KERKINI LAKE

Lake Kerkini (Greek: Λίμνη Κερκίνη), is an artificial reservoir that was created in 1932, and then redeveloped in 1980, on the site of what was previously an extremely extensive marshland.

Before 1932, there were irregular marsh lakes on Strymon, one of them called "Podkova" Ottoman Turkish: ݒودقوه كوليPodkova Gölü [1] became the mother of Kerkini.

Wild birds in Lake Kerkini

Lake Kerkini is now one of, if not the, premier birding site in Greece, and, as it is situated along the migratory flyway for migratory birds en route to the Aegean Sea, the Balkan region, the Black Sea, the Hungarian steppes and beyond it experiences an interesting migration.

ELAFONISOS AS...Caribbean

They tried to extinction us, to bleed us, humiliate us. We are Greeks and respond with culture, with beauty, with love.

ELAFONISI. The Caribbean of Greece

And above the water and in the water Elafonisos is perfect!

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.

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.

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.

HALKIDIKI. FOR DEMANDING VISITORS

 HALKIDIKI. 

Chalkidiki, also Halkidiki, Chalcidice or Chalkidike is a peninsula in northern Greece, and one of the regional units of Greece. It is part of the region of Central Macedonia. The autonomous Mount Athos region is part of the peninsula, but not of the regional unit. The capital of Chalkidiki is the main town of Polygyros, located in the centre of the peninsula.

The Cholomontas mountains lie in the northcentral part of Chalkidiki. Chalkidiki consists of a large peninsula in the northwestern Aegean Sea, resembling a hand with three "fingers" (though in Greek these peninsulas are often referred to as "legs") – Pallene (now Kassandra), Sithonia, and Agion Oros (the ancient Acte), which contains Mount Athos and its monasteries. Chalkidiki borders on the regional unit of Thessaloniki to the north.

A stroll through the garden of paradise is no longer impossible. Along the seashore under the sun, the indented coastline spreads out for many kilometres alongside the blue waters of the sea, into a secret garden of pleasing scents and lush vegetation. An artist would strive to find suitable colours to capture on canvas the countless shades of nature, the magnificent depths of the sea along sandy or rocky beaches and the patterns the sea has sculpted on the rocks and even the movement of the wind through the trees. Choose your favourite colours and paint your holidays in Halkidiki, like you have always dreamed of. 

Halkidiki has a variety and diversity which will satisfy even the most demanding visitors. Flavourful areas offering traditional cooking can be found in all the architecturally magnificent villages of the area, along with idyllic bays and small islands, stunning archaeological sites and a unique cave. There is also an exciting nightlife, beaches that seem to stretch forever and turquoise waters. These are just some of the things that make up this Peninsula. Archaeologists will lose themselves into examining civilisations stone-by-stone in Olynthos, Stagira, Petralona cave, Potidaia and Toroni. Romantic visitors will aimlessly wander the vast expanses of sandy beaches and traditional alleys, while the active types will enjoy all kinds of water sports on the beaches of Halkidiki, as well as biking or trekking in Mt Holomondas.

AMORGOS ISLAND . "THE BIG BLUE"

AMORGOS  THE  MAGIC ISLAND 

 Amorgos Greece is one of the popular Greek Islands of the Cyclades and it is located near Naxos and Ios, at few hours from Piraeus, Athens. It is the island that was chosen by filmmaker Luc Besson for the scene of “The Big Blue”. The island’s trademark is the beautiful monastery of Hozoviotissa which is wedged into a huge precipice at 300m from the sea. This Greek island has a lot to offer: beautiful beaches in crystal waters, whitewashed houses and windmills...

 This section of Amorgos Island provides much information: pictures, map, villages, history, museums, architecture, excursions, weather and much more such as a large choice of hotels...
 The island offers desert amazing cricks and sandy beaches.

Amorgos has an active nightlife. It mostly consists of cozy little bars, restaurants and a dance club or two. It is concentrated in Amorgos Town and the port Karavostasi.

MAY IN CORFU

The summer season begins in May for  Corfu ,or Kerkyra in Greek.During daytime it is hot and the 
 evenings are fresh. 
The island of Corfu is still empty with few tourists and it’s the perfect period to find lonely and relaxing beaches. The sea is mostly flat as there aren't strong winds and Kerkyra has a gorgeous nature full of flowers. 
Something very special happens in this period of the year: there is the possibility to admire millions of fire-flies in the countryside during the night! 

This is also the right month for those who like to assist to the Greek Easter celebrations. 

ELIA BEACH ,MYCONOS

Elia beach ,with its endless golden sands and crystal clear waters, is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island of Myconos,(Cyclades islands complex).

 It is just 8 km from Mykonos town and it is very secular. Tourists have the options of  large hotels or small family hotels.Celebrities love  this popular place and that is why many visitors,especially young ones, choose Elia for swimming or dinner or night amusement. 

KIMOLOS . THE WHITE ISLAND

KIMOLOS 

Kimolos (Κίμωλος) was called "Argentiera" by the Venetians, and takes its name from the Greek word Kimolia, which means chalk. Both names recall the white rocks of the Island. And in effect, a white/silver quality of perlite is still being extracted today, along with cimolite, chalk.

The populations of Kimolos is still dedicated to agriculture and farming. Few fish and many work in the mining activity both in Kimolos and in Milos, and tourism is now developing. In the whole, it is a place where simplicity, hospitable people and beaches, along with the necessary restaurants and cafes allow unique moments of quietness. Milos is close by, and a small ferry can carry you to visit also this island.Psathi, the port, is daily touched by ferries from Piraeus and therefore by ferries going to Milos, Sifnos, Folegandros, Santorini.oriki
 

Kimolos beaches are mostly on the South coast, covered from the Northern winds, and show their sandy reddish or white colors, according to their location. They can easily be reached by car/motorbyke, not distant from Psathi.

The beaches of Aliki,Bonatsa and Kalamitsi are large beaches with golden sand and are the ideal place in any weather, facing South. The beach of Prassa, just under the Perlite's mine, recalles a Carebbean beach. The beaches of Agios Georgios,  also with white sand, and those of Livadaki, Klima, Rema and Psathi, the port area, complete the Southern side of the island.

SIROS OR SIRA . THE SOVEREIGN OF CYCLADES

 SIROS


This is the island where Greek tradition and western influence come to a harmonious marriage. Ermoúpoli (meaning “the city of Hermes”) is the island’s capital town and has been the first important trade and industrial centre of the country in the 19th century. Evidence of this glorious past can be seen on public buildings (the City Hall, the Customs Office, “Apollo” theatre), on the neoclassical houses and at the beautiful squares. Due to its economic activity, Ermoúpoli has been called “Manchester of Greece” and the history of its years of blossom is exhibited in the Industrial Museum.
The Orthodox community has contributed some outstanding religious monuments to the architecture of Ermoúpoli such as the churches of Metamórphossi tou Sotíros (Transfiguration of Jesus Christ), St Nicolas the Rich (Áyios Nikólaos Ploússios), Dormition of the Mother of God (Koímissis tis Theotókou).

 The medieval quarter of the Roman Catholic community and the fortress-like St George’s cathedral are on St George hill, also named Áno Sýros (meaning upper Sýros). Go up the stairs to the top of the hill and through the narrow streets, by the traditional whitewashed houses, the archways and the open spaces with a breathtaking view of the island.

The great number of beautiful beaches will delight the sea and sand lovers: Vári, Foínikas, Yalissás and Kíni, as well as Possidonia or Dellagrazia, the beach of a village with many neoclassical mansions with colourful orchards.
Sýros is well-known for its gastronomic peculiarities. Halva pie (a pie made of thyme honey and roasted almonds), loukoúmi (a delight made of water, starch and sugar), “loosa” ham, fennel sausages and the San Mihalis spicy cheese (appellation d'origine contrôlée/”protected designation of origin") will no doubt satisfy even the most demanding taste buds.
Internationally acclaimed festivals are held on Sýros, offering a wide range of choices and covering any taste, e.g. The International Cyclades Music Festival, the Classical Music Festival, the Ermoupólia and the Musical May.

SITHONIA - THE ALTERNATIVE CHALKIDIKI

 SITHONIA - CHALKIDIKI


Sithonia is the second peninsula of Halkidiki. The rugged and spectacular landscape of the middle leg thrill nature lovers and tourists seeking refuge from the trappings of civilization.

 The coastline is varied - a succession of fishermen's hamlets, picturesque coves, deserted beaches of every size, surrounded by trees and bushes. Sithonia is a symphony blue and green: no adjectives all shades and tons of vegetation, sea and sky that you can see there.

There are hotels for each grade from which you can choose the one that suits you, including a unique luxury hotel in Halkidiki, with a golf course with 18 holes, amidst all that it offers. Tennis courts and water sports can be found everywhere while riding through the forest trees is an experience you can not find anywhere else in Greece. As for nightlife and other entertainment expected of holiday resorts, Sithonia manages to combine traditional charm and hospitality with modern delights.

BEACHES NEAR ATHENS

     Only a few kilometers from Athens airport,"El.Venizelos",tourists can find an oasis in Porto Germeno with its sheltered coves, under the imposing shadow of the castle,the beach of Psatha and Alepochori with its picturesque taverns .

These three places are an ideal choice for visitors who want to combine staying in Athens with swimming . Tourists can enjoy water sport such as fishing, diving, surfing, sailing, clean sea, sandy beaches. The beaches in the area provide options  for all options.