A FAIRY'S MOUNTAIN

      At the foot of Mount Neraida( Fairy), in central 

Greece, near the confluence of the Kraniotiko- 

Achelous Rivers , the village Polythea is 

surrounded by tall mountains.

    It is an ideal destination for  nature lovers or 

hikers. Visitors enjoy nature beauty in routes 

such as those that lead to the source of Goura or 

the clearing of Chiari.   For the more 

adventurous, there is the Neraida and  Kap 

Grass peaks  (in 2.144 m. altitude) from where the 

view is exquisite.

WINTER SEA SWIMMING FOR FITNESS.

     Greece is a country with sunshine and high temperatures during the biggest part  of the year.That is why in recent years  the number of winter swimmers  has been growing .

     According to experts, if you want to burn more calories and increase your metabolism, winter swimming is an extremely effective way, because the body has to work harder to get used to low temperatures.

      Swimming is considered a perfect cardiovascular exercise, strengthens the heart muscle and improves delivery of oxygen to all parts of the body. The keen swimmers have great strength and great flexibility, balance, posture and body is more resistant to patients.

     Also, swimming in cold water makes our body to burn calories quickly.The air temperature is cooler than body temperature so it must "work overtime" to come into equilibrium with the environment. To achieve this requires much energy and many fuels. Thus, body is forced to burn much more calories and energy to cope, resulting in faster weight loss. Shivers in an cold pool or sea affect our metabolism, making it faster. The faster your metabolism, the faster the food is metabolized and burn calories avoiding the creation of fat stores in the body.

     The habit of winter bathing  test also tourists from abroad, particularly those who are  familiar to low temperatures.

The specialists do not recommend swimming in icy cold water, as there are risks for hypothermia.

Α WONDERFUL RECREATION AREA

    Between the towns of Veria and Naoussa ,in Northern Greece, there is a unique area for recreation called Aghios Nikolaos.This is a huge park that crosses the Arapitsa river.The area consists mainly of tall trees which spread generously shade to visitors who walk onto stone paved streets.                

   In the artificial lake live trouts ,ducks and geese.  Peacocks, squirrels that frolic on the tree branches, pigeons and horses offer a unique view.The park train that circulates through the streets of the grove is a kids' and adults' attraction.

GOBLINS' CUSTOMS

     
     Original events based on the customs and old legends of Christmas  live again in many Greek villages.Starring goblins who find the opportunity to thrashing the world during the period from Christmas to Epiphany, for the waters are not yet blessed.Their appearance is frightening, their mischief is indescribable and they are only afraid of fire.

 In many regions of northern and central Greece  appear disguises customs, which it is  believe to be related to the goblins legends.The dressed-up people, called "Momogeri", or "Rogatsaria",they wear hides of animals (wolves, goats) or are dressed in traditional uniforms armed with swords. Τhey tour their village or in neighboring villages, sing and collect gifts.Particularly popular attraction is the  "Festive war" between teams until one of them  wins and the other declares allegiance.

FREEDOM FEELING IN THE SKY

     Thanks to its geophysical configuration Greece has many air Sports clubs that  are continuously developing  .

     Step by step air sports turn out to a touristic attraction in many location of the country.Watch the video and fell the excitement of a flight over a suburb of Athens.

FAMOUS ARTISTS OF GREEK ORIGIN

Nia Vardalos(Antonia-Eugenia).Most of us know her from the successful 
film "My Greek fat wedding". Born in Canada, but hailing from Kalavryta 
and Laconia (Peloponese), she is  married to Ian Gomez andclose friend 
of Tom Hanks 

 Jennifer Aniston.Her real name is Genovefa Anastasaki .Born in February 1969 in California,J.Aniston she declares proud od beeing Greek-american.Only a few people know that she had been living for oneyear in Greece before her family returned to USA.

Zach Galifianakis.He was born in 1969 in North Carolina.His father is of Cretan origin and he was baptised with the greek christian orthdox traditions.

Melina Kanakaredes.NY CSI's “Stella Βonasera” declares:"I'm proud of myGreek origi.That's why I didn't changed my name".

Costa Gavras.Originated from the Baths Iraia Arcadia(Peloponese), the Oscar winner ,Kostas Gavras, remains to this day the most successful diaspora Greek  .He left its mark through a series of "political thriller", as he described his films for focusing the violent and repressive dictatorships.

Rita Wilson.She is popular In Greeks for two basic reasons.Her Greek origin and because she is married to T.Hawnks particularly famous in Greece.R.Wilson had a great cariere as actress and singer.

Billy Zane.His real name us Zanikopoulos and his family's roots are spotted in Sparta,(Peloponese) a place that he visits οften and is strongly bound to..

Maria Menounos.Daughter of Costas and Maria Menounos,she speaks Greek fluently.In2008 she won the title of the first American journalist that took interview from the whole Obama family.

Vasilis Polydouris.The famous film music composer admits that he is influenced by the the composer Miklos Rosa and this Greek Orthodox Christian origin.

LAKES OF GREECE

TΗΕ ΑΝCIENT GREEK WRITERS ATTIBUTED AN IMPORTANT ROLE TO WETLANDS.FOR THE INHABITANTS OF GREECE THE NATURE WAS RESPECTED.WETLANDS WERE CONSIDERED AS PLACES WHERE GODS AND SEMIGODS ACTED.

CAVE  OF THE LAKES

KASTRIA  IN PELOPONISSOS

GALAKTOBOUREKO FOR FESTIVE TABLE

     
     Galaktoboureko is a traditional sweet , that is mainly served  as dessert at the festive table in Greece. The success of the result depends on the materials used.

Fresh butter and milk should be of high quality. In many regions galaktoboureko is sprinkled with cinnamon powder.

FLORINA'S 6 LAKES

  

   The six lakes of Florina,in North western Greece : Little and Great Prespa, Zazari, Chimaditis, Petron and Vegoritida give rise to eco tours.

This is the region where they live three of the rarest animal species of Europe,the wolf , the bear and the otter.

The so called "City of florins" has become a classic winter destination mainly thanks its ski center and the wild beauty of nature that surrounds it. Florina inspired the famous film director Theo Angelopoulos who filmed  there his movies "Landscape in the Mist" and "The Beekeeper."

TINOS,VIRGIN MARY'S ISLAND

   
  The Church of the Panagia in Tinos is the most important pilgrimage for orthodox christians  in Greece and one of the most important in the world.The so called  Holy Church of the Annunciation was built on the site where was found  the holly icon that millions of believers considere miraculous.

That is why it is covered by precious offerings from people from all over the world.All weekends and holidays Tinos (Cyclades islands complex) is full of pilgrims who express their love and gratitude to Virgin Mary.

HOMEMADE TASTES FROM LEFKADA

              The island has a distinct and 

rich gastronomic history.In many villages the 

visitor finds still handmade, high quality and 

taste products. Βutchers in Lefkada prepare of 

pork sausages and a delicious salami with 

light garlic fragrance garlic and whole 

peppercorns  .

     Famous is also the local orgeat drink 

(concentrated bitter almonds syrup ).Coriander 

flavored biscuits,almond nougats are specialties 

that like tourists. 

PARNASSOS ,COMBINATION OF MOUNTAIN AND SEA

     Parnassοs is one of the most 

beautiful areas of Greece, with 

many attractions and rich natural 

environment. 

      What 

makes it so special 

is the 

fact that the area 

combines 

mountain and sea 

options for 

vacations  all 

year 

long.Wonderful 

beach sides 

and mountainous 

villages offer 

activities 

and  excursion proposals .

The area of Parnassos is 

very popular during  

winter,when  the ski 

center of Parnassos is in 

full operation. 

    In a short distance 

it's located Delphi, the 

second most important 

archaeological site in Greece, which annually 

attracts thousands of visitors 

from around the world.

WINTER CAMPING

       

Thanks to mild climate in Peloponnisos(Peloponese )and other areas in the south of Greece,many camping installations keep on functioning during the winter months.

Campers and caravans are equipped with heating and hot water.Many camping installations are in a short distance from sea or lakes so tourists can enjoy fishing and boating,or other activities such as organized excursions on bike .

Many camping installations have swimming pool,tennis and basketball courts.

THE PATHS OF HELMOS IN PELOPONISSOS

MOUNT OF HELMOS - PELOPONISSOS
The Helmos is one of the nicest and most extensive mountains of the Peloponnese, and beyond. Separated from the plain Ziria Feneou while the south joins the Dourdouvana the saddle hunter. The highest peak is the famous Neraidorahi 2,238 meters in height. The mountain is forested and extremely intense egktakrymniseis prsdidoun one of the wild beauty. The ancient name is Aroania.

STIFADO A TRADITIONAL DISH

       
     Stifado is a traditional dish having its roots to ancient Greek cuisine.In many local feasts ,stifado is prepared by the whole village and offered to guests .

     According to chefs and experienced housewives ,the success secret of the dish is simmering of the materials.For delicious results watch video:

SKIATHOS ISLAND IN WINTER

     Some tourists choose to visit Skiathos during  winter.The island  is characterized by a poetic beauty, tranquility and romantism.

The biggest part of it is covered by lush pine trees.There are paths  for romantic strolls and hikes leading to monasteries and other historic monuments. 

Skiathos is famous for its "tsipouro"production,a local drink .Tavern in the island called "tsipouradika'' serve the drink with local appetizers along .

WATERFALLS IN GREECE .

 WATERFALL IN THASOS

 WATERFALL IN  TZOUMERKA

 WATERFALL  IN KYTHIRA

1. WATERFALL  IN  EDESSA

2. WATERFALL  IN  ATHENS

3. WATERFALL  NEDA  PELOPONISSOS

EDESSA , SAMOTHRAKI , THASSOS , LEFKADA , KYTHIRA , MESSHNIA ARE SOME OF THE PLACE IN GREECE WITH WONDEFUL WATERFALLS. YOU MUST VISIT THEM AND ENJOY THEM .