Greece travel Archives - Page 30 of 31

Amalia Melis: Sculpting Stories With Words and Wires

Living between Athens, Andros and New York, writer/sculptor Amalia Melis talks about her life as an artist in Greece.

By Amalia Melis

I have a vivid imagination. When I was a kid, I wanted to live on the bottom of a Spanish olive jar eating olives and drinking brine to survive. It’s true. I live in my head: I think more than I do on this earth at times. I still observe clouds and watch ants in the dirt.

I love to write. I have practiced almost every form of writing there is to earn a living in New York and in Athens. News reporting, features, essays, poems, short stories, speeches, ghostwriting. I always felt like an oddball and writing gave me voice: it allows me to role play without appearing anywhere in person. I have interviewed dictators, drug traffickers, award winning writers, for newspapers and magazines and found I can plow through any situation.

I grew up in a chaotic household in the Greek immigrant neighborhood of Astoria (New York) with my younger sister and two very hardworking parents who also made things in their spare time. My mom is a self-taught painter and my dad is a creative mad genius who makes things from nothing. His family films were entire productions and I was often his helper, so all this activity rubbed off on me.

Insights Greece - Amalia Melis: Sculpting Stories With Words and Wires — *Sculptures using discarded metal & wire*

I started making assemblage sculptures about 10 years ago. I find discarded metal and wires thrown on the side of the street or near garbage cans and I drag them home to see what new life I can breathe into them. The assemblages I ‘ve been making are my three-dimensional stories. I am a hunter of many things; metal, wires, sea glass, sea pottery, rocks, whatever strikes my fancy.

I just listen to what comes out of me and go to what attracts me. I listen to what is happening in nature around me. I listen to what happens between people. I walk the path the energy around me takes me on. I feel like I am at the right place right now in my life because I see how connected everything and everyone is around me. Maybe it is how I best process and express pain.

When I write fiction I am sculpting a story that hides a real pain or truth. It has many layers and the more I work on it the more it takes on a life of its own. When I cover a news event as a reporter, I report the facts. I do not embellish.

The Aegean Arts Circle writing workshops are my pride and joy. I created them when I needed a writing community. I was alone in a new country. I brought the talent to me and from the experiences in these workshops I flourished as a person and a writer. I was working on my first novel, which took years to write and finish and I was privy to stories emerging from other participants who came from all over the world to be part of these small annual groups in Andros. We have made friendships that span the seas. Many of us publish, work professionally as writers. I have published short stories, essays and poems many of which were worked on in the workshops.

Andros was the first exotic experience for me as a child. We visited my great grandmother, a grandmother, stone houses my parents and generations before them were born in. In Andros, all my senses opened. Lemon blossoms, dirt, chickens, fresh eggs, ballo dancing, violin and other traditional instruments, stories; piles of stories about the past- the seamen stories, island stories.

From that moment on I became a gatherer. I gathered these stories filled with failure, struggle, harsh conditions and I let them incubate inside me. I used them to write my own novel about three generations of women from a Greek island who search for home; to belong, to be.

Andros has had the luck to have the Goulandris Museums (archeological and contemporary ones) the Kydionefs Foundation and, Adamantia Art Space, a lovely gallery in Nimborio, among other spaces. I see as much as I can each summer on the island. I participated with my assemblages in several group shows in Apikia at Blue Enigma. Visitors should explore all art events organized in Andros. There is also hiking, roller blading, biking, skating, scuba diving, boating and more. They can come to write or swim and visit precious monasteries maintained for generations with great care. Andros is unfolding as an island. Just exploring the island gets us to explore ourselves.

Greek-Asian Fusion Restaurant that Athenians Can’t Get Enough Of

In its fifth year of resolutely holding its status as a trendy, Greek-Asian fusion restaurant with a unique menu of gourmet-style comfort food, Nolan is definitely a place to visit.

Its location in Athens’ Asian food block, where you’ll find several Chinese and Japanese restaurants, is also close to Syntagma square, which has also become a buzzy nightlife spot over the last few years. Nolan thus both adds a rousing touch to the area and makes for a gratifying gastronomic experience to enjoy on the way to some of the coolest bars in town, either towards Ipittou Square near Plaka or in the opposite direction of Monastiraki.

Greek-Japanese chef Sotiris Kontizas is the brainchild behind an unfussy yet sophisticated list of dishes that Michelin has awarded with the Bib Gourmand. The ambiance is modern, upbeat and vibrant, the flavours are memorable and sometimes very exciting, and the service is fast and professional. Since it opened, I have only heard positive reviews about Nolan, for all the above reasons, which I can confirm from my own experience.

Type of cuisine: Greek-Mediterranean fused with Japanese, Vietnamese, Thai, Korean, Peruvian and Chinese.

Type of eatery: Modern and a la mode in an easy-going way.

The low down…Whether you come here on a date or with a bunch of friends, the buoyant vibes, friendly service, decent prices and noteworthy cuisine almost guarantee a great time.

Décor/ Ambience: Bright and airy during the day, this is a corner restaurant with glass walls and tables along both sides of the street corner, looking out at the city’s architecture and passers by and offering a fun sense of urban chic. Diners are of all ages, although perhaps more on the young side, and it’s favoured by locals as much as foreigners.

Entrees: All the dishes here, served in stone-like ceramic dishes with raised sides, are medium-sized portions and as the waiter told us, designed to be shared. Nonetheless we started with the mouthwatering shrimp and anchovy with chilli and coriander in rice paper served as mini-sandwiches and the steamed bao buns with pulled pork cheeks, served with a pear and carrot dipping sauce.

Mains: Try Nolan’s play on fried chicken (Nolan Fried Chicken) which is perfectly cooked and crunchy nuggets of chicken served with spicy mayonnaise and marinated salad as well as a side of dreamy mashed potatoes with chicken broth. The menu changes according to the seasonal ingredients available throughout the year and there are always two to three dishes of the day. We tried the crispy duck with rice, which was indulgent yet light.

Insights Greece - Greek-Asian Fusion Restaurant that Athenians Can't Get Enough Of

Athens Athens restaurant Greece Greece travel Greek travel Nolan Nolan Restaurant

Why You Can’t Leave Chania Until You Try Bougatsa Iordanis

For close to 100 years, people from all over the world have been visiting Bougatsa Iordanis in the heart of Chania’s city centre, so they can get a mouthful of this crispy and creamy Cretan delicacy!

The famous bakery is now in the hands of the fourth generation of Iordanis’ descendants with the grandson, his children, and wife Ioanna in the shop every day proudly serving loyal customers and global visitors, who want to experience the unique and fresh taste they can only find here.

Opening its doors for the first time in 1924, Iordanis still remains authentic, simple, and rustic in the year 2020- with a few tables inside and views to the kitchen out the back- here you will enjoy their exceptional delicacy served on a simple aluminum plate.

Insights Greece - Why You Can't Leave Chania Until You Try Bougatsa Iordanis

Although Bougatsa can be found all over Greece- what makes this delicacy so special is the cheese that is used to fill the pastry. Most bakeries serve their Bougatsa with a sweet custard in the centre, however, Iordanis prepare their filling using a local Chaniot mizithra (Cretan ricotta cheese) namely Pichtoggalo Chanion Cheese PDO, which is produced from goat’s or sheep’s milk, giving it a slightly sour flavour.

“We haven’t changed the family recipe since the early 1920s. We have kept it the same as everyone loves it. We also make a custard version but again ours is unique as we use oil instead of butter, which enhances the taste,” says Ioanna.

A: Apokoronou 24, Chania

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday: 6 am to 2:30 pm | Sunday: 6 am to 1:30 pm

*Images by IN+SIGHTS GREECE © (Copyright)

Bougatsa Bougatsa Iordanis Chania Cretan bougatsa Crete Greece travel Greek food Greek sweets Greek travel Visit Greece

Mt Parnitha – Offering the Greatest High for Attica’s Action Junkies

At an altitude of 1,413m and only an hour’s drive from central Athens, Parnitha, Attica’s highest mountain, offers a green and gratifying getaway from urbanity, as well as magnificent panoramic views of Attica from above.

Throughout the week, but especially during the weekend, the 30,000-hectare natural expanse becomes an idyllic haven for anyone seeking fresh air and adventure sports.

Bring along a picnic and find a lovely spot to relax and soak up the views, maybe even spot some eagles, owls, vultures or falcons (there are 133 bird species here) or another animal (49 types of mammals including deer, foxes, squirrels, badgers, and hares) and definitely plenty of beautiful greenery (with over 1,100 species of flora – of the 6000 species that grow nationwide).

Insights Greece - Mt Parnitha – Offering the Greatest High for Attica’s Action Junkies — Hiking Mt Parnitha

Otherwise enjoy the national park of Parnitha by being more active and organising yourself by taking part in any of the activities that take place there. Parnitha’s mountain shelters are a great way to start. Bafi Refuge offers accommodation, food, and a great variety of activities for people of all ages such as hiking, night hiking, mountain biking on Parnitha and nearby Tatoi, Cave exploration, and other activities.

Flabouri Refuge is another great place to stay and enjoy a great variety of activities and events. The Refuge organises various kinds of hikes as well as educational walks in which visitors can learn about flora, mushrooms, and orienteering. They also have events centred around storytelling, music, and games for all ages. The Flabouri Shelter also organises action-adventure sports like climbing, canyoning and mountain biking.

For hiking the less known eastern part of the mountain is suggested by hiking adventurers if you’d like to enjoy a greater variety of landscapes. There are marked trails on the mountain but you can also contact organisations like Trekking Hellas for organised excursions. Trekking Hellas organise activities on the mountain that include hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking and even voluntary clean-ups. Climb Greece also organise excellent climbing experiences on the mountain. To get a solid understanding of a hiking experience on Parnitha, we suggest you read this blog account by Olympus Mountaineering.

Mt Parnitha is also a favourite action location for runners, both groups, and individuals. Every October the Parnitha Lake Run takes place at Beletsi Lake, at the foothills of Parnitha. Six and 10km races take place on October 20th in this particularly scenic spot.

Other popular running races that take place annually on Parnitha are the Salomon Mountain Cup, the Arma Parnithas and the Alpamayo Pro Trailrace.

adventure travel Greece Greece travel Greek holiday Mount Parnitha mountains in Greece Visit Greece winter in Greece

Our Complete Guide To The Other Worldy Castle of Monemvasia

Wandering around the castle of Monemvasia, in the Prefecture of Laconia, which happens to be the birthplace of famous Greek poet Yiannis Ritsos, feels like a journey to the past, to places and times we have only read and heard about.

Spartan nobles, Romans, Turks, and Venetians are some of the former inhabitants and their presence has remained strong throughout the centuries. Churches, fountains, hammams, and wealthy merchants’ homes are still standing within the cobblestones of the castle as well as small wooden arched doors reminiscent of the land of Hobbits.

Today, the Castle of Monemvasia is one of the most beautiful in the world, with a fairytale atmosphere and romantic vibe.

Insights Greece - Our Complete Guide To The Other Worldy Castle of Monemvasia

What you need to know before you arrive

Cars are not allowed in the Castle; you have to park outside and find your hotel on foot. And there are no ATMs here either but you will find some in Gefira, the new part of Monemvasia.

Getting there

The distance from Athens is about 285 km (about 3.5 hours). The shortest and easiest route from Athens to Monemvasia is the one following the A7 motorway that crosses Corinth and Tripoli. In Tripoli, you take the exit for Sparta (sign “Sparta without tolls”) and as soon as you reach Sparta you take the Sparta ring road and follow the signs to Monemvasia. When you enter the new city of Monemvasia, continue on the main road, cross the bridge that leads to the Castle and you will find yourself at the gate of the mythical Castle.

If you have the time (and enjoy driving), there is another option, much longer (about 5 hours from Athens) but it’s a journey of scenic beauty, and you will even cross a gorge. Immediately after Corinth, you need to follow the picturesque seaside route that passes through Argos, Astros, and Leonidio and continues through the traditional mountain villages of Kosmas and Geraki until you reach Vlachiotis, Molasses and finally Monemvasia.

Where to stay & Getting Around

I would strongly recommend staying in the Castle -even though it’s a little bit more pricey- here is where you will experience the magic. Cars are not allowed in the castle, so you have to explore it all on foot.

Best time to visit

All-year-round. Summer is considered the most touristy season but for me, the ideal season to visit is spring. If you want to enjoy the place in peace and quiet, go during winter.

Where to sleep

Kellia Guesthouse is a listed building, right on the recently renovated Chrysafitissa Square, and the house where the Greek poet Yiannis Ritsos was born.

Casa Rodanthi right at the entrance of the castle offers sea views and elegant décor.

Where to eat

Matoula, great value since 1950, is renowned for its freshly cooked fish.

Kanoni for fresh fish with nice views from its terraces.

Voltes for Greek delicacies.

Chrisovoulo Restaurant & Wine Bar for gourmet dishes with scenic views.

Emvasis for breakfast.

What to eat

Saiti or Tsaiti, is a fried pie typical of the Laconia region with local goat’s cheese and fresh herbs.

Where to drink

Malvasia Café is an impressive spot away from the crowds- perfect for zen moments. And head to Enetiko Café & Cocktail Bar where you should order the Mediterranean breeze cocktail.

Discover history

The Castle Town of Monemvasia was constructed in the Medieval Times. From the 10th century, it started to become an important trade and maritime center. Then in the mid-12th century, the city bravely resisted the Norman and Arab invasions. However, another effort of invasion by William Villehardouin, lead to the defeat of the town in 1249. Ten years after this, Michael Paleologus imprisoned Villehardouin, who recovered his freedom by taking the side of the Byzantine rule, helping them to regain the fortresses of Monemvasia, Mystras, and Mani. Unfortunately, its development attracted pirates. In 1419, the Venetian invasions caused the decline of the Byzantine Empire. The Venetians handed the city over to the Turks in 1540 and later returned in 1690 for a period of 25 years. After a second Ottoman occupation, Monemvasia was the first city to be liberated by the Greeks during the War of Independence in 1821.

Top activities

Apart from total relaxation, a top (real) activity in Monemvasia during autumn and spring is hiking. There are many old footpaths in this region that lead to tiny chapels, small settlements, and hilltops with a breathtaking view of the sea.

Where to shop

Edodimopoleio Honey Shop was created by a group of olive oil producers, famous for their honey wine. They offer free tastings of all their products, so you can try and then shop. They also own the “Monemvasia Cosmetics” company, with aromas of prickly pear, myrtle and cyclamen, and other amazing local goods.

What to see…

the Church of Elkomenos Christos, dedicated to “Christ in Pain”. It was built in the 13th century by Byzantine Emperor Andronicus.

The Archaeological Museum of Monemvasia is housed in a Muslim mosque opposite the church of Christ Elkomenos. It was constructed in the 16th century by the Turks, as a mosque, then became a public building, a prison, a coffee shop and today it hosts the archaeological collection.

The church of Panagia Chryssafitissa, built on the edge of the rock in the 17th century.

Malva Gallery, where you will discover paintings by a well-known artist of the region, it’s located next to the main entrance gate of the renowned city of Μonemvasia.

The Church of Agia Sofia perched on the cliff dates to the 11th century with breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea, and when the skies are clear you can see as far as the island of Crete.

The home of Yiannis Ritsos. Outside you can see the statue of the famous poet, located near the entrance of the fortified castle.

Take a day trip to…

Monemvasia can serve as the perfect base to explore the beautiful region of Laconia by car. You can visit the small seaside village of Gerakas and the beautiful villages of Kyparissi and Plytra with crystal clear and shallow blue sea. Also, Elafonisos, is a destination on its own.

Can’t leave until…

you have a glass (or several) of PDO Monemvasia-Malvasia, a famous sweet wine produced in Monemvasia since the Middle Ages.

All images by Polina Paraskevopoulou © (Copyright)

Greece travel Greek holiday Laconia Mainland Greece Monemvasia Monemvasia castle Monemvasia guide Peloponnese Peloponnese guide Sparta

Kinsterna Luxury Hotel, Overlooking Monemvasia

Kinsterna is an impressive mansion and sprawling estate that has been meticulously restored and returned to its former glory. Located on the southernmost tip of Europe, and boasting majestic views of Monemvasia, it’s surrounded by idyllic vineyards, olive trees and fruit orchards, while only being a few minutes away from the Aegean Sea.

Where & Why?

Located in the eastern Peloponnese, this unique hotel offers spectacular views of the medieval fortress town of Monemvasia. Bringing guests peace, serenity, and crisp, fresh air, here you can truly disconnect from the world and allow yourself to be immersed in a rich history that surrounds you. If you are visiting during the warmer months, it’s just a five-minute drive down to the beach, or you can dive into the infinity pool which is filled with spring water flowing from the nearby mountain. There is also a spa with a traditional Ottoman hammam, water cabins, treatment rooms, and jacuzzis.

Style & Feel

Traditional, elegant, and charming, the space is warm and deeply peaceful, plus somewhat mysterious.

Insights Greece - Kinsterna Luxury Hotel, Overlooking Monemvasia

Food & Drinks

There is plenty of options at the hotel including Sterna, which is for fine dining and only open for dinner. All-day restaurant Mournies and Linos Taverna are great for lunch or dinner and you can eat the freshly made bread that comes straight out of the wood fire oven. Belvedere is great if you would like to sip on some tea or have an afternoon coffee with dessert, and there is also a Lobby and Pool Bar, which serve food, and the drinks are made with fresh ingredients grown on the estate.

Rooms

The rooms scream history and each one has its own character. There is a Junior Suite, Byzantine Suite, Kinsterna Suite, Premium Residence, Deluxe Residence, and the Kinsterna Pool Villa.

Ideal for…

Couples who wish to hike around the mansion, participate in wine tours, cooking classes, grape picking, or horse riding. It’s also great for families as there is a kids’ pool, petting zoo, bike riding for families, and a library for reading and playing board games. It’s also perfect for a girls’ getaway as you can enjoy the spa, wine tasting, bread-making classes, harvesting, and gathering honey from the beehives.

Facilities & Services

Safety Box
Spa & massages
Springwater pool
Lobby bar, Pool Bar, Bar in the upper area of the castle.
Wifi all over the hotel
Free toiletries
Minibar
Free Parking
Room Service
Laundry service
Tailoring service (at cost)
Hair salon on site
Babysitting service

Kinsterna Hotel

Greece hotels Greece travel Kinsterna Hotel luxury hotels luxury hotels Greece Monemvasia Monemvasia hotels Peloponnese

Our Essential Travel Guide to Kefalonia

There’s something magical about the largest of the Ionian islands, which still remains pure and protected from mass tourism. Read on for our Complete Guide to Kefalonia.

While visiting again last year, we realised what makes this place so special is the pride locals take in keeping their island clean, fresh, modern, yet warm and inviting- all while allowing its natural charm and authenticity to shine through.

Getting There & Getting Around

Visitors can fly from Athens to Argostoli in just under an hour. If you prefer a ferry, keep in mind there are no direct ferries from Athens to Kefalonia. Options are to either leave from Patras, which is around a 2.5-hour drive from Athens and then take a ferry from the port of Patras to Sami (around 3.5 hours), otherwise, drive to Kyllini, in the Peloponnese (roughly 3.5 hours) from Athens and then take the ferry from Kyllini to the port of Poros (approx. 1.5 hours).

The island is fairly large and the best way to see it is by driving around. There are regular buses that can transport you to the main beaches and major sites- but we highly recommend hiring a car.

Insights Greece - Our Essential Travel Guide to Kefalonia — Fiskardo

Where to stay

Argostoli is the main town where you will find the majority of restaurants, bars, and shops, it’s the ideal base- especially for first-timers. Lassi is a great spot for families who want to be footsteps away from the beach. Lixouri in the Paliki Peninsula is a quiet and quaint fishing town- a good spot if you are after a chilled vibe and not-so-busy beaches. Assos is a pretty seaside village that will steal your heart, while Fiskardo is the glamorous and upmarket part of Kefalonia with trendy boutiques and bars.