. There are also many organised beaches in the country.

The criteria for the award of the “Blue Flag” are the following:

1. Cleanness of the sea and the coast

2. Organisation of the coast and safety of the visitors

3. Protection of nature and environmental education

The islands are Greece’s chief morphological trait and an integral part of the country’s civilisation and tradition. The Greek territory comprises 6,000 islands and islets scattered in the Aegean and Ionian Sea, a truly unique phenomenon on the European continent; of these islands only 227 are inhabited.

Most islands lie in the Aegean Sea and are divided in seven groups (from north to south):

The Northeastern Aegean Islands: Agios Efstratios, Thasos, Ikaria, Lesvos, Limnos, Inousses, Samos, Samothrace, Chios, Psara.

The Sporades: Alonissos, Skiathos, Skopelos, Skyros
Evia

The Argo-Saronic Islands: Angistri, Aegina, Poros, Salamina, Spetses, Hydra and the coastal area of Methana.

The Cyclades: A group of 56 islands, its most important ones being Amorgos, Anafi, Andros, Antiparos, Delos, Ios, Kea, Kimolos, Kythnos, Milos, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Santorini, Serifos, Sikinos, Sifnos, Syros, Tinos, Folegandros, as well as the “Minor Cyclades” comprising Donousa, Irakleia, Koufonisia and Schinoussia.

The Dodecanese: Astypalaia, Kalymnos, Karpathos, Kasos, Kastelorizo, Kos, Lipsi, Leros, Nisyros, Patmos, Rhodes, Symi, Tilos, Halki.
Crete

The Ionian Sea is home to one sole island group:

The Ionian Islands: Zakynthos, Ithaca, Corfu, Cephallonia, Lefkada, Paxi, Antipaxi, Ereikoussa, Mathraki, Meganissi, Othoni, Strofades.These islands, together with Kythira.

The wealth and diversity of the Greek seas, the endless kilometres of the Greek coast and the thousands of Greek islands, the protected sea areas covering thousands of square kilometres, the mild climate, the high percentage of sunshine and its interesting and varying landscape make Greece the ideal destination for the development of sea tourism activities. This advantage is strengthened both by thousands of years of marine tradition and by conditions favourable for sea travelling: the Greek seas are considered safe, distances between coasts are small, while conditions related to wind strength, ambient and sea temperatures are equally favourable.

Greece is above all a mountainous country, as it is occupied by more than 300 rocky masses varying in elevation.

Mt Olympus (Macedonia), known from Greek mythology as the abode of the gods, is the highest mountain in the country, rising at 2,917 m (Μytikas peak). About forty 40 mountain complexes throughout the country reach elevations over 2,000 m.

The Greek mountains are reknowned for their diversity, landscapes of singular beauty and unique forests, many of which rank among the oldest natural wooded lands in Europe.

In Greece you must visit archaeological sites, museums and monuments all over the country offers a vivid picture of the civilisations in Greece, their achievements in arts and technology from the pre-historic era to modern times.

The unique tastes of Greece guarantee that you are in for many culinary surprises during your stay in the country. Contrary to common belief, you will discover that Greek cuisine is not only moussaka, souvlaki and choriatiki salata, but has a wide variety of dishes that can meet the culinary demands of both meat-eaters and vegetarians in an extremely satisfying way. Things could not be different, anyway, in the country that gave birth to symposiums and the Epicurean philosophers. It was, in fact, Archestratos who, in 330 B.C., wrote the first cookbook in History, and reminded us that cuisine is a sign of civilisation.Greece has a culinary tradition of approximately 4,000 years. Nevertheless, like most national cuisines, Greek cuisine has both influenced others and embraced ideas from its eastern and western neighbours.

Thassos: location and history

nikana80@gmail.com (Nikana) — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 23:13:00 +0000

Thassos is located in the south-west of the prefecture of Kavala and rests 12 naval miles from the city of Kavala or 1 hour away using the boat which is in regular service. From the coasts of Keramoti Thassos is 6 naval miles or 30 minute travel. The island overall area is 393km square km. A central major road covers the cirkumference of the island, folowing a paralel course to the splendid coasts, while smaller roads lead to the mountanious villages.
According to the testimonies of historians, the island was inhabited for the first time by the Tracians that had come from the oposite coast in 2000 B.C. With regard to the name of the island there are many versions such as 'Aerie' because of the purity of the air, 'Aithria' because of its deep blue sky and 'Chrisie' because of its gold. However the prevailing version is the one of Irodotos, acording to which owes its name to Thassos, son of the Phoenician king Aginora, who (in mythology) reached the island whilst looking for his sister, Europe, who had being kidnapped from Zeus. In the 7th century B.C. residents of the island of Paros colonized the island. Period of large economic growth for the island were folowed in hte 6th, 5th and 4th century B.C.with the mine features being: the foundation of colonies in Macedonia and Thrace, the intense economic and cultural activity and the circulation of a powerfull currency in the all of the Mediterranean. In 356. B.C. the colonies of the Thasians and their mines in Paggaio were occupied by Phillipos the second, who a few years later in 338 B.C. became the holder of the island and attached it to the Macedonian state.

The roman succeeded the Macedonians an were accepted as saviours, as they granted autonomy to the island. Thassos prospered again in the Romanyears and developed a comercial and intellectual activity. Afterwards, disorderly periods followed in the duration of the Byzantine years, as Thassos was permanently found in the sight of the pirates of the Mediterranean, who mercilessly plundered and depopulated the island, stopping every creative activity, a fact that caused the residents to abandon the coast and to relocate to the mountains where they built their new villages. The island also became a target of many prospective sovereigns of Medieval Europe and ended up in 1455. in the hand of Ottomans Turks. In 1813. Thassos was granted to the Vizier of Egypt Mehmet Ali who loved Thasisans and showed favour towards them. The administration of the island was undertaken again by the Turks in 1902. In October 1912. Thassos was released and incorporated into the body of Greece.

Thassos- the green island

nikana80@gmail.com (Nikana) — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 23:06:00 +0000

Thassos, also known as the green island is a unique island in its beauty and in its production of goods, as nature was generous towards it from the ancient years, by freely offering rich gifts: woodlands, picturesque beaches, mineral resources, olive groves, abundant and varied fruits, wine, honey etc. Along with all of this nature gave to the residents of the island inexhaustible supply of creative activity, that exressed itself in numerous ways in the varied expressions of its culture throughout history. We welcome you therefore to our island and we offer you the possibillity of coming into contact with its natural beauties as much as with its cultural heritage. Share therefore with us natural wealth of the island, its cultural tradition as well as its everyday routine.