KEFALLONIA ISLAND - A HIDDEN TREASURE

 Kefalonia is the largest island of the Ionian Sea. It spares every kind of tourist structure as well as an exceptionally interesting natural environment. In Kefalonia you will come across to beautiful beaches, sights with historical, religion and cultural interest as well as unique natural phenomena such as the underground caves and the national park of Enos.

 The island has spectacular beaches, sandy south and pebbles in the north. The most famous beach and the island's trademark is Myrtos, with white pebbles and crystal clear waters. Starting from Argostoli, you will encounter the crowded beaches of Makris and Platis Gialos, with fine sand, canteens and bars, package-with sunbeds and umbrellas beaches Minia, Ammes, Ag.Chelis, Ligia Avythos and the beach of St. Thomas in Travliata.

In the southern part, the beaches table, Lourdes, Coast, Long Stone, Lazarus and the beaches of Skala and Kateleiou. The beach Antisamos and Karavomylos in Sami area is particularly picturesque. On the north side of the island beaches for swimming are Emplisi and Foki Fiskardo, St Euphemia and Myrtle. Finally, in western Kefalonia, meet the broad sand beaches of Petani, Megas Lakos, beach Xi strange reddish sand and beach Atheva.

LEROS ISLAND

 LEROS. 


Among the cluster of the Dodecanese Islands in the Aegean Sea, east of the Cyclades and off the southwest coast of Turkey (Asia Minor, where Greeks lived since the prehistoric period, until 1922), is Leros Island. Leros is renowned for its deep, sheltered natural bays – such as the picturesque Lakki Harbour. (Its excellent harbours were the main reason that the island was highly prized strategically throughout history.) Leros is mountainous and consists of three peninsulas joined by two isthmuses, with a total area of 20 square miles, and has a population of 10,000. The Capital of Leros is Agia Marina, the old mediaeval port.

 One can take advantage of wonderful safe beaches on the east and west coasts, which are perfect for swimming and snorkelling.
It is believed that Leros and Kalymnos just to the southeast comprise the Kalydnian isles referred to by Homer, famous in ancient times for its honey and for a temple of Artemis. The island was associated in antiquity with the cult of Artemis (worship of the mother-goddess). Leros was first inhabited by Carians, succeeded by Cretans, Ionians, Byzantines and Rhodians; in 1319 it was taken over by Rhodes.

Leros has many very picturesque and attractive villages lying on its beautiful coasts. Most of those villages have fine examples of the traditional architecture of the island. Their beauty is increased by the fact that they have kept their authentic and traditional colours. Accommodations and taverns are available in all the villages of the sland and various other touristy facilities can be found in the touristy resorts and in the lovely capital.

KAMMENA VOURLA

 KAMMENA VOURLA . Therme getaways
Most come here for the spas, the sandy beaches, the excellent infrastructure of a renowned spa destination as such has been featured in recent decades ... The most hip and looking but know what lies behind the "showcase". the magic of a unique landscape painting, the still intact nature, history and memories of this special place, the silent, hidden "treasures" of ...

The guests enjoyed coffee and meals on the seafront overlooking the boats swaying lazily in the strong currents of the Evian Gulf. A little farther on organized beaches in the first place have diving, sunbathing, laughing the nipper who build sand castle ... Pictures lazier everyday in a place that is considered one of the most popular summer resorts in Central Greece.

ALONISSOS AND THE NATURAL LANDSCAPES

 ALONISSOS


Alonnisos (Greek: Αλόννησος), also transliterated as Alonissos or Alonisos, is a Greek island in the Aegean Sea. After Skiathos and Skopelos it is the third member of the Northern Sporades. It is 3 km (2 nm) E of the island of Skopelos. Alonnisos is also the name of a village on the island, as well as the municipality that encompasses the island and the village.
The village of Alonnisos is located on the southern part of the island. It is locally known as Chora. The main port of the island is located in the southeast and is called Patitiri. There is ferry and hydrofoil service from Patitiri to Volos, Agios Konstantinos, and Thessaloniki on the mainland and to the islands of Skiathos, Skopelos and Skyros. The bay at the southern end of the island is also called Alonnisos.

 Blessed with rugged natural landscapes, and surrounded by small islands scattered around the archipelagos, Alónissos is an island ideal for those you want to unwind and enjoy leisure walks surrounded by pine forests, olive groves and orchards. The island is the most remote of the Northern Sporades island group, and plays host to the National Marine Park of Northern Sporades, a refuge for rare seabirds, dolphins and the Mediterranean monk seal, monachus monachus.
“Íkos”, as was named the island in antiquity, was first inhabited by Stafylos (meaning grape), the son of Dionysus and Ariadne. This myth explains the island’s strong bonds with viticulture from ancient times until today. Urns bearing the stamp “IKION” were exported all around the ancient world confirming the island’s great fame as excellent wine-producing region. According to the myth, Pileas, the father of Achilles, was buried on Alónissos. This is the reason why the island’s second name is “Achilliodromia”. Different versions of this name have survived throughout the years: “Hiliodromia”, “Liadromia”, “Diadromia”.

 Alónissos was one of the first Islands of the Aegean to be inhabited, as indicated by Neolithic settlement remnants found at the Cape of Kokkinókastro (meaning “Red Castle”). On Yioúra Island human presence was first detected in the 9th century BC, according to findings at Cyclop’s cave.

The National Marine Park of Alonissos, Northern Sporades is a unique combination of land and sea Mediterranean habitats with hundreds of species of plants and animals, but also important archaeological and historical sites.
The area is of special scientific, educational and cultural interest with findings from Prehistoric, the Classical and Byzantine period (shipwrecks, old monasteries and churches).
In areas where access to general public is free, guests can become involved with the swimming, diving, observing wildlife, recreational photography and videography, visiting historic monuments, walking etc.

YDRA. THE NOBLE

 YDRA

Hydra is an island in the Saronic Gulf. With what name reportedly the capital and port of the island which is homonymous municipality, which numbered 2,719 inhabitants in the 2001 census, who this barren, engaged mainly in fishing and tourism. It is extremely picturesque and cosmopolitan island mansion.

 Especially popular destination for foreign tourists and Athenians, given the relatively short distance from the capital. It owes its name to the abundant water, gushing from the springs had in antiquity.

 She has significant maritime history and tradition. Restored mansions, the old picturesque port with its battlements and cannons, museums, monasteries, the naval academy, make up the image of the island, which is evidenced by the significant historical importance.

The town of Hydra, which is the only town of the island has been declared a preserved and the movement with cars, is spread over two rocky hills and is full of traditional houses with tiled roofs, heavy blue doors and windows. Hydra decades, is one of the favorite destinations of Greek and foreign episkepton.Sto island there are 300 churches and five monasteries. The most important celebration today in Hydra are Miaoulia which are three-day event dedicated to the action of Admiral Miaoyli and every year towards the end of June that are part of Naval week.

Hydra, more than all the Greek islands, inspired the Fine Arts. Famous Greek and foreign painters exhibited landscapes. Great artists such as Pablo Picasso and Marc Chagall visited her and embossing designs strictly shape. It is no coincidence that Hydra's division of the School of Fine Arts from 1936 housed in the four-storey mansion Tompazi (west port)

RECIPE - GEMISTA (VEGETABLES Filled with rice)

 GEMISTA - GREEK RECIPE -Filled with rice

materials:
4-5 tomatoes
4 green peppers
3 small aubergines
2 onions chopped
4 spring onions, chopped
1 bunch parsley, finely chopped
1 bunch mint, finely chopped
1 bunch dill, finely chopped
salt and pepper
some sugar
2 cups olive oil

2 cups rice stuffed
2 medium potatoes

Wash vegetables. Cut the cap off the tomatoes and eggplants, the carefully pour a teaspoon. Mash the flesh of the tomatoes and eggplant separately in a food processor ..
Pour the peppers and throw away the seeds. Place them all in a pan. Mix a little salt with a little sugar and sprinkle the inside of tomatoes, eggplants and peppers.
Sauté in a little oil and fresh onion
Add the rice, stir for 2-3 minutes, add the parsley, mint, dill, salt, pepper, half the crumbs from the tomatoes and all of the eggplant. Mix well and remove from heat.
Fill vegetables in about 3/4, because not all the way up to the cooking of rice will inflate and poured, and close the lids.
Cut the potatoes into medium-sized pieces, the salt and pepper and place them in the gaps. Drizzle the food with the remaining oil, remaining crumb of tomatoes and 2 cups water.
Bake in moderate oven at 180 degrees for 1 1/2 hour.

MEGANISI. "THE ISLAND OF THE SEAMEN"

 Meganisi Greece is a small, unexplored paradise among the Greek Islands, just 4 miles away of Lefkada island. It is a verdant small island surrounded by even smaller islets such as Madouri, Thilia, Sparti, Kythros, and the famous Aristotle Onasis' Skorpios Islet. The visitor will be able to enjoy the virgin natural environment that combines lush greenery with emerald sea-water, adorned by the quaint villages. 

 There are many small and magnificent beaches in Meganisi. You will find their shape similar to fjords, with the most famous ones being those of Agios Ioannis, Limonari, Spilia, Pasoumaki, Ambelakia and Atherinos. On the islets of Kastos and Kalamos you will also swim in peaceful, remoted pebble beaches, accessible mainly from the sea.

The island of Meganisi or "the island of the seamen", as it known, has three villages. The biggest one is Vathi, built around the port that gives the vivid atmosphere. Katomeri village comes second, with traditional houses and plenty of tourists. After 4km you will meet the last village of Spartochori, on the island's peak, where the houses are seperated by labyrinth-like alleys.

TSOYREKI - RECIPE

 TRADITIONAL GREEK EASTER BREAD - TSOYREKI

KYTHNOS THE UNIQUE

 KYTHNOS

Kythnos (Greek: Κύθνος) is a Greek island and municipality in the Western Cyclades between Kea and Serifos. It is 56 nautical miles (104 km) from the harbor of Piraeus. Kythnos is 100 km2 (39 sq mi) in area and has a coastline of about 100 km (62 mi). It has more than 70 beaches, many of which are still inaccessible by road. Of particular note is the crescent-shaped isthmus of fine sand at Kolona.

 The island has two significant settlements, the village of Messaria or Kythnos known locally as Chora, and the village of Dryopis or Dryopida also known as Chorio. Both villages are notable for their winding and often stepped streets, too narrow for vehicular traffic. The villages are very picturesque but in different architectural styles. Chora has the more-typical flat roofs of the Cyclades, while Dryopida's rooftops are slanted and tiled. Chora is also notable for its large Greek Orthodox Church

 DIVING IN KYTHNOS
You can dive sheltered bays, reefs, shallows, caves, shipwrecks and walls full of lobsters, shrimps and crawfish. Every dive takes place in a different location so that you will never get bored.
Deep, VERY DEEP, night, drift but also calm and relaxing dives in protected bays, away from currents in places that are full of life. You will not feel like getting out of the water once you dive into the crystal clear waters of Kythnos. The beautiful seascapes call sea lovers from all over the world for a delightful adventure.

SHOPPING IN GREECE

 ATHENS  MALL - MAROUSI  ATHENS

 GOLDEN HALL

McARTHURGLEN ATHENS

Mediterranean Cosmos -  SALONIKA

 BUT THE BEST OF ALL WALKING AND SHOPPING IN PLAKA  - ATHENS 

THE BEST SUNSETS IN GREECE

 SUNSET IN SANTORINI

Say what However, in no case. When the sun sets Caldera paints and colored houses of Oia in this golden color that suits them both! Those You have not enjoyed yet, Rush quickly!

 Ano Meria, FOLEGANDROS

The wild beauty of Folegandros, steep cliffs that plunge into the sea as opposed to sunset hues create a majestic backdrop, even if from now does not seem the sun dips into the sea.

 keri zakynthos

Here, people gathered early on a hillside that overlooks the Ionian Sea to enjoy the view of the sun disappearing in the depths. The remaining landscape is also impressive, a steep cliff on the right side of the hill and no other land in sight, as the wax is located in the southwest part of the island.

 Monte Smith, Rhodes

The hill that rises above the city of Rhodes, got its current name from the English Admiral Sidney Smith, who erected there a watchdog 1802.O hill hosts the ruins of Upper Acropolis, which contribute to the impressive spectacle of the sunset.



Μyrtos kefallonia

Unreal turquoise waters of, white pebble beaches and cliffs that rise around the beach make the landscape even more entyposiako.Afta combined with a red sun dips into the vast blue of the Ionian Sea, makes us talk about the most spectacular the sunset.

Kaiafas  ILIA

From the endless sandy beach, trail mainland indistinguishable in orizonta.Meta an entire day at the fantastic beach we can see the sun dip into the sea! An old legend says that in Hawaii wishes come true once the last sunbeam lost in water.

HISTORICAL MONUMENTS OF GREECE

 ACROPOLIS

The rocky hill of the Acropolis, which dominates the center of modern Athens, was the greatest and most magnificent temple of the ancient city, dedicated, primarily, to the patron goddess, Athena. In this sacred space related the major myths of ancient Athens, its greatest religious festivals, earliest cults of the city and several decisive for the history of events. The monuments of the Acropolis stand in harmony with the natural environment are unique masterpieces of ancient architecture, expressing combine different orders and styles of Classical art and influenced the intellectual and artistic creation for many centuries later. The Acropolis in the 5th century. B.C. is the most accurate reflection of the splendor, power and wealth of Athens in the age of greater tip peak, the'' golden age'' of Pericles.


 NAFPLIO

An unique place, mystic, blessed, full of natural beauty and culture, which for centuries now, continues to flourish and captivates every visitor who without realizing it, he initiated the Beauty, Harmony, and in front of the Dream becomes reality. The place is authentic and this is little sign of been inhabited will visit Nafplio.
The "Naples of the East" as they called the Venetian naval, stretched its roots with respect to historicity, the current Nafplion, the first capital of Greece in 1828, with the arrival of Kapodistrias, still adorned with all the traditional elements , untouched by time.

The focal point of the city, Mpoyrtzi, continues to keep alive the legends, polyfotismeni presence in the Bay of Argolis, built on the small island of Agios Theodoros

 SPARTA


Leonidas was a king of the city-state of Sparta from about 490 B.C. until his death at the Battle of Thermopylae against the Persian army in 480 B.C. Although Leonidas lost the battle, his death at Thermopylae was seen as a heroic sacrifice because he sent most of his army away when he realized that the Persians had outmaneuvered him. Three hundred of his fellow Spartans stayed with him to fight and die. Almost everything that is known about Leonidas comes from the work of the Greek historian Herodotus 

 WHITE  TOWER

The White Tower of Thessaloniki is Ottoman fortification built in the 15th century (probably built between 1450-1470). Today it is considered characteristic monument of Thessalonica and is what has been saved from the demolished Ottoman fortifications. The current form of the medieval fortification tower replaced the 12th century, to then be used as a hotel guard Janissaries and as a prison death row. Now serves as a museum and is one of the most known buildings-symbols cities in Greece. It has 6 floors, 34 meters high and 70 meters perimeter.

 KNOSSOS 

The archaeological site of Knossos (Knosós GR: Κνωσός) is sited 5 km southeast of the city of Iraklion.
There is evidence that this location was inhabited during the neolithic times (6000 B.C.) . On the ruins of the neolithic settlement was built the first Minoan palace (1900 B.C.) where the dynasty of Minos ruled.
This was destroyed in 1700 B.C and a new palace built in its place.
The palace covered an area of 22,000sq.m, it was multi- storeyed and had an intricate plan. Due to this fact the Palace is connected with thrilling legends, such as the myth of the Labyrinth with the Minotaur.

MYCENAE


The Mycenae, the legendary palace of Agamemnon, is one of the most important archaeological sites of the Peloponnese. H position of the acropolis of Mycenae was privileged and strategy. Naturally and artificially fortified not only has oversight of the entire Argolid plain, but also controls all the passages leading outside the Argolid. Thanks to this privileged position they had under their control and regulated trade with southern Greece, M. Minor, Cyprus and Egypt. As we are informed in Homer's Iliad, the ruler of Mycenae dominated the Corinthia, part of Achaia, and many islands of the Aegean. He was a commander in the campaign of Troy having 100 ships.
According to tradition, the Mycenae was founded by Perseus, son of Zeus and Danae, the daughter of the king of Argos Akrisiou.