The holiday countdown has already begun all over Greece. Christmas decorations adorn the cities and villages, ready to welcome you for this special season. Countless ornaments, traditional Christmas boats, and lights decorate public streets, squares, and private properties. Let your childhood fantasies about Christmas come true in numerous cities around Greece, where events such as long-established festivities, outdoor concerts with bands, and children’s choirs singing Christmas carols promise you a magical atmosphere.(more…)
Crete, the largest of the Greek islands and the fifth biggest island in the Mediterranean lies 318 kilometers south of Athens’ port, Piraeus. Rimmed by more than 1,000 kilometers of coastline, it combines dramatic mountains with deep rocky gorges and blissful golden sand beaches. The most southerly outpost of Europe, its south coast extends to the Libyan Sea, looking to Africa, while cultural influences from Asia Minor can also be felt from the period spent under Turkish rule. Thanks to its fertile soils and warm, sunny climate, the local economy is based on agriculture, with tourism coming in a strong second. Crete’s ancient archaeological sites, centuries-old harbor towns, and beaches attract visitors from all over the world.
1. Samaria Gorge
Contained within the Samaria National Park, this impressive 18-kilometer gorge is on the UNESCO World Heritage Site’s tentative list. From Xylóskalo, just outside the mountain village of Omalos, the gorge descends 1,250 meters to arrive at the Libyan Sea in Agia Roumeli on Crete’s sunny south coast. The river Tarraios, which dries up in summer but floods in winter, runs the length of the gorge with high rocky cliffs to each side. The stony path is quite challenging and not recommended for people with knee problems, but it’s a must-do for athletic visitors to Crete. On the busiest days, up to 3,000 people hike through the gorge. The walk can take four to six hours depending on how fit you are. It is open to visitors from May through mid-October. (more…)
The mild sweet climate of fall in Greece is what makes short journeys to the sea and the mountains so tempting. The country’s landscape is in transition, from its summer to its autumn look. Read up on the renowned destinations that we gathered just for you and plan your trip to Greece.
Destinations: Chania
As summer in Crete lasts a bit more than anywhere else in Greece, you will enjoy the sea and the wonderful mainland throughout October on this island. An excellent place to choose for your upcoming autumn holiday is Chania. (more…)
Nafplio has a charming Venetian heritage and is one of the most beautiful towns in the area of Argolis (in eastern Peloponnese) as well as one of the most romantic cities all over Greece. Nafplio was the first capital of the newly-born Greek state between 1823 and 1834.
A sovereign naval nation-city in ancient times, Nafplio was founded and named (according to Greek mythology) by the hero Nafplios, father of Palamidis.
A target for Franks, Venetians, and Ottomans, they all repeatedly tried, and succeeded quite a few times, to conquer it.
In 1829, after the Greek War of Independence from the Ottoman Empire, Nafplio was chosen as the first capital of the new-founded state and democracy. The palace was on the square in front of today’s town hall.
In 1833 the capital moved to Athens, the town remaining capital of the prefecture. (more…)
