Cypria

Astypalea, Greece

General Information

Astypalea is a harsh island with high cliffs, small bays and  clear waters.It is a traditional Greek island which is a good alternative for those who want to escape the more touristy islands but still want a bit of civilization.

The people of Astypalea live on fishing, agriculture and stockbreeding , but since it is quite a popular island amongst Greek holidaymakers, the locals have been able to earn more out of tourism.

Because Astypalea has some terrific settings and views, this has become an increasingly popular island amongst artists.

History:

Astypalea was the sister of Europa, and she had two sons with Poseidon: Anceus, king of Samos and one of the Argonauts, and Eurypylea, king of Kos. The island was first inhabited in the 2nd Millennium BC by the Carians, who then called it Pyrra ("fire") because the soil was red.

Later, the Cretans, Minoans, settled here. In classical times, there were many temples on the island and it seems to have been a quite prosperous place, since it paid high tributes to Athens. The ancient Greeks called it the "Table of the Gods" since it was covered with fruit and flowers.

The Romans invaded Astypalea in the 2nd century BC, but in stead of using the island as a place for exiles as in the case of many other islands, they took advantage of its strategical position and made it a haven for their ships. This protected the island from pirates, and during the Byzantine the island kept flourishing.

The Venetians conquered the Aegean sea in the beginning of the 13th century, and the defense started declining. Finally, the Turks took over in the 16th century, and stayed on Astypalea until its liberation in the 19th century. The island was again occupied by the Italians during World War II. In 1948 it was finally liberated.

What to See 

In Chora there is a small archaeological museum, a few interesting churches and a citadel. The remains of a Roman Villa is to be seen in the village Maltezana (Analipsis). Here, there is also a monument over the perished crew of the French ship Bison that sunk in 1827. In Vathy you can visit the Cave of the Dragon, Dracospilia.

What to Do :

Swimming, snorkeling and relaxing. At Livadia beach there are jetskis and canoes for rent. The island is great for windsurfing.

Beaches:

The most popular beach is Maltezana, which is also the most lively. There are numerous little bays, and you can take a boat to Moura and Parou. Most beaches on the island are pebbled or rocks.

Nightlife:

You'll find a couple of bars and discos in Skala, Chora, Livadia and Maltezana. The nightlife is quite varied, but not too wild.

Food

There are many taverns on the island. You'll find some in Chora, Skala, Livadia and Maltezana as well as in Ag Andreas. Pougia is a local cheese-pie, and Arandista is a local dish of lentils and vinegar. There are also many locals sweets.

Shopping:

Apart from the usual souvenirs like ceramics, hand-woven textiles and jewellery, you can also buy some of the local honey and cheese.

Getting Around

There is a local bus that connects Chora with Livadia and Maltezana. A small boat can take you to some of the beaches. You can also rent a vehicle.

Getting There:

The airport has almost daily flights to and from Athens. The ferryboats connect the island with Piraeus, Naxos, Paros and Kalymnos and other islands of the Dodecanese.

FROM CONSTANTINOS - GUEST AUTHOR

The Island of Nissiros

Nissiros is a small island in the middle of the Dodecanese complex, has lots of natural beauties and a rich cultural heritage whose inhabitants maintain alive up to day.
The geomorphologic feature most characteristic of the island is its volcano. It is said that Nissiros was born after a series of successive eruptions of the volcano, which is unique of its kind in Greece. The volcano of Nissiros island is considered to be still active and because of the easy access to its craters, thousands of tourists and scientists from all over the world visit it every year. The volcano and the serenity that one experiences in the picturesque villages of Nissiros island are two of its main attractions that will truly captivate you. The island has a very rich fauna and flora that specialists have pronounced to be unique.

HOW TO GET THERE : by plane or by boat from Pireus to Rhrodes Island and from there by ferry.

WHERE TO STAY:

Highly recommended on Nissiros Island

Porfyris Hotel

FROM Constantinos - Guest Author

 

Pserimos, Dodecanese, Greece

 

Pserimos is an islet located between Kos and Kalymnos, about six nautical miles north of Kos and close to the Turkish coast. The total area is only about 15sq km and there is only a handful of permanent residents, around 100 who rely on fishing and tourism.
The island is a popular destination for tourists who arrive from Kos or Kalymnos on small excursion boats or pirate-type tourist ships that arrive daily throughout the summer. There is also a daily boat from Pothia, in Kalymnos, that carries provisions, taverna workers and a few early morning tourists. Pserimos is a good day out for those wishing to avoid organised beaches of Kos or Kalymnos but the beach, though large, can get crowded once all the day trip boats arrive.

The beach is wide, deep, very sandy with shallow waters well sheltered in the deep bay and lined with beachside tavernas and cafes that catch the daily trade. There is a small harbour for boat mooring. There's not much to see beside the single sandy beach though tracks lead over the rocky treeless hills to small coves. Those tourists who want to extend the day excursion can usually find rooms to let.

This tiny island lies to the southeast of Kalimnos. Its sparse population consists of sponge fishermen and their families. Its pretty beaches make it a wonderful place to relax.

HOW ΤΟ GET
Βy caique  (boat)from Kalimnos

USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS
Area code 02430
ΟΤΕ (Telephone Company) 23.195

Posted by Constantinos - Guest Author

PHOTOS BY : Dabs Banner

Veria, Macedonia, Greece

Veria is built at the foot of Vermion Mountains in Greece and is the commercial centre of Macedonia, the capital of the prefecture of Imathia, the province of Imathia and the seat of a bishop of the Greek Orthodox Church. Veria is on the site of the ancient city of Beroea (called Berea in some translations of the Bible), which was prominent from the 4th century BC and part of the Kingdom of Macedon. Part of Rome from 168 BC, both Paul and Silas preached there in AD 54 or 55 (see Bereans). Diocletian made the large and populous city one of two capitals of the Roman Province of Macedonia, and it was one of the earliest cities to become the seat of a bishop. Invaded by Bulgars, it was conquered by the Ottomans in 1361, who named it Kara Ferye. It was incorporated into the Greek state in 1912.

Veria since the 1980s is bypassed and is linked by the superhighway linking to GR-1. GR-4/Via Egnatia runs through Veria and also the road to Edessa. It is located NE of Kozani, S of Edessa, SW of Thessaloniki, NW of Katerini, WNW of Athens and N of Larissa.

Veria hosts one of the largest and most complete public libraries in Greece. Originally a small single-room library with limited funds and material, it expanded into a four-story building offering multimedia, as well as special and rare editions. Veria's public library collaborates with many international organizations and hosts several cultural events. Every summer (August 15 to September 15) the "Imathiotika" festivities take place with a rich cultural program deriving mainly from Veria's tradition. The site of Elia offers great natural beauty and with an amazing view of the Imathia plain. Neighboring Seli is a well-known ski resort and a few kilometers outside the city is the Aliakmonas river dam.

FROM CONSTANTINOS - GUEST AUTHOR

 

10 Top Greek Restaurants in Athens

In Athens there is a wide variety of restaurants and tavernas where you can find all sorts of international cuisine. However, in Athens you will also find some of the best Greek restaurants and tavernas in the country. Listed below , you will find the 10 top Greek  restaurants and tavernas in Athens and my rating since they also happen to be my favourite 10. They all specialise in traditional and modern greek cuisine.

1. To Petrino*****

Themistokleous and Academias Street - +30-210-3804100 /3822625

2. To Kafeneion*****

26, Loukianou Str - Kolonaki - +30-210-7229056/7237277

3. Stoa Attalos****

9, Adrianou Str - Thisio - +30-210-3219520/3212488

 4. 1002 NYXTES***

10, Karaiskou str - Psiri - +30-210-3317293

5. 48 The Restaurant*****

48 Armatolon Klefton - Ampelokipi - +30-210-6411082

6. Achinos*****

51, Akti Themistokleous - Freatida, Pireus - +30-210-4526944

7. To Kouti****

23, Adrianou - Thisio - +30-210- 3213229

8. Tzitzikas kai Mermingas****

26, Aeschylou str and Ayiou Georgiou - Chalandri - +30-210-6810529

9. Peri Orexeos Oudis Logos****

43, Ayias Zonis - Kypseli - +30-210-8617493

10. O Geros tou Moria*****

27, Mnisikleous str - Plaka - +30-210-3221753

 

FROM CONSTANTINOS - GUEST AUTHOR

Anassa Hotel, Cyprus

The epitome of luxury, Anassa is a romanesque-style palatial hotel characterised by acres of cool marble, a tranquil ambience and fragrant scented gardens. This is the signature property of the revered Thanos Hotels group and sister hotel to Almyra and Annabelle in Paphos.Built into the hillside just outside the small village of Latchi, its manicured lawns lead down to a vast secluded beach and views from the hotel are nothing short of spectacular. Rooms are spacious and lavishly furnished with balconies that have garden or sea views. You can request rooms in either the West Wing or the East Wing depending on whether you want to be close to the hotel’s restaurants and facilities or favour peace and quiet. Its world-famous Thalassa Spa specialises in the very latest health and beauty treatments and uses products that are 100% chemical free, for the ultimate in holistic pampering. Water sports and a PADI diving centre are available on the beach. The hotel has two tennis courts and an indoor squash court. Special features for families include the innovative ‘Baby Go Lightly’ programme, whereby everything a travelling baby might need can be pre-booked from sterilisers, Pampers nappies and child pushchairs to storybooks, car seats and warm milk and biscuits at bed time.

Anassa is a member of the Leading Hotels of the World.

That's where Alkis and I spent last weekend-my birthday weekend- on our romantic getaway to Polis Chrysochous situated in the northwestern part of the island of Cyprus. After having lunch at Porto Latchi, we headed for the hotel which wasn't easy to find as there's practically not one signpost at Latchi village.  We had to double back in order to find the hotel perched on a hillside just a mile away from the natural reserve of Akamas Peninsula.  As soon as we arrived, a very polite porter welcomed us to the hotel and took our luggage while he showed us in the reception area. We had just stepped into a world of discrete luxury and infinite class. While checking in , we sat at the very comfortable lounge opposite the reception and were offered velvety warm towels and  lemonade. Soon afterwards we were shown in our mini suite with a breathtaking view to the infinite blue of the eastern Mediterranean. The room was spacious, dressed in white - my favourite colour- and overlooked an equally spacious veranda furnished with comfortable armchairs and sunbeds.

We celebrated my birthday at Helios Restaurant. We loved everything! Here's what we had! An ode to the palate! Our compliments to the executive chef. I really loved the small black dress a la Chanel the waitresses were wearing and both Alkis and I would like to thank our sommelier- Krassomyra from Bulgaria - for her impeccable service of the wine. We were also impressed by her fluency in Greek - I actually thought she was Greek! Also many thanks to our French headwaiter - can't remember his name!The excellent quality of both his manners and his service won our hearts.

After this festive dinner for my 51st birthday, we had what we thought to be a last drink at the Anassa bar. We didn't like the music, so we left early and went up to our room. Wow !! I couldn't believe it! A bottle of champagne and a greeting card for my birthday! Thanks a million to Anassa Management Team ! It was such a lovely surprise !

To tell you the truth, I didn't want to leave Anassa Hotel on Sunday morning...but I had a pile of marking to finish by Monday! One thing's for sure. We're going back in the summer. I must, by all means, try that gorgeous secluded beach ...at one "anassa" (a breath away) from Akamas! 

Symi, Dodecanese, Greece

Symi belongs to the Dodecanese islands complex and lies 24 nautical miles NW of Rhodes and 255 nautical miles from the port of Piraeus. The highest point is Mountain Vigla at 616 metres. The island is very close to the coast of Asia Minor, just 5 miles from Alopos. It is not a very big island, only 67 square kilometres. The majority of the land is covered in rocks.

Two settlements form the town of Symi : Chorio (Village) and Gialos ( Harbour). Pedi, found in the bay of the same name and Nimporios in the bay of the same name, have a few inhabitants. There is also a big monastery complex, Panormitis, where around 30 people live and take care of the monastery.

At Gialos you may find a medical centre, a post office, the police station, the port police, the town hall, telephone service (OTE), two banks : Alpha Bank and National Bank of Greece, hotels, rooms to let, restaurants, tavernas, fast food, goldsmiths, bakeries, tourist shops, supermarkets, confectioners, bars, tourist agencies, fruit shops, corner shops, a fitness center, a flower shop, bus and taxi terminals.

At Village, you may find a medical centre, hotels, rooms to let, restaurants, tavernas, bakeries, tourist shops, supermarkets, bars, fruit shops, corner shops, a flower shop, bus and taxi stations.

In the interior of Symi there is a road that leads from Gialos to Panormitis and you can go through it either by car, or by bike or on foot through a pined, cypressed, holm - oaked forest. This is a walk you can take alone or with the help of guides, who are appointed by tourist offices.

There are a number of islets around Symi, such as Nimos, which is the largest one, as well as Sesklia, Artikonisi, Koulountro, Troubeto, Chondros, Plati, Oxia, Diabates, Marmaras. All these small islands can be visited with caiques, or small boats.

Chorio-The Old Town
Chorio (meaning 'village') is the oldest occupied part of the town and comprises the area from the windmills to the castle mound and up the lower slopes of the Vigla. The historic routes of the Kali Strata and the Kateraktis provide pedestrian routes to the area and the Kali Strata in particular is worth the effort of the climb to look at the fine old merchant houses that line the way. The motor road from the harbour takes a longer route around the periphery of the town, touching on Chorio at several points including near the top of the Kali Strata.

Hotel Fiona
A room with a view & breakfast on the terrace.

Villa Rose 
House with stunning views and added comfort.
Welcome Pack Included

Pitini House
Gorgeous views to Symi Harbour.
Welcome Pack Included

Villa Anastasia
House with spectacular views of the harbour.
Welcome Pack Included 

Mule House 
Fantastic views to Pedi Bay.
Welcome Pack Included

The Old Bakery 
Refurbished house sleeping 2 to 6.
Welcome Pack Included

Cassandra 
House with superb view of the harbour.

The Cottage
Beautiful views down to Pedi Bay. 
Welcome Pack Included

Taxiarchis Apartments
Mix of studios, apartments & maisonettes.

Villa Irene
Artist's House in Medieval Chorio.

2 Fishes
Medieval conversion with stupendous views.
Welcome Pack Included

Loft House
Good value for two people.
Zoe's Apartment
Panoramic views of the Pedi Valley.

The Little Blue House
Traditional village house.

Stenos Spiti
Refurbished, traditional Symi house.

Lambros' House
Now updated with new photos and full details

Yialos-Symi Harbour
'The most beautiful harbour in Greece'

Iapetos Village
Newly built holiday complex.

Spiti 'Grande Helene'
Stylish accommodation overlooking the harbour.
Welcome Pack Included

Marika Hotel
Air-conditioned rooms with sea-view.

Roloi Studios
Budget accommodation.

Hellenikon Apartment
One of the most desirable balconies in Yialos.

Villa Gabrielle
Neo-classical house with views.
Welcome Pack Included

Stefanos' House
Amazing views at an affordable price.

The Little Owl
Intimate traditional charm for couples.

The Gate House
Family house with panoramic views of the harbour.

Acknowledgements : The photos are the courtesy of Anastasia, the blog owner

FROM Constantinos, guest author

The Intercontinental Aphrodite's Hills Resort Hotel - Cyprus

The Intercontinental Aphrodite's Hills Resort Hotel is situated between the picturesque village of Pissouri and Aphrodite's Rock (Petra Tou Romiou) at about 20km from the city of Paphos. That's were hubby and I decided to spend Christmas. Upon arrival on December 24th 2008, we were warmly welcomed by the friendly staff at the reception. Despite the long queue at the reception area, check in was incredibly fast and we were soon shown to our room which looked more like a mini suite with a breathtaking view to the foamy waters from which - according to legend - immerged Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of Beauty and Love. On that freezing winter day, up on Aphrodite's Hills, we both enjoyed the howling of a particularly biting wind. A bottle of champagne and some fruit and sweets were elegantly placed on the table in the cosy living room and we toasted that splendid Christmas Eve before having a short siesta.

We had booked a table for the Christmas Eve Gala Dinner at the hotel's main ballroom, but it was too noisy for us, so the last minute we asked the receptionist if we could cancel and have our Christmas dinner at The Leander Restaurant. We were lucky to have the last table available! We had their lobster menu which was absolutely divine while enjoying the Christmas carols playing as background music. The food was exquisite and the service impeccable.

On Christmas Day, we enjoyed a very festive breakfast and an invigorating walk in the hotel's evergreen premises. In the evening, their home band entertained us till the early morning hours. We can't wait to go back, surely on another occasion.

The Island of Kythira, Greece

Kithira Island in Greece is resplendent with natural beauties. Here you are treated to pleasant surroundings amongst lush vegetation, different types of flora and rivers all adding to the charm of the island. You will want to get lost among the narrow streets and the old churches will tempt you to step in.You can visit inside the Venetian castle and rediscover the ambience of the bygone years. Explore the cave of St Sophia and peep into the English manor houses. The sea view is simply breathtaking. There is an archaeological museum that gives you more information about the place.

Kythira Island is part of the Ionian Islands group. It is an isolated isle situated at the foot of the Peloponnese, between the Ionian and the Aegean seas.It is one of the quietest islands of the Ionian and offers places of incredible natural beauty and authenticity. Here you will find charming medieval villages and astonishing deserted beaches.

 

Paleochora is a village situated on the north-eastern part of Kythira. The village is regarded as one of the marvels of the island. It is composed of the ruins of the medieval capital and dates back to the Byzantine times. It had the name of Agkefalonia Dimitrkefalonia. The village is characterised by its charming architecture. It reminds the amazing architecture of places such as Monemvasia or Mystra.

The village, in order to be protected from the many pirate raids of the region, was built in the hills in an area that it couldn’t be seen from the sea. Despite that protection and its fortifications, the village was found and destroyed by the famous pirate Barbarossa in 1537. He sold all the inhabitants as slaves and the village was never rebuilt for the reason that it is considered  a place of bad fortune.

The beaches of Kythira are famous for their crystal-clear waters and golden or purple-red sand on the eastern coasts and more precipitous ones on the west, where the rocky slides end in the sea, they all invite you to explore them. Most of Kythira beaches are ideal for wind-surfing and other water-sports.

Kapsali along with the beaches of Agia Pelagia, Palaiopoli and Platia Ammos are the most developed ones. The beaches of Chalkos, Melidoni, Lykodimou, and Agios Nikolaos are calm and peaceful, while there are other beaches too, accessible only on foot or by boat. Don't miss a visit to the beach of Fyri Ammos, which is a long stretch with red pebble, awarded for its cleanliness and natural beauty.

Among Kapsali and Agia Pelagia, the more spectacular lines of coast are found. Departing from Kapsali, doubled the C. Groso, where the coast pierced of caves goes down to lead in the sea, the beach of HALCOS is found that can be reached by the village of KALAMOS through an excavated road. Not to lose the beach of KAKOPLAKA, a heaven of pink sand that serves as background to the sharp rocks of the point Goumena. Notable the beach of FIRI AMMOS, where the rock him of rust, sulphur and limestone creating strong contrasts. Turquoise is instead the sea to KALADI, a bay frequented by yachts and boats of fishermen. Beautiful beaches crown the oriental line of the bay of AGIA PELAGIA. KALAMITSI, LORENTSOU and LIMNI are reached following the road that brings from the church of Agios Nikolaos up to the throat of KAKI LAGADA, where it opens a lake contained between the sea and the rock. From Potamos the beach of DIAKOFTI can be reached. Continuing towards south, the bay of AGIOS NIKOLAOS is reached, where 3 beaches are there: ASPROGAS, KASTRAKI AND AVLEMONAS. From KATO CHORA an excavated road conducts to one of the more beautiful sandy beaches of the island: LIMIONAS. 

Kythira is the ideal holiday resort for those of you who love peace and quiet off the beaten track. 

RECOMMENDED ACCOMMODATION

Windmill Studios, Kythira, Greece
Windmill Studios Kythera
THE STUDIO SUITES
Each Windmill studio suite conveniently accommodates four people and is ideal for a tranquil family vacation 1 double bed, 2 single beds. It provides all the amenities for comfort. Each studio includes a bedroom, a kitchenette, a private bathroom, a sitting room with a TV and fireplace. Surrounded by magnificent landscape, the spacious open areas ensure peace and relaxation and are perfect for an enjoyable and breathtaking view of the sunset. The holiday experience in this little complex is sure to meet the needs of all travellers.

 

Windmill bedroom

  

Windmill living-room

FROM CONSTANTINOS - GUEST AUTHOR

 

The Island of Skopelos

Skopelos is one of the Greek Sporades Islands located in the Aegean Sea, 121 kilometres north east of the mainland port of Agios Konstantinos (which is 166 kilometres north of Athens). It's a beautiful pine-forested island with an interior carpeted with groves of olive, almond and plum trees. It's neither as commercialised as neighbouring Skiathos nor as untouched as tranquil Alonissos. The package holiday industry has firmly established itself here but the islanders have shown dogged determination in refusing to allow Skopelos to be entirely swallowed up by mass tourism. The island boasts two of the most picturesque towns in the Sporades, many good pebble beaches and some wonderful walks for keen hikers.

 

There's no airport on the island but you can fly to Skiathos which is a one-hour hydrofoil ride away. Frequent ferries and Flying Dolphins connect Skopelos with Agios Konstantinos and there are also services to and from both Thessaloniki and the Pelion Peninsula on the Greek mainland.

Boats stop at both the port of Loutraki in the north west corner of the island and at Skopelos Town on the east coast. Ferry schedules often refer to Loutraki as Glossa which is the name of the lovely hill top town above the not particularly inspiring port. Both Glossa and Skopelos Town are delightful in their own ways - the former is unspoilt, totally Greek and steadfast in its resistance to all the more obvious trappings of tourism. Skopelos Town is awash with bars, cafes, gift shops and travel agencies but it's still one of the loveliest towns in the archipelago with narrow cobbled streets winding up from the waterfront to the hilltop Venetian castle. The town has no fewer than 123 churches and some lovely traditional houses with brown timber balconies adorned with vivid bougainvillea and brightly coloured pot plants.

The island's verdant countryside is littered with numerous impressive monasteries, many of which are in spectacular locations. Most are deserted but some are still inhabited by nuns who offer their loom-woven textiles for sale to a steady stream of summer visitors.

If you explore the interior you'll also come across many old stone houses, called "kalyvia", nestling amid the pine and cypress woods. The houses have distinctive outdoor ovens in which the islanders used to bake plums to produce the prunes for which Skopelos was once famous. You'll still find prunes served up in various guises at tavernas all over the island.

Most of the island's beaches are pebbled and the best are scattered along the south and west coasts. At Agnondas on the south coast you can join the locals for a fresh fish lunch at one of the many tavernas lining the beach. Panormos on the west coast is a full-blown holiday resort with plentiful hotels, tavernas, watersports and other tourist facilities. But if it's solitude you crave, don a pair of sturdy walking shoes or take a water taxi from Skopelos Town and you'll be able to find numerous secluded coves peppering the coastline, well off the tourist track.

FROM CONSTANTINOS - GUEST AUTHOR