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.

NISYROS,A VOLCANIC ATTRACTION

Nisyros is an island in the southern Aegean Sea and belongs to the Dodekanese islands complex.

It was created by the explosion of a volcano, which tourists can visit as it one of the its attractions.

Visitors also can enjoy Nisyros' monasteries, the ancient Acropolis and the Castle of the island It has a good traditional cuisine and beautiful and clean beaches.

KALYMNOS, EXPLORE SEABED AND VILLAGES

Kalymnos is 

located in 

Dodecanese 

islands complex, 

,in south Aegian 

sea.

Despite its relatively 

small size, 

the island offers a 

variety of 

activities for  visitors:

...beautiful and clean beaches for 

the vacationers - families 

,couplesand singles -

of all ages :

..rich and magical seabed for the 

diving lovers ,

...impressive rocks of superior 

quality for climbing and

...great history and abundance of 

archaeological sites and 

monuments for scholars

The beautiful landscapes, the 

delicious cuisine and the friendly 

people, guarantee a quality escape 

from everyday life and a memorable 

stay in the 'Island of the sponge 

catchers'.tourists love to explore 

and small ,picturesque villages and the local cuisine.

A FAMOUS "FLOUR -WAR"

"Kathari Deftera"- Shrove Monday is a traditional feast that declares the end of the carnival period (this year is celebrated on March 18 ) .In Galaxidi (West Greece) the celebration has a unique color and is very spectacular.

Acturally it is a colored "Flour - war " among groups near the sea ,called "alevromoutzouromata" !  

It is said that the custom has been introduced by sailors very long time ago. 

Galaxidi is a beautiful city ,a popular touristic destination in a short distance from Delphi ancient oracle installations .

A LEGENDARY RIVER

     River Herceena runs through Livadia,a city in a short distance from mountains Parnassus and Helicon.The area was  known in antiquity for its oracle ,Trophonius.The ancient city was built on the right bank of the river Herceena crossing even today the city.
But the most important archaeological site is the sacred oracle which was identified and excavated the left bank of Herceena.
According to mythologie,Herceena was a beautiful bride ,beloved daughter of Trophonius who gave his name to the river .

In its waters came to bathe believers seeking an oracle .Today the Municipality of the city has created along the river an area for recreation and culture for residents and visitors which gives the town a unique natural beauty.

COSMPOLITAN SPETSES ISLAND

Spetses. In the late 19th century,  the Athenians discovered the charm and nostalgic elegance of the island Today, Spetses remains one of the most cosmopolitan Greek islands.The Greek Royal family used to  organize hunting events there and nowadays the "elegant" Greek and international society choose to spend their holidays in Spetses.

In August 2010 the  family of the former king Constantine organized on the island the wedding of prince Nicolaos and high guest of royal families attended the ceremony.

Every summer shipowners arrive by their own yachts and enjoy wandering in Dapia square and the old harbor. The island is one of the real diamond of  the  Saronicos Gulf, with fantastic sea and a chic city filled with majestic neoclassical paradise gardens and rare beauty pebble.

AMAZING SUNSET

     Hundreds of  thousands οf tourists from around the world travel to Santorini to enjoy the sunset , famous for its colors and the amazing scenery. Santorini is also known for its 

 volcanoes.

The island is located in the southern Aegean Sea and belongs to the Cyclades islands complex. Santorini, Thirasia and Aspronisi islands are remnants of the volcanic island Stroghili. The central part of it. Because of the eruption in 1613 BC the prehistoric culture of the island was destroyed.

THE MOST BEAUTIFUL MONASTERY

     The monastery of Simon Petra or Simonopetra was founded in 1257 AD in the monastic state of Mount Athos, the eastern peninsula of Halkidiki(northern Greece). The monastery is located on the southern coast of the peninsula, between the port of Dafni and the monastery of St. Gregory. 

The south coast of the peninsula is generally sharp, especially the part on which the monastery is built.. It is built on top of a huge solitary rock, practically hanging from a cliff 330 meters above the sea. Today the monastery has 54 monks.

THE ENIGMA OF ANTIKYTHERA MECHANISM

 The Antikythera mechanism (known as the Antikythera astrolabe and the Antikythera computer) got its name from a shipwreck near the island of Antikythera, which was found in the year 1901 along with other artifacts.

    It is believed to be a computer engineer and astronomical observation instrument, which resembles a complex clockwork mechanism.Scientists presume ,the calculations performed are  resulting from the markings on its surface.Inscriptions refer to the calendar used in the Greek-speaking world in the last century BC, Sun,Moon and the five planets then known (Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn).Ιt is exhibited at the National Archaeological Museum of Athens .

IOANNINA,JOURNEY OF SENSES

     
     Ioannina has two skies, one high above,embroidered with colored clouds and another in the  bottom of Pamvotida Lake.Narrow streets, beautiful stone houses with exquisite colors form the picture of Ioannina.

   It's a journey that will satisfies all  senses. Enjoy the smell of the local dishes ,wander in the memories of past centuries .Don't miss the opportunity to taste the local alcohol beverage,tsipouro.

KNOSSOS PALACE, AN ANCIENT MIRACLE.

 
According to the tradition, the palace of Knossos was the seat of the king Minos.It  is the largest of the Minoan centers of power. It is a building complex that covers an area of ​​15,000 sq.m. Built on a largely artificial hill was the most impressive of the Minoan Palaces. 

It was the administrative center of the Minoan Knossos, located 5 km SE of Heraklion City ,in Creta island,southern Greece. 

The first palace was built around 2000 BC and was destroyed by an earthquake around 1900 BC Immediately was repaired, but a second earthquake destroyed it anon in 1700 BC.A new palace , the most magnificent one ,was built in the mid-15th century BC ,at that time Achaean leaders sat in the throne room of the palace.

10 ΟF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL GREEK VILLAGES

     Greece has thousands of picturesque villages with great history,many outdoor activities,delicious dishes and high quality traditional products.Let's see 10 of the most popular:

Syrrako,Ioannina,western Greece.It stands above the gorge of the  Chrousia River.

Arahova,Livadia,central Greece.A popular winter resort, thanks to the existence of the ski resort and its small distance from Athens.

Dikorfo,Ioannina,western Greece.Funded in 1431,its history is  witnessed by large stone houses, the library, the paved roads, the stone walls and gates that connect the houses.

Monemvasia,Peloponese,south Greece.It is world wide known from the medieval fortress on the eponymous "Rock of Monemvasia" which is literally a small island.

Dilofo ,Ioannina,western Greece.This extraordinary mountainous village in the prefecture of Ioannina belongs to the group of Zagori in Epirus. Built at an altitude of 1,000 meters on the slopes of Timfi Mountain.

Abelakia ,Larisa,central greece.Mansions clinging to the slopes of the mountain are  have left their own indelible historical touch.

Spileo,Grevena,northern Greece.It attracts members of several mountaineering clubs and sports enthusiasts such as climbing, canyoning or canoeing.

Nimfeo,Florina,northern Greece.Tour guides show it as one of the ten most beautiful villages of Europe.

Vlasti,Kozani,Northern Greece.It is a picturesque mountain village in the prefecture of Kozani .

Pertouli,Trikala,central Greece.It has all those infrastructure and standards to be distinguished as a "first line" touristic destination all year long.

THESSALONIKI,TOP DESTINATION

     
     National Geographic cites Thessaloniki (Northern Greece) in the top 20 travel destinations to be visiting in 2013."The "bright" Thessaloniki port remains one of the last urban beach fronts in southern Europe" reports the article and adds that the wooden boats are still sailing  in the tranquil bay while  the spiral paths draw the seafront in the second largest city in Greece .

     National Geographic refers also to the traditional markets, "symbols of the city",which  were founded during Byzantine and Ottoman historical periods,the art galleries of Thessaloniki,its bohemian nightclubs, restaurants and taverns that can  satisfy even the most "discerning palate"

KARPENISI . SWITZERLAND OF GREECE

KARPENISI  is a city resting lazily in his arms Velouchi the ancient Tymfristos at an altitude of 960 meters, lush fir, well protected from the strong winds that whipped the top. Karpenisi, a city that has a lot to tell visitors, carrying on their backs the story alive.

 Cruise Karpenissi with'' High mountains'' (Velouchi, unrecorded, Chelidona, Kaliakouda, Panaitoliko, Neraidovouni), rivers (Karpenisiotis, Trikerioti, Achelous, Agrafiotis Tavropos, Krikelopotamos), canyons (Pantavrechi Black Cave, Vothona , Viniani, Krenti), picturesque villages, lakes, monasteries, bridges and one thousand and two other attractions that will be revealed in front of you like paintings.

Today, Karpenisi attracts thousands of trippers who arrive in droves to enjoy the ski center, picturesque taverns, stylish bars, a variety of accommodation options in hotels, and the pristine nature of Haryana, making climbing rafting, canyoning, trekking and other activities in an area untouched by industrialization, which was declared by UNESCO in 1991 as one of the cleanest areas of the ecosystem on the plane

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.

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.

ROMANTIC WALK IN NAFPLION

Nafplion was the first capital of the contemporary Greek state,(1828-1833) , is considered as one of the most picturesque cities in the whole world and an ideal destination for romantic wandering in the old city.

Famous attactions :
Palamidi fort  is one of the greatest achievements of Venetian fortification and maintained in excellent condition. 
Burtzi fortress, which became known by the Turkish name Bourtzi meaning tower,  is a registered trademark of Nafplio.  The island on whicn  is built the fort , was a Byzantine church dedicated to St. Theodore. The Venetians, realizing its strategic location built  a tower there in 1473.