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Greece |
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GREECE
Introduction
Greece is a blessed country with more than 10.000 miles of coastline and some 1.500 islands, Greece caters to all tastes. A perfect holiday destination for water-lovers or sun-worshippers. The ideal sailing ground for yachtsmen, Greece offers a wide variety of island groups to suit all tastes. It is a country of white - washed houses, colorful fishing villages, crystal clear waters, sandy beaches, waterside taverns and a cultural paradise offering numerous attractions.
The Greek islands make up 20% of the total area of Greece, an ideal yachting area, creating a coastline of more than 15000 kilometers. The climate along this coastline is Mediterranean in character: mild moist winters and dry hot summers. The long charter season starts as early as March when air temperatures rise. July and August peak in high temperatures and sun hours - the high season for chartering! In Oct/Nov frontal systems - followed by cool air masses - start entering the East Mediterranean from the north. The contact with the relative warmer seawater will subsequently lead to an unstable atmosphere and showers.
The Saronic & Argolic Gulf
Poros
Called Kalavria in ancient times, was the island of Poseidon, god of the sea. The town of Poros is actually an island in itself separated by a small canal from the rest of the island. In ancient times it was two islands, Spheria and Kalavria, which gradually joined by an isthmus of sand. Kalavria, the larger island was wooded and had lots of water. Spheria, which is now Poros town, was a volcano. The approach by sea is probably one of the most beautiful in Greece. You could start your day by visiting the Archaeological Museum in the port of Poros as well as taking a walk as far as the clock-tower, the town's highest point and the island's "trademark". Poros does not have the incredible long sandy beaches of the Cyclades, but the beaches of Poros are small, shaded and calm, even on the windiest days.
Hydra
Hydra is perhaps the most beautiful port village in all of Greece. A tiny harbor ringed with cafes, restaurants and gold shops is surrounded by a village of stone houses and villas that rise up the hills like an amphitheatre. But one of the best things about Hydra is that there are no cars. Everything is transferred and moved by donkey, including groceries, building supplies, people and their luggage. The Monastery of the Panagia is right in the port, with its entrance by the clock tower. The monks cells are now municipal offices but you can go in and admire the church, the marble stones and columns and visit the small museum upstairs.
Spetses
Unforgettable scenes of natural beauty are created by the harmonic combination of crystal clear waters and ageing pine trees. Countless picturesque coves, around the island of Spetses offer visitors moments of peace and tranquility. Either by land or sea various forms of transportation make every part of the island fully accessible.
Tolo
Tolo is an old fishing village, situated on the picturesque Bay of Argolis spread out along a lovely beach. Fighters from Crete who after being persecuted by the Turks, came as refugees to the land of Argolis and settled in this area founded it in 1831. In its sparking sea you'll be able to enjoy swimming, fishing and every kind o water sport. Tolo offers a great variety of taverns, bouzouki clubs, cafes and other family-run businesses that offer the homey hospitality that has come to characterize the place. Ancient sites like Asine, where excavations during 1922-1930 by Swedish archaeologists proved that this area had already been inhabited since the copper era, surround Tolo.
Napflion
The city beach, Arvanithia is located just on the other side of town where Nafplion was founded 4000 years ago. You can enjoy swimming and water sports like canoeing, windsurf, paragliding, jet sky and more. The pines climbing the rocks, the Venetian walls surrounding Nafplion and the magnificent view of the Gulf of Argolis will cast a splendid scenario. The Venetian architect Antonio Gambello, as a part of a major fortification project, designed the Castle of Bourtzi, which stands at the harbor, in the year 1471. Now it is currently a musical venue for the Nafplion Folk Music Festival which is held in May and June and features Greek and international performers. The massive Palamidi fortifications, actually three separate fortresses walled together overlook Nafplion from a height of 215 meters. The Venetian Lasalle built Palamidi in 1711 - 1714. A thousand (actually 857) steps lead up to the fortress. This is one of the greatest attractions in Greece.
Porto Heli
Porto Heli is picturesque because of its fascinating beaches, a tourist center because of its luxurious hotels, unique because of its secure port, bright because of its 350 days of sunshine, unforgettable because of its wonderful sunset, inexhaustible because of its innumerable cultural activities
Aegina
The most important archaeological site lies to the east of the island near Agia Marina, where the temple of Aphaia, a very ancient goddess once patroness of Aegina is situated. The first temple was erected in 570 B.C. and destroyed some sixty years later. The temple whose remains we see today was built on the same spot out of limestone from the vicinity. Traces of the original temple can be seen in the foundations of this Doric building. South of the capital is the seaside village of Marathon, followed by the fishing port of Perdika (9 km.). From Perdika small boats ferry visitors to the picturesque islets of Angistri and Moni, ideal spots for enjoying nature, solitude and relaxing pursuits.
The Pelopponesse
Monemvasia
Monemvasia occupies a steep, rocky islet connected to the Laconian coast by a bridge. The inhabitants of Laconia founded the settlement in the 6th century A.D. A second settlement was later founded on a lower level, and gradually developed into a town of significant strategic importance. Located in the main square of Monemvasia is the largest surviving Byzantine church in southern Greece. It is directly opposite the small, domed church of Agios Petros, which houses a modest museum of archaeological finds from the town.
Gerakas
North of Monemvasia is the town of Gerakas, which is a medieval village located by a small port, which is surrounded by steep mountains that drop into the sea. The narrow bay travels a distance into the mainland. Located on the edge of the mountains there is a limnothalassa (a sea-water lake), which has such a narrow entrance, it almost looks like a lake.
Elafonissos
Named after deer that was supposed to have lived there in the past, is a multicolored sapphire, which gleams its ornamented beauties in Morias crystal sea and in the azure waters of Smigopelago (from smigo meaning to combine and pelagos meaning the sea). A shallow and narrow water channel not more than 2,5 meters deep separates them both from the mainland. Elafonissos is a wonderful island, full of pine and cedar trees, taverns and many small hotels. Peaceful sandy beaches are in abundance. This island forms the entrance to the Minoan, Aegean and Ionian Sea civilizations.
Gerolimenas
Gerolimenas is a very nice port that faces south of Mani, which is bordered to the west side by a high cliff that goes on for a few miles. Full of stone houses right next to the tranquil sea, it is the site for exploration of the deep Mani. To the north lie the towers of Kita and Nomia and to the south the village of Alika among the prickly pears. A little further on, one will find the cape of Kiparissos, were a temple which was worshipped to Poseidon once stood. It is with a small boat that one can sea the cave of Hades, the entrance to the underworld, according to Greek Mythology.
Pilos
Pilos is a pretty little town built up a hill on the south coast of the Bay of Navarino. Snow-white two-story houses with courtyards drenched in flowers. The arcaded streets make you think you've been transported to an island.
Kyparissia
Kyparissia is a seaside town at the slopes of Mt Psychrou, 60 km from Kalamata and has about 5.200 inhabitants. It is the capital town of Trifilias, trade and market centre, a lively town especially in the summer. In Byzantine times it was called "Arkadia" because of the Arkadian people who came to live there, and in place of the Akropolis they built a Byzantine castle, which was rebuilt by the Franks. At the harbour there are still the ruins of the old harbour and a spring protected by carved stones, which is called the spring of Dionyssos. As the legend of King Pavsanias refers, Dionyssos opened it with his stick.
Katakolo
The first Olympic games were held here in 776 BC and reached their height of popularity in 576 BC. The festival was open to only Greek born men but later Romans were allowed to compete most likely because they were running the country by then. Slaves and women were not even allowed to be spectators and women caught sneaking in were thrown off a cliff. The events included foot races, wrestling, discus, javelin, long jump, horse and chariot racing, and a type of boxing called pancratium. There were not only athletic events but also writing, poetry and history readings, plus business transactions and treaties were made between leaders of city-states. There was no television, so unlike modern Olympics spectators were able to see all the events. The games were banned in 426 by the emperor Theodosius II because they were pagan, and the temples were destroyed. They were begun again in 1896 in Athens. The modern village of Olympia, located near the port of Katakolo, itself is a collection of tourist shops, cafes, restaurants and a Historical Museum of the Olympic Games.
The Sporades
Skiathos
Skiathos is the smallest of the Sporades islands, eight miles long and six miles wide, and lies closest to the Greek mainland, six miles away. For such a tiny island Skiathos has a great deal to offer, despite being only around four miles by seven, it boast between 60-70 fine sandy beaches and coves, many of which are wonderfully tranquil as well as sublimely beautiful. Kastro, the fortified pirate-proof medieval capital of the island, is perhaps the most interesting site in Skiathos. The Greeks made a castle during the 15th century to take refuge from marauding pirates. It has been historically proven that when the Venetians took possession of the island for the second time in 1453, the only town on the island was inside the Kastro. It seems likely that the Kastro was built in the mid-14th century, when the Saracens and other pirates roamed the seas and often landed on the islands and ravaged them.
Skopelos
Skopelos is one of the most beautiful Aegean islands. It has two main towns. The capital and chief port, also named Skopelos, is a complex and delightful cobblestone maze stacked up against a hillside. The best way to arrive is by the sea, slowly revealing the town as the boat pulls into the harbour. The houses are jammed together along narrow and oddly curving alleys, their windows capriciously placed and their balconies awash in flowers. The waterfront is lined with tavernas, cafes, tourist offices and boutiques. A stroll to the top of the town brings you to the oddly whitewashed ruins of the Venetian castle. Glossa is the island's second town, a winding three kilometres up the hill from Loutraki which happens to be a small port with a thin pebble beach. It is another whitewashed delight and considerably quieter than the capital. The rest of the island is rich in vegetation, with wind-swept pines growing down to secluded coves wide beaches and terraced cliffs. The most popular beaches are all on the sheltered southwest coast.
Alonissos
Alonissos is one of the friendliest and least touristy islands in Greece. It is an island for the energetic, particularly for walking, hiking, swimming and snorkelling. The population, mostly farmers and fishermen, live almost exclusively in the fertile southern part of the island. In 1965 a violent earthquake destroyed the hilltop capital of Alonissos town (now called Old Alonissos or Chora). The entire population abandoned their homes and moved to the previously unimportant anchorage of Patitiri. Near Alonissos there are many smaller islands: Kira Panagia with a monastery, Gioura with the cave of Cyclops, and the sheltered Piperi, Pappous, Peristera and Skantzoura. The Mediterranean monk seals as a shelter chose these islands. Between these islands there is a National Marine Park to protect the species.
Skyros
Some geologists claim that Skyros is made up of three islands that were joined together. There is some evidence that this may be true as there are many differences in the geographical features in various parts of the island. The capital of the island is Skyros, which is also called Chora by the locals. It is situated to the northeast and on the eastern side of mount Olympus. It is 10 kilometers from Linaria, the main port of the island situated in the center of the western coast. The town of Skyros is built amphitheatrically on the slopes of a hill under the shadow of a medieval castle and the Byzantine monastery of Saint George of Skyros. It is a typical island city with Aegean - style architecture with its own particular color. In Chora, there are a few interesting museums: an archaeological as well as a historical and folkloric. The tourist resort of Aspous lies between the town and Linaria. Near Linaria there are the beaches of Kalamitsa, Acherounes and Pefkos. Particularly interesting is the landscape on the northern part of the island where you will find the Skyrian mount Olympus and the pine forested beaches. There are also the beaches of Molos and Para Kambos. It would be even more adventurous to tour the southern part of the island where its highest mountain Kochila is really impressive. In this area, it is dry and rocky. It is also worth going to Tris Boukes, a large natural harbor, the entrance of which is fenced by the small islands of Plati and Sarakino. At Tris Boukes one can find the grave of the English poet Rupert Brooke who died here on his way from Kalipoli. On touring the island the visitor will come across the famous Skyrian rare breed of ponies.
Karystos
Karystos has known great glory at different times, from the prehistoric period. It took its name, from the son of the historic-mythical Centaur Heron, the heroic Karystos, who was the ruler of this place and gave it its name. According to mythology, the romance between the two greatest gods of ancient Greece, Zeus and Hera, was created on the top of mountain Ochi (1389m) above Karystos. Each place of South Evia offers different interests. In distance of 3-4 kilometres from Karystos there are picturesque villages into all green slopes and ravines on foot of Ochi mountain. These villages are Kalivia, Lala, Aetos, Mili, Paleochora, Grambias, Mekounida, Nikasi, villages with plentiful waters, many trees, beautiful gardens, old lord's houses and excellent view. The Castle of Western Europe, "Castello Rosso", built in the 13th century, the most powerful of its period. The charming place of Agia Triada, a valley with two small churches under enormous plane trees, has crystal clear waters. 100 meters Northeast from the country chapels there is a sensational cave. If you attempt to go up to Ochi mountain you will see: At the position of Kylindroi, north of Mili village on altitude of 600 meters, an ancient quarry with 8 big pillars, mountain shelter on altitude of about 1200 meters and Southeast of the shelter a big chestnut forest. "Drakospito" is an ancient structure with enormous flat stones on the top of Ochi Mountain. Still further south, the road follows the foothills of Mt. Ochi, whose summit has an altitude of 1398 M, and leads to Karistos, a town with a very ancient history, said to have been built by the Dryopes
The Ionian
Patra
Patra is the capital of the region or prefecture. It owes its name to Patreas, chief of the Achaians. The city is among the most important in Greece, and the largest in the Peloponnese. It is also a major transportation center, linking the country with Italy and the Peloponnese with the Ionian Islands. The city extends from the shore up to the Castle. It is divided into two parts, the upper and the lower, whose layout, parks and plazas give it a definite distinction. The old city, at the foot of the castle, still has quite a number of attractive neoclassical houses, while the lower city has many mansions, such as those housing the Municipal Theatre, the Odeon, etc. The citys innumerable pastry shops, its quiet little cafes, its wide range of tavernas, its lively streets thriving with locals, foreigners and transient travelers complete the picture of Patra as a lively bustling port-center much celebrated thought out Greece. Patra offers a wide variety of cultural opportunities. In the Municipal Theatre, and in the open-air theatre in the Venetian Castle visiting theatres, orchestras and other performing artists make regular appearances. St Andrew s Church is regarded as one of the most beautiful churches in the Balkans. The ancient Odeon is second in fame only to the Irodio (Odeon) of Athens. The Castle is an impressive place, where both the Temple of Panachaida Athina and the Artemis Temple used to be. The museum of Patra is one of the most important museums of Greece with fabulous treasures of national and international significance. Patra is famous for its annual Carnival, which occurs in February or March where people get together in groups, dress up, dance in the streets and take part in the annual parade.
Zakynthos
Zakynthos is the third largest of the Ionian Islands and its terrain is varied; there are fertile plains in the southeastern part, which merge gently into peaceful bays and golden beaches while the western side of the island is mountainous with steep cliffs along its coasts. The mild, Mediterranean climate and the plentiful winter rainfall present the island with dense vegetation. Olive oil, currants, grapes, citrus fruit are principal products. The capital, which has the same name as the prefecture, is the town of Zakynthos -apart from its official name it is also called Chora-. Zakynthos is the green island of poetry, of song and love, the native land of D.Solomos, the writer of the Greek national anthem. There is a great deal of cultural activities on the island -especially in the summer season-, including frequent theatrical performances, concerts and recitals, lectures and exhibitions. A sightseeing must are the blue caves. These maritime caves are situated in Aspros Vrahos of Krimnos, on the Skinari cape, which is the most northern part of the island. The biggest of the caves is the Blue Grotto whose entrance was discovered in 1897. In the deeper caverns, the visitor has the feeling that everything under the waters: the rock, the keel of the boat, the body of a swimmer, reflects a bright blue hue.
Kefallonia
Kefallonia is the largest island in the lonian, is a land of contrasts. Just for starters don't miss the view from the castle at Assos. Of the old, immensely attractive city of Argostoli, the capital, which was destroyed by an earthquake in 1953, very little remains; one or two houses, the arched bridge stretching across the lagoon and the obelisk at its centre, which commemorates the date of its construction. During your stay there you could visit the interesting Archaeological Museum and the Folk Art Museum. Fiscardo is one of the most picturesque ports of the Ionian, founded by the Norman Robert Guiskard. Just south of Fiscardo is the beach of Myrtos, which is one of the most spectacular beaches in Greece with tall cliffs, white sand and the color of sea that most travelers are seeking when they come to the Greek islands. In the area of the port of Sami, there are interesting geological phenomena, like the Cave of Drongarati, with beautiful stalagmites and stalactites, and the cave of Melissani with its subterranean lake. The caves are open to the public and if you are lucky you may catch an orchestra performance in Drongarati, which has fantastic acoustics. Another favorite visiting spot is Karavomylos, where there are springs of sea water that have traveled underground from the area of Katavothres, near Argostoli, 35 km away. Kefallonia is one of the few places where the rare turtle Caretta-Caretta lays its eggs.
Preveza
The prefecture of Preveza lies on the north side of the western coast of Greece. Endless beaches with transparent water, forests that are close to the sea, the aquatic zones and the virgin environment compose on the whole a result, which fascinates and relaxes the visitor. The hospitable people of this city enjoy themselves at the cobble-stoned port with a view over the Amvrakikos Gulf with a plethora of traditional taverns and ouzeries in narrow alleys.
Meganisi
Meganisi is the Greek Island of everyone's dreams - small, unspoiled and absolutely beautiful. So perfect is Meganisi that when you arrive in the enchanting little port of Vathi, where pretty pastel-washed fishermen's houses line the deep and beautiful bay, and settle down to an ouzo and plate of mezes by the quayside, you have to pinch yourself to make sure that you are not actually dreaming. A trio of quite magnificent bays notches the northern coast, each headed by a beach and enclosed on either side by wooded hillsides. As yacht anchorages, these almost hidden bays cannot be bettered, which is one of the reasons why Meganisi was a pirate stronghold right up to the present century.
Ithaki
Ithaki is famous as the island of Odysseus and corresponds closely to the descriptions in Homer's Odyssey. The interest, though, of the archeologists is focused on the period when the king of the island was Odysseus at around the 12th century BC It was during that period that the Greeks were off to conquer Troy.
Northern Greece
Mytilini (Lesvos)
The lush green island of Lesvos (also called Mytilini), is like no other. It is one of the four largest Aegean islands. Virtually unaffected by the mass tourism that has turned other islands into amusement parks, Lesvos is the perfect place to visit for people who want to experience the real Greece. For the Greek Island traveler who is worried about not having enough to do, Lesvos is the perfect destination. The castle located on the north side of Mytilini and overlooks the city is one of the largest in the eastern Mediterranean. It's foundations were laid during the time of Justinian on the ruins of an even older fortification which can still be seen in sections of the walls. It has been used and rebuilt by the Romans, Byzantines, Venetians and the Turks and is now used in the summer for cultural events.
The castle Mithimna that crowns the heights of the town is from Byzantine times and was later repaired by Francesco Gattelusi. In terms of majesty and size it is the second most impressive on the island.
Limnos
A volcanic island, looks bald when one approaches by sea. Once on the island however, green trees and valleys mingle with the white of the houses. Mythology tells us that this island was the home of the god Hephaestus and Homer teaches us that the island's inhabitants comprised of blacksmiths and the scholars of Hephaestus. The island is full of contrasts; hills, dark barren rocks, deep bays and peaceful beaches. The capital of the island is Myrina built on the ruins of the ancient city of the same name. The island's second largest town, Moudros offers some of the islands many beautiful beaches and lovely homes. To the east of Moudros is Polichni which has ruins of a Neolithic town and the unusual sandy landscape known as the "Sahara of Limnos" can also be seen here stretching to the southernmost point of the island.
The Cyclades
Tinos
Tinos is the Holy Island of the Cyclades. The island is the site of the Church of Evangelistria (Virgin Mary of annunciation). In this church there is a miraculous icon of the Annunciation that thousands of Orthodox Christians come to pay their homage to every summer around the feast day of August 15th. The lunar landscape at the spot known as 'Volax', with its peculiar boulders, is probably unique anywhere in the world
Mykonos
One of the most cosmopolitan of all the Greek islands, Mykonos, has an international reputation and quite justifiably attracts a large number of tourists from all over the world. Amongst them many intellectuals and well-known artists prefer Mykonos for their vacation. The capital Chora, with its colorful harbor in which little fishing boats nest happily side by side with luxury yachts, presents quite a different picture from that of the majority of Aegean island towns. One of the most charming districts of Chora is Little Venice with the picturesque houses of the island's sea captains, built right on the rocks lashed on by the sea. The mascot of the Island is a Pelican, called Petros, and has been called Petros since time immemorial, obviously many re-incarnations since the first edition. It can be seen trying to bite tourists at the port
Delos
Delos was the religious capital of the Ionians in 1,000 BC. Greek mythology recounts how Leto, one of Zeuss lovers, gave birth to Apollo on Delos, god of physical beauty and the fine arts. By 454 BC the Athenians had overtaken the Ionians, forcing Delos to pay taxes and provide ships to Athens. Delos greatest period was in the third to fourth century BC, when the tiny island had a population of 20,000 and was the chief financial center and slave market in the Mediterranean. Foreigners from Rome, Syria and Egypt built homes and coexisted tolerantly, despite the variety of religious beliefs.
Paros
Paros is the third largest of the Cyclades after Naxos and Andros and has developed into an important center of tourism in recent years. Gently rolling hills surround the centre and southeast of the island, which is predominantly agricultural and is occupied by endless vineyards, and lock within themselves the famous Parian marble. The Monastery of Katapyliani is located in a wooded park just up the road from the harbor. Its name means "Church of a Hundred Gates" and is one of the most important Christian monuments in Greece. Paroikia (or Paros), the island's capital and port, stands on the site of an ancient city. There is a picturesque and ruinous Venetian castle and the courtyards of the houses of the town - all of them painted white - are full of hanging pots of basil, jasmine and honeysuckle.
Ios
Ios, which is locally called Nios, is an island whose history goes back to prehistoric times. According to Herodotus, the poet of poets, the godlike Homer was buried at Plakotos, in the north of the island.
Pausanias tells us that there was an inscription at Delphi confirming the poets interment on Ios, which was the homeland of his mother, Chymene. The sites of Ios include a Hellenistic tower and the remains of an ancient aqueduct at Agia Theodoti, traces of an ancient temple at Psathi, a ruinous Venitian castle at the spot known as Paleokastro, and the Hellenistic tower of Plakotos. Lovers of the sea will be enraptured by the superb beaches of Ios , the long sandy beach of Kalamos is a natural reserve on the eastern coast of the island. It is usually very quiet and very often one has the chance to enjoy it alone.
Santorini
As you approach Santorini by the sea, it's easy to imagine the cataclysm that gave birth to this astonishing Greek Island that has become such a popular tourist destination. The boat edges between bare islands of volcanic rock and the crescent shaped remains of the volcano, today's Santorini, with its sheer black cliffs rising 200 metres out of the sea. Santorini consists of three islands: Thira, Thirasia and Aspronisi. Besides the interesting architecture of the houses in Thera, it is worth visiting the two cathedrals (the Orthodox and the Catholic) and the Monastery of the Dominican nuns. The Catholic monastery of Panagia of Rodari which was built in the area of Skaros where the medieval capital of the island used to lie surrounded by a strong fortress on the edge of a steep hill and the Venetian building Gizi are worth a visit. Santorini has magnificent beaches. Out of the ordinary "tropical style", the island has to offer unique places to swim. Beaches where the sand is black, red, or white, the sun is hot, and the sea is deep blue and crystal clear.
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The Dodecanese
Ikaria
Ikaria is the majestic island of the Eastern Aegean Sea and the home of the mythical Ikaros. Here you will find wild beauty, breathtaking panoramas, fresh mountain air, therapeutic hot springs, truly unspoiled seas and friendly people. Ikaria has remained true to herself and to the ways of her people- the Ikarians. Tourism on Ikaria is unimposing for all and reflects an "Ikarian Balance" between nature, freedom, time and development.
Samos
Samoss location played a great role in its development. It lies in the Eastern Aegean, very close to the coast of Asia Minor, in the heart of Ionia, almost midway along the sea route that links Greece with Anatolia, the Black Sea, Egypt and the Eastern Mediterranean. The name Samos is most probably of Phoenician origin. Over time, however, it had many other names : Anthemis, Dryousa, Doryssa, Kyparissia, Imvrasia, Melamphylos, and Parthenia. Great intellectuals and artists were from Samos. The mathematician-philosopher Pythagoras, with his celebrated theorem, the cornerstone of geometry, along with Rhoikos and Theodoros, the architects of the Sanctuary of Hera and pioneering sculptors,and astronomer Aristarchus, are the best known. The capital, Samos Town or Vathi, is built on the verdant slopes that surround the island's deepest bay. It has retained its individual appearance, with its attractive neo-classical houses, old mansions with pastel facades.
Patmos
Patmos is of volcanic origin and has a much-indented coastline. An isthmus only a few hundred meters wide, on which the islands harbor lies, separates the north end of the island from the southern half. The "Jerusalem of the Aegean" is one way of describing Patmos or Patnos, as it was referred to in one 5th century inscription. It was here that St. John the Theologian was exiled between 95 and 97 A.D. and was inspired to write the Book of Revelation or Apocalypse.
Kos
The island of Kos is famous as the birthplace of Hippocrates, the father of medicine, Kos is also known for its lovely, gentle scenery. It is both lush and fertile, with an abundance of springs and streams, gorgeous beaches and a marvelous climate. The two most important sites of Kos are: 1) The Asclepeion of Kos, When referring to Asclepeia we mean the sacred hospitals where the methods of Asclepius were applied for the treatment of the ill. The Asclepieion of Kos was the best and most famous of its time, to which many students of medicine and patients from all over the world visited. It is located three kilometers from the modern capital of the island, Kos town. 2) The Hippocrates plant tree, it is believed that Hippocrates planted this tree more than 2,400 years ago. It was one of the locations Hippocrates favored to teach medicine to his students.
Simi
According to Homer, Simi contributed three triremes (i.e. warships) to the Trojan War. Simis reputation for shipbuilding survived from that remote period down to the end of the 19th century, when the island had some 30,000 inhabitants, prosperous as a result of commerce and sponge fishing. Today it builds only fishing boats and small caiques and the population does not exceed 4,000 - most of them engaged in fishing or sponge diving. Apart from the peace and typical Aegean island beauty which Simi has to offer, there is a Byzantine castle above the town containing a church, dedicated to Our Lady, with fine murals. Near the church are the remains of an ancient temple of Athena. However, the best known sight of the island is the Bay of Panormitis with the Monastery of St. Michael, dating from the 18th century. The carved screen inside the church is covered with votive offerings in gold and silver. The monastery of the Archangel Michael Panormitis is one of the island's most famous landmarks, built in the early 18th century overlooks a beautiful bay. The entirety of Yialos, the main port of Simi, has been declared a protected architectural treasure, and for good reason. This pristine port with its extraordinary array of neo-classical mansions is a large part of why Simi is known as "the jewel of the Dodecanese."
Rhodes
Rhodes is the third largest Greek Island and, officially, the sunniest place in Europe. The city is among the finest, not only in Greece but also in the whole of the Mediterranean. It is situated at the islands most northerly point and ringed by sea on the east and west. Rhodes (Rodos in Greek) combines the cosmopolitan character of a contemporary city with the picturesque of a medieval town, giving the impression of having been untouched by the passage of time. Rhodes has a many of sites to offer its visitors, listed you will find the three most important: The ancient city of Rhodes was built amphitheatrically, before the port of the modern city, in 408 BC by Ippodamus. The roads were decorated with statues, the most beautiful being the statue of Ploutos. In the city stood magnificent temples, the most prominent being the temples of Helios and Isis. Ancient Kamiros, brought to light by excavations in 1929, was one of the three powerful ancient cities of Rhodes. It was called "The Greek Pompeii" because nobody knows how the city was deserted and buried underground. The magnificent Venetian Castelllo Castle dominates the traditional village of Kritinia. Built by the knights in the 16th century BC on a precipitous cliff to fortify the western coast of the island.
Crete
Hania
Hania is the second largest town in Crete and unquestionably the one, which has preserved more of its old character than any other. Around Kasteli and the harbor, many buildings and even entire neighborhoods from the Venetian and Turkish periods have been preserved in good condition. The new part has been built according to a modern plan with wide streets, parks and fine buildings. Eleftherios Venizelos (early 20th century statesman) is particularly honored here; he was born in the village of Mournies near Hania and is buried outside the town, at Akrotiri.
Irakleio
Irakleio is the capital of Crete and the largest city. Irakleio in ancient times served as the port of Knossos, but it was only in the 9th century AD that it appeared as a town, founded by the Saracens, at that time occupiers of Crete. It soon became the slave trade center in the Mediterranean, to be soon after taken over by the Venetians who built immense fortification walls, that stand intact even today, called it Kandax which was later paraphrased to become Candia. During the four centuries of the Venetian occupation of Crete many buildings were erected, these are excellent examples of Venetian Architecture of that time, and many of them exist today. The Basilica di San Marco and the Loggia are two such specimens, while the Morozini fountain with its four lions has even given its name in the central spot of the town. Knossos is the most famous archaeological site on Crete. It contains the ruins of the largest and most luxurious Minoan palace, built in the middle of a large town. The first palace was built around 2000 B.C. and destroyed around 1700 B.C. The second one was built immediately afterwards, more magnificent than the first. This was also destroyed, around 1500 B.C., most likely by the terrible eruption of the volcano on Santorini.
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