Skopelos Island, Greece - The Greenest Island

By Giorgos Kontopoulos

It is said that is the greenest of all the many islands of Greece and once you have spent some time exploring this magical place it is a difficult claim to deny. With five million pines, fifty thousand olive trees and only five thousand inhabitants it is a place where the natural world dominates and the heat of the beaches is fringed by the cool of the forests. There are also many broad leaf trees to be seen with sweet chestnuts, walnuts and oak s amongst others and the island has been famous for the production of plums, which were dried in the many plum ovens that create one of the many architectural features seen throughout the island.

The two towns of the island, Skopelos and Glossa, are also of great interest, their beautiful houses with tiled roofs, colourful shutters and balconies overhanging narrow alleyways winding up the hills they are situated on creating a picturesque but real environment in which to have a home. Skopelos town is the capital of the island and has all the modern services you could require but wandering up from the mulberry tree lined harbour front through the myriad of lanes, passing the many small churches, to the medieval castle you could be in any of the past few centuries.

It is a largely unspoilt island which has avoided the ravages of mass tourism but has a good mix of foreign visitors and residents with Greek tourists and the local population. 

Many people choose to stay in Skopelos town but there are a number of kalivis (or small farmhouses) in the countryside being re occupied and renovated and new build houses on sites with spectacular views and their own olive groves or orchards.There are also a number of small villages which have property available and because of the topography of the island you can find a great variety of locations from chestnut filled valleys to coastal planes, from hill tops to beach fronts and from towns to unspoilt countryside.

Often visitors come to enjoy the beautiful white beaches and azure waters for which it is famous but find so much more in a place steeped in history and with a strong living culture. At some moment during their stay whether it be walking one of the ancient pathways, eating in one of the many tavernas or restaurants or just absorbing the atmosphere of this beautiful and friendly island, we are sure that they wonder if it is possible to live in such a paradise, and we are here to tell them that it is.

Getting here 

Travel to Skopelos is increasingly easy with direct flights to the neighbouring island of Skiathos from the UK and other countries and Olympic airways flights to Athens There are connections by the Flying Catamaran, Flying Dolphin and car ferries to Thessaloniki and Volos which have international airports and Aghios Constantinos for connections to Athens.

http://www.skopelostopos.gr [http://www.skopelostopos.gr/realestate_en.asp]

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Apostolos_Dimitriadis

Corfu -The Spianada and the Old Castle

By Gigi Fitrakis

Our description of Corfu town begins, naturally enough, at the Spianada: the large open area which lies between the town and the Old Castle. The original reason for which this area was not built on was so that the Castle gunners would have a clear field of fire at any besieging forces. At the same time, it was useful as a parade ground. Today, the southern part has been turned into a pretty park, with a bandstand, statues and shady walks, and the northern section, nearest the Castle, doubles as a car park and cricket pitch. Cricket and ginger beer are among the few legacies of British rule; but it was the French who first had the idea of planting trees on the Spianada. Despite the different national origins of the buildings around the Spaniada -Venetian, French, British and Greek they all blend together into a harmonious whole which, in the soft Corfiot light, is very pleasant to the eye.

The building which stands on the western side of the Spianada is one of Corfu town's chief glories. This is the arcaded row of cafes and restaurants known as the Liston, which was built during the brief period of French rule to plans by the engineer Lesseps, father of the man who built the Suez canal. There is an almost identical series of buildings in the Rue de Rivoli in Paris.

The cafes of the Liston are one of the places of which it could be said that if you sit there long enough everyone you know in the world will come by. This is the centre of social life in Corfu, and there is an almost constant bustle of movement and hum of voices all day, all the year round.

Moving to the southern end of the Spianada, visitors'-curiosity may be aroused by the shell of the building which stands at its furthest extremity. This was originally a barracks -the Grimani barracks- and after 1840 it housed the Ionian Academy, as which it is better known. The Ionian Academy, which was founded in 1808, re-founded in 1824 and closed in 1864, was Greece's first university and did much to elevate Corfu to the status of a major centre of Greek learning and culture. The building was ruined in the bombing of 1943.

This part of the Spianada is notable for one of Corfu's most impressive spectacles: the moment of the Resurrection at Orthodox Easter. The Bishop of Corfu and other dignitaries ascend the bandstand, and at exactly midnight on Easter Eve, when the officiating priest pronounces the words "Christ is risen!", his words are greeted with a roar of approval, fireworks, and the lighting of thousands upon thousands of candles by the vast crowd which has gathered. This is the only place on the island where the Resurrection is celebrated at midnight on Easter Eve, and so congregations from all over Corfu mass here to celebrate. The churches in the town and the villages celebrate the Resurrection at 12 noon on Easter Sunday.

Also on this part of the Spianada is the Rotunda, a pleasant structure built to commemorate Sir Thomas Maitland, first Lord High Commissioner (1815 -23).

The entrance to the Old Castle or Fortezza is almost directly opposite the Liston.

The castle is rather a sad sight today; the fortifications on its seaward side are crumbling and whole sections have already collapsed; the large building which stands on the saddle between its two peaks (once a British military hospital and until recently a Greek army training unit) is gradually falling apart and the whole site is overgrown and untended. Yet the fortifications themselves are a masterpiece of the art of the military engineer, and the Castle is well worth a visit for that reason and for the view from it.

It is easy to see why this site was chosen as the ideal place to build a fortified town. It is easy to defend against land attack, and because it juts out into the channel can easily serve as a point for controlling sea traffic.

To the north of the acropolis a small port was built, while still further in this direction was a natural bay which was used as a ship harbour.

The first fortifications were erected by the early 8th century and seem to have consisted of a landward wall and the first moat. No major alterations or additions were made to this plan until the period, in the 16th century when Venetian Corfu was being threatened by the Turks, when the whole town was fortified (see above). At this time, more bastions were built and the fine west gate was constructed and widened.

Leaving the Castle, we continue towards the north end of the Spianada, the whole of which is occupied by the Palace of Sts Michael and George.

This superb neo-classical building in soft Maltese stone which blends in nicely with the surrounding buildings has a curving Doric facade and was designed by Col. George Whitmore in 1819 as the residence of the Lord High Commissioner. The concept of the Palace stems from the country houses of the English aristocracy, on their estates. It is a unique example of Georgian architecture in the Mediterranean area. It also housed the Ionian Senate and the offices of the Order of Sts Michael and George. In the period 1864-1913 it was used by the Greek royal family as a summer residence, but subsequently fell into disrepair.

In recent years it has been restored -and currently houses the Corfu archives- but it is not open to the public.

Also in the building are the Museum of Asiatic Art and a branch of the police station (in front) and the Public Library and the Inspectorate of Classical Antiquities (from the left).

The carvings on the cornice of the Palace represent the seven Ionian Islands; Corfu is shown as a ship. The imposing hall on the ground floor is adorned with two rows of Ionian columns and paintings with scenes from the Odyssey. In the distance a magnificent staircase divides to right and left halfway up, leading to the antechamber on the first floor, which has Corinthian columns. Facing the staircase are the three main halls of the Palace: a circular central ballroom, a throne-room to the left and a banqueting hall to the right.

This walk has taken us right round the Spianada and back to the Liston - which is probably quite a good reason for making use of its facilities and having a cooling drink.

A Corfu Travel Guide is an essential item to find out where Corfu Traditional Villages and Corfu Pontikonisi are.

Hello everybody! I am really happy to be here sharing my experiences with you and learning things that I didn't know about. I hope you enjoy reading my articles as much as I enjoy reading yours!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gigi_Fitrakis

The Hidden Jewel of the Greek Islands

This small egg shaped Island of Samothraki is one of the most beautiful and diverse Islands in Greece, but is still not on the beaten tourist route. It is relatively hard to get to and there is no package holiday resorts on the Island. Greek Tourists have known about the Island for a while and there is a fair smattering of visitors during the peak season of July and August and due to the small amount of Hotels, it can get heavily booked.

The fact that it is not that easy to visit is what has probably kept Samothraki in its current state, with its towering Mount Fengari, ancient valleys and the imposing Sanctuary of the Great Gods. This is widely considered to be the most well kept of the Greek Islands and even the Hotels that have been built are sensitive to the environment, which is always a good thing!

The Capital of the Island is the Town of Hora which is hidden beneath a fold in the mountains and is a beautiful and picturesque Village. The steep cobbled streets of the Capital are a wonder to explore and are not motor vehicle friendly, which is why the Town has kept its traditional and authentic feel. At the top of the Town is the ruin of its former Castle, which has magnificent panoramas over the Port Village of Kamariotissa and the coast.

The Sanctuary of the Great Gods is one of the most evocative of the Classical sites in the whole of Greece and the vagueness of the religion worshipped here and its initiation rites adds to the mysterious sense of exploring it. The signs to the ruins are in both Greek and English which is always helpful to us Anglophiles and help explain what little is known about these extensive ruins. The site is in a great condition and you will not come across many like it in Greece or maybe even in the whole of Europe! It really is in a fabulous condition. The Sanctuary of the Great Gods is easily visited as a day trip from Hora.

15 kilometres east from the Port Village of Kamariotissa is the little Village of Therma which seems to be the closest Samothraki has to a resort, with many domatias (local bed and breakfasts). Many of the visitors stay here as it is a convenient base from which to explore the Island. It is set a few minutes walk inland from the coast with plenty of greenery to brighten up the settlement. The Thermal baths here (from which the Village gets its name) are said to be very good for those who suffer from Arthritis.

The only sandy beach on the Island is on the South coast and can be reached by regular boats from Kamariotissa. The beach stretches for eight hundred metres and around the headland is the superb Vatos beach which is mainly used by Nudists. There are some domatias here, but they fill up quickly.

There is no Airport on Samothraki and the only way to reach the Island is by Ferry. Ferries link Samothraki with Kavala on the northern Greek Mainland, where there are regular buses from Thessaloniki. There are a number of airlines that fly to Thessaloniki from all over Europe and Greece.

The currency of Greece is the Euro which is divided up into 100 Cents.

For further travel resources, including travel articles and guides on many beautiful locations, why not visit http://www.travelllama.com you can also enter our complimentary travel draw.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Martin_Kleis

Discover the Walls and Gates of Old Rhodes Town

 by Frank. Jaeger

A wide variety of tourist spots and some of the most eye-catching historical sites are on offer by the Old Town Rhodes. You must pay a visit to Rhodes in order to get yourself back into the 14th and 15th centuries and enjoy the pleasures of Rhodes accommodation during your vacations.

Medieval Town Rhodes:

The Medieval Town or the Old Town Rhodes has been added to the list of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. This Prehistoric Town is surrounded by various medieval gates and walls. On your entrance to this place, you will find yourself into a completely new world.

It is not only the walls and gates but also the Rhodes accommodation, restaurants, museums, cafes and shops give the impression of Medieval Rhodes. Everything; the walls, the gates, palaces and Rhodes accommodation in the area have been conserved in very good state. In this article we will give you a brief overview of the walls and gates of this amazing old town of Rhodes.

Walls in the Old Town Rhodes:

The wall surrounding the Old Town Rhodes is as monumental as it is impressive. The wall is continuous having a length of about four kilometres and borders an area of 8,611,128 square feet.

The wall is a huge stone structure that provided a walking platform for the knights to move and fight from. On the walls, several bastions and monumental towers project from different places which have detailed stonework.

The Collachio:

There is an interior wall that runs from east to west and divides the Old Town in two parts. The smaller part of the town in the north side is Collachium. The famous Street of the Knights is the most beautiful area of the town and is visited by many tourists and visitors.

In the developed tourist resorts in Old Town you can find all facilities like Rhodes accommodations, restaurants, cafes and museums etc.

Gates in the Old Town Rhodes:

The Old Town Rhodes has many gates and each of it has its own charm. So one must visit and explore all of them. Also you can find good Rhodes accommodation nearby these gates. Following is an account of gates in the Old Town Rhodes.

• St Catherine's Gate also known as Sea Gate was used as the main gate of the town. St Catherine's Gate was built by Grand Master Pierre d'Aubusson in 1478.

• St Paul's Gate is another gate of the old town which is protected by a high tower and surrounded by a small low wall. Here a relief portraying St Paul was placed by Grand Master d'Aubusson.

• Mills Gate in the old town was used to go from the Jewish quarter to the Emporium.

• Outer St John's Gate is a historic gate from where the Italian troops entered Rhodes town in 1912.

• Another popular gate in the old town is the St Anthony's Gate which is the western gate of Rhodes. The gate after adding the redesigned walls has become the last part of d'Amboise's Gate.

• D'Amboise gate is quite popular and catchy among the other gates and is quite important from military viewpoint. It was built during the rule of Grand Master Emery d'Amboise.

• Being near to the St. Mary’s Tower, St. Athanasius' Gate is surrounded by side-walls. It was blocked by the Grand Master d’Aubusson in 1501.

One of the top Rhodes accommodations in old town is the Domus Studios Rhodes. It offers great environment and luxuries to the tourists during their Rhodes holidays.

Reserve a best Rhodes Accommodation on the Island Rhodes. Several studios, apartments and hotels in Rhodes Old Town offer top quality facilities.

Article Source: Discover the Walls and Gates of Old Rhodes Town

Heraklion - Land Of Myths And Dreams

Author: George Papas

Heraklion (also known as (Iraklion or Iraklio), is the capital of Crete and a window to the world - the centre of its economy, commerce and development, as well as the heart of its tourism and cultural activities. 5km east of the city is the Heraklion International Airport, Greece's second largest and second busiest airport. The city is also a major port of call for cruise ships and cargo liners.

Heraklion is an interesting city famous for its historical monuments, as well as for its beauty. It attracts hordes of tourists from around the world. The old districts of Heraklion remind us of the old Turkish city, surrounded by the imposing Venetian walls. The modern district, however, extends beyond the fortress and gives the impression of a megalopolis.

The city boasts a large number of squares, such as Trion Kamaron (or Eleftheria Square), Eleftherios Venizelos, etc. Facing the harbour is the uninhabited island of Dia, which is occupied by rabbits. The locals' favourite promenade extends between Eleftheria Square and Bendenaki, i.e. the northern coastal section of the wall.

One of the city's best attractions is the internationally renowned Minoan Museum which is unique in the world because of the large number of Minoan artefacts. It houses the famous Knossos murals, the Agia Triada sarcophagus, the amazing snake goddesses, the Phaistos disc with the undecipherable Minoan scripture, etc.

SIGHTSEEING:

• The History Museum of Crete contains interesting religious and ethnological exhibits found on the island in the first Christian centuries and after.

• The Morosini Fountain is found in the central square of Heraklion and was built by Venetian General Fancisco Morosini. It is decorated by four lions. Abundant water runs from their four open mouths, while their backs support a large marble basin

• Koules is the Venetian castle located at the entrance of the harbour. It was built in 1523-1540. The three lions of St. Marc are found there.

• The Venetian walls of Hand aka: this is an important fortification work of the time. Its building took the Venetians 100 years. It is surrounded by 12 small fortresses, whose ruins have been preserved to this day.

In addition, there are many churches that have beautiful decoration and valuable hagiographies.

• The Archaeological Museum of Heraklion is one of the most important museums in the world. It is located near Eleftheria Square and has one of the largest and most important collections of Minoan exhibits.

• Agia Aikaterini, located on the same-named square, houses the Museum of Ecclesiastical Art with unique hagiographies from the Cretan School and ecclesiastical artefacts.

• On the same square is the Cathedral of Agios Minas, an imposing 19th-century building, while in front of it is the original church of Agios Minas, a medieval building with interesting decoration and icons.

• The Byzantine church of Agios Titos is located at the archaeological site of Gortyna. In one of its chapels, there are traces of 7th-century murals.

• Ancient Amnissos (the ancient port of Knossos). The region is closely linked to the mythology and history of Crete. Excavations brought to light a Minoan mansion dating back to around 1600 B.C.

• The Cave of Eileithyia, 1 km south of Amnissos, was a place of worship. According to mythology, this is where Hera gave birth to Eileithyia, the goddess of childbirth.

• The archaeological site of Archanon, where a stone-built Minoan mansion was found.

• Anemospilia, the cave at the foot hills of Mount Juktas, where a human sacrifice was recently revealed, the only one to be related to Minoan Crete.

• The archaeological site at Malia is one of the most organised. It was inhabited since the Neolithic Age and has two palaces, both contemporary to the ones at Knossos and Phaistos.

• The archaeological site of Knossos: Just 5 km from Heraklion is the largest Minoan palace and one of the most important archaeological sites of Greece. The Palace of Knossos flourished for more than 3,000 years.

• The archaeological site of Phaistos: You will admire the old palace, which contains ruins of Hellenistic and Roman buildings, above those of the ancient city.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/greece-heraklion-land-of-myths-and-dreams-805360.html

Lefkada

Lefkada is an island of spectacular natural beauty, a majestic scene where steep white cliffs encounter long white beaches on an island with dozens of caves, springs and even waterfalls. Discover traditional villages with stone houses scattered in a mountainous landscape  filled with olive groves, oak and pine trees. Enjoy a romantic view of the Ionian sunset. This gem of the Ionian sea is a perfect holiday getaway for a peaceful vacation. 

Lefkada is located in the Ionian islands. The fourth largest island of the Ionian sea is famous for its   amazing beaches, especially Porto Katsiki which is believed to be one of the best beaches in the mediterranean. A narrow strip of land and a floating bridge connects the island to the western mainland, making Lefkada the only island in Greece that can be reached directly by car. The town of Lefkada is the island's capital and is located in the nothern part of the island.

History

Archaeological research near the city of Nidri has brought to light remains of human civilization dating back to 2000 b.c. The name Lefkada is documented since the ancient years and has its origins from the white colored cliffs along the coast. The island participated in Greece's most crucial historical  moments such as the Persian wars, the Peloponnesean war and Alexander the Great's campaign to the east. The island throughout history has been conquered many times and in 1864 was finally united with Greece.

Must See

The town of Lefkada

After passing the floating bridge that connects the island to the mainland, Lefkada is the first thing in sight. The town's architecture is influenced by Venetian and Ionian architecture that can be found in Corfu or Zante. Most of the houses in Lefkada are two story buildings with the top floor made of wood whereas the bottom floor is from stone. The town's major tourist attraction  is the Castle of Saint Maura that was built in 1300 a.d., the church of Saint Nicholas and the church of Saint Spyridon, both dating from the 17th century. 

Villages of Lefkada

Nidri

Nidri is located on the eastern coast of the island and is a popular destination for its night life and tourist facilities. The town became famous in 1963 when millionare Aristotle Onasis decided to buy the island Scorpios which belongs to a small cluster of islands in the Nidri bay.  The daily boat tour from Nidri to the Porto Katsiki Beach and to the islands of Ithaca and Kefalonia is highly recommended.




Vasiliki

The village of Vasiliki is one of the most popular spots of the island, mostly because of its watersport facilities and especially because of wind surfing. The bay of Vasiliki is ideal for windsurfing and is rated as one of the ten best on earth, attracting surfers from all around the world. Vasiliki is located 40 kilometers south of Lefkada.


Agios Nikitas
Agios Nikitas is one of the island's most beautiful villages located on th northwestern coast, 12 kilometers from Lefkada town. Agios Nikitas attracts families and romatic couples with its traditional Ionian style buildings, taverns and bars built right next to a beautiful small beach. Cars are not allowed in the village and everything is in walking distance. The village is surrounded by a large forest of olive trees.


The mountainous villages
Most of Lefkada's Villages are in the mountains. Each and every one of them is exceptional for its own reasons.  Be sure to visit Drimona, Exanthia, Kalamitsi and Dragano.


Beaches of Lefkada

Egremni Beach

The most impressive feature Lefkada has to offer is definitely the island's stunning beaches, especially those on the west coast that are washed by the sparkling water of the Ionian Sea with its unbelievable blue color tone. Only 15 kilometers south of Lefkada town you can easily reach the beautiful beach of Kathisma. The beach is well organised with plenty of taverns and watersport facilities. After noon Kathisma tends to get a bit crowded. If you continue your trip down south and after passing the small village of Athani, 40 kilometers from Lefkada, lies the beach Egremi. The name Egremni means cliffs and was chosen to describe the striking cliffs that surround the beach. Getting to the beach is quite a task because of the 350 steps needed to reach the sea level so be careful not to carry too many things with you. After eventually arriving to the beach, the breathtaking contrast between the crystal blue water and the white cliffs will reward you for your effort. The most popular beach on the island is Porto Katsiki. Katsiki in greek means goat, and the beach was named after it because goats were the only creautures able to reach the beach through the rough and steep landscape. Over the beach is a large white arced shaped cliff. The natural scenery is outstanding and the blue-white waters are magnificent. The unique color of the water is a result of the white limestone dissolving in the blue water. Porto Katsiki is consistently rated as one of the best beaches in europe. If you decide to go to the beach in the high summer season prefer doing so early in the morning or late in the afternoon because the beach tends to become overcrowded and noisy. For those who are looking to escape from the overpopulated beaches there are many other beaches to choose from. Visit the beaches of Kalamitsi, Megali Petra or Gialos that are also located on the west coast and are between Lefkada and Porto Katsiki.


The Dimorasi Waterfall

One of the Lefkada's most famous attractions is the Dimorasi waterfalls. Although during the summer the quantity of water in the 17 meter high  waterfall is not too impressive, the 400 meter walk through the forest to get there is well worth the while.










Museums of Lefkada

• The Archaeological Musum of Lefkada ,located in the town of Lefkada, exhibits findings dating back to the early bronze age

• Orfeus Folklore museum. Located In the town of Lefkada near the church of Agios Spiridon.This museum was founded in 1937 and displays a representation of  traditional Lefkadian everyday life with a collection of items such as tools, textiles and dresses.

• Museum of Phonographs. Located in the town of Lefkada. A private collector founded the museum in 1980 with a collection of old phonographs. 

Local Products

Honey

Taste the rich honey from thyme which grows in Dragano and Athani

Wine

Drink wine which is produced from a rare variety named  “berjami” or barzamino, considered one of the best varieties of our country. The variety's origin is said to be from the Venetions who brought it to Lefkada back in the 17th century.

How to get to Lefkada

Lefkada is the only island which can be visited by car, from the Greek Mainland,  by using the floating bridge connecting the island with Akarnia. The port of Patras is 180 kilometers south of Lefkada and is the main port that connects Greece with Italy. Th Athens International Airport is approximately 400 kilometers far from the island.

Προβολή μεγαλύτερου χάρτη

Santorini

Fira

Santorini is the island of lovers. Volcanic landscapes, breathtaking sunsets, traditional villages and deserted beaches create a one of a kind  romatic scene. This unique island was created from a volcanic eruption nearly 4 thousand years ago. Born of fire, this island of  the Cyclades, with its long and troubled history knows how to enchant its visitors. With unparalleled beauty, Santorini captures the senses. 

Santorini is one of the most popular summer destinations in the world. Located at the southernmost tip of the Cyclades and at a 63 nautical miles distance north of Crete, Santorini  retains a traditional Cycladic color, but has its own character. Because of the volcano and the volcanic landscape, there is a uniqueness to this island that creates an atmosphere not found anywere else in the Cyclades and the Aegean. 

Santorini is filled with picturesque villages built on the dark rock of the island that offer a spectacular view of the Aegean Sea. These villages maintain the traditional Cycladic architecture with whitewashed houses and large terraces that offer moments of relaxation. 

Where to Stay

There is a wide variety of hotels and rooms to suit all tastes. During the summer months booking required. Anastasis Hotel in Imerovigli is recommended. Don't wait for the last moment to find a room.

Must see 

The volcano of Santorini

The volcano of Santorini, otherwise known as Caldera, is one of the few active volcanoes in Europe. The island is a remnant of the volcanic island Stroggili, which was activated in 1613 BC, thereby leading to the creation of the islands of Santorini, Thirassia  and Aspronisi. 

The Prehistoric settlement of Akrotiri

Akrotiri is one of the most important prehistoric settlements of the Aegean. This is an area of ​​200 acres, where visitors will see the findings of an ancient culture, a historic journey of 4,000 years that was buried under the ground because of the volcano. 

Ancient Thira 

Located on the southeastern coast of the island, excavations revealed the remains of Hellenistic and Roman period.

The Villages of Santorini

The village of Oia

Across the island, the visitor encounters villages that offer hospitallity and an ideal place for relaxation. Santorini's capital is the town of Fira, built on the very edge of a 800ft cliff. The village of Fira is a typical Cycladic village made of small white houses with blue windows and doors, separated from each other by small paved streets. Many of its beautiful buildings were built back in the times of the Venetian invasion, including some blue domed churches and sun-bathed verandas that offer an incredible view of the volcano and the sunset.

Except from Fira visit the beautiful villages of Oia, Imerovigli and Firostefani and enjoy the spectacular view of the sea. Futhermore, the coastal settlements of Kamari, Perissa Vlychada are beautiful beaches for swimming. In the inner part of the island there are the beautiful villages Emporio, Messaria and Tower. 

Beaches of Santorini

Because of the volcanic landscape, Santorini offers very unique beaches with sand and pebbles rarely found in the Aegean. Beautiful beaches such as Black Beach, Red Sand, White Sand, Kamari, Perissa, the Vlihada. 

Museums of Santorini

• The Prehistoric Museum of Santorini - Thiron, with exhibits from the excavations of ancient Thira. 
• Archaeological Museum of Santorini - Thiron.The museum exhibits sculptures and inscriptions from the Archaic to the Roman period, pottery and clay figurines from the Geometric to the Hellenistic period. 
• The Folklore Museum Lignos A. Houses exhibits that depict the daily lives of residents in the 19th century, showing artifacts, photographs, books and tools.
• Art Space - Wine Museum. An old winery in 1861, was converted into art galleries, where visitors see the old treatment plant vineyards, the still, the presses, along with exhibits of contemporary visual art. 

Local Products

Wine 

Given the particular soil and climate, the island has a long tradition of vine cultivation and production of fine wines, ranging from prehistoric times. The most famous are the white and Athiri Aidani and red Mantilaria, and Mavrotragano Voudomato. 

Split peas 

It is famous for its unique flavor and dark yellow color. 

Tomatoes 

Delicious small-sized cherry tomatoes with a very strong flavor and aroma. 

White Eggplant 

Different from the usual eggplant, not only because of the white color but also for its sweet taste. It is eaten roasted or fried. 

Cucumbers "Katsouni" 

Katsouni is kind of round cucumber very sweet in flavor and whiter than usual cucumber. 

How to get to Santorini

The Thira airport is a small but very busy airport located on the island.You can get there from the Athens airport. Olympic Airways and Aegean Cronus Airlines operate daily to Santorini and the flight is approximately 45 minutes long.During the summer there are flights from Thessaloniki to Santorini. You can also get to Santorini by ferry from Piraeus Port. There are also ferries to Santorini from Rafina, Thessaloniki, Dodecanese and Crete. On the island you can use inexpensive public transportation services such as buses or you can take a taxi.

Προβολή Santorini

Mykonos

Mykonos is one of the most famous islands on earth. It is an exotic place were thousands of people meet every year to dance, party and make love from sunrise till sun fall. Mykonos is a place you must experience. The beautiful landscape, the Cycladic architecture, the crystal clear blue water and the golden beaches combined with the never ending parties, the romantic summer nights and the celebrities make this island majestic. 

Mykonos is located in the Cycladic islands of the Aegean Sea approximately 94 nautical miles south of the port of Piraus. Though the island is known mostly for its clubs and beach bars, it has much more to offer. Mykonos is filled with art, amazing buildings and incredible beaches. Discover the quiet neighborhoods and the local products.

History of Mykonos

In Greek mythology, Hercules buried the Giants under the islands great rock formations.Through its troubled history, the island has been conquered by the Ions, the Romans, the Byzantines, the Venetians and the Turks.During the Greek revolution of 1821, the people of Mykonos, lead by thy island’s hero Manto Mavrogenous, successfully took part in the revolution. 

Must see 

Villages of Mykonos

Mykonos has two charectaristic villages, Chora and Ano Mera, two villages so beautiful for so many different reasons. If you're looking for the vivid nightlife, the exceptional architecture and a cosmopolitical atmoshere, Chora is the place to be.

Chora is the island's capital. Here you will find anything you need. Cars and motorbikes for rent, hotels, supermarkets, restaurants and bars. Anyone who visits Chora must see the windmills on the top of the hill, the beautiful neiborhood of Little Venice and of course the island's mascot (you heard right, Mykonos does have a mascot), Petros the Pelican, the fifty year old celebrity. Eight kilometers east of Chora is Ano Meria. It is a small quiet village well known for the calm beaches found nearby that don't attract a lot of visitors. If you plan on going to Ano Meria, visit the monastary of Panagia Tourliani.

Beaches of Mykonos

The beaches of Mykonos are well organised. A visitor can choose between a variety of tourist and sport facilities as well as beach bars and parties that are available. The most popular beach on the island famous for its beach parties is Paradise Beach and is located 7 kilometers southeast of Chora. Super Paradise is right on the next coast and is less crowded but still very populated. Another well known beach on the eastern part of the island is Elia. If you are looking for more peacefull place than check out the south coast and the beaches of Paraga,Psarou, Platis Gialos, Lia, Agia Anna and Agios Ioannis.

 Museums of Mykonos

• Archaeological Museum - Houses marble sculptures, ceramics and jewellery recovered from the islands of Delos, Renia and Mykonos.
• Aegean Maritime Museum - Displays models of a collection of ships from the pre-Minoan period through to the 19th century and nautical and ancient artifacts related to the history of shipping on Mykonos.

Local Products

Louza

Louza is a traditional local product made out of pork.

Sausages

Try sausages made in the Mykonean traditional way.

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How to get to Mykonos

Take a commercial boat from the port of Piraus everyday from 7 in the morning untill 5 in the afternoon. 

Fly to the national airport of Mykonos everyday. There are usually 3 to 16 flights to the island depending on the season. The flght takes about 45 minutes from Athens.

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