Living in Greece

Greek Mentality

2009-10-27T13:48:00.002Z

This in fact a continuation from the post marrying a Greek and the Greek family. Due to many comments you can comment here. I will publish those unpublished comments that was in the above articles so you can continue posting on this interesting theme as well as about the Greek mentality.
I'd like to add this comment as well from Sonja.
Love your site! My husband and I are nearing retirement and dream of selling everything and living in Greece (we've both lived there previously as young adults). Your information is helpful, well written, and correct. Thank you!

Back to comments.

Anonymous said: This blog has been going for a long time and I have spent an enjoyable time reading all the posts. It's about love, compromise, accepting each others' differences, keeping the channels of communication way open, constant work at making the relationship work and keeping it on track. It's just so easy to walk away at the slightest sign of 'trouble in paradise'. Most normal relationships start out full of fun and banter - the exploration of each other. It would be wonderful if one could bottle the euphoric first few months of a relationship and look at the bottle in tougher times to be reminded of why you fell in love with the person you're now married to (in my case 23 years and not to a Greek man).
Yes, Greek men may be more macho than men in some other cultures, but maybe that is what attracted you to them in the first place? They are MEN, and I have to say that there's nothing more refreshing than a real man, who treats a woman like a lady. Interesting to see that there are a number of posts by Australian women. A country where women's rights have become so entrenched that most men have become so afraid of being accused of sexual harassment that they rarely show appreciation for a beautiful woman walking past. It is fast becoming a 'sexless' country. How very sad and unnatural that is!

I too love Greece and anything Greek. And be honest: don't you feel like a million bucks when Greek men look at you with appreciation as you walk down the street? Strangely, it's not in a sleazy way, nor does it feel demeaning. It makes you walk taller and think "hey, I must still have that something that men like". Greek men just show so openly what they are thinking, and it's refreshing!

I have two grown-up sons too and I adore them as they do me... it's a natural thing between mothers and their sons, just as it is between fathers and their daughters. Yes, the Greek culture is extremely family-oriented... is that a bad thing? Many of our families have become so dysfunctional, that we barely know what other family members are up to, what they are feeling or going through. Work has become our main driver at the expense of sitting down and just catching up with each others' lives for a few hours. Problems should all be solved in an hour, just like in the soaps on TV. Life just doesn't happen like that!

Love and respect each other not despite your differences but FOR your differences... or of course you could simply ignore that Greek man that has obviously made your heart miss a beat and find yourself a man who fits into the box you believe he should fit into... Ultimately, it's your choice and yours alone.

No-one who has been married for any length of time will say that it's all been moonlight and roses, but it's how you handle the hurdles that come along during the course of life that are the real test of who you are and what you're made of.

Be happy and make the most of every day - we only have one stab at life, so we may as well enjoy it!!

Anonymous said: This is a very interesting blog! I'm about to marry a Greek man! He's great. He's unlike what many of u wrote. I have encountered other Greek men like u described. He is close to his mother. He is his own man though. He would listen to her, but he ultimately makes his own decision. His family has accepted me with open arms.If they didn't, he said that we couldn't associate much with them. He loves me dearly. He's not narrowed minded and loves to help out. He allows me to be who I am. He's not too big on family gatherings. I come from a Latin American background. We also talk loud and family is important to us. His mother though has secretly told me that she would want me to convert to Greek Orthodoxy. I don't want to, but I do want to make her happy. If I tell him, he would be so mad at her and then she would be mad at me. I won't convert though. I'm happy with my Christian denomination. A lot of Greeks act like Greek Orthodoxy is its own religion while is just a Christian denomination. We will raise our future children with both backgrounds.

Anonymous said:I married a Greek man who came straight from a small village in Greece 40 years ago this month. I was born in Germany but raised in America. My parents still had the European beliefs. Right from the start this man tried to control me. No make up, No short skirts (in the 60's) Work but hand over my pay check to him. etc. He was the man and should be in control of the money. He did Not get to far with these things. I was doing these things when you met me and if you don't like it find someone else. We were married and a year later had a baby. Mean while the gambling started full Blast! Starting in October he started staying out All night playing poker with his Greek buddies. According to him this is a Greek tradition. "We always play cards before Christmas." This would go on until well after New Year's. We had 2 girls. He was hardly ever home between working and gambling, Poker, Horse races, and slot machines. I couldn't take anymore he wouldn't listen to reason. I packed the girls up and left. He soon found us and begged us to come home. I did. Second dumb thing I did. The first was marrying him in the first place. The culture difference is just too Big! First of all the language. I was always expected to be able to speak Greek. By him and his relatives and his friends. but he was not even remotely interested in learning German. He should of been concentrating on English anyway. The way they are brought up over there. The boys are better than the girls. The Women are supposed to wait on the Males. Even though the woman have a full time job now a days they are still supposed to do all house hold chores. While the men help at nothing. It is just unheard of to help with the house work. When their outside job is done they get to go out to play. Golf, poker, fishing whatever. As far as that Greek Myth goes how romantic the greek men are. They are Not at all. They want sex when they want it and only then. As far as they are concerned if you have a roof over your head and food in the house you should be Happy. I am Not only speaking about my husband but in the 40 some years I have met many, many Greek men and they are all pretty much the same. Some a little bit better and some worse but all in all. Pretty much the same. I am a Man and a women is supposed to listen to the Man.
He controlled his gambling a bit while the girls were home. As soon as they left it started again full blast! 3 4 times a week.
This is a Warning to anyone that is thinking of making a life long commitment with someone from a Different Culture. Be it Greek or other wise. Don't rush into anything! Stop, Look and Listen. The Honeymoon Never lasts forever. Reality! Sets in all to soon. And it lasts and lasts.

Anonymous said: Stereotyping the Greeks? Maybe you should look inside yourself and determine who you are as a person if you are willing to date/marry a human being that has these traits that you may find odd. As we are all humans, we all have faults and if you were to take a poll on the common traits listed above you would find that these exist amongst all people. Do if you are with someone who has a non-logical form of thinking then you my dear are probably more unstable than than your significant other

Anonymous said: Greek man is my nightmare, my husband is Greek, we met in Scotland, and now we live in Greece. Before we got married, he was my best friend, but now , he can not stand any single thing I said. He is violent, he also beat me a few time. We are still together but we fight almost everyday ( well I have to speak sometime, and he is always asking me where are the things like he doesn't live here). I want to leave Greece but he treats me I will leave without anything including my children. My life in Greece is a living hell. I believe that it might not be such a bad idea to marry a Greek man, but definitely do not live with him in Greece, this place has a very bad influence.
ps. we both has master degree and a decent job. It has nothing to do with education or money.

Anonymous said: Just thought I had to comment. I was married to my greek husband for 33years when he died suddenly from an aortic anyerisum. He was a great husband and father!!!!!! He cooked and I cleaned up or I cooked and he cleaned up. We worked as a team. When the kids were little He would walk in the door from work grab a sandwich and off we would go to soccer practice, baseball practice, basketball practice and then come home and we both took one and helped with homework! When we were sick he went to the store to get what he needed to make Greek chicken soup. He has been gone a little over 4years and I miss his wonderful accent, holding his hand, the soft pat he would tap with his hand on the top of my head, and his comment of you look beautiful. Relationships require respect for oneself and for your partner.
Thank you for letting me share about my John that I so dearly miss every day we are apart!

Anonymous said: I broke the cardinal rule of vacations. I fell for a Greek man. Well... actually... the love developed over time as we've stayed in touch over the last couple years. He's wonderful, kind, passionate, driven, and thoughtful and not like some (or most) of the Greek men I've read about on various posts.
His family has arranged a marriage/business deal. He feels obligated to do it, though has expressed to me that he doesn't want to and can't marry who he wants to marry. Some of these "rules" seem strange. Must be Greek. Must speak it. (obvious/not surprising). Must be about 10 years younger for child bearing reasons and care giving when the man is older. It's too strange and constrictive. How to the women not revolt? Is this just a lie to ease my feelings?

Anonymous said: I'm an Australian woman in my early 30's and my Greek ex-boyfriend's parents did not accept me and told him that while they liked me as a person, they would never accept me. His sister was of the same opinion telling me that he should be doing 'what is right'. With so much disdain, pressure, arguing, and feeling like he was making everyone unhappy, he ended things after almost 2yrs together following an argument with his sister about not allowing me at her wedding. He cried while telling me I was the love of his life and he was making the mistake of his life.

He decided that he could no longer put me through his families behaviour or argue with them every time he asked me over. I understood but my heart broke forever that day. Messages, flowers and phone calls followed from him for the next year, but he still could not go against his parents.

Things ended 18 months ago but I have never stopped loving him, and after crossing paths 3 months ago, the love was obvious and he could not look away as I went into the distance. The sorrow on our faces was heartbreaking. I felt like I was could not breathe.

Needless to say he has a Greek girlfriend who his parents accept and we respect each others lives as they are. Greek parents who continue like this even though they see the hurt they've caused will never understand the damage it does. These beliefs are selfish and outdated, and lead many to divorce (if they have the guts), or to unfaithful activity. That sounds like happiness for all involved.
I feel deeply for anyone in this situation, and encourage you to think carefully

Anonymous said: All the love and romance in the world won't help you after you are married. And just wait until the kids are born. Overbearing Greek MIL's can wreck a marriage. I'm living it. She always comes first and is always right. God and his mother are the only perfect people I know. After 15 years of marriage in the US and 2 kids, my Greek born husband wants to return to Greece permanently. This will likely be the deal breaker for the marriage because I won't go under any circumstances. The only reason we are still married is because of the ocean between me and his family. There's no way I would put myself in their world for the rest of my life. His mother's involvement in our lives when we are in Greece is more than I can sanely handle. She does a nice job when we aren't as well.

While I'm also highly educated, my Greek husband doesn't think I should be working. He resents that I didn't give it up for the kids and for him. If I were to move to Greece, I wouldn't be able to work in my field and he would love that... His idea of the perfect family life. Me at home looking after the children, making his meals, washing/ironing, etc.

My biggest mistake was marrying him. I clearly underestimated the drive he would have at middle-age to return to Greece. Silly me. I thought we could be happy together in the US an visit Greece in the summers. He manages for his work the take him to Greece several times a year in addition to long summer vacations. I spend at least 1/4 of the year without him here in the US, working, and taking care of our kids. But, his mother is smiling, he's in Greece, and that's all that really matters.

Anonymous said: Hmmm Greek men they certainly get everyone talking about them. I met my Greek husband on the internet 12 years ago and have been married for 6. I believe that all Greek men are very self opinionated and, yes have a most difficult temper when things don't go their own way. It could be part of that upbringing with their mothers attending to every whim.

I believe the way to deal with a Greek man is to let him believe he is in control. I am an English girl and yes we are tough cookies! Whenever his temper blows all you have to do is let it wash over you. There is probably nothing more annoying to him. There is no point in arguing all night long. When their temper blows it lasts only 20 min 30 max if you don't respond to the tantrum. Deal with Greek men as you would a toddler or a dog. Reward good behaviour and ignore the bad. They may not be the best romantics but once in a serious relationship will be committed. It is up to the women to stand their ground and remember the phrase 'a man may be the head of the house, but the women is the neck' i.e. the Greek man is seen to be the breadwinner and head of the house but behind every good man there is a good woman that can turn that man any way she wishes!

I believe they are into head strong opinionated women that are sophisticated, business orientated well behaved in public but a vixen in the sheets!

Anonymous said: Hello! Well I just started a relationship with a Greek man and it's really funny to read all of your comments and how true they sometimes are.
I am absolutely not Greek and I have never met someone before who is Greek but as far as I can say it's been the best relationship I ever had. Because of this emotional and dramatic characteristics. He will always tell when something's wrong and vice versa.
But there's one thing I am not completely sure about. He wants me to introduce to his family. Is this something serious in a greek family?
Thank you

Anonymous said: I was in a long-distance relationship with a Greek man for about 3 years. i am Polish and till the time i met him i had been convinced that Poland is the most conservative, religious (with that characteristic double morality), patriarchal, homophobic and xenophobic country in Europe. i was very surprised when i found out it was nothing to compare with Greece. regarding to male-female relationship most Greek men, at least my ex and his male friends expect women to be as perfect housewife's as their mothers are. in fact, I've got an impression that the perfect wife for a Greek man should be a copy of his mother (but still she will never be as good as her!). equality and partnership in a relationship do not exist in Greece. i have also noticed that Greek men don't really respect women. there are only two types of women for them: the ones who are "saint" and worshipped (mainly the female members of their family and female friends) and those who are sexual objects only - all others. what was driving me mad was his opinion about polish women and all other east-European women (that they are all "easy") which was a very simple and unjust stereotype he brought from his country and which never reflected reality (i was 23 when i met him and he was my 2nd sexual partner). i know that his friends, although being kind to me, were judging me just because of my nationality. in fact for most of his friends and his family that relationship was a fad (because I wasn't Greek) and they never ever thought it might have been something very serious for him. i have to admit that my ex-man at the beginning of our relationship used to be the most romantic and caring man in the world and he easily made me fall in love (first time in my life). despite all the opinions about Greek men (that they are womanizers) and despite the fact we had a long-distance relationship (which is extremely hard) i trusted him in 100% and i know he never cheated on me. but no matter how crazy he was about me (that's what he was saying) he just simply made me understand that i would never be his priority, i would never be more important that his family, friends, job and so on. i loved him insanely and I was ready to leave my country and my family for him (despite the fact that i am from typical, conservative, traditional and religious Polish family and Iam very attached to my parents too), to learn Greek language, and generally to do everything to be as Greek as possible (i even changed my hair colour - it was too blond for my man (sic!) I know now it was an absurd - I am Polish and if someone really loves me, he would accept me just as i am). every single time when i was in Greece and we were meeting people he knew (his friends, mates, neighbours, whatever) i knew he felt uncomfortable and few times he didn't even introduce me or he introduced me as a "friend", not a girlfriend! at the end i was told we can't be together, we can't live together, we can't get married and so on just because of one reason: Because I am not Greek and no, it was neither his mother nor his father who told me that, it was HIM. as much as I got familiar with Greek mentality, I am sure it is not so different from polish mentality. I really think cultural differences between those two countries are not so huge and really possible to overcome. i am jealous reading all of those posts about Greek guys fighting against their families for the sake of their relationships with non-Greek girls. i know my ex would never do that. as he said (and he tried to convince me it is a common opinion in Greece): love is something what comes and goes away and in marriage there are more important things. to all those girls who want to marry Greek men - please make sure they don't share that opinion!
Continue posting your comments!!!

Greece on a budget

2009-07-15T18:16:00.005Z

Tips for budget tourism in Greece

Every year millions of people choose Greece as their holiday destination. The aim of this article is to give advice to independent travellers who wish to spend some time in Greece and the Greek islands on a budget. Of course, if you prefer, there are always the cheap package holidays on some of the larger Greek islands. Some of these packages are known amongst the locals as ‘bracelet tourism’ due to the fact that guests from those hotels, included in the package holiday, are required to wear coloured plastic bracelets in order to have free access to the bars, tavernas, and restaurants within the hotel.

However, for the independent traveller, there are many ways to save money during your summer holiday in Greece if you just follow some simple rules regarding transport, accommodation, eating, drinking and shopping.

The first point to make is that small islands and islands off the beaten track are usually cheaper than the more touristy islands where the bracelet tourism exists.

Travel is probably one of the major expenses on your holiday, especially air travel. Many Greek islands now have their own airports with some of the larger ones having several charter flights a day arriving from many parts of Europe. If your holiday island is a small one with a tiny airport offering only one or two flights a day, you will probably find it cheaper to fly to a neighbouring island that has a larger airport and then taking a boat to your holiday destination. Pre-book your flights as soon as details are available (usually around December) so that you can pick the best-price dates to travel. Waiting to book tickets until a few weeks before you intend to go is much more expensive and can sometimes be double or triple the price than pre-booking months ahead.

Sea transport is another area where the fares can vary considerably. The slower ferry boats, as a rule, are cheaper than the faster forms of sea travel, such as hydrofoils. Ferry boats offer many levels of tickets, first class, second class and economy (or deck) class, a number of what is known as ‘aircraft seats’ and finally many levels of cabin. The economy /deck class is the cheapest ticket price and each deck provides plenty of seating, cafes and, one some ferries, even swimming pools.

If your intention is to travel around the islands during the peak season, i.e. mid-August, it is strongly recommended that you pre-book your ferry tickets before you arrive as tickets sell out very quickly during this period. Be aware however that ferries are weather-sensitive. If winds are too high they cannot leave. However, you will always be able to take the next available ferry or have a full refund if you decide to follow alternative plans.

Taxis are generally very cheap throughout Greece. Many islands have fixed fares to popular destinations and their tariffs are displayed at the taxi stations. All taxis have meters and you should know that there is always an extra small charge to and from airports, as well as a small charge for carrying luggage. Also, the rate increases on public holidays. To ensure you stay within your budget, it is a good idea to ask the driver how much the fare will be to your destination before you commence your journey. However, the standard prices throughout Greece, with the exception of Athens and other big cities, are as follows: starting price on hailing the taxi is 1.05 euros, and then the cost is 87 cents per kilometre. An extra 3 euros is added for transport to and from airports, whereas to and from ports is 95 cents. 35 cents is charged for each piece of luggage. If a taxi is waiting for you the charge is 9.60 per hour.

Many islands have a good public bus service and the cost of this is very cheap,

Renting cars or motor scooters is another good way to get around. There are always bargains to be found here, especially out of peak season it is always a good idea to bargain around the initial price because prices can often be negotiated, especially if you intend to have the vehicle for a week or more. Smaller cars are cheaper than jeeps, four wheel drives or bigger saloon cars. The same applies to bikes.
The average cost of petrol (unleaded 95) is 1.077 euros per litre. (June 2009) and be aware that the wearing of crash helmets is mandatory throughout Greece, although you will see many Greeks ignoring this rule. However, for your own safety and to avoid having to pay on-the-spot fines if you are stopped by the police, every bike hire shop will also rent you a crash helmet for a minimal cost. Many places also hire out push bikes and in the flatter islands this is another good way to see some of the less accessible places. Finally, of course, if you enjoy walking there is no cheaper, or in my opinion, better way to explore Greece. Much of the mainland and many of the islands have walking maps and clearly marked trails to help you get around. The European walking route of E4 paths is identified by yellow and black striped poles and paint daubs on rocks. Where these are sparse look out for rock cairns left by other hikers. A map is essential for less-used routes. Make sure you have good footwear, a hat and some water. The spring or autumn are the ideal times to do this – when the weather is not at its full summer heat and the flowers or fruit are in abundance.

The second major cost of your holiday will be accommodation. Obviously visiting Greece out of high season is cheaper. The best time therefore to visit in the summer is during May & June or September. Everything is cheaper then and the weather is still beautiful without the heat of high summer. Self-catering accommodation is always a good choice for people travelling on a budget. On landing at any port throughout Greece you will always find people holding notices advertising their studios, apartments or rooms to rent. Rooms will be as varied as their landladies and landlord but you will be pleasantly surprised at the overall high standard of facilities at such low prices , with en-suite bathrooms (showers rather than baths), balconies and washing lines to peg out your washing. Cooking facilities are crucial for the budget-conscious traveller and ‘studio apartments’ often have compact and well-equipped kitchens that gives you the opportunity to make your own breakfast, light meals and drinks which leaves you money to spend on other things. At the very least a studio will provide a gaz ring to brew coffee on, and a frying pan or saucepan. It’s amazing how creative you can be with fresh local vegetables and a few eggs! Consequently, most of these self-catering places do not offer breakfast. A large proportion of accommodation is self-catering today and you should expect to pay perhaps around 5 euros per night more than if you were staying in a basic ‘room’. However, you will easily save the extra cost in one night of home cooking. If you pick a room attached to a taverna, you will be expected to eat there so, for any stop of more than a day, independent rooms are a more economical option.

Most of the hotels, on the other hand, include breakfast in their prices.

The following are some tips to help you find cheap accommodation. If you are travelling out of high season you can always bargain for cheaper prices from those people waiting at the port with rooms or studios to rent. This also applies to hotel rooms. However this is not really recommended during the high season as most places, or certainly the best places, are fully booked in advance during this time. Thus, if you can only travel in July or August it is essential to look on-line as most of the accommodation now have their own web pages with emails and telephone contact numbers. It is still worth trying to bargain prices even in July or August as hoteliers would rather have all their rooms full, even at a reduced cost, than keep them empty trying to get the best price. When agreeing a price make sure that this is the final price as some places charge extra if you use air-conditioning. Most of the official municipality web sites throughout Greece include lists of all available registered accommodation with contact details.

Eating out is a treat that you will want even if you are on a budget. Look for tavernas and cafes that are located in the back streets. These are generally cheaper than the seafront places although you will find good value here too if you look to see where the locals are eating and drinking. All tavernas offer a good selection of starters and salads as well as main dishes and a filling and cheap meal can be had by choosing a selection of starters and/or salads only. Fish can be quite expensive, especially first and second class fish. Try instead marithas (whitebait), squid, sword fish or mackerel which are much cheaper and very filling. Alcohol generally is cheaper in Greece than most European countries. House wines, served in metal carafes are cheaper than bottles, with the exception of the Greek Retsina which is very good value, although an acquired taste. Spirits are a little more expensive but the measures are extremely generous and one ‘short’ could easily last you all evening.

Although you can find pizza everywhere in Greece as a takeaway option, a cheaper and much more authentic Greek fast food experience is souvlaki. Souvlaki bars can be seen everywhere and provide an extremely cheap and tasty meal when you feel you need to ‘pull your horns in a bit’. In the large mainland cities and bigger islands you will see fast-food chains such as ‘Goodies’ and ‘Everest’. Goodies is a very good fast-food chain offering authentic Greek dishes as well as hamburgers and cheeseburgers at great prices. Everest sells pies, pastries and cakes and is perfect for breakfast and snacks.

Shopping is better value away from the main tourist areas. Although mini markets and the peripteros (kiosks) are great for when you run out of essentials at inconvenient times, the larger supermarkets have the best prices. Vegetables and fruit are cheaper in markets or shops that specialise in these products than they are at supermarkets. Be aware that many items are sold by weight – even a slice of cheese can be more than you realise. State your price first. Local wine from the barrel is cheaper than buying bottles if you can find it. Average prices for wine from the barrel is about 1.50 euros for 0,75 litres or a bottle of dry red Apelia or Kampas (1,5 L for 3,60 - 3,90 euro) . Buy freshly ground coffees by the spoonful and small packs of individual teabags. Toiletries can be quite expensive in Greece, this includes things like suntan cream and insect repellent. It is worth always looking for bargains in your home country and bringing these with you in your luggage,

Finally, a few words of Greek make a difference. Showing respect and cultural interest opens doors everywhere. Even if you are not fluent, learn a few courtesies and the response you will get from the hospitable Greeks will ensure your holiday is one to remember.

Pictures of Greece

2009-02-20T12:16:00.005Z

A collection of pictures from the Greek islands and Greece

Since spring is coming soon and the first tourist will soon start arriving in Greece, I thought to make easier for you to decide to come to Greece posting here a selected collection of pictures from Greece, mainly from the Greek islands. Most of the pictures I took during several summers around the Greek islands. some of them are taken by Drew a good friend from the US. You might use the pictures for non commercial use. Most of the pictures have been taken from my digital camera and though I am not a professional photographer some of them are quite nice. Descriptions of the places are under the pictures.

Astypalea, Chora and the Castle and the island of Chalki.

Crete
the port of Agios Nikolaos, Karpathos island, a panoramic view.

Delos, the Lions of Delos, next the island of Kalymnos

Kos is very near to the island where I live in the summer (that's a sunrise from my place).

Leros an undiscovered island in the Dodecanese, next to it is the small
island of Lipsi

Mykonos is one of my favourite islands as well as Santorini next, hope you like my Santorini sunset!

See more
pictures of Mykonos and pictures
of Santorini

Naxos the capital Chora and next Paros the port of Parikia.

Nisyros the small volcanic island in the Dodecanese and
Serifos in the Cyclades.

Patmos the island of the Apocalypse and Rhodes the most touristy Greek island, 5th in the world.

The island of Samos and next the island of
Symi

The picturesque island of Sifnos and the island of Syros with its capital Ermoupolis.

The small island of Tilos and the religious island of
Tinos.

The above pictures the first is from Akrata taken on the way from Athens to Patras next to it is Andros, the beach of Agios Petros.

Finally you can use for free the pictures below.

The Greek flag and the blue crystal waters of the Aegean which I use it as my desktop background.

See pictures of Aegina and the Saronic islands that you can visit on day trips from Athens.

Enjoy your
holidays in Greece

The island of Navarone

2009-02-06T01:36:00.004Z

Leros the Navrone Island

There are many reasons for a holiday in Leros. One of these is that the island has a great history during the second world war and the remnants of this war and its battles are to be seen in many parts of the island. Leros was used from the Italians as their main naval base in the east Mediterranean sea because the island's main port Lakki is the largest natural port in the east Mediterranean.

In the 30's Leros had a population of ca 30000 people, including the Italian army, officers with their families, and the inhabitants of the island (all of the Dodecanese where occupied from the Italians since 1912). The port of Lakki is a unique sample of Mussolini's Art Deco architecture and every of its buildings is a monument of that era. Many Greek and foreign intellectuals wonder why there haven't been any efforts until now from the local authorities to make Lakki a protected historical inheritance.

Leros in fact is the island of Navarone. The Great battle of Leros during the second world war probably inspired Alistair MacLean to write the guns of Navarone. The battle of Leros lasted for almost 50 days and nights from the 23 of September 1943 to the 16th of November 1943, when the German forces Launch the operation Leopard to capture the island from the Italian and the British forces after Italy's capitulation in 1943. See pictures of the battle here

Talking about the Navarone island for those who have seen the film though the setting was in Rhodes and the name is just fictional, as you enter the port of Lakki the two capes especially the north one where the Italians had their defence guns and fortifications, has an absolute similarity with the film settings. There is a unique German video from this operation bellow.

During the battle of Leros numerous aircrafts of the Luftwaffe and RAF where hit and sunk in the sea around Leros as well as many war ships., therefore has a unique underwater museum ready to be explored by divers who will find a unique experience exploring all those sunken war remnants. There is also a war museum build in a war tunnel at the area of Lakki, Merkies, with many items from the battle like guns, helmets, uniforms and other memorabilia. The war museum reminds a mini Dover museum to those that have been there..

Leros belongs to those islands of hidden Greece with a special character. Undiscovered from the major package tour operators it has kept its originality and traditions simultaneously with the development of its tourist industry.
Although the island lived many years neglected and unknown to the foreign and Greek tourism, Leros has become a favourite for many tourists who found here a real paradise because the island is very different from the usual touristy Greek islands in the Dodecanese and the Cyclades.

Leros is green, has excellent road network and is one of the unique Greek islands that is alive during winter and summer, something that you wont find elsewhere except in some large islands such as Samos and Crete.
This is mainly due to the fact that the island has many public services which employ a large proportion of its population. Do not look strange if you find that Leros is the richest island of Greece in per capita income after the island Crete . For these reasons the island did not rely solely on tourism like many other Greek islands.
In recent years the Greeks and foreigners have discovered this small paradise, and many bought holiday houses and villas and some of them live permanent on the island.

Leros has a very good tourist infrastructure, many hotels, apartments, rooms and a camping. Beautiful beaches and perfect roads where you can drive and visit all the resorts of the island in less than an hour. Most of the roads are covered on both sides with eucalyptus and pine trees and make a nice driving experience.
The island has many sights to see and many taverns to enjoy fresh fish and Greek food. Many of the inhabitants of the coastal villages engaged in fishing. The island is one of the best fishing grounds in the Aegean, so that you will not miss from Leros is the fish, the lobster, and the seafood read more about Leros in our main Leros article.
useful links www.leros.org www.lerosisland.com

Map of the Acropolis

2009-01-28T20:16:00.006Z

Acropolis Map

I have been on the Acropolis many times in my life , the first time was with my primary school . Since then there have been many years but always in a sunny day I will take a walk to Plaka and admire from Adrianou street the sacred rock of the Acropolis. There are many places to seat down have a refreshment and enjoy the view of this masterpiece that signifies the most important civilization of the world and the shrine of Democracy. Acropolis means a lot to the Greeks as well as to all the world.

I thought a map of the Acropolis will be interesting for those that are visiting Athens for the first time. The first map is from the map of Athens that you can find at the official page of Greek tourism GNTO www.gnto.gr. In this map you can see the buildings on the Acropolis and around of the rock. The second is a map that I created using the Google maps future including pictures of the most important monuments of the Acropolis.

There are several ways to go on the Acropolis, you can take the Athens Metro to Acroplois station or you can walk from Syntagma square towards Vasilissis Amalias avenue and turn right to Dionysiou Areopagitou street where is located the new Acroplois Museum, from that street you will pass the Dionysus theatre and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus the entrance is next to the Odeon just turn right and follow the road that will lead you to the steps of Acropolis. The second way is to go to with the metro Monastiraki or to walk there, from Monastiraki follow the steps of Dioskouron street that are finishing at Theorias street from there turn right and walk about 100 meters until Areios Pagos to the left are the steps to the Propylaea. If you are in Plaka you can go up the steps of Mnisikleous street that lead to the begging of Theorias street or turn right in Tholou street where you can see the first university of Athens and continue to Panos street and go up the steps to the left.

Map of the Acropolis

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Greek movies and actors

2008-12-01T03:48:00.003Z

famous Greek movies and actors

In any discussion by Greek people about Greek films you will find, that about 90% of the time, they are most likely to be referring to 'the good old days' of the black and white films produced by the Greek film industry, the so-called "palio kalo Elliniko cinema" - good old Greek cinema'. This is because, unfortunately, today there is no significant film production in Greece. Now, maybe a couple of films are produced once a year but these are mainly non-commercial productions and often too sophisticated for the broad masses of the Greek labor class.

Like most of the developed world, the main reason for the decline of the Greek film industry is the advent of television. For the last 30 or so years the typical Greek family has been spending their leisure time in front of the small screen at home developing square eyes. As a result of this, and the accompanying total dominance of television in the mass media, a whole generation of young Greek actors has sprung up but their skills have only been developed to the limited level of playing television roles. I don't wish to be overly critical here but, I believe, for those who grew up with the Greek films of the 1950s and 1960s they have the right to express an opinion. It is not the case that all these new actors are second-rate or lacking in ability but the material written for television is rarely at a level which stretches an actor and enables them to produce performances in roles that the film actors were able to play during the golden years of Greek film making. This dearth of good material whereby an actor can prove their worth is upsetting because, on the contrary, even though America had mass television broadcasting decades before Greece, the US film industry still produces new actors that in many ways produce far more skillful performances than the old school of Hollywood in the 1930s and 1940s.
To briefly summarize, Greek television is one factor that holds back Greek actors. With very few exceptions the typical Greek serials, that are the bread and butter for these actors, merely require them to perform wooden roles with weak and poorly written scripts. When these same actors get parts to play in live theatre their performance is often the same wooden presentation that they played on Greek television sitcoms or soap operas.

So, what were these 'good old black and white films'. During the 1950s and 1960s Greece had its own 'Hollywood' in the shape of a thriving home-grown film industry. This industry was sited around Kannigos Street and Academias Street in Athens and it was here that all the offices of film and production companies, producers and managers were based. The biggest film companies at the time were Finos Films , Anzervos Films ,Spentzos Films ,Damaskinos Michailidis. During this period almost every borough of Athens had around ten cinemas as well as a further ten open-air cinemas. This latter type of cinema, the famous Kalokerina cinema or summer cinemas, was ( and still is) extremely popular during the warm summer months where the audience could sit in the open-air surrounded by honeysuckle, bougainvilleas and jasmine, sitting on director's chairs, gravel underfoot, drinking soft drinks and munching upon 'passatempos' (dried sunflower or pumpkin seeds) whilst enjoying the film projected upon a giant screen.

The cinema was the main form of entertainment for Greek people who were emerging and recovering from the experience of both the Second World War and a Civil War. Greece, during this time, was still feeling the effects of this trauma but the population had their eyes firmly fixed on a better future. On viewing the films produced during this period we can clearly recognize this mentality reflected in the storylines. A large percentage of the films made were comedies which indicates a desire to forget the misery and tensions of the immediate past. The scenario of the typical comedy film was quite simple and in almost every film there was a scene of a night out at a bouzouki or night club. This also gave the opportunity for the film to incorporate famous musicians or singers and develop the popular music of the day most popular was Giorgos Zampetas ,Manolis Hiotis and Mary Linda. Great comedians prevailed, names like Vasilis Avlomitis and Georgia Vassiliadou with Mimis Photopoulos in unforgetable films like "The beauty of Athens" (I Orea ton Athinon) of Nikos Tsiforos in 1954, and the "I theia ap to Sikago" (the Aunt from Chicago) of Alekos Sakellarios. Vasils Logothefidis and Ilia Lnikou in 1955. with "Kalpiki Lira" (the False Sovereign) of Yorgos Javellas. In the same year "Laterna, ftoheia kai filotimo" of Alekos Sakelarios with Tzeni Karezi ,Vassilis Avlonitis, Mimis Fotopoulos and Alekos Alexandrakis is one of the best films of that year and the song of Manos Hadjidakis "Garyfallo st'afti" becomes a hit. Dimitris Horn and Christos Tsaganeas in "Mia Zoi tin Ehoume" (we have only one life) .In 1959 Christos Efthimiou with Rika Dialina ,Dionyssis Papagianopoulos and Andreas Barkoulis "Enas Vlakas kai misos" (A stupped and a half) .

Kostas Hadjichristos with Stavros Xenidis and Thanassis Vegos in 1959 with the film "Ilias tou dekatou ektou". In 1958 Aliki Vougiouklaki the most popular actress of Greece with Lambros Konstandaras Andreas Mparkoulis and Aleka Stratigou in "Diakopes stin Aegina" (Holidays in Aegina) of Andreas Labrinos1957, some of the most famous films of Aliki Vougiouklaki in the 50's was "to Xilo Vgike apo ton Paradeiso" director Alekos Sakellarios 1958 "To Pontikaki" with the direction of Yorgos Assimakopoulos and Nikos Tsiforos "O Agapitikos tis Voskopoulas" "Astero" and many others, in those films almost all famous Actors of this period made there appearance (Dionyssis Papagianopoulos ,Dimitris Papamichail ,Giannis Gionakis ,Thanassis Vegos ,Koulis Stoligas, Titos Vandis ,Stefanos Stratigos and many others.

In the 60's Aliki continues her succes with "to Klotsoskoufi" of Dinos Dimopoulos (The Gammin) with Alekos Alexandrakis ,Tasso Kavadia and Tzoly Garmbi.. The Great moment for the Greek film industry comes in 1960 when the film of Jules Dassin "Never on Sunday" (Pote tin Kyriaki) with the unforgetable Melina Mercuri wons the Oscar for best song for the Song of Manos Hadjidakis "Ta Pedia Tou Pirea" or Never on Sunday in English.
One of the best Greek Drama film in 1955 is "Stella" with Melina Mercuri and Yorgos Fountas. Some of the most popular comedies of the 60's where "Ta Kitrina Gantia" (the yellow gloves) of Alekos Sakelarion with Nikos Stavridis ,Maro Kontou ,Mimis Fotopoulos and Martha Vourtsi.with the amazing acting of Giannis Gionakis as "Brilis" .In 1963 "Tis kakomoiras" of Dinos Katsouridis one of the best Greek comedies with the best ever acting of Kostas Hajichristos as the errant boy "Zikos" in the grocery of Christos Dukas with Marika Nezer ,Dina Trianti ,Nikos Fermas ,Nikos Rizos and Thanasis Mylonas.in !964 "I Hartopektra" of Giannis Dalianidis with Rena Vlahopoulou ,Lambros Konstandaras ,Sapfo Notara ,Kostas Voutsas ,Hloi Liaskou and others.

"Tzeni Tzeni" 1966 of director Dinos Dimopoulos and script of Asimakis Gialamas with Tzeni Karezi ,Lambros Konstandaras and Andreas Barkoulis.During the 60's Thanassis Vegos creates comedy hits with his films like "Papatrehas" "Thou Vou Falakros Praktor 000" "Pare kosme" and many others. Stavros Paravas creates the unforgetable character of "Fifis" in various films like "O Emiris kai o Kakomoiris" of Orestis Laskos and Asimakis Gialamas "Fifis, o aktypitos"1966 "Beethoven kai bouzouki" of Orestis Laskos in 1965 together with Mimis Fotopoulos, Nikos Stavridis and Beata Asimakopoulou. In 1965 the film "To Homa vaftike Kokkino" direction Vassilis Georgiadis and script of Nikos Foskolos with Nikos Kourkoulos ,Mary Hronopoulou ,Giannis Voglis and Manos Katrakis was nominated for the Oscar of best foreign language film .With this film was introduced a new style of Greek films the Greek Western films based mainly on the agricultural uprisings in Greece at the beginning of the 20th century.

With the introduction of color in the Greek movies we have the first Greek musicals like "Gorgones kai Mages" 1968 of Giannis Dalianidis with Mary Hronopoulou , Faidon Georgitsis,Dionyssis Papagianopoulos ,Vangelis Seilinos ,Nora Valsami, Martha Karagianni and others, "Rantevou ston Aera" 1966 with Rena Vlahopoulou ,Kostas Voutsa, Hloi Liaskou ,Giannis Vogiatzis, Martha Karagianni.Aliki Vougiouklaki continues the musicals with the famous "I kori mou i Sosialistria" "I Aliki sto Naftiko" " to Pio Lambro Asteri" and others.Rena Vlahopoulou with Martha Karagianni ,Kostas Voutsas, Zoi Laskari, Nora Valsami where in the most musicals of that era and the choreographies basically made from Vangelis Seilinos Manolis Kastrinos and Fotis Metaxopoulos.

However, it wasn't all comedy. There were remarkable Greek dramatic films with great Greek artists like Orestis Makris, Lavrendis Dianelos, Manos Katrakis, Melina Merkouri, Giorgos Fountas, Elli Lambet, Gelly Mavropoulou, Despo Diamantidiou and many others. In the popular Greek Drama front from the mid 60's onwards we have mainly Nikos Xanthopoulos and Martha Vourtsi with Vasilakis Kailas with films that mirrors the life of the labor class and the poore.

By the beginning of the 1970s, however, we can see a decline in the quality of the type of films produced. Arguably, this could be because many of the actors that we had enjoyed in the previous two decades had aged and not enough roles were written for this age group. With the end of the dictatorship, the Greek film industry was freed from strict censorship and this period saw the creation of some real masterpieces. Films like "O Thiassos" 1975 by Theodoros Angelopoulos gets 10 awards and one nomination,with Eva Kotamanidou and Vangelis Kazan and "Rembetiko" 1983 of Costas Ferris based on the story of the Greek singer Marika Ninou with Sotiria Leonardou had 5 awards and one nomination. The 1980s was the decade of the video clubs and of a new kind of Greek comedy with new stars like Stathis Psaltis, Giorgos Mosios that create the character of "Tamtakos", Kostas Tsakonas ,Harry Klynn that creates the character of "Trambakoulas" in the film "Alaloum" 1982 and others.Thanassis Vegos as well continues his success with more comedies but this time with the adition of Drama elements.

Thanks to the new marketing strategy of many Greek newspapers, however, every Saturday and Sunday,every Greek can find all the old black and white films in DVD format given away for free with the newspapers. So now the young generation can enjoy the films that their parents loved.

ANTONY QUEEN ALLAN BATES IN MICHALIS KAKOGIANNIS MOVIE ZORBA THE GREEK 1964
MUSIC MIKIS THEODORAKIS

ALIKI VOUGIOUKLAKI WITH GREECE'S BEST SINGER GREGORIS BITHIKOTIS
IN THE MOVIE MODERN CINDERELLA 1965 SING

Mountain refuges and Ski resorts in northern Greece

2008-10-23T22:04:00.003Z

Skiing in Greece

Everyone knows Greece as a perfect place for a summer holiday with its profusion of beautiful islands and wonderful beaches. However, Greece also has a fantastic series of mountain ranges which run right through the country from north to south. Within these ranges there is a tremendous variety of flora and fauna and is a wonderful alternative to the more usual summer or winter holiday venues of Europe. The winter holiday tourist scene in Greece is now very well developed and throughout the mountainous areas there are many mountain refuges and ski centres available to walkers, climbers and skiers, all operated under the supervision
of the National Mountaineering and Skiing Federation as well as local alpine clubs and ski centres. There are around 16 different places in Greece where you can ski with several resorts having several ski runs. The best thing about skiing in Greece is the freedom you obtain due to the uncrowded pistes. Greece's ski resorts have facilities for all ages and abilities from the absolute beginner to those who enjoy a real challenge on the pistes at the highest altitude.

Mountain refuges are not hotels their purpose is to give shelter to walkers, climbers and skiers who wish to explore the mountains. Some are quite organised like youth hostels whereas others are very basic. There are quite strict regulations for those staying in them, for example some do not allow alcohol, hunting guns or smoking/eating in the dormitories. Most of them have cooking facilities but the use of these is limited to the leader of the expedition or those who have gained prior permission. The more organised ones have restaurants or cafes. Each refuge was built with a lot of hard work and money spent on them and it is expected that all those who use them do so with respect to the rules and leaving them clean for the next user.

Eastern Macedonia and Thrace

Eastern Macedonia and Thrace is one of the thirteen peripheries of Greece, and is divided into the prefectures of Drama, Evros, Kavala, Rhodope and Xanthi.
This area of North-east Greece is of immense ecological interest as it has the largest biodiversity in Europe with over 60% of all Greece's flora and fauna
found in this area. The varied landscape conjures up feelings of Scandinavia, the Black Forest and the Mediterranean. A fantastic place for hikers and walkers in either summer or winter.

Livaditis

The mountain range here is the Rhodopi and is a fairly low range with ridges and high terraced plateaux, deep densely forested gorges and fantastic waterfalls. The Livaditis waterfall at its highest point is around 31 metres high. In this area you can see vultures, falcons and eagles, bears, wolves wild goats and crag martins. There is hotel accommodation or camping available in Rodopi and Xanthi. Xanthi is about 41km from the village of Livaditis. Livaditis has one mountain refuge on the mountain of Rhodopi which can sleep 20 persons and has organised kitchen facilities as well as a fireplace and central heating. It is organised by the Xanthi Alpine Club.

Orpheus Valley and Pangeo Mountain

In this area, during ancient times, Orpheus was worshipped. It was here, too, that Dionysus the Greek God of wine was born. The mountain at 1956 metres above sea level is blanketed in chestnuts and oak trees and the area has plenty of natural fresh water rivers, waterfalls and lakes. Because of its unique bio-diversity it has been designated as a permanent wildlife refuge by the Greek government. Amongst the many protected and endangered species of flora and fauna in the region the most impressive are the species of butterflies that can be seen, including the largest butterfly in Europe with a wingspan of up to 150mm. 1760 metres up the mountain there is a ski-run and several refuges. The S. Hatzigeorgiou Refuge at Orpheus Valley sleeps 75 people and can be reached from either Eleftheroupolis (22km walking on good roads) or from the village of Avli a pleasant 4 hour walk along a well signposted footpath. A second refuge is located close by, the Argyris Petaloudas refuge that sleeps 20 people and is also run by the Kavala Ski and Alpine Club. The village of Eleftheroupolis has hotel and apartment accommodation to rent. Rodolivos also has mountaineering clubs and ski clubs both organised by the Rodolivos Alpine Club. If climbing Mount Pangeo from Rodolivos a refuge is reached by walking 7.5 km of dirt road from rodolivos and then a 2 hour walk following a footpath.

Mount Falakro, Drama

The region of Drama with a prefectural capital bearing the same name is the perfect place to stay whilst exploring Mount Falakro. The area has magical scenery of forests, tobacco plantations, caves, rivers, valleys and mountains. The capital Drama lies at the foot of Mount Falakro, known as 'the mountain of the flowers' by the local people. It is a remarkably beautiful mountain and has ski slopes and four well equipped mountain refuges for winter sports enthusiasts. The Falakros Ski Centre is around 43 km from Drama, and 35 km from the small town of Kato Nevrokopi. One of the refuges (a 3 storey building called the Agio Pnevma Refuge) operates as a hotel for the ski centre during the winter. The accommodation for winter holidays is 3, 4 or 10 beds and an organised kitchen. There is also a guest house with a capacity for 80 guests. The summit of the mountain is a 2 hour walk from the refuge. The ski centre has more than 20 slopes of varying altitude that range from between 1615 and 2232 metres with a total length of 22km, making it ideal for sporting events. There are 6 green slopes, 9 red, 1 blue and 5 black. It also offers lang lauf runs, long distance runs which total 2500 metres, hiking and mountain trails. It is well resourced with sliding and chair lifts as well as three baby lifts. There are chalets where you can marvel at the panoramic views obtained at the altitude of 2110m. There is also a cafe-restaurant, canteens, shops selling/renting ski clothing and equipment, a souvenir shop and facilities for skiing lessons. The resort has an extremely well-equipped medical centre and a rescue team. It can be reached by road and there is parking for 1500 cars. For mountain climbers there are several other refuges in the area. The Bartiseva refuge at 1.142 metres is around 40km from Drama and has sleeping capacity for 18 persons - reaching the summit from here is a arduous 4 hour walk. 2 hours walking from the village of Pirgi, or 1.5 hours from Volaka you will find the Kouri refuge (alt 1,400m) which has a capacity for 16 people. 4.5 hours from this refuge at an altitude of 1,700 metres is the Horos refuge which sleeps 20 people. Apart from Drama, there are good facilities in the surrounding areas with plenty of accommodation available, specifically in Volakas, Granatis and Nevrokopi.

Mount Vrondou, Serres

The prefectural capital bears the same name of the region. It is a busy modern city with wide streets and squares that blend sympathetically with the old town. Only 25 km from the city is the outstandingly beautiful Lailia forest. Its main characteristics are towering trees, deep ravines and precipitous rocks, perfect for climbing. The fauna includes rare species of birds as well as vultures, wild turkeys and partridges. The forest is also home to roebuck and the few remaining brown bears in the area. In wintertime the forest takes on an Alpine beauty, attracting many Greek climbers and nature lovers to its snowy magnificence. At Vrontos, 10 minutes from the forest and 29 km from Serres you will find the Christos Karabourounis refuge. This refuge has an altitude of 1,500m and sleeps around 75 people. The refuge is centrally heated and has an organised kitchen. It is run by the Serres Alpine Club. The Lailia Ski Centre 27 km from Seres is one of north Greece's finest. At an altitude of between 1,850m and 1,600 metres it is an area of extreme natural beauty. It has one 800m ski lift, one 200m baby lift a refuge, restaurant and facilities for hiring skiing equipment.

Western and Central Macedonia

Hortiatis Mountain borders Thessaloniki on its south-east side. The village of Hortiatis is approximately 25 km from Thessaloniki, the capital city of Macedonia. Hortiatis Mountain is one of the popular scenic spots in Thessaloniki, refreshing and cool in summer and incredibly beautiful when covered in snow during the winter months. The village of Horiatis has many delightful tavernas where you can eat, drink and relax in front of a roaring log fire. Plenty of accommodation is available in Thessaloniki and, for walkers or climbers, there is a refuge sleeping 40 persons located 2.5 km from Hortiatis.

Pieria

Mount Olympus and Mount Pieria
The region of Pieria is on the Thermaic coast and surrounded by mountains. The region is thickly forested with pines, poplars, firs and plane trees. Pieria has many sites of archaeological interest as well as Mt. Pierus (home to Orpheus and the Muses) and Mt. Olympus the highest mountain in Greece (2,919 metres) and the throne of the ancient Greek gods. The region combines extensive plains, high mountains and beautiful sandy beaches. Its capital is Katerini, which is 6km away from the sea and nestles at the foot of Mt. Olympus.

Mt. Olympus: On the slopes of Olympus, 24km from Katerini, is the little town of Litohoro which is a good starting point for climbers wishing to climb this legendary mountain. The town itself has a good selection of guest houses and hotels as well as restaurants and tavernas. There are several mountain climbing refuges in the area of Olympus. Dimitris Boundolas refuge at Stavros at 1,000m alt is a 1.5 hour walk from Litohoro. It sleeps approx 40 persons and has a fireplace and wood burning stoves. There is an organised kitchen as well as shower facilities. It is run by the Thessaloniki Alpine Club.

On the borders with Thessaly there are three more refuges: Spilios Agapitos at Balkoni (2,100m). It can cater for 100 people and is well organised with fireplaces and organised kitchen. It is about 22km from Litohoro. It can be reached by either walking or driving from Litohoro to Prionia and then walking for 2.5 hours along a signposted footpath. The path crosses the European Rambler Trail E4. This refuge is run by the National Federation of Alpine Clubs. A third refuge is located at the Plateau to the Muses and is called Christos Kakkalos. To access this refuge from Litohor is a 14km journey along a forest road to Diastavrossi, then a 6-hour walk following a footpath or, alternatively, a 1.5 walk along the path towards the Spillios Agapitos refuge. This refuge is quite small, 18 persons but is well resourced and has an organised kitchen during the summer months. Finally there is the Vrissopoules refuge at an altitude of 1,900 metres on the east side of Mt. Olympus. This sleeps around 50 people and has a ski lift.

The Vrisopoules Ski Resort at Mt. Olympus is a small ski resort for alpine skiing and is reached via |Olympiada The highest slope has an highest altitude of 2,400m with the lowest at 1,900m. There is one slope for average skiers which is served by a lift.

Mount Pieria. The mountain range of Pieria is of outstanding beauty with plenty of paths, ranging from a peaceful, pleasant amble to a more strenuous climb. All the main routes through the mountains meet on the two refuges situated at 1-1,500 metres above sea level. The refuge in the village of Ano Milia has a sleeping capacity for 70 persons and an organised kitchen. There are three very beautiful routes, starting at Ano Milia, to the top of the mountain range. A second refuge is close to the village of Ritini where, again, some important routes begin and where you can also see a charmingly picturesque mountain chapel.

At Katerini you can find the headquarters of the Katerini Alpine Club where you can obtain advice and assistance about climbing routes in the region. At Elatochori there is a small ski resort with 4 slopes: 2 green, 1 red and 1 blue. The resort has 4 lifts including two baby lifts. At the foot of the ski centre there is a 3 storey chalet with a capacity for 400 persons plus a snack bar and cafe. The resort also offers skiing lessons and has a few shops where you can buy or hire ski equipment. It also has facilities for snowboarding. Very close to Elatochori you can find hotels, rented rooms, traditional bars and tavernas.

Imathia

Mt. Vermio. The region of Imathia offers high mountains, green villages, endless plains, waterfalls and rivers. Its capital is Veria which, in Byzantine times, was an important central town. Evidence of this importance can be seen by the amount of Byzantine and post-Byzantine churches which can be seen in the town. On the slopes of Mt. Vermio, 18km southwest of Veria is the village of Kastanies which is usually covered in snow during the winter months.

At Kastanies is the monastery of the Panagia Soumela which was founded by Pontos refugees in 1951. Mountain climbing takes place around Seli and there are several refuges in the region. Kato Vermio, Seli has a refuge at 1,450 metres altitude. It can provide accommodation for 75 persons and has fireplace, oil stoves and an organised kitchen. It is run by the Thessaloniki Alpine Club. Also at Seli itself is the Veria Ski & Alpine Club Refuge which has sleeping capacity for 120 persons. The refuge is centrally heated with two fireplaces and The Veria Ski and Alpine Club refuge also has a gym-sauna as well as restaurant, cafe-bar kitchen facilities. This refuge also has direct dial telephone facilities. Its altitude is 1,450 metres. Tria Pigadia has two refuges sleeping 30 and 85 persons respectively. Both of them are centrally heated and the larger one has an organised kitchen and toilet facilities with every room.
Access to Tria Pigadia is 18km from the town of Naoussa. These two refuges are organised by the Naoussa Alpine Club. There are also two ski centres in the area. The Seli Ski Centre of Vermio was first constructed in 1934 having its first lifts installed in 1955 and is the oldest Greek ski centre. Its altitude is between 1,400-1,900 metres. It has 16 downhill slopes: 8 blue, 5 red, 3 green, 2 Lang Lauf slopes that are recognised by the International Federation of Skiing and a special slope for snowboarding.

There are plenty of lifts, aerial, sliding plate and baby lifts. Aside from the above mentioned refuges the resort also has a private guest house, restaurants and cafe/bars, organised ski schools where equipment can be hired as well as a well-equipped and staffed health centre. the resort has ample parking space. The neighbouring Chrysso Elafi Ski Centre is slightly smaller than the Seli Ski Centre. It has an altitude of between 1540-1660 metres and 2 blue slopes and 2 red totalling a length of 3.5km. There are two sliding lifts. The Centre has a 13 room hotel. The resort also has good facilities such as cafe, restaurant, gym, sauna, ski school and equipment hire with plenty of parking adjacent to the hotel.

The village of Naoussa is situated 19 kilometres from Veria . It is a picturesque town of traditional houses waterfalls and the Arapitsa river flowing through it. At Naoussa you can find the small ski resort of Tria Pende Pigadiaat an altitude of 1,470 metres with the highest altitude being 2,005 metres. . The resort has 3 difficult slopes, one ski lift and one tow rope. The Tria ke Pende Pigadia Ski Centre also has refuges close by, a ski school and facilities for renting equipment.

Mount Vitsi, Florina.

Florina is the prefectural capital and spreads out over a hillside covered with chestnut trees. 53 km from Forina and on the slopes of Mount Visti is the village of Nymfaio. The village is protected by the Hellenic Ministry of Culture to retain its originality and history. It has delightful houses built in the traditional style of the region and has around 6 hotels catering for visitors. It is both a winter and summer resort.

A little further up the mountain at an altitude of 1,420m is Pissoderi, where the Vigla-Pissoderi Ski Centre is located. The Ski Centre is located at the confluence of Varnous and Verno mountain chains at an altitude of between 1600-1900m. The area is of particular beauty being densely forested with beech trees and is one of the best ski centres in Greece. It has 2 green, 1 blue, 2 red and 2 black slopes as well as 4 children's slopes of between 200-500m. there are also 3 Lang-Lauf slopes and 10 of the slopes are of Olympic standard and are suitable for snowboarders as well as skiers. The Centre has 2 aerial lifts and 3 baby lifts. The facilities include parking, ski school and rentals, parking, an extremely well organised Chalet with bars, cafeterias and restaurant.

Close by there is a guest house converted from an old school which can accommodate 55 visitors. For mountain climbers there is the Vigla refuge located at 1,650m altitude at Vigla Pisoderiou. This refuge lies on the Florina/Albania borders and has wonderful views of Lake Prespes. It has a sleeping capacity of around 70 persons and facilities include wood-burning stoves, fireplace, and a restaurant. It is run by the Florina Alpine Club.

Grevena

The prefecture of Grevena, with its capital city of the same name, is a an area that is surrounded by mountains. On the western side is the Pindos mountain range with Mt. Orliaka, Lugkos, Smolikas and the highest point at 2,610 metres, Mt. Smolika. To the south are Mt Xasia and Antixasia and in the north and northeast are Mt. Bourinos and Kamvounia. The town itself is very attractive, located on the banks of the Grevenitis river it exudes peace and tranquillity. There is plenty of accommodation for visitors as well as a good variety of restaurants, tavernas and rotisseries as well as a cinema and open-air theatre. The region is mostly agricultural and located here is one of the most important national forests in Greece, the National Forest of Pindou.

The Pindos National Park is one of the biggest and most important National Parks in Greece. Its area is 3360 hectares and has an altitude of 1590 metres. Mountainous with dense forests, rapid streams, springs and mountain lakes. Not surprisingly, it is an area where many plant and animal species can be seen, including brown bears and the lynx. In the heart of the Pindos Mountain range and around 45km from Grevena town is the National Ski Resort Vassilitsa. At Vassilitsa, which is 45km from Grevena or 6km from the pretty village of Smixi thee are two refuges. The Doumara refuge located at Diasselo at 1,800m alt and the Grevena Ski and Alpine Club Refuge located at 1,850m alt. at Diasselo Goumaras.

The Vassilitsa Ski Resort is located at 2,249m alt. and is 45km from Grevena. There are 15 ski slopes with a length of 16km in total. There are lifts to the resort from the refuges. The resort has 7 lifts and 2 baby lifts. The resort is in two parts, the lowest at an altitude of 1650m has the biggest skiing sites, a parking lot and 2 canteens. The upper part at 1785m altitude has three new lifts, a refuge, ample parking and two chalets where you can buy refreshments or stay in the accommodation that is provided there. The resort offers skiing and snowboarding lessons and there are also facilities for hiring equipment. Apart from skiing and snowboarding the Resort also hires out snowmobiles and snow-scooters and offers lessons in rafting, rappel and 4X4. There are also plenty of hotels and guest houses in the area.

Mykonos beaches

2008-10-14T22:00:00.005Z

Beaches in mykonos

Mykonos has probably the most famous beaches in Greece. Beaches for all kinds of taste, cosmopolitan beaches , family beaches, nude beaches, party beaches, remote ones and even beaches in the town, all with gold sand, umbrellas, sun beds, water sports, bars and restaurants. In this article we will describe the most popular beaches in Mykonos including the best beach pictures we took in early October this year.

The beach of Psarou. This upmarket beach is popular amongst Greeks. It is a pretty sheltered sandy cove with walk boards, umbrellas and extremely comfortable upholstered sun beds, complete with beach towels, provided by the two restaurants which have a prime location on the seashore. Around the bay there are small-scale hotels and apartments all with fabulous views to the crystalline blue water. The atmosphere of the beach and the restaurants is cool/chic and, particularly charming, are the few traditional fishing boats - looking strangely out of place in all this chic sophistication - defiantly moored alongside state of the art yachts and speedboats as if to say 'we were here first!' The beach is reached by a small lane and has no access for cars or bikes. These must be left at the top of the lane at a small car park where the fee is whatever you feel is appropriate!

The beach of Platis Gialos. This is a popular family beach with a wide sandy beach, straw umbrellas, sun beds, diving platform and large inflatables provided for amusement of youngsters. Here you will find almost everything a family may need for their stay. The hotels and apartments for rent all have balconies overlooking the sea and are located on the first floors above the restaurants, bars, shops, mini markets and small supermarket which line the seashore. Here too you can take a boat trip to other beaches on Mykonos or, if you wish to be an independent sailor, you can rent a boat to make your own day trips.

The beach of Paraga. A delightful wide sandy beach with plenty of old established tamarisk trees providing natural shade from the summer sun. Forty years ago the facilities on this beach were just a simple refreshment hut run by an old hippie of the 1960s.Today, the beach still maintains a laidback hippie atmosphere and the hut has expanded into a substantial taverna and bar with palm umbrellas and sun beds on the beach.

Paradise Beach. It has to be said, this beach is only paradise if you are under 30 (or less) and love loud music. The beach is wide and is fine gravel rather than sand. At the back of the beach there are bars, clubs, DJ platforms and dance floors. Sun beds and umbrellas provide shade and recovery from the heavy club style music. This is the beach for clubbers, it is loud and crowded and not for anyone over 30!

Super Paradise Beach. Although Mykonos has many beautiful sandy beaches, Super Paradise is probably one of the loveliest, a wide expanse of fine and coarse golden sand. Its setting is tranquil and rural with just a few houses built on the rocky outcrop. One end of the beach caters for nude bathing and has an elegant restaurant bar on the steps leading to the sand, whilst the other end has sunbeds, umbrellas, a cafe/bar, self-service restaurant, beach boutique and ATM cashpoint. Getting to Super Paradise Beach is an interesting drive through the country roads of Mykonos with its rocky, boulder-strewn landscape. From the main road there are two roads leading down to the beach by car. On reaching the junction, a left turn leads to the end of the beach with the refreshment facilities whereas a right turn leads down to the nudist area. Both roads have good, free parking areas with steps down to the beach. Alternatively, there are boat trips from Platis Gialos to Super Paradise Beach.

Kalafatis Beach. A beautiful and less developed beach from the other beaches on this southeastern coast of Myonos. A deep bay with golden sand and backed by well established tamarisk trees. Peaceful and away from the fashionable crowds it is the perfect spot for windsurfing. There are also facilities for beach volleyball and it is well served by hotels and restaurants. Carparks are located on both ends of the beach. Immediately next to Kalafatis are the beaches of Draoumia and Tafarnis. Both sandy with tamarisk trees and also undeveloped. and hence less busy than the more popular beaches. In the area of Kalafatis you will find a more traditional Greece with farms and fishing hamlets.

Ornos Beach. This charming seaside resort has a lot in common with Platis Gialos. Like most of the beaches in Mykonos it is very wide and sandy and offers plenty of holiday accommodation, supermarkets and tourist shops which fringe the seashore. It has scuba diving and snorkelling schools and is easily reached by bus from Hora. For those arriving by car there are plenty of parking areas at the seafront and just outside the town itself.

Agios Ioannis Beach is a tiny beach opposite the church of the same name. This beach is very quiet and traditional and ideal for fishing and mooring boats. There is one very pleasant taverna on the sandy area of the beach. Also in the north of the island you will find the beach of Ftelia. Finally at the town there is always the beach at the north east of Akti Kambani.

Winter Holidays in Central Greece

2008-09-28T23:58:00.002Z

Winter holidays and ski resorts in Central Greece

Central Greece or Sterea Ellada or Roumeli in Greek is located north of the Peloponnese and south of Thessaly and Epirus, Central Greece has borders with the Aegean Sea to the east, the Ionian Sea to the west and the Corinthian Gulf to the south. The climate is temperate along the coasts, and dry in the inland . Central Greece has some of the highest mountains of Greece like the Parnassus and Velouchi where there are two ski resorts, the mount Giona, the Vardousia mountains and the mount Oiti. In Central Greece (Sterea Ellas) are some of the big lakes of Greece such as the Trichonida lake and the lake Yliki. Large rivers such as Aheloos and Spercheios or Alamana and the river Mornos. The wonderful nature of Central Greece with its mountains, lakes, rivers with stone bridges and villages with stone houses on the green slopes of its high mountains and the pine forests makes the Roumeli one of the most beautiful corners of Greece ideal for holidays throughout the year and mostly during the winter.

One of the most popular destinations in Greece for winter vacations is the Roymeli region and especially the areas with ski resorts like the one in mount Parnassus in Viotia-Fthiotida prefectures and the ski resort of Velouchi (the Tymfristos mount) in Evritania prefecture.

Parnassos mount: The Ski centres are located in Gerondovrahos of the Voiotia prefecture, and in Kellaria and Fterolakka of Fokida prefecture combining one of the most modern ski centres in Greece. Gerondovrahos has 4 downhill runs and 3 ski lifts.Kellaria and Fterolakka with 16 runs for beginners, children and skilled skiers, with 13 ski and aerial lifts and 2 modern chalets in Fterolakka and Kellaria. In the Parnassus ski resorts you will find Ski learning school, ski rentals, boots, safety helmets, and ski boards, there are also children runs for small skiers. The downhill runs of Parnassus bring names like Zeus, Hercules, Venus, Ulysses, etc. Daily pass cost 13,5 € (students, athletes,) 22 € for students, soldiers, elderly people over 65 and groups over 25 persons and 30 € cost a normal pass. For those who love skiing, combined with staying at the wonderful village of Arachova on the slopes of Parnassus, the city of Itea and Galaxidi at the Corinthian gulf or at Delphi Parnassus ski resort is a good idea for winter vacations and weekend excursions. Information Kellaria ski centre phone: 2234022693-5 Fterolakka ski centre phone: 22340-22373 website www.parnassos-ski.gr

Velouchi ski resort in Karpenissi. The ski centre of Velouchi is located in Diavolotopos and is the second ski resort of Central Greece after Parnassus. Situated at 1840 meters high and is 12 km away from Karpenissi in Evrytania. the ski centre has 10 downhill runs and a children's one, its runs are divided into easy ones, difficult and very difficult ones. The ski centre has 7 ski lifts , shops where you can buy or rent ski equipment. In the skiing centre of Velouchi you will also find a large chalet with cafeteria and restaurant. Information:+30 2237023506 - 21112 website www.evrytan.gr/up0/Xionodromiko.htm (in Greek)

Finally let us not forget that Roumeli is famous for the traditional barbecue restaurants (Psistaries in Greek) and famous among the Greeks for weekend excursions in Livadia, Mantra or Pahi for a visit in the grill taverns for lamb in spit, kokoretsi and lamb chops. Those weekend breaks to Roumeli, especially in the winter, are within the program of most of the Athenians due to the vicinity of most places of Roumeli (Central Greece) with Athens.

Transport in Greece

2008-09-16T07:07:00.004Z

Road network: During the last 20 years the road and rail network of Greece has been modernised in such a degree that offers fast and secure access from almost every part of Greece to the other.
The road and highways network has been upgraded and new modern highways are connecting the Greek cities. One of the major works was the Egnatia highway that connects north west Greece (Igoumenitsa) with northern and north west Greece. The bridge of Rio Antirio (the longest suspension cable bridge in Europe) connects the western Peloponnesus from Rio (7 km from Patras) with Antirion in the central west Greece. Until the year 2014 it will be ready the new Pyrgos-Patras-Athens highway witch will be replace the old Patras Athens national motorway.

The new road to Tripolis from Corinth makes the journey from Corinth to Tripolis in only one hour. Most of the parts of the highway Athens-Lamia-Thessaloniki has been also upgraded making the journey to Thessaloniki only a 4 hours drive.
One of the biggest infrastructure works that have improved the transport in Athens was the creation of Attiki odos, the Athens metro, the tram and the suburban railway. Getting around in Athens has been enormously improved since then.
Roads
total: 117 000 km
paved: 107 406 km (1030 km of motorways - 2006 estimate)
unpaved: 9594 km (1996)

The Rion-Antirion bridge linking the Peloponnese to mainland Greece. The Suspension bridge is the world's longest (2250 m long). It crosses the Gulf of Patras in five spans of 500 m supported by four huge piers supported on the seabed.

Railways: The Greek railway network has been also upgraded with double lines in many parts of the 2500 km network and new and faster trains of the latest technology (Intercity) make the train journey faster and confortable.The Greek railways connecting many cities of Greece as well as Greece with the rest of Europe, the Balkans, Russia and Turkey.

Greek Railways
Total: 2548 km
standard gauge (1435 m): 1565 km (83 km electrified AC 25 kV 50 Hz, 408 km double track, 23 km double standard gauge and metric)
narrow gauge: 961 km gauge metric mainly in the Peloponnese, 22 km gauge of 0750 m (mountain railway to Diakofto to Kalavrita).

Railway company Organismós Sidirodromon Elládos (OSE).
City with a subway system: Athens, Thessaloniki under construction.
City with a tram network: Athens.

Air transport: The new airport of Athens is one of the most modern airports in Europe it start operating a few years ago and serves thousands of flights to Greece from all over the world. Most of the Greek islands and many main cities of Greece are connecting by air mainly from the two major airlines of Greece Olympic and Aegean air. The air connection of many smaller Greek island has improved their tourism industry making the journey from Athens in less than an hour. Many major Greek island have long runways where during the summer season have hundreds of charter and direct flights from many European countries.

Airports in Greece
total 80

Airports with paved runways:
Total: 64
over 3000 m: 6
2500 3000 m: 15
1500 2500 m: 18
from 1000 to 1500 m: 17
under 1000 m: 8.

The Athens International Airport-Eleftherios Venizelos at Spata, is located 27km south-east of downtown.
National airline: Olympic Airlines.
Airports with grass runways:
Total: 16
over 3000 m: 1
1500 2500 m: 1
from 1000 to 1500 m: 2
under 1000 m: 12

Heliports: 2

The sea travel has been also enormously upgraded within the last decades with super fast ferries, high-speed boats, hydrofoils and catamarans that reduced in many cases the journey from Piraeus to 50% . Today the journey to Crete takes only 6 hours with the fast ferries and the journey from Patras to Ancona in Italy has been reduced from 36 hours to 19-20 hours. The Greek vessels like Greek ferries, passenger ships, cruise ships, are modern and they are build according the international and EU regulations with the latest standards for safe navigation, fire safety, marine environment protection and health regulations with many non smoking areas onboard.
The passengers can enjoy their journey with all comforts that the Greek shipping companies offer on their ships.
From the ports of Piraeus,Rafina and Lavrion depart the ferries for all the islands of the Aegean while the ports of Patras, Igoumenitsa and Kylini are connecting with the Ionian islands. From the ports of Volos and Agios Konstantinos you can get to the Sporades islands while from the ports of Thessaloniki, Kavala and Alexandroupolis to the North Aegean islands.

Ports
Alexandroupolis, Eleusis, Heraklion (Crete), Kavala, Corfu, Chania(Crete), Igoumenitsa, Laurion, Patras, Piraeus, Thessaloniki, Volos (there are many other ports in all the Greek islands some small and some big like those in Rhodes, Kos, Limnos etc.)

Merchant Marine (under Greek flag)

Total: 779 ships (1,000 tons or more gross tonnage) totaling 24 744 872 tons (43 734 138 deadweight tonnes).
Vessel categories: bulk 273, cargo 60, chemical 22, combined bulk 5, ore 8, container carriers 43, liquefied gas 5, multi-purpose cargo 1, passenger 12, mixed cargo 2, oil 245, refrigerated cargo 3, RoRos 19 , Short-distance passengers 75, citerniers specialist 4, vehicle 2 (1999)

Greek shipowners have a very large fleet (about 20% of the commercial fleet globally, 40% at European level) in fact the larget fleet in the world, but only a small part is registered in Greece and travels under the Greek flag. The largest share is traveling under foreign flags registered in countries like Liberia, Panama, Cyprus, Malta etc.

Athens nightlife

2008-09-10T19:51:00.002Z

With more than 5000000 people in the Athens basin including Piraeus and the suburbs, Greece's capital Athens and the surroundings have a very active night life. Especially in September when the Athenians are coming back from the party islands having still memories from the wild Mykonos nightlife and Ios the parties are continued in many upmarket Athens clubs especially along the Athens Riviera from Hellenikon until Glyfada and Vouliagmeni. Like almost every big city in Europe, Athens has everything to offer for the young and wild as well as for the older generations. The young ones prefer clubbing in numerous bars the so called "barakia" in Greek (barakia are pub style places with loud mainstream music or latest Greek modern music) and clubs in many areas of Athens, while the older generations will prefer the famous Bouzoukia (live Greek music clubs) where sometimes a bottle of Whisky will cost you an arm and a leg.

The Bouzouki night clubs a few decades back was a place mostly visited by the working class and the underground world and they where the places where the Rebetika songs where sang. After the second world war and there was a slow increase in the standard of living and Bouzoukia became famous even for the middle classes. In those years almost every Greek film had almost a half an hour with a scene at the bouzoukia with famous Greek singers and bouzouki players of the time presenting their songs. George Zambetas was even writing songs for each specific film. The Greek cinema has been in those days the bigger promotion of the nightlife in Athens and the Greek popular music Laika and the films of the Greek cinema where the main entertainment for all ages during the 50's and 60's. During the late sixties and seventies a new name was given to many of those live music places to separate them from the dissent ones, the name was "Skyladika" that means Dog houses, probably for the extreme loud music and the low quality of the singers. There are Skyladika even today in some of the neighbourhoods of Athens.

The new type of those clubs though, has nothing to do with the old ones . Light effects, loud music, ballets, fancy clothes and expensive prices. In the old Bouzoukia you could enjoy the most famous singers and bouzouki players with the whole family with a kilo of retsina and some lamb chops or a bottle of 3 stars cheap cognac, today you must pay over a hundred euro for a bottle of whisky, some fruits and nuts. That's why many Greeks when go to bouzoukia usually they will share the bill. As an alternative to bouzoukia there are many live music stages with modern Greek music and many restaurants and taverns that have a couple of musicians, usually a bouzouki and one guitar player where you can enjoy all kinds of Greek music while dinning. Unfortunately live music in those places you will find mostly on weekends.
One type of nightlife entertainment that you wont find easy in Athens are the Cabarets with strip shows, this kind of clubs where famous until the 70's mostly in the former red light district of Piraeus the famous Troumba. Since the close down of the area and its transformation as a business centre those Cabarets where closed. A few strip shows clubs though are located in Sygrou avenue (Nea Smyrni) , Poseidonos Avenue and Haidari.

For the tourists the main places of night life is the area of Plaka and the area of Psiri and Gazi near the Acropolis and near Pireos street, in Plaka, once the centre of the Athenian nightlife from the begging of the 20th century, still some restaurants offer syrtaki and bouzouki shows mainly for the tourists. Psyrri a former scruffy area of any kind of handicraft shops next to Monastiraki flea market, became during the late 90's the replacement of Plaka with numerous restaurants, taverns and bars attracting a huge part of the Athens night life, another place of nightlife with many bars and upmarket restaurants is the Thission area , mostly for the younger generations and the area of Gazi in Pireos street.

A good magazine about knowing events, places, clubs, restaurants and all kind of entertainment in Athens is the Athinorama. Within this magazine you will find all the addresses and telephones of all kind of entertainment like bars, clubs, restaurants, theatres, music halls etch.

Though the Television has almost vanished the Greek Cinemas slowly but steadily more and more movies attract the cinema audients of Athens. There are many multi screen theatres in many areas of Athens like the "Village world" Cinemas in Marousi and Faliro and in Rentis at the junction of Rali and Thivon street.

During the summer there are many open air concerts and festivals held on the Lycabettus theatre, the Rocks theatre and even in the Olympic stadium with world famous artists (this year Madonna gives a concert at the OAKA in 27th of September) and Garry Moore in 17th of September in Lycabettus theatre.

KTEL Greek long Distance buses

2008-07-25T21:31:00.003Z

KTEL are the Greek long distance buses that are connecting almost all cities and towns of the Greek mainland. Each periphery of Greece has its own KTEL buses. In Athens there are two main stations of KTEL one is located at 100 Kifissou Avenue at the junction with Athinon Avenue in Peristeri and the other is located at 260 Liossion street near to Kifisou avenue. See locations of both terminals in Google maps (click on the link View Larger Map and zoom in order to see the exact locations.

View Larger Map

The KTEL ATTIKIS terminal is located at 29 Maurommataion street at Pedion Areos at the end of Alexandras Avenue near the National Archaeological museum of Athens and is serving the following towns, villages and sea resorts within the prefecture of Attica:
Agia Marina Varis, Agia Marina Ferry Boat, Agioi Apostoloi, Agioi Theodori, Agios Andreas,Achladochori,Agios Dimitrios,Agios Nikolaos,Eleftherios Venizelos Athens airport, Alepochori, Anavyssos,Avlaki, Barnabas ,Vilia, Vravrona, Grammatiko, Dilesi, Erythres, Zoumperi, Legrena, Thessaloniki Thymari, Kakia Thalassa, Kalamos, Kalyvia, Kamariza, Kapandriti,Keratea,Koropi, Kouvara, Lagonissi, Lavrio, Legraina, Lykouriza, Marathon, Markati ,Markopoulo, Mati,Megara,Nea Makri, Olympic Horse racing center Markopoulo, Olympic Equestrian Center, Peania, Pallini, Marathon Beach, Fokaia Beach, Pikermi, Plaka,Polydendri,Porto Germeno, Porto Rafti, Spata Suburban rail- Airport , Rafina, Saronida, Sikamino,Skala Oropou, Souli Sounion Mesogeiakos, Sounion Paraliakos ,Schinias, Chalkoutsi
for information call at 2108808080 or visit www.ktelattikis.gr.To see the Attika KTEL route map copy and paste in your browser the adress
http://www.ktelattikis.gr/images/maps/map1.jpg

Here are the KTEL telephones for various towns of Greece
Destination Address Telephone Number
Agrinio 100 Kifissou ave. +30 210 5129293
Aidipsos 260 Liosion st. +30 210 8317153
Aigio 100 Kifissou ave. +30 210 5124914
Alexandroupoli 100 Kifissou ave. +30 210 5133280
Aliveri 260 Liosion st. +30 210 8317163
Almiros 260 Liosion st. +30 210 8315923
Amfissa 260 Liosion st. +30 210 8317096
Argos 100 Kifissou ave. +30 210 5134588
Arta 100 Kifissou ave. +30 210 5133139
Astakos 100 Kifissou ave. +30 210 5129293
Cephallonia 100 Kifissou ave. +30 210 5250785
Chalkis 260 Liosion st. +30 210 8317153
Chalkidiki 100 Kifissou ave. +30 210 5129923
Corfu (Kerkyra) 100 Kifissou ave. +30 210 5129443
Corinth 100 Kifissou ave. +30 210 5129233
Delphi 260 Liosion st. +30 210 8317096
Derveni 100 Kifissou ave. +30 210 5124912
Drama 100 Kifissou ave. +30 210 5130220
Edessa 100 Kifissou ave. +30 210 5129308
Epidavros 100 Kifissou ave. +30 210 5134588
Evrou 100 Kifissou ave. +30 210 5129923
Florina 100 Kifissou ave. +30 210 5130427
Giannitsa 100 Kifissou ave. +30 210 5147382
Galaxidi 260 Liosion st. +30 210 8317096
Grevena 100 Kifissou ave. +30 210 5126833
Gythio 100 Kifissou ave. +30 210 5124913
Igoumenitsa 100 Kifissou ave. +30 210 5125954
Ioannina 100 Kifissou ave. +30 210 5129363
Kalabaka 260 Liosion st. +30 210 8311434
Kalamata 100 Kifissou ave. +30 210 5134293
Kalamos Aigyptou Sq. +30 210 8213203
Kalavryta 100 Kifissou ave. +30 210 5124919
Karditsa 260 Liosion st. +30 210 8317181
Karpenisi 260 Liosion st. +30 210 8315991
Kastoria 100 Kifissou ave. +30 210 5129308
Katerini 260 Liosion st. +30 210 8317059
Kavala 100 Kifissou ave. +30 210 5148572
Kiato 100 Kifissou ave. +30 210 5124912
Kilkis 100 Kifissou ave. +30 210 5129403
Komotini 100 Kifissou ave. +30 210 5144905
Kozani 100 Kifissou ave. +30 210 5147382
Kymi 260 Liosion st. +30 210 8317163
Kyparisia 100 Kifissou ave. +30 210 5134293
Lakonia (from Piraias) 100 kifissou ave. +30 210 4127354
Lamia 260 Liosion st. +30 210 8317147
Larisa 260 Liosion st. +30 210 8317109
Lavrio Aigyptou Square. +30 210 8230179
Lefkada 100 Kifissou ave. +30 210 5133583
Livadia 260 Liosion st. +30 210 8317173
Loutraki 100 Kifissou ave. +30 210 5129233
Loutsa (Athens local) 26 Ag.Polykarpou +30 210 3466981
Marathon 29 Maurommataion st. +30 210 8213203
Megalopoli 100 Kifissou ave. +30 210 5134575
Megara +30 210 3464731
Mesologi 100 Kifissou ave. +30 210 5129293
Monemvasia 100 Kifissou ave. +30 210 5124913
Mycenae100 Kifissou ave. +30 210 5134588
Nafpaktos 100 Kifissou ave. +30 210 5129293
Nafplio 100 Kifissou ave. +30 210 5134588
Naousa 100 Kifissou ave. +30 210 5120887
Nea Makri 29 Maurommataion st. +30 210 8213203
Nemea 100 Kifissou ave. +30 210 5129233
Olympia 100 Kifissou ave. +30 210 5134110-2
Oropos Aigyptou Sq. +30 210 8213203
Paramythia 100 Kifissou ave. +30 210 5125954
Parga 100 Kifissou ave. +30 210 5129252
Patra 100 Kifissou ave. +30 210 5147310
Preveza 100 Kifissou ave. +30 210 5129252
Pylos 100 Kifissou ave. +30 210 5134293
Pyrgos 100 Kifissou ave. +30 210 5124911
Rafina 29 Maurommataion st. +30 210 8213203
Serres 100 Kifissou ave. +30 210 5120212
Skyros 260 Liosion st. +30 210 8317163
Sounion (Coastal route) Aigyptou Sq. +30 210 8213203
Sounion (via Spata) 29 Maurommataion st. +30 210 8213203
Sparti 100 Kifissou ave. +30 210 5124913
Thessaloniki 100 Kifissou ave. +30 210 5148856
Thiva 260 Liosion st. +30 210 8317179
Trikala 260 Liosion st. +30 210 8311434
Tripoli 100 Kifissou ave. +30 210 5132834
Veroia 100 Kifissou ave. +30 210 5120887
Volos 260 Liosion st. +30 210 8317186
Xanthi 100 Kifissou ave. +30 210 5132084
Xylokastro 100 Kifissou ave. +30 210 5124912
Zakinthos 100 Kifissou ave. +30 210 5129432

Mykonos Nightlife

2008-06-18T18:16:00.003Z

The night life in Mykonos

In the daytime Mykonos Town is busy with many kinds of holidaymakers: Families, couples and groups from all over the world, of all ages, shapes and sizes cluster here to shop, eat and enjoy the many sights the town has to offer. In the evening, it becomes populated with 'the beautiful people'; mostly young males and females, gay and straight, parading their young slender bodies, toned and tanned in elegant high fashion. If you want to be seen, this is the place to be seen! As the night advances, the middle-aged slip away to their beds and the town belongs to the young. Here you won't find the raucus revelling that is carried out by European teenagers who visit some of the other Greek islands, Mykonos is far to 'cool' for such displays - but it has displays of its own. Mykonos Town at night is a place which never sleeps.

Many of the fashion shops, jewellers, small supermarkets etc. remain open until well after 1a.m. It is a place when even if you are dead tired, you don't want to go back to your hotel to sleep because there is so much energy in the centre of the town and you want it to rub off on you. Nightlife in Mykonos town stimulates all your senses with its lively variety of clubs, dancing, live music, restaurants and cafes, bars and seaside taverns.

You can be a chameleon during your holiday, spoiling yourself by splurging out in one of the exclusive garden restaurants, adorned in all your finery, hoping to spot one of the countless Greek or internationally famous people who frequent the island in the summer months, or, dressing down in your best 'grunge' or 'hippy gear' to sit in one of the atmospheric bars or restaurants that line the seafront of Little Venice. Alternatively, you can dress 'incognito', hiding behind large sunglasses, and watch the parade of people taking their evening stroll along the seafront . Finally, if you are feeling extremely daring, you can don your most outrageous attire and visit the famous gay bar in the town, the Pierro's bar, with its twice nightly drag show entertainment.

From noon starts the party mainly from the area of Little Venice. As you coming down from the wind mills through Alefkandra gate, walk through the bars of Little Venice and squeeze through the crowds along the narrow pavement between the sea and the bars. The Caprice bar seems to be partying all day and night and, with its bohemian decor and lively music it creates a different atmosphere and attracts many Greek and foreigner young people. Adjacent to the Caprice are the Semeli, Galleraki, Scappa and Veranda bars. All have an atmosphere as lively as the Caprice bar but slightly more terraced seating space. Having said that though, in high season or during periods of Greek national holidays, you need to get here quite early in the evening in order to find a place to sit where you can avoid being trampled on by the passing crowds of people cutting through the narrow space between the table and the walking path.

Right on the corner of Little Venice you will see the Veranda bar. It is located in one of the charmingly quaint buildings that gives the area its unique character. If you are lucky you can get a seat on its old wooden first floor veranda and avoid the constant crush of passers-by that the other bars suffer from. The whole area around Little Venice is a perfect place to sit and and watch the sky changing as the sun sets. Whilst enjoying a refreshing drink or delicious meal you can enjoy the wonders of nature's paint box as she turns day into night with colours that alter from ultramarine to turquoise to pink and gold and then to the deep navy blue of the night sky, twinkling with silver stars and the golden lights of the cruise ships out at sea. Once the sun sets the crowds begin to disperse slightly as the 'young and the restless' leave to embellish themselves for the night ahead.

Within the town of Mykonos there are numerous of trendy music bars or just cafe bars for every taste. Near to the place where there used to be the old sophisticated
Vengera bar is the Aroma Bar which mostly has a Greek clientele. It is located right at the most busiest junction of Mykonos Town centre, namely, between Matogianni and Enoplon Dynameon Streets. Here is one of the best places to enjoy a drink and watch the colourful crowds passing by, increasing in density and 'peacockery' as the night goes on. In the early evening, at Aroma Bar, the music is light and easy Jazz. A few steps further takes you to another popular bar, The Cosi, where you can sit on the raised walled seating that line the sides of the street, The jolly mile extends further to Aegli and Astra at the 3 wells. Stay for some time and watch the transformation. In the early evening (around 8p.m.) young people flock here from the nearby beaches, still drenched in sun and sand, their glossy hair pulled back in a casual way that only the young can make beautiful. However, as the evening draws on they disappear and re-emerge as super-butterflies in flimsy flowing dresses. Interestingly, at this time of night it is the middle-aged visitor who by 8p.m. is coiffured and spruced up for their evening dinner before quietly withdrawing and giving the town up to the young for the night. Later on, the night outing will continue in Agyra, 9 Muses, Remezzo, Argo, Ramroo, on the stairs in Manto square, in Mykonos bar, Thalami, Scandinavian and many other clubs and bars who are making the nightlife of Mykonos one of the most wild and beautiful in Europe.

Holidays in Rhodes

2008-06-06T18:07:00.003Z

Rhodes Holidays

Rhodes is a delightful place that is unfairly associated with the package tourist trade of drunken British tourists. Like anywhere. these areas of Rhodes are easily avoided and do not intrude on the charm of the rest of the island. The wide tree-lined streets of the new town of Rhodes juxtapose interestingly with the medieval walled city. The best time to explore the old medieval town is very early in the morning before many of the gift and tourist shops are open and it is thronged with visitors. To walk around its cobbled streets and experience the tranquility of its antiquity can only be experienced at this early hour. By 8.30 a.m you will find that there are cafes open where you can sit and eat a leisurely breakfast whilst enjoying the early sun in a peaceful setting.

Having said this, you should not visit the old town without exploring its museums, historical streets and buildings. Your first impression of this walled city is when you leave the boat at the Port of Rhodes. Facing you is one of the main entrances to the medieval town, the Marine (or Sea) Gate. This gate, like many of the entrances to the city, has beautiful old stone archways with castellated towers flanking it.

Once passing under this arched gateway to the left you will soon come to Hippocrates Square with its beautiful fountain and many cafes and shops to explore. This square is the main square of the town but just a short walk further along you will come to another beautiful square, again with a charming fountain. This is the square of the Jewish Martyrs . Alternatively, if after entering through the gateway, you turn right you will quickly reach Evdimou Square which is noticeable for its huge leafy trees. Right of this square is Apellou Street which leads to the old Knights Hospital (now the Archeological museum) and the famous Street of the Knights. Walking up this wide cobbled street, flanked on both sides by the ancient inns of the St. John's Knights you will reach the Grand Master's Palace. A visit to this palace and the Archeological museum is highly recommended. From the Palace ramparts you can seen the Gate of St. Anthony. Going through this entrance will lead you to the Gate of Amboise-Grand Masters Gate, with an Arabic inscription carved into the lintel above the gate. Passing through this gate will take you over the moat, now charmingly landscaped with palm trees, grasses and flowers, and into the new town.

The new town is well organized and maintained. Modern and pedestrianised in many places, with wide streets, planted with large trees. Compared to the capital city of Athens, Rhodes town can show Athens a thing or two!!.. Modern shops of any kind, trendy cafes and bars, banks, a well organized public bus system that can take you all around Rhodes. One of the most important things, very helpful for the holiday maker is that all taxis have fixed prices that are on display on the main taxi station in Mandraki. As the main island of the Dodecanese prefecture Rhodes has a main court and other administrative services, most of them housed in the wonderful art deco buildings of the sea front of Mandraki. In Rhodes there are hospitals and clinics where patients from smaller islands of the Dodecanese go for more intensive treatment.

There are many holiday resorts in Rhodes and most of the package tourism is concentrated on the north west side of the island from the northern peak, following the coast line to Kritika and the bay of Trianta , the huge modern hotels of Rhodes can been seen miles away as you approaching the island with the ferry. From the north east most of the package holiday tourism is concentrated in the well known Faliraki and other resorts further south like the bay of Afandou.

Apart from the wild nightlife of Faliraki, Rhodes town is the centre of the nightlife of the island. In the new town there are numerous of bars and pubs, Ethnic restaurants (mostly Scandinavian and some Chinese) a lot of internet cafes (seems to be a fashion in Rhodes) and of course the hot spot of the Rhodes nightlife the Casino of Rhodes. In some Greek and foreign restaurants you will find live music, one of the best though, is the music group that plays in the open area of the music bar and restaurant Neorio in Mandraki Marina, right before the entrance to the old city from Eleftherias gate. Tasos and Cristina the two singers with the Maestro Niko on the synthesizer and an excellent bouzouki player, offer every night a huge program that includes Greek and foreign music from the 60' and 70's up to the newest Greek modern songs. The place is ideal for the older generations 40s - 50s and upwards where they can learn to dance the Syrtaki and later on to smooch to the soft music from the rich repertoire of the group. The old disco fashion has now been replaced by the music clubs so if it happened that you last where in Rhodes back in the late 70s or 80s the famous discos of the island like Aquarius, Mitato, Space etc do not exist anymore.

Car rentals are relatively cheap in the early season and you will find many car hire agencies mostly in the new town. Many boats offer daily trips to Turkey, Symi and Tilos and others offer day trips to Lindos and Kalithea. There are also scuba diving boats that can take you for a daily diving trip to Kalithea and other places ideal for the sport. All of these boats are located at the seafront of the Mandraki Marina. Rhodes old town becomes very busy each time huge cruise ships dock at the island, with numerous groups of tourists that are taken by group leaders to explore the medieval walled city. If you want to learn the history of the city you could discretely tag onto the end of one of these - depending upon the language that it is given in. On the other hand, if you wish to avoid mass crowds with competing commentaries avoid the Old Town in the mornings.

Kalithea, the famous Spa and beach about 15 minutes drive from Rhodes is one of the most filmed location of Rhodes that has been used as a setting in many international films like Escape to Athena (Roger Moore, Telly Savalas, David Niven) , The Guns of Navarone (David Niven, Gregory Peck, Antony Queen, Irene Papas) , Agatha Christie's Poirot (Triangle in Rhodes with David Suchet).

The Spa Beach has an entrance 5 euros. There are no refreshments inside but there is a take away snack van just outside . The beach is beautifully organized. Lots of sun beds and umbrellas in the mall but safe sandy beach. Ideal for families with small children but probably gets crowded in peak season. The lass vegetation and the palm trees are completing this wonderful place of Rhodes.

Jordan's Beach next to Kalithea is bigger than the little spa beach and also has sun beds and umbrellas and a shower for bathers to use. Unlike the Spa Beach, you do not have to pay to enjoy its facilities. The beach itself is sandy but to reach the sea involves a clamber over rocks, hence for families with smaller children it possibly is not quite so convenient as the Spa beach. Jordan's Beach however also, and importantly, has an extremely good beach taverna, Jordan's Taverna which offers delightful meals and snacks as well as drinks and ices.
Among the most interesting places that one must visit in Rhodes is Lindos, Ialyssos, Kamyros and the butterfly valley check our map of Rhodes for the locations, for more information visit our site about Rhodes and view our pictures of Rhodes.

Delos Greece

2008-05-16T21:23:00.005Z

Delos

The island of Delos, in the heart of the Cyclades, is a tiny, rocky island of approximately 5km long and 1300m wide. For the ancient Greeks it was the most sacred place of antiquity. Indeed, one theory states that the very name given to the Cyclades group of islands in the Aegean sea comes from the word, circle or 'kyklos' that they formed around the island of Delos.

A day trip to Delos is a must when you are in Mykonos. It takes less then 40 minutes with the local boats that departing daily from Mykonos. The best time to go is at 10 am so you can return with the boat of 1.15. The time is plenty to go around the Ancient city and see all the amazing ruins of this sacred island. Just before the museum there is a small snack bar where you can eat something and have some refreshments. On the boat you will get a free map and a guide for the ancient city, very useful if you are not going there with a guided group. But there is no problem to follow a guided group and hear the tour guide. As you enter the area you will go through the several temples that where build by many Greek city states, worth seeing is the temple of the Naxians with the basements where was standing the huge statue of Apollo and the three temples of the Apollo, the famous Lions of Delos (unfortunatelly only the replicas are there now) and through the lake where Apollo was born, the temple of Dionysus is very close to the museum. After the museum you can take the road that leads up hill, through that road you will visit the ancient theatre and the famous villas with the amazing mosaics, like the Trident house, the Dionysus house etc.

The legend tell us that it was on Delos that the god and goddess Apollo and Artemis were born. This Homer's legend tells how Leto, after her association with the father of all gods, Zeus, became pregnant and, fleeing the jealous wrath of Zeus' wife, Hera, ended up in Delos which was the only island that was not fearful of Hera and allowed Leto to stay to give birth to Apollo. In return for this sanctuary, Leto promised that the god she was about to give birth to would turn this dry and barren island into a place of great pilgrimage and bring prosperity to its land. Other myths tell of how, after the birth of Apollo, the island, which prior to this event had floated aimlessly in the Aegean, became fixed in its position by four columns which rose out of the sea to anchor it firmly in its present place. This is why the island came to be called Delos, which means 'visible', as opposed to A-Delos, referring to the time when it was 'invisible' due to its wanderings in the Aegean sea.

Evidence of the first inhabitants of the island is thought to have occurred around 2,800-2,500 BC. Excavations have discovered the ruins of this pre-historic settlement on the top of the low hill of Mount Kynthos. It is suggested that this site formed the perfect location for these early settlers, perhaps Lelegians and/or Carians, as from this site they obtained panoramic views of the sea surrounding the island to alert them to the presence of any possible invaders. It was the Ionians, who came in the 10th-9th centuries, who established Delos as a sanctuary to worship Apollo, their protector. It reached the epitome of its glory in the archaic (7th-8th century BC) and classical (5th -4th centuries BC) period after Hellenes from all over the ancient Greek world gathered there to worship the twin god and goddess Apollo and Artemis. Brilliant festivals were held every year that included competitions involving dancing, singing and athletics. With the annual influx of mass populations, the island quickly developed into a centre for trade and business with the surrounding eastern Mediterranean regions.

The ruins of the town that can be seen today developed in around 167 BC. This development came about as a result of Delos being declared a free port leading to a congregation of all eastern Mediterranean commercial activity on the island. Many rich bankers, merchants and ship-owners from the ancient world chose to settle on Delos, which in turn attracted tradesmen and craftsmen employed to construct the wonderful houses, statues, frescoes and mosaic floors to adorn these luxury mansions. Estimations suggest that by the early 1st century BC the population of the tiny island of Delos was around 30,000 and approximately 750,000 tons of merchandise was moved through its ports every year. It is no wonder then that it earned the reputation as the world's greatest commercial centre.

Athens Museums

2008-04-20T16:20:00.003Z

Museums in Athens

The National Archaeological Museum is the most important museum not only in Athens but in Greece and counts amongst the best museums worldwide. The museum hosts the worlds largest collection of Ancient Greek art. It is really a life's experience to visit the National Archaeological Museum of Athens. In the ground floor as you enter the main exhibition hall there are items from the Mycenae civilisation that where discovered by H.Schliemmann during his excavations in Mycenae. Most impressing is the golden mask of king Agamemnon as well as the golden jewels and statuettes from this period. In the same area there are items from the Cycladic period, in this area the most wonderful statute is the Man with the Harp made from white marble a typical artefacts of Cycladic sculpture. Further on there are Vases from the Geometric period and statues of kouros the first statues that the Greeks made with a move (The Kouros is a man's Statue usually 3 met high with a move forwards of the one leg) those statues dating from the Archaic period 4-7th century BC. Very interesting is the exhibit hall of the Classical Greece with most impressing the Statue of Poseidon. In an area of this hall there are clay pieces used by the Athenians of the Classic Athens to choose who of the most dangerous man for the city and the Democracy will be send to exile (Exostrakismos).
The museum was completed in 1889 and is a fine example of neoclassic architecture. Located at 44 Patission street next to the Polytechnic school of Athens.

The Goulandris Cycladic Art Museum located in 4 Neofytou Douka street. In the museum there is exhibition of several statues and other works from the Cycladic civilisation era from the 2000-3000 BC. The Cycladic civilisation flourished in the area of the Cyclades islands especially in Naxos, Milos, Amorgos, Paros. Most of the statues are made of Marble. One of the main reasons of sculpturing in marble was the plethora of marble in many of the Cyclades islands.

The Museum Benaki located at the corner of Vasilissis Sofias Avenue with Koumbari street. The museum exhibits various items from the Greek Antiquity with most important exhibit of 2 golden vases from the 30th century BC, items of Coptic Art, the Byzantine and post Byzantine era from the fall of Constantinople in 1453 until the end of the 19th century. The museum among others has collections of Chinese and Islamic art as well as items of pre-Columbian art. In the museum Benaki there are two paintings of El Greco. In other areas of the museum the visitor will find Greek paintings and works of modern Greek artists and folk art from various areas of Greece. Interesting is the sector of children toys and games. The Benaki museum organises various exhibitions of art from local and foreigner artists.

The National History museum of Athens is located in 13 Stadiou street in the Old Parliament building. the museum exhibits mostly items from the modern history of Greece especially from the times of the war of independence.

The Byzantine museum located at 22 Vasilissis Sofias avenue. The museum exhibits items from the Byzantine times. Impressing Byzantine icons, liturgical garments and equipment, precious books, jewellery and documents from the 14th to the 18th century AD .

Other interesting museums in Athens is the museum in the Ancient Agora that is housed in the Stoa of Attalos (entrance from Adrianou street in Monastiraki. The Numismatic museum of Athens is located in Panepistimiou street after the Academy, the Kerameikos museum in Ermou street (easy to access by the Metro), the Byzantine museum in Vasilissis Sofias avenue 22. In Plaka there are some interesting museums like the Children's museum, the Frissiras museum, the museum of Greek Folk Art and the Kanelopoulos museum in Theorias street under the north slope of Acropolis.

Strolling in Athens

2008-04-02T02:04:00.004Z

Walks in Athens after the snow in February 2008

As the spring arrives with sunny days, almond trees flourishing , the smell of the flowers in the air and the winter clothes taking slowly their way to the wardrobe, I can't say that this winter didn't gave us some really beautiful days like those in February with the surprising snow in Athens who gave us a couple of magical days with the usual grey Athens covered in white and a bright blue sky afterwards. It was on the 17th February that it began to snow and continued throughout the following day, leaving the city wrapped in a blanket of thick snow by the night of the 18th.

We knew it was coming, warnings had been given out on the 16th that a polar system was coming our way. Meteorologists were interviewed on television about this further bizarre effect of the La Nina phenomenon that, unusually this time, turned its stream from Scandinavia to Greece.
This coincided with another polar front which came our way from Russia. As a result, we saw unbelievable temperatures in many areas of Greece. Most unusual was the temperatures on many Greek islands.

Evia in the Cyclades, for example, saw snowfall in some areas that was over a meter and, even more unusual, was the experience of Crete which saw temperatures drop below zero. In Athens we had, in the early morning hours of the 17th February, temperatures with minus degrees .5-6 C.
In the early hours of that morning of the first snowfall, in our western suburb of Athens, I looked out of the balcony to see a gentle falling of snowflakes and I thought it will all have disappeared by morning to be a normal grey winter's day. But around 2 am I looked out again and it was amazing.

Having lived in northern Europe for many years, for one moment I thought I had been transported back in time to my winters in northern Germany and Denmark . Like a child, I stayed awake almost the whole night waiting to see if it would still be there the next morning and, yes, next morning dawned and it was the perfect scenery of a white Christmas: thick white snow covering everything, whilst a glorious sun was shining in a clear blue sky. I can't ever remember seeing such thick snow in our neighbourhood even as a child many years ago.

My father, too, who was born in Piraeus in 1929, agreed that this was something he had never experienced before in his lifetime, even when most of the west and north suburbs of Athens and Piraeus were just empty green fields. Anyway the first thing I did, after the family had woken up, was to take my wife and go to our local square and enjoy a cappuccino at one of our local cafeterias. The square was amazing with the fountains and their neighbouring plants looking like crystallised waterfalls. Children and the older people were out playing and revelling in the snow and snowmen and snow-women had 'mushroomed' all over the neighbourhood. Schools were closed and so were many of the shops and offices in the area with a consequence that there was no traffic, no buses, no taxis - only the metro was functioning. The few cars that were on the roads were those that had foreseen the climatic change and invested in snow chains in order to get about.

As the morning progressed the bright sunshine and general busyness of the metropolis began to slowly melt some of the snow on the main roads and suddenly, out of nowhere, loomed an empty taxi. We decided at that moment to jump in and go into the centre of Athens to take a snowy excursion to Monastiraki , the Parliament square, Plaka and go up to the Acropolis. What a wonderfully, special day it turned out to be. We were so lucky to find that taxi and it took us all the way to Monastiraki and so started our Athens sightseeing with snow.

On our arrival I took some amazing pictures with the Agora , the Stoa of Attalos and the Acropolis covered in snow. We were not alone hundreds of Athenians were taking advantage of the unexpected day off from work and school and, although it was Monday and although many of the TV channels had advised people to stay at home in order to avoid typical slippery snow accidents, in typical Greek fashion, people had ignored advice and warnings and ventured out to enjoy this strange phenomenon. Although it was busy, the fact that there was very little traffic and the peace and stillness that snow brings, this place was filled with an eerie hush, where all sounds were reabsorbed into the banks of crystalline snow heaped about us.

We enjoyed a sunny Monastiraki and from there we took the metro to Syntagma. Hundreds of locals and winter tourists were taking pictures of the Greek guards of the unknown solder monument, although by midday the snow in Amalias Street had already melted. We walked from there to Plaka and stopped for an ouzo at Byzantino, my favourite restaurant in Plaka at Filomouson Square. From there we decided to go up to Anafiotika, the small quarter of Plaka, that is a small Anafi village in the heart of Athens. Struggling on the slippery steps, caked with compacted snow and ice, we did it , Just enjoy the pictures from Anafiotika here.

Walking through the winding narrow streets of Anafiotika we managed to safely arrive under the Acropolis and went on to ascend the Areopagos Hill using the newly built steps and not from the slippery ancient rock ones. The panorama from here, which I have seen many times before, was transformed into something barely recognisable as my city.

All the Attica mountains were covered in snow: Hymmetus , Parnitha , Penteli and Aegaleo - a Christmas postcard or an Alpine scene. We went down to Areopagitou Street and had one more ouzo at the open air cafes in Thiseio. Finding a taxi from this area is not easy in clement weather but today it was impossible. Instead we took the good old ISAP train to Piraeus and from there as more taxis were on the road by then, we went back home to tuck into a big warming bowl of my mother's delicious bean soup, the best winter food.
See our photo Album with Pictures of Athens in snow
Also enjoy a nice Video I took from Monastiraki after the snow was gone and the sun was shining on the bright blue sky of Attica.

Useful Greek phrases

2008-03-23T14:50:00.005Z

Greek phrases useful for travellers to Greece

Some essential Greek phrases and words can be very useful for people that are visiting Greece. Of course almost in every tourist area of Greece in a hotel, in a restaurant, cafeteria or shop almost everyone speaks English some perfect and some quite enough to understand you, but some words and small phrases will help you more in some cases that you will find some difficulty in communication.
This is not going to be a full Greek learning lesson but a few essential things that can help you a lot whilst travelling in Greece.

I have divided that small lesson in some categories and places that are important for every traveller like restaurants, accommodation, travel by boat or by bus, ordering in a cafe and other basic words that can be used in a conversation.
Lets start with some generic words and phrases, first it will be the English word or phrase and next to it the Greek translation and pronunciation.

Important is to now that the right pronounce of the Greek i is pronounced like the i in the words India or it or is or inside, this is important because we have three i's in Greece (iota, eta, epsilon) that all pronounced the same -i-. The letter e pronounced like Eric or Emily and the Greek letter X pronounced like the English H - Hurricane, have, Harry. The combination of T and H makes the Greek letter Theta pronounced like th (Throne or Thorne) , the Greek letter Delta actually is pronounced again like th but as you pronouncing it in the English words (this , that, they ) and not like D (disco, dish etc.)

Now lets see some generic and very useful words when you travel:
I like - mou aresi, I want - Thelo, I have- Eho, Thank you- Efharisto, Good morning- Kalimera, Good night- Kalinichta, tommorow- Avrio, today-simera, My name is- Me lene How are you- ti kanete, Where is - pou ine, Police- Astinomia, Port- Limani, Boat- plio or karavi, airport- aerodromio, tourist police- Touristiki Astinomia, Port Authorities- Limenarhio, bus-leoforio, bus stop-stasi leoforiou, station-stathmos

Some Greek words useful in the restaurant
How much does it costs- poso kani
What is this- ti ine afto
Without oil-horis ladi
A bottle of wine- ena boukali krasi
I don't eat meat- then troo kreas
Do you have vegetarian food- ehete fagito gia hortofagous
Some water please-ligo nero parakalo
a glass of water- ena potiri nero
A forck - ena pirouni
A knife - ena maheri
A spoon- ena koutali
Wine- krasi
Bread- psomi
Salad- salata
tomato- ntomata
potatoes-patates
cucumber- agouri
vinegar-ksidi
cheese - tiri
salt, alati
pepper, piperi
the bill please- ton logariasmo parakalo

In a cafe or cafeterisa
The Greeks are not used as much as most Europeans in the filter coffe and because they have many different kinds is good to know what to ask.
If you want filter coffee you should ask - kafe filtro, If you want a Greek coffe you can say -ena kafe elliniko, because the Greek coffee is made with the sugar inside you should ask the way you want it like, without sugar- horis zahari or sketos, medium- metrios, sweet- glykos. The same as above occurs when you order a caffe frappe the Greek ice coffee, if you want milk in your coffee you should say - me gala- (with milk)

In a hotel or other accommodation especially in self catering apartments, studios and rooms.
Apartment-diamerisma
I want a room- Thelo ena domatio
A single room- ena mono domation
A double room- ena diplo domatio
Does it have a bath- ehi banio
Does it have air conditioning- ehi klimatismo
does it have a refrigerator-ehi psigio
does it have a kitchen-ehi kouzina
Do you do breakfast- kanete proino
Do you have a baby's cot - ehete krevataki gia moro
is it near the beach- ine konta i paralia
How much do you charge per night- poso kostisi i dianikterefsi
Is that price per person or for the room- ine i time gia kathe atomo i gia to domatio
Electric fan-anemistiras
toilette paper-harti toualetas
a bath towel - mia petseta baniou
a sheet-ena sentoni
a pillow- ena maxilari
camping gas-gazaki
pay in advance-prokatavoli

In the port
I want a ticket- thelo ena isitirio
When does the boat lives- pote fevgi to plio
When does the boat arives-pote erhete to plio
On the ship
ship or boat- karavi or plio
ferry boat- same as in English
I want a cabin- thelo mia kampina
Deck-katastroma
Bow- plori (the front of the ship)
stern-primi (the back of the ship)
Garage- same as in English
Engine room- Mihani
Stewart- kamarotos
Sailor-naftis
Captain- Kapetanios

I wont put any Greek words or phrases that you can use in an airport because most of the key phrases like check in , control et cetera , are the same every where but a couple of Greek words are useful here like passport-diavatirio, sutcase-valitsa, departure- anahorisi, arival-afiksi.
(PS) This article is written by a Greek (me) George.

Snow in Athens

2008-03-07T20:31:00.002Z

Athens covered in snow winter 2008

This winter gave to the people of Athens a couple of magical days with Athens covered in heavy snow. It was on the 17th February that it began and continued throughout the following day, leaving the city wrapped in a blanket of thick snow by the night of the 18th.
We knew it was coming, warnings had been given out on the 16th that a polar system was coming our way. Meteorologists were interviewed on television about this further bizarre effect of the La Nina phenomenon that, unusually this time, turned its stream from Scandinavia to Greece.
This coincided with another polar front which came our way from Russia. As a result, we saw unbelievable temperatures in many areas of Greece. Most unusual was the temperatures on many Greek islands.

Evia in the Cyclades, for example, saw snowfall in some areas that was over a meter and, even more unusual, was the experience of Crete which saw temperatures drop below zero. In Athens we had, in the early morning hours of the 17th February, temperatures with minus degrees .5-6 C.
In the early hours of that morning of the first snowfall, in our western suburb of Athens, I looked out of the balcony to see a gentle falling of snowflakes and I thought it will all have disappeared by morning to be a normal grey winter's day. But around 2 am I looked out again and it was amazing.

Having lived in northern Europe for many years, for one moment I thought I had been transported back in time to my winters in northern Germany and Denmark . Like a child, I stayed awake almost the whole night waiting to see if it would still be there the next morning and, yes, next morning dawned and it was the perfect scenery of a white Christmas: thick white snow covering everything, whilst a glorious sun was shining in a clear blue sky. I can't ever remember seeing such thick snow in our neighbourhood even as a child many years ago.

My father, too, who was born in Piraeus in 1929, agreed that this was something he had never experienced before in his lifetime, even when most of the west and north suburbs of Athens and Piraeus were just empty green fields. Anyway the first thing I did, after the family had woken up, was to take my wife and go to our local square and enjoy a cappuccino at one of our local cafeterias. The square was amazing with the fountains and their neighbouring plants looking like crystallised waterfalls. Children and the older people were out playing and revelling in the snow and snowmen and snow-women had 'mushroomed' all over the neighbourhood. Schools were closed and so were many of the shops and offices in the area with a consequence that there was no traffic, no buses, no taxis - only the metro was functioning. The few cars that were on the roads were those that had foreseen the climatic change and invested in snow chains in order to get about.

As the morning progressed the bright sunshine and general busyness of the metropolis began to slowly melt some of the snow on the main roads and suddenly, out of nowhere, loomed an empty taxi. We decided at that moment to jump in and go into the centre of Athens to take a snowy excursion to Monastiraki , the Parliament square, Plaka and go up to the Acropolis. What a wonderfully, special day it turned out to be. We were so lucky to find that taxi and it took us all the way to Monastiraki.

On our arrival I took some amazing pictures with the Agora , the Stoa of Attalos and the Acropolis covered in snow. We were not alone hundreds of Athenians were taking advantage of the unexpected day off from work and school and, although it was Monday and although many of the TV channels had advised people to stay at home in order to avoid typical slippery snow accidents, in typical Greek fashion, people had ignored advice and warnings and ventured out to enjoy this strange phenomenon. Although it was busy, the fact that there was very little traffic and the peace and stillness that snow brings, this place was filled with an eerie hush, where all sounds were reabsorbed into the banks of crystalline snow heaped about us.

We enjoyed a sunny Monastiraki and from there we took the metro to Syntagma. Hundreds of locals and winter tourists were taking pictures of the Greek guards of the unknown solder monument, although by midday the snow in Amalias Street had already melted. We walked from there to Plaka and stopped for an ouzo at Byzantino, my favourite restaurant in Plaka at Filomouson Square. From there we decided to go up to Anafiotika, the small quarter of Plaka, that is a small Anafi village in the heart of Athens. Struggling on the slippery steps, caked with compacted snow and ice, we did it , Just enjoy the pictures from Anafiotika here.

Walking through the winding narrow streets of Anafiotika we managed to safely arrive under the Acropolis and went on to ascend the Areopagos Hill using the newly built steps and not from the slippery ancient rock ones. The panorama from here, which I have seen many times before, was transformed into something barely recognisable as my city.

All the Attica mountains were covered in snow: Hymmetus , Parnitha , Penteli and Aegaleo - a Christmas postcard or an Alpine scene. We went down to Areopagitou Street and had one more ouzo at the open air cafes in Thiseio. Finding a taxi from this area is not easy in clement weather but today it was impossible. Instead we took the good old ISAP train to Piraeus and from there as more taxis were on the road by then, we went back home to tuck into a big warming bowl of my mother's delicious bean soup (Fasolada).

Aegina day trips

2008-02-25T02:18:00.002Z

A day trip to Aegina

The heavy snow in Athens and throughout Greece made headlines this February in one of the most rare winter in Athens with a heavy snow fall that kept only 2 days unfortunatelly. The temperature on Monday and Tuesday (18th and 19th) was between -5 and -1 centigrade in Athens, but on Wednesday we woke up to glorious blue skies and the streets bathed in golden sunshine. With a sudden change in temperature, soaring to a delicious 17 degrees, it seemed the perfect day to do the Athenian thing and take a day trip to Aegina. Only 30 km away from Piraeus, the 40 minute hydrofoil trip at 22 euros return and leaving every half-hour was money well spent.
The only problem with hydrofoils however, is that there is very little outer deck and, if you want to enjoy the trip, and watch the scenery whilst having a smoke the only place to do this is the small open deck at the back of the craft. Nevertheless, the boat was practically empty and we were the only two who wanted to stand outside and enjoy the amazing views created by the crystal clean atmosphere that gave a visibility of dozens of miles.

As the boat was leaving the Port of Piraeus you could see the whole Attica Basin and the still snowy peaks of Parinitha, Penteli and Hymetus mountains. Within 10-15 minutes of departure we were passing over the west coast of Salamina, where fleets of cargo and container ships lay in anchorage near and around the coast of Salamina waiting their turn to unload or load their goods from the commercial Port of Piraeus in Keratsini and Ikonio. After only a further 5 minutes Salamina is left behind and, in the distance to the south, Aegina can already be seen across the glittering blue Saronic Gulf.

Our approach from the north side of the island gave us enchanting vistas of the numerous villas that have been built on Aegina in the last 20 years. These properties are owned mostly by Athenians as summer houses but also many people from Europe have seen Aegina as the perfect place for a summer residence as well. Just before the hydrofoil turns south towards the port of Aegina we speed past the newly built, huge marina with all kinds of yachts and crafts moored up for the winter months. Finally, there shines Aegina town, the first capital of Unified Greece. Perhaps it is because of this that Aegina Town still maintains an aura of 'aristocratic sophistication' with its wide promenade lined with cafes, its typical neoclassical buildings and attractive 19th century villas, and its elegant ponies and old-fashioned carriages lined up waiting to take you around the town. There is also a beautiful church and, the prettiest of all, the tiny church of Saint Nicholas which stands at the entrance to the port. This tiny church is our first stop after the hydrofoil docks and we enter into its beautifully painted interior to light candles for our loved ones.

I made my first visit to Aegina when I was only 6 years old, and have visited it many times since, but I had never before taken a ride in a pony and carriage. This trip however, the first thing I did, after lighting candles at St. Nicholas church, was to take a 30 minute carriage ride - not to see the attractions as advertised but mostly to enjoy 30 minutes of carriage riding through the beautiful streets of Aegina and out amongst the pistachio trees and pines. Though it was February, the almond trees were in full blossom and the landscape was alive with the whispering of the coming of springtime.
It was already 2pm when Dimitris our carriage driver brought us back to the main promenade. We then took a stroll through the pedestrianised streets of the town with its numerous shops of all kinds. Aegina has this amazing advantage of being an island with all that is most charming about all Greek islands, and also is a highly developed suburb of Athens in matters of shopping, eating out and night life. Music bars, night clubs, cinemas, fashion boutiques are all here. It is something that is rarely found anywhere else - a combination of an idyllic island with all the bonuses of a big city suburb.

There is also plenty of history to be found on the island. Very close to the port of Aegina is the ancient Apollo Temple, the remains of which are a few metres away from Avra beach. here too is the museum that has ancient relics from that time as well as exhibits and information of how Aegina came to have the first printing press, museum, library and Mint of modern Greece. Also there still stands the beautiful Markelos Tower which was built in the 19th century by Spyros Markelos a member of the Greek Parliament and one of the local leaders during the Greek war of Independence, the tower was the headquarters of the Greek government from 1826-1827 and from 1828-1829 was used for offices of the Greek cabinet as well as other buildings founded by Ioannis Kapodistrias the first Governor of Greece.
Here, too you can find many beautiful neoclassical villas, one of which was used in the 1960s film, 'Holidays in Aegina' starring a very young Aliki Vougiouklaki and Andreas Barkoulis. Indeed, this film as well as all the other attractions of the island have made Aegina one of the most popular holiday resorts for Greeks in Athens and Piraeus.
I asked Dimitris, the carriage driver, if the Aegina people live and work on the island or whether many of its population commute over to the mainland for their daily work. He told me that almost 90% of the population live and work on the island, employed as pistachio farmers, fishermen, retail workers or in the tourist business. Real estate also is flourishing all over the island. Unfortunately for us, the prices of the beautiful apartments and villas are only affordable to those with large amounts of money!

After our stroll we stopped for lunch in one of the most well-known places in Aegina the Skotadis Kafe restaurant. Dream of the best Greek mezes and you will find it here! Kalamaris, merides, shrimps, octopus, grilled biftekia (Greek hamburgers), chops and keftedes (meat balls), mixed salads of broccoli, courgettes and horta, skordalia and tirokafteri - all there to enjoy with a karafaki of ouzo or a kilo of red wine or Retsina. We feasted like kings and finally waddled off to buy some souvenirs to remind us of our wonderful winter's day trip to this beautiful sunny island. Weighed down now by not only our sumptuous lunch but also a large clay Stamna pot (typical of the region) a half a kilo of home grown pistachio nuts, jars of honey stuffed full of pistachio nuts and bags of the marshmallow-like Greek sweet, Vanilla, made of mastic and sugar we rested at a nearby cafe, drinking coffee and eating the traditional ipovrihio - 'submarine' (a wonderfully smooth and chewy concoction of mastic, vanilla, pistachio and sugar which clings in a sweet, gooey clump to the spoon immersed in a glass of water) until the hydrofoil came in to take us back to Piraeus.Enjoy as well our pictures of Aegina from this unforgetable day trip.

Greek political parties

2008-02-15T10:10:00.002Z

Political Parties in Greece

The civil war that followed the end of World War Two in Greece affected dramatically Greek politics for many years. The political field of Greece from the early 50's until the Greek military dictatorship in 1967 was divided into three major political streams, the Conservative front under the leadership firstly by General Papagos with the party Ellinikos Synagermos (Greek Rally) and later by Konstantinos Karamanlis with ERE (Greek radical union). The Liberals with the party of the Liberals (Fileleftheroi) of Sofoklis Venizelos followed by Enosis Kentrou (Union of the Centre) in 1961 under the leadership of Georgios Papandreou , and the broad left mainly represented by the party of EDA (United Democratic Left) under the leadership of Ilias Iliou. The dramatic events of this period started with the assassination of Grigoris Lambrakis, who was a prominent member of the Left, in Thessaloniki in 1963.
The assassination of Lambrakis coincided with the fall of the Conservative government after the resignation and self exile in France of its leader Konstantinos Karamanlis and the victory of Georgios Papanndreou with his party Enosis Kentrou in the elections of the same year. During the short time of the Georgios Papandreou government, Greece made great progress towards the establishment of a more Democratic regime, unfortunately the events of July 1965 (engineered by the Greek Monarchy) split the party and gave a green light for the establishment of the seven years of Military Dictatorship in Greece1967-1974 which was one of the main causes behind the drama and splitting of Cyprus.

Today, with the end of the cold war and, as the times and world politics have changed so in Greece, the political climate and political parties are completely different than they were 40 years ago. The leading party of Greece today is Nea Dimokratia (New Democracy), it represents the liberal-conservative stream in Greece with leader and Prime Minister of Greece Kostas Karamanlis. The founder of the Party is Konstantinos Karamanlis former leader of the ERE party and the uncle of today's Party leader. The Party was created in 1974 after his return to Greece from a long period of self exile in France. The Party had many leaders from 1974 until today, after Karamanlis became President of Greece the party leadership went to Georgios Rallis then, for a short period, to Evagellos Averof and then to Konstantinos Mitsotakis. He was followed by Miltiadis Evert and finally, to its leader today, Kosta Karamanli.

The second largest party of Greece is the Pan-Hellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) and its founder is Andreas Papandreou. PASOK was created on the 3rd of September 1974 with the friction of the resistance movement of Andreas Papandreou PAK (Pan-Hellenic Liberation Movement ), Dimokratiki Amyna (Democratic resistance) and many other Greeks of the old Enosi Kentrou (Union of the Centre) and the broad left. With its manifesto, the Party achieves to unite thousands of Greeks with the political ideal of social changes, emancipation, sovereignty and Democracy. With the famous political slogan, 'Allagi' (Change) Pasok won the national elections in 1981 with a huge majority. After the death of its leader and founder, the President of the Party became Kostas Simitis. Today's leader of Pasok is the son of Andreas Papandreou, George Papandreou.

The third largest and oldest party of Greece is the Greek Communist Party (KKE). The history of the Greek Communist Party has effected dramatically the history of Modern Greece. It was founded in 1918 under the name Socialist Labour Party of Greece and since then was the avant-garde to all struggles of the labour and agricultural classes of Greece. KKE fought fascism and imperialism during both world wars and resisted the military dictatorship of Ioannis Metaxas. It was the largest resistance movement (EAM Greek liberation front) during the Nazi occupation of Greece . Thousands of its members together with many other Greek Democrats and resistance fighters were executed, imprisoned or sent to concetration camps by the Nazis. The same happened also during the dictatorship of Metaxas and the dictatorship of the Greek colonels in the period 1967-74. The civil war that followed World War Two resulted in the banning of the Greek Communist party and it wasn't until 1974 that it was finally legalised. Among its famous political and military leaders was Markos Vafiadis, Nikos Zachariadis, Aris Velouhiotis, Stefanos Sarafis, Vasilis Samariniotis, Nikos Belogiannis, Charilaos Florakis. Today's general secretary of the Greek Communist Party is Aleka Papariga.

The fourth largest party of Greece is Syriza.The party of Syriza today is a broad union of the left, together with ecologists and other progressive movements. Its bigger part though was created in 1968 after the split of the Greek Communist Party. Its name after the splitting was KKE Esoterikou (Communist Party of Greece of the Interior) . Its political youth 'Rigas Fereos' was one of the most active resistance groups during the dictatorship. In 1987 the party was split and a new party created under the name EAR (United Left). The first leader of this Party was Leonidas Kyrkos. This Party followed the new European communist ideas that had been followed by the Italian Communist party and its leader Enrico Berlinguer; the Spanish Communist party of Santiago Carrillo; and the French communist party of Georges Marchais. (At this point I would like to mention that I was lucky enough to attend a public speech by Enrico Berlinguer and George Marchais back in the 70's when I was studying at the university of Paris VIII Vincennes) In 1992 EAR amalgamates with the Party of Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) which later made a coalition with other smaller parties that formed today's Syriza (Coalition of the Radical Left). Its new president, voted in only a few days ago, is Alexis Tsipras, aged only 33 years and one of the youngest party leaders in the world. After its election, several polls showed an amazing increase of the popularity of SyRiZa.

The fifth largest party is LAOS with leader George Karazaferis. The party represents several conservative and religious ideologies of the right wing. Outside of the Greek Parliament there are several smaller Marxist-Leninist parties that mostly were created after the split of the KKE. It is also worth mentioning is the Liberal Party of George Leventis, who has for the last 20 years tried to resurrect the old Central Union with his party known as Enosis Kentroon (Union of the Centrals). Another party that always brings a entertaining break in the usually loud Greek National Elections is the Ecological Party of Demosthenes Vergis a lover of the nature and the beauty of life.

Athens Videos

2008-02-02T09:07:00.003Z

To all of you that have never been to Athens the Capital of Greece we present some videos taken on February during a sunny afternoon.The videos include the Acropolis of Athens ,the Athens Metro ,main squares of Athens like Omonoia and Syntagma square ,the most importent main streets of central Athens like Panepistimiou street ,Stadiou Aeolou and Patission streets ,the famous Plaka and the flee market ,the national gardens and finally the Port of Piraeus
THE ACROPOLIS OF ATHENS
The video is taken from a distance (area of Thission from the end of Adrianou street)during a walk in Plaka without the tourist wave of summer.

THE ATHENS METRO PIRAEUS TERMINAL
The old terminal station of Piraeus ,located just opposite the exit Gate of the Port of Piraeus so it makes easy access to all travellers from the Ferries that coming from the Greek islands ,this year a bridge is build so you can cross the busy street as you coming out of the port.From the Piraeus terminal you have access to Athens and many north and south suburbs as well to the Athens airport with the Proastiakos rail and further to Aspropytgos Elefsina Megara and Agious Theodorous and Kineta ,sea resorts on the west side of Attica peninsula.

THE NATIONAL GARDENS OF`ATHENS
A small oasis in the hart of Athens offers a peacefully atmosphere away from the noise of the big city.The National Gardens located exactly next to the Greek Parliament buildings in Vasilissis Amalias street.During the Royalism in Greece it use to be called Vasilikos Kipos (Royal garden)

Modern Music in Greece - Rock and Pop

2008-01-18T11:41:00.000Z

Pop and Rock Music in Greece

Greece has its own history in Pop and Rock Music, starting from the early 60's when Nikos Mastorakis was actually the one that turn the Greek youth to the pop and rock music with his radio show "Leoforeio i melodia" (a bus named Melody). At this time many pop groups start appearing in the big cities, among them in Thessaloniki, the Forminx, from which 2 members the well known Vangellis Papathanasiou and Demis Rousos, later formed in France the famous group Aphrodite's Childe.

During the 60's and early 70's other Greek pop music groups had a great success in Greece like the Charms, the Idols, the MGC, the Vorioi with Pashalis, and many others. Later the Greek groups might never made such world stars like Vangelis and Demis Rousos, but they have created many good bands and singers with their music and sound being inspired from the British and US rock music mixed with Greek folk sounds. If you see below the 2 videos of Socrates you will realise that the solo guitar sounds are not quite Jimmy Hendrix like, but they are giving the sounds of the Greek mountain shepherd's flute.

Among those Groups best ever to my opinion was Sokrates with one of the best Greek guitar players, Giannis Spathas, other good groups where before Sokrates the famous Peloma Mpokiou, Giannis Poulikakos, and the Bourboulia of Savopoulos. Later on new groups with new sounds created like Fatme, Trypes and Spyridoula while the eccentric Jimis Panousis created a lot of reaction with his ironic songs. Nikolas Asimos and Pavlos Sidiropoulos who died very young, left great songs that still the Greek young and older ones sing.

Another one that made quite lot of hits in the Greek rock scene, was my good old friend from the times of the high school, Giannis Giokarinis, one of his best songs was Evlambia. Finally Vasilis Papakonstantinou that started from a different musical background became the best rocker in Greece with famous songs that are between hard rock and soft ballads, like Hellas, Koursaros, S'akoloutho and many others .
Here are some nice videos with rock and pop music from Greece

A unique video from the Forminx from a Greek film of the 60's can you spot Vangelis?

The Idols 60's

The Charms 60's

Sokrates with their best song starvation

Sokrates Mountains

Aphrodite's Child - Spring, summer, winter and fall
Demis Rousos Vangelis Papathanasiou Lucas Sideras

Enjoy

Modern Greek Culture and traditions of Greece

2008-01-14T21:54:00.000Z

Greek Culture and Traditions of Modern Greece

Civilisation: The location of Greece on the crossroads of 3 continents has had a dramatic effect on the Greek civilisation and culture. Using the Greek High School history books as an example, civilisation and culture began with the history of older civilisations like the Mesopotamian, the Middle East and Egypt and then moving on to incorporate Prehistoric Greece and Ancient Greek History. As a result, the Greeks took many elements from all these ancient civilisations around them, adapting the ones that were close to their nature and way of life whilst the remaining elements served to further develop and move them forward, like the development of astronomy, sculpture and architecture. Because of these developments a unique civilisation was created which always had the human at its very centre. From these things sprung the renowned Greek philosophy, democracy the arts and sciences that is to be read in any major publication about ancient Greece. It was these things that were created by the ancient Greeks which was offered to the rest of human kind. Still today the Greeks do what their ancestors did 3000 years ago, they hold on to elements and affections both from the east and the west. The links with the East are still strong and the effect of Byzantine Greece can be seen today in the Greek Orthodox religion, and modern Greek Music.

Music: The Ancient elements of Greek music can be found in the music of the Greeks of the Black sea (Pontos), in the ancient sound of the goat skin bagpipes (Tsampounes) on many Greek islands , in the sounds of the flute of the Greek shepherds in northern Greece and in the sounds of the Cretan Lyra in Crete. All of these Byzantine and ancient elements come together with the Smyrneika. Smyrneika is the music that the Greeks of Asia Minor brought with them and is the most typical of Greek folk music. However, as in the past so as today, the Greeks love to mix things, with the consequence that Greek music has adapted and adopted the musical elements from the West including Latin rhythms and sounds, Italian music, Rock and Blues as well as rap and hip hop music.

Religion: As a Greek Orthodox myself, the Greek Orthodox religion does have some rules but, in my opinion, is more free than other denominations of Christianity. In Greece, a priest can marry (although this is not allowed for monks and bishops). Furthermore, following a divorce, Greeks can remarry in church. As a nation, although the Greeks are religious they are not seriously devout or fundamentalist in their approach to religious matters. The huge majority of Greeks will go only occasionally to the church for a service. This may be for a marriage, funeral or baptism. Everyone will go to the church on Good Friday and Easter Saturday partly to listen and follow the Liturgy but mainly for the spectacular firework displays that are a traditional part of a Greek Easter. Inside the church, the congregation will mostly consist of the older generation of especially women. Having said this, almost every Greek, young or old, will cross themselves when passing by a church and, in cases of danger and need, will cry out "help me Christ and Mary". Yes, the faith is deep and strong for almost every Greek even if they don't go to church often or don't take communion every Sunday leaving such religious rituals to once or twice a year. One of the main reasons for this is, I believe, the Greek spirit of independence and freedom, a spirit which lives within every Greek soul. Greeks have their strong faith to Christ and Mary but also don't want to be bound by rules that have been dictated from several emperors, patriarchs and monks of the old Byzantium era.

Greek Traditions related with the religion:

Apokries: There is a main period of feasting that covers the 40 days before Easter week , the Sarakosti (the name derives from the number 40, Saranta). This feast starts at the end of the four week Greek Carnival time (Apokries) which begins around the middle of March on Clear Monday (Kathari Deftera). Clear Monday is the first Monday that follows the 4 weeks of Apokria. Even though the Greeks will not feast for the next 40 days, on this particular day, the Kathari Deftera, they will go to the countryside to celebrate with special feast food (Vegetables, Pickles, taramosalata, grilled octopus, lots of wine and the special flat bread made specially for this day (the Lagana). A part of the tradition beloved by children is kite flying. As a child myself I used to make my own kite for that day using newspaper, string and straws. Today the children by plastic ready-made kites from the shops but the enjoyment and the tradition is still very much alive.

Klydonas: The Feast of Klydonas and the jumping over fire during St John's celebration at the end of June is one of the traditions that has slowly disappeared. The reason why this is so is not surprising. As the cities got bigger and more crowded there was no longer anywhere that one could safely pile up logs and make a fire in the neighbourhood streets. 40 years ago though this was an exciting event that could be experienced in nearly every neighbourhood. A quaint tradition that happened the day before this Feast of Klydonas was for young unmarried girls to try and fish out of a jar of water a ring or coin that had been previously placed there. The Jar would be placed on the roof of buildings and covered by a white cloth and, the next evening, all the neighbours would gather at the doorstep of a house for the opening of the jar with the (Amilito Nero) the silent water. The young girls would fish around in the jar without being able to see deep into its contents, then as one was picking out of the jar a ring or a coin, an older woman would recite poems from the popular Almanac Calendar. These poems were a kind of prophecy for the girls and would ensure that they would find their true love to marry in the near future. This ceremony was followed with the jumping over the fire that had been lit in the middle of the street.

My Big Fat Greek Marriage: The Marriage traditions in Greece vary slightly from place to place. In the islands you will find a more intensive and colourful tradition going on. In the Dodecanese, for example, the celebration starts a couple of days before when relatives and friends will go to the new house of the couple "to make the marriage bed". This is like the kitchen party found in some Western countries or similar to adding to the new couples dowry. However, instead of gifts for the house, money (and sometime serious money) inside envelopes is given. Usually the couple's fathers will set the ball rolling by throwing money on the marriage bed as a gift to the new couple. Depending on their financial status, the amounts of money the fathers throw can sometimes be very large indeed. This is followed by friends and relatives who will add to this their envelope with money, afterwards a baby will be placed on the bed in order to bring prosperity and fertility to the couple. On the day of the wedding, from early in the afternoon, the two houses of the bride and groom's families will be very busy. At the bride's house, the bride's girlfriends will dress her and make her beautiful for the marriage ceremony, whilst at the house of the groom the main event of the preparations will be in full swing. As his friends are dressing him and getting him ready, the gathering of friends and family of the groom sing the marital song. In the meanwhile visitors, friends and relatives have a great drinking party in the main lounge or on the veranda if it is good weather. The party is usually accompanied by live music played by local musicians. A half hour before the ceremony the gathering will go to the church. Traditionally musicians will follow as well, playing wedding songs, and this can still be seen - especially on the islands of Greece. At the gate of the church, the groom will wait for the bride and when she comes the ceremony will continue with a small liturgy, the exchanging of vows and the dance of Hisais. The Priest and the bride and groom must walk 3 times around the altar whilst the priest sings the Hisaie dance. The marriage ceremony is followed by a huge party usually held at a big restaurant with music and dancing. Traditionally, the best man or best woman of the bride and groom will be the Godfather or Godmother of the first child born to the couple.

Popular Greek songs

2008-01-09T06:15:00.000Z

collection of Popular Sonds of Greece

I deside to make a collection of my favourite Greek songs from youtube
Enjoy them.

MELINA MERKOURI-POTE TIN KYRIAKI (NEVER ON SUNDAY)

VIKY MOSHOLIOU WITH GEORGE ZAMBETAS-AGAPI MOU

TA TRENA POU FIGAN-VIKY MOSHOLIOU

GRIGORIS BITHIKOTSIS MIKIS THEODORAKIS-ENA TO HELIDONI

GRIGORIS BITHIKOTSIS-VREHEI STI FTOHOGEITONIA

ALIKI VOUGIOUKLAKI GRIGORIS BITHIKOTSIS-YPOMONI

LYRICS OF YPOMONI

Gitonia o dromos sou stenos Neighborhood your street is so narrow
Pagonia ke grizos ouranos Cold and Grey sky
Vrady proi mavri zoi Night and Day misserable (black) Life
Yia sintrofia mia sinnefia Having for company the grey clouds
Ypomoni Patience
Ypomoni Patience
Ypomoni Patience
Kant' ypomoni Make Patience
Kio ouranos tha yini pio galanos And the sky will become more blue
Kant' ypomoni Make Patience
Mia lemonia anthizi sti gitonia A lemon tree blooming in the naighburhood

A tribute to one of the Greatest Greek singers Grigoris Bithikotsis

STELIOS KAZANDJIDIS-APONI ZOI