Greece and the Greek Islands

Many people see Greece as a cheap package tour to get some rest and sunshine, but how many people who actually go to Greece SEE Greece. Greece has a rich history that goes back for over 4,000 years. The ancestors of Hellenes, which is the mainland of Greece, were explorers who travelled the Seas, both the Mediterranean and the Black Sea - covering many distances in search of new people to trade with. The Greeks settled from the Mediterranean, Asia Minor, and along the coast of North Africa during their travels.

The people of Greece have always had a strong desire for independence, and enjoy their freedom enough to fight for it over the years. Alexander the Great is perhaps the most well known Greek, conquering most of the known world during the 4th century BC, with a plan to Hellenize it. In 146 BC, Greece was defeated by the Romans, and in 330 AD, Emperor Constantine founded the Eastern Roman Empire. By 1828, the Greeks in a small area of the country had won back their independence, and they continued to fight for the rest of their land. After World War II, many of the islands were returned to Greece, independence, and freedom.

The country of Greece is a peninsular and mountainous land, geographically located in Southern Europe, and characterized by more than 1400 beautiful islands. The Greece islandsattract people from all over the world to spend their vacations and holidays, and since the weather in Greece year round is full of sunshine and mild temperatures, you'll be sure to experience the beautiful nature of Greece. With over 13,676 km of white sandy beach coastlines, and crystal clear, sparkling waters, every beach lover is sure to enjoy a trip to Greece! Greece is situated along the Mediterranean, comfortably located between Albania, Bulgaria, Turkey and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. Greece is surrounded by the Aegean and Ionian Sea. Some of the most visited islands include Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Corfu, Lefkada and Alonissos.

There are hundreds of Islands, all owned by Greece but many unpopulated. The islands that are used by tourists come in many different characters and flavours catering from young peoples holidays, through family and young children to older and retired people, choose your island well, it will be the choice between one persons nightmare vs. another’s paradise!. Next time you visit Greece, take time to study the Greek food in the shops and restaurants.

You might find there are many of the local food you have never heard of. Spend longer look at the menu and ask the locals what they eat, a great way to discover new food. As well as tourist food, they also have many delicious recipes worth sampling. Even the famous Greek Salad is different in many areas of Greece and is often eaten every day. Many believe that wine was invented in Greece, its well worth sampling many of the local brews, if the thinking is true, they have more experience than anyone else in the world!

Finding accommodations in Greece is not difficult, and you have many options to choose from. There are the typical Greek hotels, along with villas, apartments, rooms, hostels and camping available for people travelling in Greece, with ‘island hopping’ a favourite amongst many people, young and old alike!.

So next time you’re planning a trip to the ‘Greek islands’, research your trip and include some of the many other sites and experiences that can be found in this ancient land.

For more information, please visit Travelling to Greece

Phil Edwards is a writer and traveller and author of Travelling to Greece, The Sixties and Health and Fitness

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The Hidden Jewel of the Greek Islands

This small egg shaped Island of Samothraki is one of the most beautiful and diverse Islands in Greece, but is still not on the beaten tourist route. It is relatively hard to get to and there is no package holiday resorts on the Island. Greek Tourists have known about the Island for a while and there is a fair smattering of visitors during the peak season of July and August and due to the small amount of Hotels, it can get heavily booked.

The fact that it is not that easy to visit is what has probably kept Samothraki in its current state, with its towering Mount Fengari, ancient valleys and the imposing Sanctuary of the Great Gods. This is widely considered to be the most well kept of the Greek Islands and even the Hotels that have been built are sensitive to the environment, which is always a good thing!

The Capital of the Island is the Town of Hora which is hidden beneath a fold in the mountains and is a beautiful and picturesque Village. The steep cobbled streets of the Capital are a wonder to explore and are not motor vehicle friendly, which is why the Town has kept its traditional and authentic feel. At the top of the Town is the ruin of its former Castle, which has magnificent panoramas over the Port Village of Kamariotissa and the coast.

The Sanctuary of the Great Gods is one of the most evocative of the Classical sites in the whole of Greece and the vagueness of the religion worshipped here and its initiation rites adds to the mysterious sense of exploring it. The signs to the ruins are in both Greek and English which is always helpful to us Anglophiles and help explain what little is known about these extensive ruins. The site is in a great condition and you will not come across many like it in Greece or maybe even in the whole of Europe! It really is in a fabulous condition. The Sanctuary of the Great Gods is easily visited as a day trip from Hora.

15 kilometres east from the Port Village of Kamariotissa is the little Village of Therma which seems to be the closest Samothraki has to a resort, with many domatias (local bed and breakfasts). Many of the visitors stay here as it is a convenient base from which to explore the Island. It is set a few minutes walk inland from the coast with plenty of greenery to brighten up the settlement. The Thermal baths here (from which the Village gets its name) are said to be very good for those who suffer from Arthritis.

The only sandy beach on the Island is on the South coast and can be reached by regular boats from Kamariotissa. The beach stretches for eight hundred metres and around the headland is the superb Vatos beach which is mainly used by Nudists. There are some domatias here, but they fill up quickly.

There is no Airport on Samothraki and the only way to reach the Island is by Ferry. Ferries link Samothraki with Kavala on the northern Greek Mainland, where there are regular buses from Thessaloniki. There are a number of airlines that fly to Thessaloniki from all over Europe and Greece.

The currency of Greece is the Euro which is divided up into 100 Cents.

For further travel resources, including travel articles and guides on many beautiful locations, why not visit http://www.travelllama.com you can also enter our complimentary travel draw.

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The Beauty of the Cyclades Islands in Greece

In the middle of the Aegean sea spreads the complex of the Cyclades islands. The special architecture that all the islands of the complex have is the most characteristic feature, a point of reference for everyone who has visited these islands which spread in a distance of hundreds of miles.

The special architecture of small white houses with blue or green windows and doors, and the picturesque villages with the narrow alleys is a tourist attraction today, but it was made for specific reasons and this is what makes it so special.

All the islands are poor in flora therefore they are exposed to the sun, so the white color helped the habitants to keep the houses cool, as for the narrow alleys this had a double role, first to protect from the strong wings that dominate the islands and to protect from the pirates’ attacks by forming a natural wall creating a perimeter of protection.

The unique landscape of the Cyclades islands makes the most beautiful contradiction.

The rocks that mirrors on the blue crystal waters, the small white houses scattered all around, the sandy beaches, the bright blue sky above: It’s a warm and hospitable place.

HISTORY OF THE ISLANDS

The complex of the Cyclades islands has a history of thousands of years. Due to their position into the center of the known world of the prehistoric and ancient years, the Cyclades islands where a station for merchandisers and sailors. This gave a boost to the economic and cultural life of the islands.

According to the myth, Cyclades where named after the nymphs Cyclades who Poseidon, the god of the sea transformed into rocks because they caused his anger. A different version is that they where named like this because they form a natural circle around the island of Delos the sacred island of Apollo. (From the greek word “cyclos”, which means “cycle”).

The Cycladic civilization is parted in three periods during prehistoric period, the first Cycladic period (3200-2000B.C.), the middle Cycladic period (2000-1550B.C.) and the late Cycladic period (1550-1100B.C.).

During the historic times (1100B.C. - 500B.C.) there was a great flourish in economy and culture with Delos playing the most important role.

During the times of Macedonian and Roman domination (500B.C. - 300B.C.) the islands passed to the domination of Fillip the 2nd, king of Macedonia and then to his son Alexander the great. After the fall of Macedonia the Romans dominated, bringing the decay to all of the islands with only exception Delos which kept flourishing. During the Byzantine period and the middle ages (300B.C.-1537B.C.) the islands belonged to the Byzantine Empire until 1204 when Konstantinoupolis the capital of Byzantium fell to the Franks. After that and until 1537 the islands where ruled by the Franks. On 1538 the great Pirate Barbarosa, looted the islands and this caused the desolation of some of the islands.

Until 1617 Cyclades decayed and gradually fell under the domination of the Turks. On 1821 they participated on the rebellion of the Greeks against the Turks and contributed to the liberation of Greece.

The complex is consisted of 34 islands from which 23 are being habited. Each island has a history of his own and apart from the common characteristics, differ in style and aura making each and every one of the islands worth visiting and finding out the unique characteristics and special feeling they have.

The islands have differences in the way they have evolved. The bigger islands, by being centers of commerce, navigation and more recently tourism centers, are cosmopolitan and crowded, especially during summer period.

Syros, Mykonos, Paros, Naxos and Santorini can host even the most demanding and cosmopolitan visitors, having followed the needs of modern times in facilities and entertainment, keeping at the same time the unique features of the complex. Islands like Amorgos, Sifnos, Andros and Milos are following the steps of evolution, having made great steps in tourist facilities the past years, being like this great tourist destinations as well.

For the ones that whish for something original and outstanding, islands like Anafi, Sikinos, Folegandros and the small Cyclades will fill with magic and reveal the authentic aura of the Cyclades, away from the modern civilization, beyond time.

The best way to enjoy the complex is a small tour to some of the islands according to the needs that everyone wants to fulfill. There is a fully organized navigation network with modern ships with hourly schedules from the ports of Athens to the islands and connecting the islands. Visitors just have to choose which destinations they want to visit. Start with a visit to the capital, Syros and a walk at Ermoupolis with the picturesque alleys, a village with a unique mix in Catholic and Orthodox culture spreading onto two hills. After that, a night at Mykonos letting the senses rule until the morning light. Continue on a cosmopolitan beach of Paros or Naxos. Start a quest on the Paths of Amorgos ending at the monastery of Santa Anna with the grand blue just under the cliff, enjoy the sun at the isolated beach of Roukounas at Anafi and finally take a walk at the castle of Sifnos during sunset where you can literally listen to the Aegean sea breathing!

Some things cannot be measured, cannot be described. If you want to understand the aura of the Cyclades complex, come and see for yourself, magic will overcome you once you enter the complex and from then on the Cyclades islands will be a synonym of joy of life, just let Poseidon, Apollo and Aphrodite take you into their arms.

Learn more about Myconos, Santorini, Delos, and discover the rest of the greek islands, by visiting George Nellas' Website about the greek islands.

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Find Rooms On The Amazing Naxos Island

FAROS complex is a family owned unit, combining Studios-Apartments and Restaurant-Pool Bar just 150m from the amazing Aliko beach 18km from Naxos Town southwest of Naxos. Welcome to Faros complex on Naxos Island. Faros is placed in one of the most beautiful and quiet areas of Naxos, Aliko beach. We are a family operated unit for more than 20 years of experience in providing unforgettable holidays.

Our daily focus is to make staying here a pleasant experience for all, while we take care to avoid becoming a stereotypical, characterless unit. We assure that you will delectate your staying, in family environment as much as we do, every single day!

Faros offer 9 apartments and studios suitable for both couples and families. All studios and apartments include, fully-equipped kitchens with fridge, air-conditioning, complete set of dishes and utensils, TV satellite, electric kettle, filter coffee-maker, hair dryer, balcony furniture, hot water on 24-hour basis. Each of the apartments has its own balcony or veranda with view to sea and sunset or Zeus Mountain.

This home built and decorated with respect to the Cyclades architecture style (reminding of an ancient Venetian “Pirgos” tower) is placed approximately 150m from the sandy and crystal clear beach of Aliko and the Cedar forest. The combination of the sea, the Cedars, the colourful plants and trees along with the family hospitality make an atmosphere, placid and pleasant for everyone. We have been running Faros restaurant since 1992. Trough all these years, of hard working and love for the Greek cuisine, we can say that you will enjoy the best traditional food and our hospitality. We are using Naxos pure and delicious products in our dishes (starting with own-grown vegetables, olive oil, cheese) and daily we serve fresh fish on the grill, from the harbour’s daily haul, all prepared by Irene’s (mama) hands. When you finish your meal you can relish local drinks and desserts, Greek music at the sight of the sea, the Cedar forest and the marvellous sunset.

For more information about Naxos island and Faros visit our website http://www.faros-studios-naxos.gr

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Rhodes Island: An Introduction to an Earthy Paradise

Rhodes Island – no no no, I am not referring to the Rhode island in the US ... Rhodes Island in Greece has nothing to do with that….and in case you have not heard of it before, please let me enlighten you!-

So, I was about to say that Rhodes Island….is the ultimate place to visit! And in case you have not done so yet, take my advice and put Rhodes in your vacation schedule!

In the southeaster Mediterranean sea, in a Greek island complex known as Dodecanese Islands (in Greek Dodecanisa, meaning the 12 islands) you will find Rhodes, Rhodes which is known as the island of the Knights, the island of sun…but let me put things straight!

Rhodes: The island of the Knights

Back in 1309 the Knights Hospitaller conquered the island of Rhodes, which up to that time belonged to the Byzantine Empire. These Knights when then named after the island, as Knights of Rhodes and today the island is referred to often as the island of the Knights.

But has the influence of these Knights been that great? Oh yes! It is one out of the few Greek islands that is build according to the European medieval idea, and today the remnants of these era make an impression to any visitor. Most famous of all is the Palace of the Grand Master, which is located in the old city of Rhodes.

It is a place you should definitely visit as soon as you arrive to the island, as it is one of the few that well remained castles open to the public. Take your time and wander around the dark rooms of the Palace – as you want find many “dark” places on the island of the sun!-. Walk through the gardens surrounding the Palace…oh I miss some much that scene;

the high palm trees, the bright sun, the palace are all so romantic that you feel like you are able to travel through the ages and find yourself in a passed, forgotten era!

But lets not get that sentimental – let me narrate why Rhodes is...

The island of the of the Sun

It is not a coincidental fact that the ancient Greek dedicated the island of Rhodes to the god of the sun. The amount of sunlight Rhodes receives cannot be compared to any other Aegean island. 300 days of the year sunshine…and not any kind of sunshine…The sunlight I felt during my visits to Rhodes is something I have not seen at any other place of the world I’ve visited. It is so bright and so sweet at the same time. The climate of that island is ideal!

So, I would even recommend vacation during wintertime on Rhodes – though you will have to be braver than me, at least, to dive into the island’s beautiful waters at that time of the year.

And I believe it’s high time we talked about the Beaches of Rhodes island.

There are so many, and they are so beautiful, that I think I have to dedicate a unique article to them, but trying to sum up in a few words, the beaches of Rhodes are incredible- and I am not exaggerating. The island is that big that offers beaches for all types of visitors and all tastes- cosmopolitan beaches as well as quite ones, pebble beaches as well as beaches with golden sand, small and private-alike beaches and beaches with a colorful happy crowd!

I think I wont have space enough to write hereabout the island’s monuments, its history, Rhodes Hotels and tips for the visitors and all the other reasons that make Rhodes island an earthy paradise…but if you found all mentioned above interesting, then just wait a bit until my next Rhodes island article arrives!

Hi World! I am Pavlos and I am here to enlighten you with all the knowledge I have gained from my travelling experience - and believe me it is a lot. I've been to all the continents (ok I admit...I never got the chance to visit Australia up to know), but I never found a place I love more than my birthcountry...Greece! So as soon as I get bored, writing articles about Greece, I'll share with you my experiences from the rest of the world!

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