Holiday Destinations - Greece

Today’s visitors to Greece have the opportunity to trace the “fingerprints” of Greek history from the Paleolithic
Era to the Roman Period in the hundreds of archaeological sites, as well as in the archaeological museums and
collections that are scattered throughout the country.The first traces of human habitation in Greece appeared
during the Paleolithic Age (approx. 120000 - 10000 B.C.).During the Neolithic Age that followed (approx. 7000 -
3000 B.C.), a plethora of Neolithic buildings spread throughout the country. Buildings and cemeteries have been
discovered in Thessaly (Sesklo, Dimini), Macedonia, the Peloponnese, etc.The beginning of the Bronze Age (approx.
3000-1100 B.C.) is marked by the appearance of the first urban centers in the Aegean region (Poliochni on Limnos).
Flourishing settlements were found on Crete, Mainland Greece, the Cyclades and the Northeastern Aegean, regions
where characteristic cultural patterns developed.At the beginning of the 2nd Millennium B.C., organized palatial
societies appeared on Minoan Crete, resulting in the development of the first systematic scripts. The Minoans, with
Knossos Palace as their epicenter, developed a communications network with races from the Eastern Mediterranean
region, adopted certain elements and in turn decisively influenced cultures on the Greek mainland and the islands
of the Aegean. On Mainland Greece, the Mycenean Greeks –taking advantage of the destruction caused on Crete by the
volcanic eruption on Santorini (around 1500 B.C.)- became the dominant force in the Aegean during the last
centuries of the 2nd Millennium B.C.. The Mycenean acropolises (citadels) in Mycenae, Tiryns, Pylos, Thiva, Glas,
Athens and Iolcus, then comprised the centers of the bureaucratically organized kingdoms.
The extensive destruction of the Mycenean centers around 1200 B.C. led to the decline of the Mycenean civilization
and caused the population to migrate to the coastal regions of Asia Minor and Cyprus (1st Greek colonization).After
approximately two centuries of economic and cultural inactivity, which also became known as the Dark Years (1150 -
900 B.C.), the Geometric Period then followed (9th - 8th Century B.C.). This was the beginning of the Greek
Renaissance Years. This period was marked by the formation of the Greek City-States, the creation of the Greek
alphabet and the composition of the Homeric epics (end of the 8th Century B.C.).The Archaic Years that subsequently
followed (7th - 6th Century B.C.) were a period of major social and political changes. The Greek City-States
established colonies as far as Spain to the west, the Black Sea to the north and N. Africa to the south (2nd Greek
colonization) and laid the foundations for the acme during the Classical Period. The Classical Years (5th - 4th
Century B.C.) were characterized by the cultural and political dominance of Athens, so much so that the second half
of the 5th Century B.C. was subsequently called the “Golden Age” of Pericles. With the end of the Peloponnesian War
in 404 B.C., Athens lost its leading role.
New forces emerged during the 4th Century B.C. The Macedonians, with Philip II and his son Alexander the Great,
began to play a leading role in Greece. Alexander’s campaign to the East and the conquest of all the regions as far
as the Indus River radically changed the situation in the world, as it was at that time.After the death of
Alexander, the vast empire he had created was then divided among his generals, leading to the creation of the
kingdoms that would prevail during the Hellenistic Period (3rd - 1st Century B.C.). In this period the Greek City-
States remained more or less autonomous, but lost much of their old power and prestige. The appearance of the
Romans on the scene and the final conquest of Greece in 146 B.C. forced the country to join the vast Roman Empire.
During the Roman occupation period (1st Century B.C. - 3rd Century A.D.), most of the Roman emperors, who admired
Greek culture, acted as benefactors to the Greek cities, and especially Athens. Christianity, the new religion that
would depose Dodekatheon worshipping, then spread all over Greece through the travels of Apostle Paul during the
1st Century A.D.The decision by Constantine the Great to move the capital of the empire from Rome to Constantinople
(324 A.D.), shifted the focus of attention to the eastern part of the empire. This shift marked the beginning of
the Byzantine Years, during which Greece became part of the Byzantine Empire.
After 1204, when Constantinople was taken by Western crusaders, parts of Greece was apportioned out to western
leaders, while the Venetians occupied strategic positions in the Aegean (islands or coastal cities), in order to
control the trade routes. The reoccupation of Constantinople by the Byzantines in 1262 marked the last stages of
the empire’s existence.The Ottomans gradually began to seize parts of the empire from the 14th Century A.D., and
completed the breakup of the empire with the capture of Constantinople in 1453. Crete was the final area of Greece
that was occupied by the Ottomans in 1669. Around four centuries of Ottoman domination then followed, up to the
beginning of the Greek War of Independence in 1821. Numerous monuments from the Byzantine Years and the Ottoman
Occupation Period have been preserved, such as Byzantine and Post-Byzantine churches and monasteries, Ottoman
buildings, charming Byzantine and Frankish castles, various other monuments as well as traditional settlements,
quite a few of which retain their Ottoman and partly Byzantine structure.
The result of the Greek War of Independence was the creation of an independent Greek Kingdom in 1830, but with
limited sovereign land. During the 19th C. and the beginning of the 20th C., new areas with compact Greek
populations were gradually inducted into the Greek State. Greece’s sovereign land would reach its maximum after the
end of Word War I in 1920, with the substantial contribution of then Prime Minister Eleftherios Venizelos. The
Greek State took its current form after the end of World War II with the incorporation of the Dodecanese Islands.In
1974, after the seven-year dictatorship period a referendum was held and the government changed from a
Constitutional Monarchy to a Presidential Parliamentary Democracy, and in 1981 Greece became a member of the
European Community/Union.

Spiritual Amorgos. The clank of crockery carries through Katapola Bay a local and stray cats awake. Fisherman dock and deliver their catch before the first ferry, carrying the culture-hungry, arrives. Unassuming, yet coyly handsome,Amorgos is the traditional Greek Island, embracing history, culture and arresting architecture. This is stone wall country. Climbing above the bay up to Moundoulia Hill, you can relive the past by wandering around the bastions of ancient excavated settlement of Minoa. Its 4th – century BC gymnasium is clearly recognizable, and by the Hellenistic temple stand the remains of a solitary statue. The only other life you are likely to encounter on you slate and limestone rocky rambles is a donkey goat or a handful of cows. It’s easy to dip into sleepy afternoon at Chora, the island‘s capital. Uniquely for Greek island –capitals it is hidden inland at the dizzying height of 444 meter above sea level, erected there to deter pirates. Crowning the town’s [panoramic peak, and spied upon by ancient windmills, is the 13th – century Venetian Castle of Jeremiah Ghisi,seen as the island’sprotector.It’s Meltemi-buffeted rampant behold magnificent views over the entire village and the east-to-west coasts. Similar in many ways to Mykonos’ town,Vhora is a graceful mélange of whitewashed sugar-cubed houses, but is far from the bustle of its snazzy designer neighbor.Simplicty and serenity emanates from Amorgos 121 square kilometers, home for population of just 1,850.After sunrise, walking inland along mule trails has you steeped in peace. Amid the pungent mild herbs and rare orchids, century-old farming equipment lays powerless in the baking sun. Picnicking on a lunch of fresh bread, feta, olives and tomatoes might be about the most energetic you’ll get on Amorgos. That is unless you have heard about its vertiginously-mounted architectural phenomenon. Carved into the mountain, most literally, and only visible from the sea, the 10th-century Byzantine Monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa is one of the Greek Islands’ most spiritual historic monuments. Stitched like 3 D embroidery onto the vertical eastern cliff-face of the Profitis Llias Mountain, it hangs suspended at almost 300 meters above sea level, with precarious balconies sponging up the island’s east coast vistas. Standing here in complete tranquility, time freezes around you. Entering the dungeon-like stairway, ducking as you climb you encounter miniature rooms that seem fir only for dolls; houses. The few monks that remain here take care of the priceless Byzantine icons and handwritten manuscripts – the island’s treasures. And they are hospitable people, greeting you with a loukoumi, a local sweet similar to Turkish delight. Also offered is a fiery shot of pismani raki, locally known as rakomelo, a grape-based liquor made with local Amorgian honey, herbs and spieces.Its welcomely chased down by a glass of water. If you are energetic enough to climb up to the monastery at sunrise, look out over the sparkling sea of crushed sapphires, and it’ll quickly become clear why the French Film maker Luc Besson, chose these waters as the location for his cult movie.

Athens comes of the name from the goddess Athena, the goddess of wisdom and knowledge. The town is the emblem of freedom, art, and democracy in the conscience of the civilized world. The main landmark of Athens is the acropolis which manages the town and on which situate the relics of the Parthenon, the propylaea, and the Erechtheum. Occupying the southern part of Athens, the Acropolis is ringed by the other chief landmarks of the ancient town the Pnyx, where the citizens' assemblies were held; the Areopagus; the Theseum of Hephaesteum, a well-preserved Doric temple of the 5th cent. B.C.; the old Agora and the Roman forum; the temple of Zeus or Olympieum; the theatre of Dionysius (the oldest in Greece); and the Odeum of Herodes Atticus. Athens exhibits a mystifying mix of architectural styles from across the centuries and under many influences, making it a fascinating place to visit. A European Union-sponsored program aims to help in Discovering Contemporary Architecture in Athens by means of multimedia presentation and guided walks. Athens the capital of Greece extends across the middle valley of Attica, often mentioned to as the Attica Basin, which is bound by Mount Aegaleo in the west, Mount Parnitha in the north, Mount Penteli in the northeast, Mount Hymettus in the east, and the Saronic Gulf in the southwest. Athens is the emblem of freedom, art, and democracy in the conscience of the civilized world. Its name was taken from the goddess Athena, the goddess of wisdom and knowledge.

Magical Mykonos. Arriving in cosmopolitan Mykonos by ferry is mayhem. The bow doors swing down and within minutes you pour out. Mary poppins style, alongsside refrigerated Lorries, bleating lambs overladen donkeys, crates of mineral water and petrol tankers along with a juggernaut full of the latest quads and mopeds, but there’s good reason for this exhilarating influx. The granite island of Mykonos is known as The Bride of the Aegean, and it certainly must have been a very white wedding “if Architecture has anything to say, it has been said here said French architect, Le Corbusier, about Mykonos.Chora, its sugar-cubed town is an ensemble of whitewashed walls and multi-coloured balconies that drape crimson bougainvillea above snaking alleyways, the grounds of which are as carefully painted as their protective walls. Posing confidently shoulder-to-shoulder, designer boutiques,cafes,galleries,cocktail bars,museums,lace shops ,artists, bakers and shoemakers live in what seems like an inside space, where the ice-blue sky is the ceiling to their integrated home. Every summer in their thousands, the bronzed and aesthetically gifted catwalk their way through Mykonos, in search of the latest labels and limited edition jewellery   to flaunt from their flawless bodies. I wondered how much longer I would be able to blend in. Little Venice is a classy, Cycladic cliché. This row of Italianate building mostly an amalgamation of romantic cocktail bars and restaurants satiating romancing couples is licked at by the lapping blue of the Aegean. Head here for that sunset-soaked table for two. Ticked behind is one of Greece’s most recognizable landmarks. Dominating the Kastro area is the snow –white Panagia Paraportiani. Mykonos’ oldest church this asymmetrical chapels blended into one, and is a magnet for even the most amateur of photographers. All seamlessly interlocked and facing different directions, its chapels were built between the 15 -17 th centuries under the protection of their iconic dome. Inside is a protected 500 year old silver iconostais.The blinding yellow sands of Mykonos ‘beaches attract a diverse blend of sojourning couples .all ready to share the common language of escapism. Arriving by caique boat at plndri (known famously as Super Paradise Beach) .sculpted dancer’s come into focus, grooving to hypnotic beats upon sandstone headlands. Meanwhile, at Psarou Beach celebrities recline on timber sun lounges beneath wicker umbrella as masseurs unknot their fame. In Kalaftis, the athletic head out to windsurf, fuelled by the warm Meltemi winds, whilst in Agios loannis, newlyweds chink glasses from their private rooftop spas. Beyond the buzz, one also becomes mesmerized by the landscape‘s quieter side. Within 75 square kilometers over 800 churches and charming chapels pepper the inhospitable terrain like wildflowers, one for almost every Mykonian family. Often with their doors opened onto flower-festooned courtyards, they silently display ornate religious icons and heirlooms. Mykonos is the island of multiple personalities. Sallow yourself to get lost in the frenzied beauty of its mesmerizing maze-like streets, and discover that here, you can be whoever you want to be.

Peaceful Paxos. The 14 kilometre transfer on an unpacked hydrofoil from neighboring Corfu slices through the glassy-blue lonian, the silken broken only by the hiss of sunrise. Upon arrival in Gaios, a rainbow of fishing boats bob cheek-to –cheek with millionaire flotillas that line the waking waterfront. Wealthy couples breakfast on outdoor decks beneath their resting sails, as camera-happy tourist snap with friendly envy. At Capriccio Café Creperie, eyes bigger than bellies clock the variety of delicious crepes being made before them: it’s a difficult decision. The Italianate harbor-side capital of Gaios. is also the centre stage for regular local food and music festivals where Greek hospitality still performs at its best. One quickly becomes enchanted by Paxos. One of the shiest of the lonian group, it remains largely untouched by mass tourism. With a population of only 2600,Paxos is never overcrowded-that is if you’re not counting its 300,000 olive trees. Fragrant and lush, this tiny 19 square –kilometer is simple, picturesque and pure, imbued with the reap beauty of fertile countryside and striking waters. And Lakka Bay has it all. Lakka’s inviting sand-bottomed harbor, in the island’s north, is the image of an escapist’s recurring daydream. Sunglasses struggle to filter the iridescent of this protective horseshoe bay, with colors that defy description. Olive and cypress trees rest atop vertical cliffs that flank sheltered waters as sailboats simmer around snorkelers who voyage hand – in –hand.Loggs is Paxos traditional fishing village, where restaurant pull the fish straight from harbor nets to order. Elegantly quaint and pretty. oggos is a Monet brought to Hellenic life. The sleepy hamlet is the perfect place to find paxos most secluded cove, reached by snaking footpaths from the harbor, or by hiring a boat. Halfway down the island’s spine brews Bournaos Kafenion at Magazia. For over half a century, this tiny café has been the pulse of Paxiot life. Kostas preserves the Greek tradition of holding tavli(backgammon) and chess competitions for those who enjoy traditional briki-brewed coffee. Don’t forget your sweet tooth, you’ll not be allowed to leave before trying Kosta’s traditional spoon sweets”figs, apricaots, apples and cherries coated in syrup. Stepping into the isolated heart of Paxos verdant countryside has you weaving your way through terraced olive groves, segregated by a maze of stone walls and hairpin bends. A lesser –known route to the awesome Tripitos Rock Arch (most discover by boat), is to follow the goat trails, where distant bells echo across the dense wilderness of silver-leafed olive groves. When Tripitos Rock Arch finally upsurges from the ocean on the south – west of the island, it seems as if the magnificent setting has been lifted directly from an airbrushed travel brochure. Further north is Paxos’ secret sunset spot. By day, boats anchor near the stack, arches and sea grottoes where the rugged 1`50 meter-high Erimitis cliffs, nosedives into the royal blue waters. By night, those looking for intimacy watch the sun’s rays make their burnt-orange descent across the Eremitis cliffs as the lonian swallows its glowing bait.

Historically, Rhodes was known for its Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, which was unfortunately damaged. Today, Rhodes is often called The Pearl of the Mediterranean and is known for its natural beauty, historical, and archaeological treasures. The environment is mountainous and green with pine trees, and there are beautiful beaches.Rhodes is a important tourist attraction for the seekers of sunny beaches. While many of its beaches are gravel , not sand; the island can pride yourself 300+ sun days in a year. Tourism cooperate a large part in the island's economy. And estimated 80% of the island's revenue results from tourism. Consequently, you will find into tourists and hotels and beaches full of deck chairs for rent, into shops and restaurants that provide to these tourists. It can be overwhelming at times. If this bothers you, Rhodes is probably not for you. Still, there are some areas where mass tourism has not yet penetrated too much. And there are benefits, too: Travel to and accommodation on Rhodes itself can be purchased for relatively low prices, and most of the locals speak at least English and German and often some other languages.Rhodes is the greatest of the Dodecanese islands and it is among the most visited of the Greek islands with a population of about 98.000 inhabitants. It is the third largest Greek island and, officially, the sunniest place in the Europe. It lies approximately 11 miles (18 km) west of Turkey, situated between the Greek mainland and the island of Cyprus. The island is famous for its sun, sea and sand: the ideal place for vacations.

Fantastic is a word often used in describing the Greek islands but it must surely apply more than most to Santorini. An island of extraordinary contrasts, it can be both incredibly beautiful and deeply unattractive. The white cube houses and blue domed churches may fall over nicely down the cliff side in the capital Thira but its streets are heavily developed with costly cafes, fashionable shops, and near nightmare groups of visitors. Santorini has an extremely well-developed tourism infrastructure, featuring visitors a very wide selection of accommodation, such as Santorini hotels, studios, apartments, traditional houses, suites, villas and rooms for rent. The narrow pathways of the island are lined with designer boutiques, jewelry and craft shops that sell high quality goods. Santorini travel agents, tour operators, and car rental agencies can be found almost anywhere on the island, offering their know-how and travel services to make your holiday extraordinary.Santorini is definitely one of the most strongly beautiful and spectacular spots on planet. This incredible scenery attracts thousands of visitors annually. The term 'Santorini' originates from 'Santa Irini', though it is formally known as Thera or Thira which is notorious for the enormous volcanic explosion which destroyed the settlements thereon, and created the current geological caldera. It is the southernmost member of the Cyclades group of islands, located between Ios and Anafi islands, with an area of about 73 km² (28 mi²), and in 2001 had an estimated population of 13,600. Its fantastic natural beauty along with its eminent nightlife makes the island one of Europe's top tourist hot spots.
Because of the spectacular and unique natural beauty of Santorini, several Greek singers have chosen the island, as the setting of their videos. Greek and a Brazial TV series have been view of Santorini, in addition to some Holywood movies (eg. Tomb Rider II). Generally Santorini is a extreme of attractiveness for Greek and international celebrities.

SENSUOUS SANTORINI. No superlatives sufficiently grasp Santorini’s uniqness.It's startling, mystifying and surreal landscape draws scores of neck –bent visitors who sail into its glittering caldera every year. Lava crusted cliffs dramatically explode upwards, a timeless natural sculpture caused by repeated volcanic explosions. Indeed this once round island has been ravaged by several igneous reuptions, most recently in 1956 when over 2000 homes tumbled into the Aegean. But it was the cataclysmic event of 1650 BC that shattered Santori so ferociously, disgorging billions of tones magma from the island‘s heart up into the skies. The awesomely, red beaches, cobalt caldera and offshore isles remain frozen in time. Reached by cable car or donkey. Santorini’s cliff top villages are scattering of pint-sized cave houses with barrel-vaulted ceilings, press-studded unrealistically to the perpendicular caldera walls. As if dusted with icing sugar by a giant’s hand, they scream out to starry-eyed couples seeking an intimate hideaway. The pedestrian’s lanes of Fixate Island’s capital are frequented by those who know their precious metals and stones. The exquisite gold quarter, particularly on Ipapantis Street, offers a glitzy (wallet-stripping) experience for after –hour’s wanderings. Lit like a stage-show, jewelley stores view for attention with handmade 18 carat gold archaic designs. Gold lovers also delight in viewing the 17th century BC gold ibex, now in the safe harness of the nearby Museum of Prehistoric Thera. Astonishingly ,this figurine remained buried in a box beneath millennia of lave, and was excavated in impeccable condition from the Mioan city of Akrotiri in 1999.Pompei-like Akrotiri,in the island’s south, was established during the early 3rd millennium BC. Since 1967, it has been (and continues to be) slowly excavated, unearthing multistorey buildings elaborate frescos and ceramic storage jars containing traces of olive oil and onions. Prosperous ancient Akrotiri reveals a sophisticated society that enjoyed indoor lavatories and underground aqueducts, unheard of for thousand of years thereafter. The site was under repair after the tragic roof collapse in2011. One of the most sensory experiences Santorini offers is sail across its caldera to the volcanic inlet of Nea Kameni. Board the Bella Auroro, the island’s 18th – century replica schooner, and arrive a lime green sulphurous bay. Climb up to the volcanically active crater to see its steam and smell its sulphur as its heat penetrates your (thick) shoes. You’ll then deserve to detox in the nearby hot springs before dining on traditional mezes and local wines back on the yacht. If that’s got the romantic instinct stirred, you can even get married on-board. From the crusted rim of Satorini’s caldera is the most iconic sunset-viewing spot in the Greek Island-perhaps the world. Walking for sunset-hour from Imerovigil (the caldera’s highest town) to Oia’s amphitheatrically setting is emotive. Find a craggy rampart to snuggle up on to absorb Santorini’s elemental beauty. The spectacles leave you jaw-gaped as the sinking sun descends to its flame-grilled close. And forgive the sceptics who insist you can’t hear the sun sizzle as it succumbs to the horizon’s hungry hotplate –they haven’t been to Santorini.