Cypria

Hiking in Cyprus

Cyprus is ideal for walking. A large number of walking paths are promising  a great hiking experience.

Cyprus belongs to the most beautiful destinations at the Mediterranean sea. Due to the fascinating coasts, forest and mountain landscape, Cyprus is a walking paradise. The multifaceted scenery offers many different places of excursions. The Troodos mountains, in particular,  are impressive. The fresh mountain air and the fragrance of cedars, pines and cypress forests are a unique experience. Some of the walking paths in Troodos lead along crystal clear little streams, creeks and waterfalls. 

Here are some examples of Cyprus Nature Trails. So better book your cheap airline tickets now.

Hiking in Troodos

 

Kalidonia Falls - Platres

 

Athalassa-Nicosia

 

Kalidonia Falls - Platres

 

Alluring Santorini

White washed houses with blue doors and windows hanging out from the steep red and black cliffs. Narrow cobbled streets surrounded by traditional houses. Picturesque villages full of dug-in houses carved into the rocks. Shimery captain's houses lying under the sunshine.

An extraordinary garland made by exquisite artistic mansions fills with colour, light and life the imposing Caldera. Santorini is an extremely beautiful island, full of colours, scents and scenery. It's like a big puzzle in which every piece hides its own private history: museums, churches,scheduled settlements, sea, volcano and hospitable people.

The best aubergine salad in Greece!

You can explore Santorini by walking along the "kalderimia" - the narrow cobbled streets of the island - by enjoying local food and tasting the famous wines of Santorini, by visiting the museums and the archaeological sites or simply by basking on one of Santorini's alluring beaches, such as Monolithos, Kamari, Perissa and Perivolos, or simply by contemplating the most famous sunset in the world.

 

How to get there:

Santorini can be reached from most international airports via Athens. Athens is served by the Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos.

Where to stay:

Santorini Hotels

Platres, Cyprus

The village of Platres is situated on the fringe of the forest on the southern slopes of the Troodos mountain range, at an altitude of 1,200 metres above sea level. It has an ideal climate that is cool and dry during the summer months with temperatures ranging from 27*C to 12*C. In the winter months it's really cold, it usually snows and temperatures can go down to -5*C.

In the 1930s and 40s, visitors from neighbouring countries used to spend the summer in the mountains of Cyprus to escape the heat. Among them was King Farouk of Egypt and the Greek Nobel prize winning poet George Seferis who referred to Platres in his poem "Eleni", noting that "in Platres nightingales will not let you sleep." In the dense forests of the area, nightingales sing all night from mid-May to end of June.

Today, Platres is a popular mountain resort among Cypriots and visitors from all over the world. The scenic surroundings are ideal for walking, cycling, mountaineering, painting and skiing. The cherry blossom in spring, the rich fruit harvest in summer and the excellent wine produced in the area charm and delight the visitor.

Geographically Platres is situated in the centre of the island with excellent road connection to the main cities of Nicosia, Lemesos, Larnaca and Paphos.

How to get there:

by car from Larnaca International Airport - about a 60-minute drive

Where to stay:

The Forest Park Hotel

The Pendeli Hotel

The New Helvetica Hotel

 

Great Eateries

Psilon Dendron

Pigasos

Village Tavern

Kalidonia Restaurant

Skiing in Cyprus

You may not have heard of the Troodos Mountains, but enough snow falls on this normally sun-kissed Mediterranean island between December and March to make it possible  to go skiing and snowboarding in Cyprus.Troodos Resort is the only ski resort in Cyprus and, with just four slopes, the terrain's not extensive. That said, there's some variety.

The aptly named Family Run is perfect for beginners and normally packed with kids getting to grips with the basics. Other runs in the Sun Valley area are great for building up a bit of confidence. The Black Zeus run is where the serious riders head. Perched on the side of the 1,951 metre Mount Olympus, you'll need a good slug of Zivania just to attempt the T-bar. The run has some entertaining steep sections and enough slip and slide to put a silly grin on the faces of all but the very best riders. There's some reasonable off-piste here too.

There are no snow making facilities at Troodos Resort at present  so the best time to go skiing or snowboarding in Cyprus for guaranteed natural coverage is February. In March, weather permitting,  you may wish to enjoy a swim in crystal-clear waters in Limassol, lie on the beach for a while and then go skiing in Troodos.

There are a couple of hotels on the mountain itself, but with a better range of accommodation and nightlife available in Limassol, you might prefer to base yourself in the city which is only a 50-minute drive from Troodos Resort.

Cost

A day's lift pass will set you back around US$30 / 22 €

Getting there

Larnaca is the major international airport in Cyprus, which is served by most European airports. There are also regular buses to Limassol - a 40-minute bus ride from Larnaca.

The Greek Islands

 

 

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The ideal summer holiday for me rhymes with the Greek Islands. Many people think they are all alike, yet they are so different. Despite some similarities, each Greek island has its very special "character" which can be enjoyed only if you mix with the islanders. And each time I came back home from a holiday on the Greek islands, I brought back home cherished memories and images of clear waters, secluded coves, great food at the local tavernas and the intoxicating sound of the bouzouki.

 

Hiking in Greece: The Vikos Gorge

"Upwards and Downwards, One and the Same"--Heraclitus

BY Janet McGiffin

In the 6th century BC, the philosopher Heraclitus said, "A road is, upwards and downwards, one and the same." Those who have hiked the Vikos Gorge will say this description fits perfectly. Even with the varied terrain and vistas, anywhere one walks or points a camera is the same wild beauty, changing and not changing season after season.

 

    Ask any Greek to name five beautiful gorges of Greece and the first response will be "The Vikos."* This quick name recognition may be because the bear and wild boar protected in the Vikos Aoos National Park wander out occasionally to feast on farm animals and get on the nightly TV News. The Vikos Gorge also borders popular Greek ski areas and area hotels are full during snow season.

Papingo - Greece

    But for hikers, the Vikos Gorge comes first because of its beautiful interconnecting footpaths of many levels of expertise that link stone villages tucked into folds of mountains. And a cool breeze that drifts through the tree-shaded Vikos gorge makes it possible to hike all summer, even when the rest of Greece is baking under blazing August sun. By the end of August, the Vikos Gorge is already tasting the crisp nights of autumn and the maples, beech, fig, and oak trees along Greek National Trail #03 that follows the Vaidomatis River through the gorge are ablaze with color.

Papingo-Greece

  
   The Vikos Gorge lies in the North Pindus Mountains in the historic area of Epirus, 30 odd kilometers north of Ioannina and 24 miles from the Albanian border. The area, called the Zagori, has 44 villages called the Zagorohoria. The 12-kilometer gorge itself can be hiked in two or three parts: Monodendri north to Vikos; Vikos to Papingo, and Monodendri south to Kipi and its lovely arched stone bridges.

    Part of the pleasure of hiking the gorge comes from the long journey to get there. A car trip from Athens to Ioannina takes seven hours with an advised overnight in Ioannina to enjoy this lakeside town with its Ottoman-flavored bazaar and inexpensive eateries rimming the lake. The Archeological Museum is not to be missed as the exquisite displays of ancient glass and bronze work provide a quick sense of this part of Greece, inhabited for six thousand years. During the Roman and Byzantine eras, the road to Rome from Constantinople, the "Egnatia," ran through Ioannina and today the new East-West highway, the Egnatia Odos, follows much the same route.

    After Ioannina, it's only 16 kilometers to the first villages of the Zagori. The mountain road is steep, narrow, and winding. Local drivers tear around hairpin curves leaving little space for oncoming traffic. On one recent journey, a helicopter was picking a bicyclist out of a canyon-a miscalculation of brakes and curve.

    By bus from Athens, the journey requires calculation to connect with the smaller buses to the Zagori. Long-distance (KTEL) buses leave Athens Bus Terminal A (Kifissou Street) nearly every hour starting at 6 am. The trip is approximately seven hours with a spectacular crossing of the new bridge at Rio. Buses can be packed with Albanians making bus connections in Ioannina for the Albanian border so arrive at the station early if you need to make a connecting bus to the Zagori.

Photo Credit

 

via www.greecetravel.com

Christmas in Greece

Are you trying to decide where to go on your Christmas holidays and still haven't made up your mind? Why not consider Christmas in Greece? True, it is not the traditional Christmas holiday destination, but it has so much to offer that it will be one of the most unforgettable holidays in your life!

There are two sides to Christmas in Greece; one is religious and solemn, while the other is festive and glamorous. Both of them have their charm. Most towns in Greece are decorated with bright lights, bells, angels and other Christmasy objects. According to Christmas traditions in Greece, the patron saint of the holiday is Saint Nicolas, who is also the protector of sailors. For this reason, you will often see boats decorated with many sparkling lights, rather than the traditional Christmas trees. The Christmas season in Greece begins on December 6 th, which is Saint Nicolas day, and ends on January 6 th, which is the Feast of the Epiphany (Theophania). Celebrations really pick-up from the 20 th of December, as Christmas day gets closer. If you are an amateur photographer, you will be constantly taking Christmas pictures in Greece.

Christmas Shopping in Greece

Christmas shopping in Greece is an absolute delight. Streets are packed with people buying Christmas gifts for their loved ones, as well as Christmas carolers singing Christmas songs. Since gifts are traditionally given on New Year's Eve, Christmas shopping in Greece continues way after the 25 th of December. Shops are decorated with all the usual Christmas ornaments, and an upbeat atmosphere is apparent as you walk along the streets and in the shops. Therefore, Xmas shopping in Greece isn't just shopping. It's a festive experience!

Christmas Festivities in Greece

If you come to Greece at Christmas, you will have the opportunity to attend a wide variety of events and festivities. In the country's major cities, such as Athens, Thessaloniki, Patra, Heraklion, etc, the municipal authorities organize music concerts, theatrical performance, and a number of other cultural events. Christmas in Athens is a fantastic time of the year. The largest Christmas tree in Europe is lit in Syntagma Square, the location of the capital's Christmas village, where little elf houses sell candy and children can take part in a number of activities. There is no limit to Christmas fun in Greece!

Christmas Traditions in Greece

Greece is a country where traditions and customs are a part of everyday life. Most holidays in Greece are celebrated traditionally, and Christmas in no exception. Christmas caroling is very popular, and although you might hear them being sung at any given moment during the holiday season, there are actually three "official" caroling days. The custom is that children go from house to house singing the carol, with the accompaniment of a triangle, and residents of the houses give them a small amount of money. Greek Christmas carols (calanda) are sung on the mornings of Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve and January 5, the Eve of the Epiphany.

According to tradition, during the Greek 12 days of Christmas (December 25 to January 6), goblins come out to tease people and eat their food. This tradition is based on the legend that the "waters aren't christened" since Christ has not yet been baptized. The goblins are renowned for their ugliness and their impishness. They are not very intelligent and can't really hurt anybody. It is said that they enter houses through chimneys, and this is the reason people, especially in villages, keep the fireplace lit during the 12 days of Christmas.

In many parts of Greece, people hang a pomegranate above the front door of their house. By the New Year, when the fruit will have dried, Greeks throw it on the ground so it breaks, and step into their house on their right foot. According to tradition, this brings good luck for the year to come.

Christmas Food in Greece

Christmas, like many other holidays in Greece, is a time for feasting. In the past years, Christmas turkey has become very popular as the main dish of the holiday. Traditionally, the main course of Christmas dinner in Greece is roast pork, with a variety of side delicacies. No matter what the main dish is, one thing is certain: Christmas food in Greece is delicious!

Melomakarona and kourabiedes are the two varieties of Christmas and New Year's cookies in Greece. The first are semolina, cinnamon, and clove cookies drenched in honey, while the second are rosewater and fresh butter cookies sprinkled with powdered sugar that are normally served on New Year's but many succumb to temptation and begin consuming them earlier.

Christopsomo is the bread that is made on Christmas Eve, which has a cross carved into the top crust before it is baked. On Christmas Day, the head of the household makes the sign of the cross above the loaf of bread, cuts it and gives a piece to each person at the dining table.

Vasilopita is a cake that is eaten on New Year's Day. Before the cake is baked, a coin covered in foil is placed in it. The New Year is written on top of the cake with almonds. The person who cuts the cake makes the sign of the cross three times above it and then starts serving the pieces, one to each person, the house, Christ, The Virgin Mary and Saint Vasileios. Whoever has the coin in his piece of cake will have luck for the rest of the year.

Religious Christmas in Greece

Due to the nature of the Christian Orthodox religion, Christmas is a very religious holiday in Greece. The season starts of with Saint Nicolas day and continues with many other saints' days up till Christmas. It is customary for those of faith to go to church on Christmas morning for the religious service. New Year's Day is also Saint Vasileios day. The Christmas season winds down with the Theophania on January 6 th. On this day around Greece, waters are blessed and a cross is thrown into the waters. Dozens of brave young people dive into the freezing water to retrieve the cross, which is said to bring good luck to the person that reaches it first.

Christmas in Greece: Holiday Destinations

Some of the most charming features in Greece are its villages, especially those located on the beautiful mountainsides. At Christmas time in Greece, the tall mountains are snowcapped, as are the lush evergreen trees that cover the countryside. Most villages in Mainland Greece have picturesque stone-brick houses and narrow alleyways, which in the wintertime, resemble a small Santa's village. They are the ideal places to spend a white Christmas in Greece!

If you want to fit some skiing or other winter sports into your Christmas holiday in Greece, we recommend staying a while in one of the many winter resorts in the countryside. Most offer quaint accommodations that are located close to snow centers. The most popular snow centers are Parnassos near the town of Arcahova, Pertouli and Pilio in the region of Thessaly, Tymfristos in the Karpenissi area, Helmos in the town of Kalavrita, Mainalos in Vytina, Peloponnese, Vasilitsa in Grevena and Kaimaktsalan in Edessa.

 

via www.united-hellas.com

Sparti, Peloponnese - Greece

If you want the traditional Greek holiday of sun, sea and cheap Ouzo, then Sparti is not the place to visit. If you prefer to sample Greek history and culture, and enjoy long walks in the mountains, then this relaxed town is the ideal destination. Situated under the imposing Taygetos Mountains, Sparti is the perfect base for exploring the whole of the Peloponnese, and visiting the plethora of historical sites. 

The town has a very low crime rate and is very safe to walk around, at any time of day or night. Sparti is small, so most of the interesting tourist attractions are within easy walking distance. Public transport and taxis are reasonably priced, giving a visitor great freedom to travel and explore. 

Due to the influx of Australian, American and Canadian Greeks returning to the area, many people speak English, so finding information is never a problem. If you are having difficulty making yourself understood, one of the helpful, English-speaking locals will be happy to help. Spartans believe in the Greek custom of ‘Filoxenia’, the love of strangers, and will do their utmost to help visitors to their town. 

A BRIEF INTRODUCTION

The town itself was constructed in 1831, on the orders of King Otto, after the Greek War of Independence. The modern town was deliberately built upon the site of ancient Sparta, and was given the same name. The confusion between the names 'Sparta' and 'Sparti' arises from a variation in Greek dialects. Otto intended the town to be one of the most beautiful in Greece, and the wide, tree-festooned boulevards are a result of his vision. Walking down the streets in spring is a pleasure, with the intermingled scents of orange blossom and jasmine pervading the clear, evening air. 

Sparta has a very laid back feel, due to its open plan and relatively small population, of about 19 000 people. Despite this compactness, it is the central town for of all of Laconia, and has everything you need, from modern fashions to agricultural supplies. The town lies off the main tourist track, so it is not overwhelmed by drunken package holiday groups, or cheap, tawdry hotels. It is relaxing to sit in the central square, and enjoy a peaceful drink and meal, without enduring the monotonous sound of late night discos and repetitive football chants. 

IDEAL LOCATION

The central location of Sparti ensures that it is provided with excellent public transport links. Regular buses to Athens, Monemvasia and Gythio make it easy to get around, especially if hiring a car is not an option. Although the traffic can be a little manic, as in most Greek urban areas, the roads outside the town are of good quality and are very quiet, making driving a pleasure. In fact, some of the roads in the Taygetos Mountains have been used in car adverts, and they are perfect for touring by motorcycle. 

In terms of historical attractions, Sparta possesses an abundance of riches. As well as the ancient acropolis and theatre, only five minutes walk from the centre, there are many other sites scattered around the town. From the Temple of Apollo, in Amikles, and the awesome world heritage site of Mystra, there is much to occupy historians. Other major sites, such as Mycenae, Monemvasia and Ancient Olympia, are within a couple of hour’s journey by car or motorcycle. 

For nature lovers, the town is perfectly situated, with the Taygetos Mountains looming imposingly over the town. These rugged mountains are wreathed their ancient pine forests and blankets of colourful spring flowers. The unique Taygetos ecosystem has been certified as a site of scientific importance. The surrounding land is wholly agricultural, consisting of tranquil olive groves and huge orchards of orange trees. The area has a refreshing lack of heavy industry, and the olives and oranges are regarded to be amongst the finest in the world.

The Peloponnese is a major migration route for birds travelling between Europe and Africa, so the area is a paradise for bird-watchers and twitchers. Organic practices preserve a healthy population of wild birds, so the abundant flocks happily invade the town itself, squabbling amongst the orange trees. 

CONCLUSION

For tourists wishing to enjoy a unique holiday experience, Sparti is a hidden gem. The Spartan experience is far removed from the tourist traps in the islands, but has enough richness and diversity to satisfy the sophisticated visitor.

via sufidreamer.hubpages.com

Arachova, Greece

Arachova is a picturesque mountainous village situated at the Mt Parnassus county. Arachova is the last town east of Delphi with the peaks of Mt Parnassus standing tiered above, sullied by the wide asphalt road cut to a ski resort: Arachova is the main ski resort for the Athenians.

Even if you are not an avid skier , Arachova is definitely worth visiting. The village is a delight, with houses built in a traditional style, twisting up narrow paths and streets into the hills, poised to the south on the edge of olive tree choked Gorge of Pleistos.

What you will find in Arachova

The village of Arachova is known for its wines, the amazing cheese products, the shaggy rugs and woolen weavings. You can find everything in the roadside shops in Arachova, which you will find hard to resist!

When visiting the area, do not miss the chance for a stroll in the village and its picturesque hills. You might wish to  buy some of the renowned products of the region, such as the local Formaella Cheese. In Arachova,  folk tradition blends with modern shops and stores dedicated to the winter sport lovers

Arachova has become a modern winter resort for those who love skiing and snow. There are many chalets, hotels and apartments in Arachova, retaining though the traditional mountainous architecture.

However, despite the flood of tourism these last two decades, the locals have not given up on their traditions which are well preserved along with the popular , local festivals celebrated  throughout the year. There are many traditional celebrations and dances. If you  visit Arachova on those days, you will be invited to participate in huge feasts with outdoor meals and wine drinking.

Rich in taverns and coffee shops, Arachova is either an ideal base for those who wish to explore this part of the Greek mainland, or an excellent pause before reaching Mt Parnassus or the smaller surrounding villages. When approaching the arear, you will be amazed by the lovely architecture and the gorgeous landscape. You cannot help  being impressed with this place that breathes tradition, harmoniously mixed with the modern elements brought by tourism.

SOURCE

Christmas in Athens, Greece

Can you think of a better place to spend your Christmas holidays than in the multifaceted city of Athens? Mabye you didn't know it, but Athens is a holiday destination for all seasons. Its vibrant character truly comes alive at Christmas time, when the whole city is decorated in bright lights and carols can be heard throughout the streets. Perhaps you ought to consider an Athens Greece Christmas vacation after all.

Christmas shopping in Athens is in itself a festive event! The commercial streets of Athens are packed with happy people that browse through the shops, buying cheerfully-wrapped presents for friends and family. Street performers of all kinds are located along the streets, spreading joy to the young and old alike, and making Xmas shopping in Athens a unique experience!

The Christmas fun in Athens Greece really livens up at Synagma Square, the central square of the city. Every year, a Christmas village is built there, complete with elves, fairy-tale cottages, and Christmas ornaments. Children are the honored guests in the village, and are entertained by clowns and other performers. Small Christmas trinkets and candies can be bought at the cottage-like shops.

The major event at Christmas in Athens Greece is the lighting ceremony of the Athens Christmas tree, which is considered the highest tree in all Europe. It is decorated with thousands of lights and can be seen from very far away. On New Year's Eve, a big concert takes place at Syntagma Square, as well as other smaller concerts throughout Athens.

Despite being such a modern European city, Christmas traditions in Athens Greece are alive and well. Carol singing on Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve and January 5, the Eve of the Epiphany, remain the favorite Christmas custom of small children, who go door to door caroling with a triangle and are awarded with a Euro or two.

 

Christmas dinners of roast pork or turkey are served in every household, and bakers sell tons of Christmas cookies - called kourabiedes and melomacarona -, Vasilopitas, the traditional New Year's Cakes, and Christopsoma, the Christmas bread loaves. If you feel like dining out while on holiday, you will find many restaurants that served traditional Christmas food in Athens Greece.

Do you want a taste of white Christmas in Athens Greece? If so, you can take a short drive up to Mt. Parnitha and its casino, or go on an excursion to nearby Arachova and its winter sports center. Quite often, during Christmas in Athens, snow falls in the northern suburbs of the city, creating a magical, snowblanketed winterland next to Athens center.

via www.united-hellas.com

Photos : Anastasia Marou