Cypria

Neochori, Pelion - Greece

 
   
This medieval little village is famous for its excellent local taverns serving the greatest fried cod ever and local cheese. Alkis and I visited the Holy Trinity Church of Agios Dimitrios which boasts  1801 wall-paintings by Pagonis and the monasteries of Panagia Kalogianni and Panagitsa tis Plakas built in 1655 on a fantastic beach.  Off the beaten track, tranquil and intimate, warm and friendly, cosy and invigorating, Neochori in Pelion is the ideal holiday spot for those seeking some time away from the hustle and bustle of the city. When I spent a weekend there, a couple of months ago, I felt so excited to experience the ultimate beauty of nature which I found spiritually uplifting while I was impressed by the hospitality of the locals. They have a heart of gold!

Meteora, Greece

 
The Greek word meteora means "suspended in the air." The rock here has eroded into fantastic, weathered peaks struggling for the heavens. The monasteries of Meteora were originally settled by monks who lived in caves lower down the rocks during the 11th Century. Over time, however, to avoid conflicts in the rest of the region, the monks retreated up the rock face until they were living on virtually inaccessible peaks which they built  by bringing material and people up via ladders and baskets.

 
 
Today, six monasteries remain, and all of them are open to visitors. Many people who visit Meteora stay overnight  in nearby towns,such as Kalampaka and Kastraki.There is limited accommodation,though. Buses and trains to Kalampaka are available from Ioannina, Trikala, Thessaloniki and Athens. There are about 32 hotels .Most of them are in Kalampaka - a small town under the rock towers.

The Village of Pervolia - Cyprus

Pervolia

 

 

The Island of Kythira, Greece

Kythira  is an island of Greece, historically part of the Ionian Islands. It lies opposite the eastern tip of the Peloponnese peninsula. It is administratively part of the Piraeus Prefecture (centered in the Athens metropolitan area) although geographically distant from the prefecture's population centre. It has a land area of 279.593 km² (107.951 sq mi), the second-largest (after Megara) in the Attica periphery. It is also the second-least densely populated (after neighbouring Antikythira) in Attica.

The rugged terrain is a result of prevailing winds from the surrounding seas which have shaped its shores into steep rocky cliffs with deep bays. For many centuries, while naval travel was the only means for transportation, the island possessed a strategic location. Since ancient times, until the mid 19th century, Kythira had been a crossroads of merchants, sailors, and conquerors. As such, it has had a long and varied history and has been influenced by many civilisations and cultures. This is reflected in its architecture (a blend of traditional, Aegean and Venetian elements), as well as the traditions and customs, influenced by centuries of coexistence of the Greek, Venetian, Ottoman and British civilisations as well as its numerous visitors.

The island has an airport with daily Olympic Airways flights to and from Athens. There are ferries twice a week from the mainland port of Piraeus (journey time 6.5 hours) and in the summer months there are regular ferry connections between Kythira and the Peloponnesian port of Gythio. There's also a shuttle service running between Agia Pelagia, in the northeast corner of the island, and Neapoli in the Peloponnese (only an hour's boat ride away). From June to mid-September you can take a Flying Dolphin from Piraeus to Kythira's newer, second port of Diakofti, located mid-way down the island's east coast.

To get the most out of the island you'll need to hire a car or scooter because public bus services are virtually non-existent. Kythira is about 30 kilometres in length and 18 kilometres wide with a barren, mountainous landscape peppered with some 40 traditional villages. With your own set of wheels you'll be able to take to the winding lanes that criss-cross the island, find remote beaches and explore Kythira's ancient sites.

There's really only one tourist centre to speak of - pretty Kapsali at the southern end of the island which is where the majority of visitors choose to stay. It's a picturesque place, set behind two sandy bays and overlooked by the impressive 13th century Venetian fortress of Hora, the island's capital.

Hora itself is in a dramatic location perched on a ridge, a steep two-kilometre climb up from Kapsali. Cycladic style white houses with blue shutters are clustered on a hillside crowned by the magnificent "kastro" built during the 13th and 15th centuries. There are spectacular views down to Kapsali harbour and to the inaccessible islet of Avgo (meaning egg)

To the north west of Hora there are three dramatically sited monasteries which are well worth a visit if you have your own transport. The island's ruined medieval capital, Paleohora, also occupies a breathtaking location - it's set on a hilltop at the head of a gorge with a sheer 100-metre drop on three sides. The fortified town was built among the hills, invisible from the sea, with the specific purpose of protecting the islanders from marauding pirates. But it was discovered and destroyed by the notorious pirate Barbarossa in 1537.

Where to stay : There are many hotels and hotel appartments, I personally recommend Porto Delfino in the area of Kapsali. You will love it!

The Island of Evia

The island of Evia  is located on the eastern side of Mainland Greece, and is the second largest island in Greece after that of Crete. Evia is a truly beautiful and magnificent destination for  holidays and travels to Greece throughout the year. The inspiring landscapes and the perfect combination of sea and mountain make it a place where you cannot help but relax and enjoy yourself.With easy access by car and ferry,  the island of Evia is one that you should  definitely put down on your travel list. There are many beautiful regions and towns found all over Evia. The capital town of Halkida, located in Central Evia is the gateway for many visitors to the island. Connected by the bridge to mainland Greece, it is via Halkida that many visitors who travel by car will reach the island. From here, the choice of heading north, south or staying in Central Evia is yours.

The northern region of Evia is definately one of the most beautiful parts of the island.The luxuriant vegetation and wildlife make it a perfect escape from the noise and mayhem of everyday city life. In the northern part of Evia you will find the famous spa town of Edipsos. Edipsos is an extremely popular destination for travellers to Evia, and the famous spa and hot springs that are found here are known  for their therapeutic and healing properties. Spa and wellbeing plays a very central role to Edipsos, and visitors from all over the world come here to sample these truly unique waters.

Coral Gem

My husband and I live in Larnaca, Cyprus, but we often enjoy weekend getaways to Paphos. The Coral Beach Hotel has always been one of our most favourite Paphian summer resorts. But as we usually spend our summer holidays on the Greek islands, we haven't been to the Coral Beach Hotel for a long time!

This summer, we decided to spend a long weekend there. We arrived just after lunch and all I wanted was a good siesta! So, I was very happy to see that check-in was really fast and we were soon shown to the exquisite suite 1334. The private terrace is furnished with umbrellas, sunbeds for two, a small wooden coffee table and a small outdoor lounge. There's an amazing view to Coral Bay and to Peyia Village as well.

Just before dusk, we were pleasantly surprised by the night maid who placed a bowl on our outdoor lounge table with floating candles resting on sea-shells. She said:."That's for the night...." *wink*

Well...we had fruit and wine as a pre-dinner special treat and later enjoyed some more wine under the stars and an almost full August moon.. We also loved the Romantino Restaurant - hope I remember the name right - where we enjoyed a rocket salad for starters and pan-baked chicken with a variety of vegetables and some kind of roasted potato. I did not like the so-called tiramisu served with....whole coffee beans! Who can eat coffee beans? Not me!

Being used to our golden shallow beaches in the south, I was quite disappointed with the beach. There were huge waves and no blue flag...Alkis , however, braved the waves and swam in deep waters! I decided to remain in .."shallow waters" ..meaning in Paphos that your feet can hardly touch the bottom!

Yet, we both enjoyed the greatest espressos ever at the pool bar and iced-cold mineral water! Our special thanks to the friendly staff there.

I LOVED
- the yellow and orange fresh roses in the bathroom
- the same roses with greens beautifully arranged in a vase on the dining table
- the floating candles on the terrace!
- the fruit
-the wine
- the bed!
-the food!

I DID NOT LIKE

- the beach!

- tiramisu at Romantino

- the fact we had to leave on Sunday!

OVERALL IMPRESSION

A great 5 star hotel that I highly recommend!

The Island of Alonissos

THE ISLAND

Alonissos Greece is one of the less visited islands of the Sporades chain, off mainland Greece's east coast and, unlike its noisy neighbour Skiathos, it has a tranquil, soporific atmosphere with lots of old-world Alonissos holiday charm.The island may have escaped the ugly embrace of the package tour industry but there are signs of change as more visitors discover its many charms. Hotels and apartments have sprung up in the main town of Patitiri and resurfaced roads have made beach access easier.

Alonissos is not far from Skopelos and just about 62 nautical miles from Volos.With a dense cover of pine-forest often reaching down the coast and with 64 km of coastline, Alonissos has a population of 1500 inhabitants who mostly live off fishing. There is a large number of islets near Alonissos famous for their caves which offer a refuge to the Mediterranean monk seal. The Alonissos-Northern Sporades National Maritime Park is regarded as a highly significant breeding ground for this rare species of seal, also known as Monachus.

On Alonissos you can visit Palio Horio or Liadromia at about 4km from the port, on the top of a steep hill with a breathtaking view to the island. The earthquake in 1965 destroyed most of the houses. On the edge of the cliff, some parts of the Byzantine walls have been preserved. It is also worth visiting some of the churches which survived the earthquake, such as the Byzantine chapel of Agii Anargyri.

A walk around Patitiri - the island's port and the harbour of Hora - is definitely a must! The houses are built on the rocks in an amphitheatrical formation with dense pine forest all around. Votsi, situated 1 km northeast of Patitiri, is a settlement that overlooks the most picturesque bay on the island, including the little harbour with its romantic tavernas.

THE BEACHES

Naturally no one can resist spending time on the island's gorgeous beaches:

Hrissi Milia is one of the most beautiful beaches of Alonissos at about 4km northeast of Patitiri. The boat trip there is a memorable experience and it only takes 20 minutes.

Kokkinokastro: a sandy beach situated beneath an abruptly rising neck of land northeast of Patitiri, with reddish soil and pine trees on its crest. In the summer, there are daily trips there.

Leptos Yialos : a picturesque small bay with pure white sand at about 6km northeast of patitiri or 30 minutes by boat.

Steni Vala: a settlement fronting a narrow inlet, resembling a small fjord. It is rapidly developing into a tourist resort and is situated at 12km northeast of Patitiri.

Marpounda: a tourist resort, with two excellent beaches and a rocky seafront situated at the southernmost part of Alonissos, 3km from Patitiri.

HOW TO GET THERE

You can get to Alonissos by ferry or hydrofoil from Ayios Constantinos - Volos, from Skopelos or Skiathos

HOTELS

Paradise Hotel - Patitiri

Ikion Hotel - Patitiri

Nicoletta's Pension

Marpounda Village Club Hotel - Votsi

The Islets of Strofades, Zakynthos

The small group of islands called Strofades are situated 37 nautical miles south of the island of Zakynthos. During the summer season (June to September), there are daily connections to these islets by boat from the town of Zakynthos and from Laganas. Strofades are comprised by the islands of Arpina and Stamvranio and their maximum altitude does not exceed 10 metres above sea-level, which is why they are also known as the "floating islands" as they seem to float on the surface of the water.

The name Strofades or Strofadia has its roots somewhere in the very distant past. Virgil associates the islets' name with mythology. Voreos' two sons, Kalais and Zitis, were in pursuit of the mythological monsters known as Harpies, which the gods had sent to earth to punish humans and Phineus, the soothsayer. However, when the monsters reached these islets,  Zeus ordered Voreos' sons to "turn back" (strofi in Greek means turn). Since then, the islets have been known as Strofades and the Harpies were able to build their nests in peace on the rocks you can see on the photo below. Locals, on the other hand, associate these mythological creatures to the birds of prey now living on Strofades.

In the 13th century, on Arpina - the largest of the two islets and the only one to be inhabited - Irini, the wife of the Byzantine Emperor Laskaris, built a monastery dedicated to the Transfiguration of our Saviour and the Mother of God, the Spring of Eternal Joy. The monastery, which is adorned by a marble icon screen and a number of old icons, was visited by many saints among whom Agios Dionysios who later gave it his name.

 The monastery on Strofades

 In 1440, the monastery assumed its current form of a fortress monastery, following the alterations made by the Byzantine Emperor Ioannis Palaiologos. The island was subject to numerous attacks by pirates as well as invasions by barbarians which led to the decision in 1717 to transfer the relics of Agios Dionysios to Zakynthos. His empty grave lies in the temple of Agios Georgios on the ground floor of the monastery's tower. A 26-metre tall tower dominates the scenery in front of the monastery. The lighthouse guiding the passing ships at night is situated on the northern side of the islet.

  

Cyprus Beaches

Limassol

Limassol has a beach of dark coarse sand and pebbles. Travel 2 miles east of the town and you will find Dassoudi, the resort's main beach. Here, you will find that this Cyprus beach is equipped with modern changing rooms, a snack bar, restaurant, car park and water sports. The beach itself is dark pebbly sand.

Governor's Beach was named after the British Governor in colonial times who used to go swimming here. This beach  is along the south coast and is well off the main Nicosia/ Limassol highway 29 km east of Limassol which is the nearest town. Larnaca, Nicosia and the mountains are easily accessible from here. There are several attractive villages within a short drive including Pentakomo, a newly discovered Neolithic site at Mesovouni and the monastery of Agios Georgios Alamanos where the nuns cultivate flowers and plants which they sell to their visitors. There are several small sandy bays and great tavernas just above.

 

The beautiful Ladies Mile beach is located near the New Limassol Port and is only a 10-15 minute drive from Limassol Town centre. Here you can walk along the golden sandy beach, swim in the crystal clear waters or even have a go on the water sports facilities. The water here is shallow and very clear, so it’s safe for kids, and the sand runs for miles so if you’d prefer some peace and quiet you will be sure to find it here. Ladies Mile beach is one of the most popular windsurfing spots on the island due to its flat shallow water.

One of the most appealing beaches on the island, Curium, is a beach of unspeakable beauty. The sea is rough and wild, whereas the beaches are gentle to have fun on. The ancient Roman Curium Amphitheatre, which has been rebuilt, is directly above the Curium beach, and you may see hand-gliders riding above the Curium cliffs. This beach is also a popular sailing spot but can get overcrowded with swimmers.

Pissouri Beach is located in the picturesque village of Pissouri at about 30km from Limassol. Its waters are clean, warm and safe to swim in with a beautiful sandy, shingle beach. During the summer there are a number of water sports facilities and there is also a small diving school for anyone who would like to learn scuba diving. Rarely overcrowded, except on Sundays . There are also many Cyprus tavernas along the beach which offer delicious Cypriot delicacies.

Larnaca

Larnaca offers large stretches of safe sandy beaches that go on for miles. Just perfect for children! The three main beaches in Larnaca are Phinikoudes in the town centre, Mckenzie on the outskirts and Dhekelia beach which stretches for miles forming the backdrop to many of Larnaca's 4 & 5 star hotels.

 

Agia Napa

The coast of Agia Napa is considered to be the finest in Cyprus. Extensive silvery, sandy beaches cover the area which attract the majority of visitors All along the beaches of Agia Napa, facilities for all sea sports are provided including water-skiing, wind-surfing, sailing canoes, pedals, motor boats, scooters, speed-boats, parachutes, scuba-diving and more. Nissi and Makronissos beaches are the most popular in Agia Napa.

Protaras 

In Protaras - at about 10km from Agia Napa -  the visitors will find many beaches which are equipped with sport facilities of every description and well prepared to make your Cyprus holidays as pleasant as possible.. Stretching 5 km northeast from Cape Greko further to the north of Pernera, Protaras boasts some of  the loveliest beaches on the island.

Paphos

The  Coral Bay Beach is a short drive north of Paphos, passing through banana plantations and vineyards. There are several different stretches of beach which can make for a very relaxing day. There are also many tavernas nearby as well as all sorts of water sports. Other than that, the beaches in Paphos are rocky and the waters are deep and unsafe for young children.

Petra tou Romiou - "The Rock of the Greek" - also known as Aphrodite's Rock is the place where , according to legend, Aphrodite - the greek goddess of beauty and love - emerged from the foam of the waves. There is a lovely beach just below the Rock but you must be a strong swimmer to enjoy the deep, cold waters. Right opposite the beach, on the top of a small hill, there is a taverna. This is the best spot to enjoy glorious sunsets while having a drink or a meal at the veranda overlooking Aphrodite's Rock.

Polis tis Chrysochous

Latsi beach is off the beaten track, at about 45 km from Paphos and 3km from the small town of Polis tis Chrysochous. I strongly recommend trying the fish meze at Porto Latsi for 16 euros per person - not including VAT and drinks. 

 

The Island of Serifos

Serifos is an island renowned for its excellent food and relaxed atmosphere. It is a popular summer resort amongst the Greeks, but has not been too commercialised since the mass tourism hasn't reached this little pearl just yet. The locals have lived off iron and copper mining since ancient years, together with fishing and some farming, mainly figs and olives. They  are very friendly, and if you are lucky, you might be able to see some of their traditional celebrations such as weddings, saints' festivals and other happy occasions.

 According to mythology, this is where Danae and her son with Zeus, Perseus, landed after they had been locked into a box and thrown into the sea by Danae's upset father. Here, Perseus grew up to a fine young man, but the happiness was clouded when the king of the island fell in love with Danae, who did not return his feelings. The king sent Perseus away on a mission to kill Medusa, hoping he would never come back so that he could be alone with Danae. With the help of the gods, Perseus, succeeded in killing the Gorgon, and when he came back, he turned the king into stone by showing him Medusa's head. Serifos has a system of democracy as early as in the 7th century BC. It was to be a vassal state to Athens, and after that it belonged to the Macedonians, the Romans, the Byzantine Empire, the Venetians and the Turks. During all that time, it was also constantly attacked by pirates. Serifos was finally freed in the 19th century, after fighting side by side with the rest of Greece against the Turks from 1821 onwards.

The capital, Chora, has an an ancient citadel, which has been used through history to protect the locals from pirates and foreign invaders. Here, there is also an archaeological museum and a church from the 18th century. The monastery Taxiarchon is not open for the public, but is quite impressive even from outside. It dates back to the 16th century.

 
This is an island for relaxing by the sea, so the best thing to do is to bring good literature and just chill out. The beach Livadaki is great for families with children, and there are also a couple of taverns there. Another favourite is Psili Ammos, but there are also other beaches - the locals are usually willing to recommend a few. You don't go to Serifos for its nightlife. You can try, instead, the local cuisine as well as fresh fish at one of the many tavernas by the sea.

Serifos is well known for its good food. A major reason is that most holidaymakers here are Greeks, and they know what they want. Most tavernas are by the sea in Chora..There are a couple of souvenir shops in Chora, but don't expect too much. There is a local bus connecting Chora with some of the beaches. You can also rent a car or a bike, or take a boat to a couple of beaches..

The nearest airports are on Milos and in Athens. Get the ferryboat from there, or the hydrofoil during high season.