Greece’s Ministry of Infrastructure & Transport has announced they expect the Corinth Canal to reopen for navigation from the 5th of July.
The 128-year-old canal has been closed to traffic since February 2021, after a series of landslides made it unnavigable. Following its closure, the Greek government commenced vital restoration works worth 30.6 million euros.
The famous canal that separates the mainland from the Peloponnese can accommodate small cruise ships and is crossed by several bridges, including a motorway and railway.
Also known as the Isthmus of Corinth, the canal connects the Ionian and the Aegean Seas, making the passage of cargo and passenger ships between the two much quicker and safer.
As Greece opened up to tourism and yachts last summer, visitors who passed through from the Ionian to the Aegean Seas on yachts and cruise ships had to take the long and costlier route around the Peloponnesian peninsula; however this year the Greek Development & Investments Ministry is hoping to see the Corinth Canal open in July through to the end of October.
A press release issued by the Corinth Canal SA states, “We would like to inform our customers and partners that the restoration works are in progress and that according to the official schedule of the Ministry of Infrastructure & Transport, the canal will be available for navigation from the 5th of July until the end of October 2022, where restoration work will continue.”
To see the Corinth Canal, visitors can drive to it, take a bus, or board a boat cruise that goes through it – boat trips run from Loutraki.
Sporades Islands became increasingly popular right after the release of ‘Mamma Mia!’. You see, the fictional Greek island of Kalokairi with the turquoise waters and the bleached-white beaches that viewers fall for is nothing else than a curated concoction of scenes from Skopelos island and from Damouchari beach in Pelion.
But while Skopelos is the centre of the action, the visitability of the neighbouring island of Skiathos increased as well, all the more so because it lies just half an hour away and tourists can kill two birds with one stone by visiting both of them even within the same day.
Skiathos is a romance-infused destination mirrored in the number of weddings and honeymoons that take place here culminating in August each year. The island combines everything newlyweds are looking for in a honeymoon: secluded beaches, luxury hotels, fine dining and lots of romantic spots to enjoy the sunset. It is quite possibly the ultimate couple’s destination without breaking the bank!
Here’s our guide for a romantic getaway to Skiathos!
Welcome drinks at Bourtzi
Start married life and set the tone of your visit to Skiathos with a few drinks at Bourtzi. Bourtzi is an old fortress set on a small peninsula that extends into the sea between the old and new port of Skiathos Town. It was built in the 13th century and has since saved the island many times against its enemies and pirates’ attacks. Nowadays, Bourtzi hosts one of the best bars in town. It has great cocktails and nibbles to eat and it also offers the best airplane spotting and sea views. Don’t forget to take a selfie in the toilet mirrors (hint: there are no mirrors just endless sea views, something visitors adore about this place!).
Agios Nikolaos Church and Clock Tower
Getting to Agios Nikolaos Church just before sunset is one of the best things to do when in Skiathos. To get there you climb around 100 steps through century-old alleyways, past jasmine-filled gardens and the occasional stone-built bar that has bougainvillea-covered walls. It is all worth it though as once you are on top you have the best panoramic views of the town, new and old port.
Romantic dinner at Scuna restaurant
Scuna is the place to go for a romantic dinner by the seaside. We visited on our second night on the island, after a long tour around the beaches on the north side of Skiathos. We were ravenous and eager to find a quiet spot for dinner and this place did not disappoint! The food was exceptional, there was a chef’s touch in every dish and the whole restaurant vibe was full of Greek aromas with dried oregano bouquets hanging from the ceiling and Greek wine bottles on display.
Visit Skiathos Kastro
Not everyone wants to relax on a sun lounger for their honeymoon. Why not do something different and visit one of the oldest and most historical sites on the island, instead? The Kastro (castle) of Skiathos are the ruins of a medieval fortified site on a rocky setting lying on the northern side of the island. It was founded in the 14th century and its main purpose was to save the locals from pirate raids. From the day it was built, it was occupied by Venetian and Turkish rulers before it was given back to the Greek people in the 19th century.
Unfortunately, Kastro has been abandoned and left to its own fate for many centuries and as a result, nowadays only two churches have been saved (Gennisi tou Christou and Agios Nikolaos).
A visit is well worth it, any time of the day as you get the best views of the sea waves crashing on the rocks and the vastness of the Aegean Sea.
Walk around the port
Skiathos has a long port that is divided into three different areas: there is the old port, the Municipal Port and the Paraliakos port with the best views of Chora!
Explore the old port, which is located right next to Bourtzi, and have a few drinks at the local bars while watching the travellers chatting to the organisers of the island hopping day trips. Here, is also the place to book your tickets and take a boat to go to Lalaria beach is accessible only by sea.
The Municipal Port is basically the main port and the one you see when arriving on the island from the Greek mainland. This is the base for the lifeguard and also where the majority of the island’s restaurants are located. All ferries depart from here and this is where ferries to Skopelos depart from.
Last but not least, is the Paraliakos Port which is basically a stretch of the Municipal Port. As it is on a curve, it offers fantastic views of the main port and Chora.
Papadiamanti street
Papadiamantis Alexandros was an influential poet and Skiathos native. His work tells the story of people in 19th-century rural and urban Greece with adventures set around the Mediterranean and rich plots involving captivity, war, pirates and diseases.
His house (turned into a museum) is on the main cobbled street of the island, which locals in his honour have now named after him. Being the Highstreet of the island there is a good selection of clothing stores, bars and souvenir places to explore. On a night out, the street is so crowded, that you will potentially stumble upon people over and over again so it’s best to visit during daylight.
The island beaches
Just like any other Greek island, Skiathos has plentiful stunning beaches to visit but there’s no doubt that the most beautiful ones are on the northern side of the island. Somehow, these are the less-visited ones, too, making them ideal to visit if you prefer something quieter and less touristy.
Renting a motorbike is something that I highly recommend before you go on a beach exploration pilgrimage as some beaches are difficult to get to by public transportation or even a car.
Even though the most famous beach on the island is Koukounaries, closely followed by Lalaria beach, we opted for the less-visited ones like the magnificent Troulos, Kanapitsa and Krifi Ammos. Try having breakfast at Troulos beach with the pair of swans greeting tourists every morning as they swim in the sea, a truly unforgettable experience!
Iera Moni Evangelismou tis Theokotou
This monastery is a must-see when visiting Skiathos. The impeccable views of nature and tranquillity of the place will make you feel relaxed and content regardless of your religious beliefs. Try visiting in the afternoon when there are not so many visitors and enjoy the company of the monastery cats giving you a tour of the place!
Shopping in Skiathos
Skiathos has plenty of seasonal, summer stores that sell anything from hand-knitted scarves to white linen dresses and handmade olive soaps. Allow yourself to get lost in the cobbled streets and have a look around the shops. Don’t forget to say ‘hi’ to the locals, they are always up for a chat.
Skiathos nightlife
Any antonym of the word ‘boring’ would describe Skiathos nightlife! There are nightclubs, bars, beach bars and late-night tavernas scattered all over the place offering the best in music, entertainment and cocktails. If you are indecisive just go for a walk through the old port, pick up a place with the comfiest seats and order a drink! The views of the port, attentive staff and sea breeze will make you fall for it.
Some extra tips:
-Book your accommodation as early as possible. Unlike the other Sporades, Skiathos Island had only one town, Chora, with not so many places to stay on the rest of the island.
-Rent a motorbike, the best way to explore the island and get the best experience.
-If you are staying for more than a week, then consider a day trip to Skopelos with the ferry boat. It’s a short ride and totally worth it.
Assouline’s new hardcover book brings the Greek Islands to life using glorious colourful photography and text that gives a real sense of nostalgia.
Curated by Athens-based businessmen/ art collector/ restaurateur Chrysanthos Panas, and photographer/ travel writer Katerina Katopis-Lykiardopulo- the latest book in Assouline’s collectible travel series captures the unique spirit and mythology of the Greek islands.
From the Cyclades to the Dodecanese, the new hardback book celebrates the beauty, serenity and diversity of the Greek islands- showcasing a range of stunning beaches, natural landscapes, rich history, and friendly locals- making it a lovely gift for those who escape to the Aegean at every opportunity.
Beautifully presented, readers are invited to explore over 300 pages that are filled with authentic architecture, ancient ruins, cliffside monasteries, volcanic rims, striking azure waters, and a laid-back Greek island vibe- depicted in the striking images and carefully chosen words that will have you mesmerised for hours.
“Venturing on an Odyssey of their own, the author and the photographer boarded a traditional Greek sailboat and set out to capture the calming atmosphere, quintessential characters and breathtaking architecture of these gems of the Aegean. A spectacular journey re-created in the pages of Greek Islands,” says the publisher.
The airport of Naxos (the largest Cycladic Island) is set to receive a long-anticipated upgrade- allowing direct international flights to Naxos, once the project is completed.
Deputy Development and Investments Minister Ioannis Tsakiris’ signed off on the project, which is budgeted at 23,07 million euros. Major works will include expansion of the runway and the aircraft parking area; while there are also plans for improvement of the maneuvering area, widening of existing taxiways, and construction of two new taxiways.
According to the Ministry, this project will create the appropriate safety conditions necessary to service international flights; as well as improve the level of service required for larger aircraft and direct flights from overseas.
Naxos State Airport “Apollos” is located approximately 4km southwest of the island’s capital Chora and it’s also close to Agios Prokopios, one of the island’s most popular spots. The runway is currently only 900m long and can only service small planes, that fly direct from Athens International Airport; European airports can also fly to Naxos- only via pre-arranged charter flights.
This new project is set to boost tourism while making it easier for locals and international visitors to arrive and depart from Naxos island.
Just in time for peak season 2022, United Airlines has commenced its direct flights to and from New York and Athens daily. The non-stop flights will run from April 4 right through to October 30, with the airline also announcing it will start its seasonal direct flights from Washington D.C. to Athens on May 7.
Flights depart Athens Airport daily at 12:15 pm, and arrive at Newark Liberty International Airport at 4:15 pm the same day. The return flight departs Newark daily at 5:15 pm, arriving in Athens at 10:10 am the following day.
With the Washington route, flights will depart Athens daily at 11:50 am, arriving at Washington Dulles at 3:15 pm the same day. The return flight will depart Washington daily at 5:10 pm, arriving in Athens at 9:55 am the following day.
Athens International Airport Communications & Marketing Director Ioanna Papadopoulou said that the United States market showed great resilience even during the pandemic period, and remains one of Athens Airport’s most popular and significant markets, thanks in great part to the large and active Greek-American community.
While United Airlines’ Director of Sales for the UK, Ireland, Israel & Off-line Sales Bob Schumacher expressed the company’s “enthusiasm of returning to Athens in 2022 with the restart of direct flights from Greece to the US.” The flights to the United States, he added, are supplemented with connections to over 95 destinations in the entire American continent. The daily to and from flights will be carried out by Boeing 787 Dreamliner planes, said Schumacher.
We take a look at some of the best Easter holiday destinations around Greece that you really shouldn’t miss!
Lamb on the spit, folk music, free-flowing wine and plenty of good “parea” and “kefi” -add to that a beautiful location with interesting Easter traditions and you have yourself a wonderful trip to look forward to!
Patmos
Greece’s holiest island, where St John the Evangelist wrote The Apocalypse, is especially ideal at Easter for fans of Greek Orthodoxy. In the picturesque Chora you can see the local re-enactments of the Last Supper and Washing of the Disciples’ Feet; during the liturgy, a priest from the monastery of St John the Theologian, who re-enacts the role of Jesus, disperses water droplets on the legs of two monks, representing Christ’s disciples, after which there is a procession through the town. On Easter Sunday on the Dodecanese Island, it’s well worth attending the atmospherically rich Second Resurrection church service, during which the gospel is read in seven languages.
Leonidio
Leonidio, a seaside town in the eastern Peloponnese, carries out the unusual tradition of releasing hundreds of balloons into the sky at midnight on Holy Saturday, as soon as the priest chants ‘Christ has risen’ (Christos Anesti). The tradition, which began in the late 19th century, is vibrant and colourful, offering a unique experience that even schoolchildren are involved in preparing from the start of the year. The town’s Epitaphios (the funeral bier of Christ, containing a large icon depicting the burial of Christ and heavily decorated with flowers) processions are also very scenic, as locals decorate streets with thousands of bitter oranges (between 2-3,000) that have been hollowed out and lit from the inside with candles. On Easter Sunday Leonidio holds the Feast of Love ceremony in its main square with Tsakonian dances and more balloons released into the sky.
Monemvasia
Also in the Peloponnese is the magical seafront fortified town of Monemvasia, where on Good Friday the epitaphios procession passes through the medieval cobblestone roads past candle-lit chapels and houses, including the once governor’s mansion (during the Venetian era) Ardamis Guesthouse. Throughout the Easter period, in Monemvasia, you’ll hear the echoes of church liturgies echoing through the streets. On the afternoon of Easter Sunday, the town carries out a tradition of re-enacting the burning of Judas, usually in a captivating ambience.
Image by Polina Paraskevopoulou
Rhodes
The island of the Knights has an Easter tradition that involves tree stumps being gathered and stacked into a huge pile of wood that is set alight on Holy Saturday, a few hours ahead of the Insurrection ceremony. Called ‘Kalafunos’, this ritual represents the burning of Judas.
Kalamata
Not for the faint-hearted, Kalamata’s ‘Saitopolemos’, a ‘war’ of lit cardboard tubes filled with gunpowder- is famous Greece-wide for how loud it gets, how long it goes on, and how many people choose to participate despite annual accidents and even deaths. Thought to date back to the end of the Ottoman occupation and honouring Greeks who fought in the War of Independence, the event is certainly polemical. In Kalamata the burning of Judas tradition is actually a blowing up of Judas and takes place in the areas of Avramogiani and Rachi.
Corfu
Famous for their clay pot-breaking tradition, Corfu’s locals annually enjoy (often joined by Greek and foreign tourists) throwing their water-filled vessels, decorated with red ribbons, off balconies onto the street, where they smash into smithereens. The custom, thought to have begun during the Venetian occupation, is followed by a musical procession by the Ionian island’s brass bands, with a performance of a musical piece titled ‘Fear Not, Greeks’.
Hydra
One of the jewels of the Saronic Gulf, Hydra makes a great Easter getaway. The island enjoys a unique tradition of having the epitaph enter the sea on Good Friday in the fishing village of Kaminia, which is 10 minutes from the main port. This tradition is a way of blessing the waters and the seafarers. After the procession, people gather around to eat seafood in nearby tavernas and houses.
Picturesque Parga, lying northwest of Preveza in Epirus, is an ideal place to visit during a late spring or summertime exploration of the entire beautiful region, or as a sole destination. In this new miniguide, you’ll find all the best places to stay at, eat, swim and shop.
Richly verdant, with emerald waters and colourful mansions, amphitheatrically built Parga also offers close access to Paxos and Antipaxos islands in the Ionian, known for their gorgeous crystalline turquoise waters and scenic villages.
In Parga, you’re likely to feel a carefree island vibe and enjoy admiring lovely Venetian architecture – including an archaic castle at its top. There are plenty of things to see, do and taste to keep you busy, whether you’re going for two days or two weeks.
Swim
Most popular – and busy of Parga’s beaches is the long, sandy Kryoneri coastline, with Piso (back) Kryoneri at its end and Valtos beach interconnecting on the other end.
From Kryoneri beach you can rent a pedalo (or swim) to reach the Panagia islet, where two churches stand and with surrounding rocks perfect for snorkelling around.
Ai Yiannaki and Lichno on the south side are also great places to swim.
On the path to Syvota, you’ll find the beaches of Sarakiniko, Karavostasi and Arilla.
Valtos is popular for watersports enthusiasts.
Walk
Along the Promenade
A perfect seafront walkway for sunset strolls where you can stop for an ouzo and meze by the water.
Visit the Olive Oil Factory
Learn all about local olive oil production and how it has helped shape the culture and culinary profile of Parga and book an olive oil tasting session. (Paragaea, K. Tzavella 19, Parga +30 2684 032889) The Venetian Castle
The 13th Century castle has sturdily remained in place despite being knocked down by both Ottoman occupiers and pirates before being rebuilt by the Venetians in 1572. Head up to see spellbinding 360-degree views.
Journey to the Underworld
Visit the springs of the Acheron River, in a beautiful natural landscape near Glyki village. According to Greek mythology, the river was one of the five rivers of the underworld. On the banks of Acheron is the Nekromanteion, where the dead were said to begin their descent to the underworld accompanied by a blind ferryman.
Stay
Villa Rossa Area Boutique Beach Resort
The historic red villa is a Parga landmark and the only building standing on Parga’s main beach. It offers a private beach area and uninterrupted sea views. Having starred in several international films, the hotel blends old-world charm with innovative design in addition to hosting an Interactive Museum, a Gallery and a Gift Shop. It also boasts a direct sunset location, ideal for sundowners! (Agiou Athanasiou 4, +26840 31237)
Alfa Hotel
This recently renovated hotel is a good option for those who want to be within close walking distance to two beautiful beaches and a hotel pool. There is also a good restaurant with al fresco dining (Agiou Athanasiou 51, +26840 32111)
Lichnos Beach
For those preferring to be a little further from town, Lichnos Beach is a large luxury hotel with spacious rooms and good family options. (Lichnos beach, +2684031257)
Eat
Villa Rossa Restaurant is an award-winning farm-to-table Greek and Mediterranean restaurant with top-quality locally sourced options. It offers exceptional quality fish and seafood and is famed for its oysters. Other signature dishes include gambares, delicacy shrimp from nearby Preveza, and beef fillet with fresh Greek truffles. (Agiou Athanasiou 4, +26840 31532)
Aegis Dine & Drink offers good, creative Mediterranean dishes and is ideal for people watching on the main promenade overlooking the sea ( Grigoriou Lampraki 17, + 693 724 1479)
Tourkopazaro is Greek for Turkish Bazaar. This is a picturesque area near the Venetian Castle full of popular tavernas that seem to blend into one, and all serve good quality Greek traditional fare.
Drink
Pargas Distillery, Amicos Food and Bar is an old distillery where traditional liqueurs are still served along with creative cocktails and small bites in a pleasant setting ( Patatoukou 26, + 694 700 9151)
Sail In Cocktail Bar– is in a beautiful building on the steps leading to the castle. It offers great views and signature cocktails (G. Gaki 1, +2684032097)
Atrium– Perched on a hill overlooking Pisso Kryoneri beach this is a great place to unwind during the day and have a cold beer in the early evening. Options are limited but the trek is well worth the view (Agiou Athanassiou 28, +26840 31600)
The Venetian Castle also has a café/bar. It is a spectacular location to be enjoyed at all times of the day.
Shop
Kendra is a treasure trove of interesting kaftans, beach dresses, and jewellery for affordable prices on the promenade.
Mandalaki– easy-to-wear summer clothing by mostly Greek brands, includes interesting sandals, purses and jewellery. (Frouriou 13, +2684 031630)
There are many souvenir shops on the promenade and Parga’s quaint alleyways, all worth exploring.
Festival time!
On August 14th, visit the Panigyri on the Panagia islet. The next day join the festivities of Dekapendavgoustos at Varkarola, a festival commemorating the homecoming of Parga’s locals after they had been made to leave their home by the English, who sold Parga to Ali Pasha of Ioannina.
When you think of the city of Xanthi, two aspects vividly come to mind, the excessive carnival celebrations and the Old Town. The best way I can describe the latter is encapsulated in one word: nostalgia!
The Old Town of Xanthi is an enchanting settlement in the heart of the city that has remained unaffected by time. It is a magnet for visitors, especially on a warm day, filled with colours and aromas. A concoction of picturesque cobbled streets, buildings with evident features of the Ottoman empire once ruling the city, rows of 19th-century houses with dilapidated balconies and throngs of tourists photographing every corner of it. A mixture of Edinburgh’s Circus Lane and Malta’s Mdina, if you like.
We embarked on a tour of the Old Town of Xanthi early on Sunday morning in an attempt to avoid the crowds. Our tour started on El. Venizelou 17 at Grand Maison, the beautiful house where the famous music composer, Manos Hadjidakis, was born and raised.
Built in 1895 by an Austrian architect, this neoclassical mansion with baroque elements belonged to Isaac Daniel, a rich Jew living in Xanthi, and not the Hadjidakis family as most people think.
The building was recently restored under the guidance of Hadjidaki’s relatives to honour his life and work in the best possible way. Nowadays, it serves as a museum and cultural centre open to the public.
Grand Maison, once home of music composer, Manos HadjidakisTown of Xanthi
It is said that the Holy Church of St. Vlassios facing Grand Maison has been the inspiration behind the artist’s composition of music mixing Byzantine and ancient Greek elements. The basilica was built in 1838 and in the courtyard lies a school and the priest’s residence. The inward-looking style of the three buildings is a common feature in Ottoman structures found in Turkey and Greece. The church courtyard is elevated three meters from the road level so that people can catch sight of it as houses on El. Venizelou were hiding the building.
The tour continued uphill on Agiou Vlassiou street with the mansion of Dr. Constantine Karabetsis on the corner. Built in 1896 by European architects in neoclassical style with a typically enclosed balcony (sachnisi) in the centre the mansion stands out for its aesthetic and character. The painting on the ceiling of the entrance hall was done by the Maltzi brothers, some famous artists from Aivali in Asia Minor (today Ayvalik, Turkey). Unfortunately, like many other buildings in Xanthi’s Old Town, the building is in deer need of restoration but visitors can still see signs of its former glorious life.
We kept walking on Agiou Vlassiou street and went past many neoclassical mansions until we met the magnificent Residences of the Michaloglou family, a complex of four dwellings built in 1890, built by the Northern Epirus tobacco merchant, Ioannis Michaloglou, for his children.
Anastasia strolling through Agios VlassiouMichaloglou Residence
A bit further away on Botsari street lies Muzaffer Bey’s mansion (konah). The building features both Thracian and Ottoman elements making it one of the most remarkable examples of local architecture. It was built during the 1860s with three floors and two wings in the form of the Greek letter Π. Today the building belongs to the Municipality of Xanthi and it is under construction. Back to El. Venizelou street, we found a beautiful house and store built in 1880 by a group of craftsmen from Epirus. The presence of the blue arched windows is something often seen in commercial buildings of the early 20th-century in Xanthi.
Suddenly, we felt famished so we headed towards Antika square for some coffee and nibbles. This scenic square is a meeting point for many locals as it is surrounded by many well-known bars, traditional tavernas and bars. We sat at Favela Chic Art Bar and enjoyed the views of the little square and the crowds of people passing in search of a place to sit and enjoy the day. On the other side of the square is a round symmetrical building that now hosts one of the most famous cafe bars ‘Bread and Chocolate‘. This impressive building was once the harem of the Ottoman ruler Mehmet Pasha!
Mehmet Pasha buildingCoffee at Antika Square
It was getting dark when we left so with no more time to explore under the daylight, we went for a quick wander around the square shops.
There is so much to do and see in the Old Town of Xanthi, we promised to be back very soon. Hopefully, this will be the time that we will get the full tour of the Old Town as there are still so many more mansions and historic buildings to discover.
According to Gkikas Magiorkinis, professor of epidemiology and a member of the committee of experts advising the Greek Health Ministry on the management of the COVID-19 crisis, Greek authorities are currently discussing scrapping the vaccination certificate before Greek Easter, which falls on Sunday, April 24, 2022.
“It will happen in the next one to two months and quite possibly, by Holy week, Greece will no longer have a Green pass,” Magiorkinis told broadcaster ERT.
Greek authorities are considering the removal of most Covid-19 measures by the end of April, including the need to present a vaccination certificate to enter restaurants, cafes, bars, museums and entertainment venues.
“As there is no pressure on the health system at the moment, there is no reason to use it,” stressed Magiorkinis.
Although Magiorkinis did not elaborate on the details of abolishing the Green Pass, Greece is expected to follow Italy, which as of May 1st, 2022, will no longer require individuals to show proof of coronavirus vaccination, testing, or recovery to enter any public spaces.
Currently, if you’re entering a dining area, bar, club, theatre, cinema, or museum in Greece, you need to show a COVID-19 vaccination certificate that’s no more than 9 months old and if you’ve had a booster shot, your vaccination certificate isn’t subject to an expiry limit.
For all the latest travel requirements to Greece head totravel.gov.gr
This spring the stunning island of Spetses will be filled with a retro vibe during a long weekend featuring vintage adventures, a nostalgic atmosphere, and special tweed appearances.
From the 15th to the 17th of April 2022, Spetses island will welcome guests- from all around the country and the world- for a unique “Weekend in Tweed”. The special event, run by the Poseidonion Grand Hotel in collaboration with the Hellenic Bicycle Museum, is a celebration of classic English glamour- with participants filling the hotel and village square with their retro bicycles and vintage attire.
Paying homage to old-world charm and traditions, Spetses is the ideal destination for this unique event, as the stunning island is renowned for its aristocratic feel and cosmopolitan aura.
And with the sweet spring weather being the perfect time to enjoy such an occasion- plus the all-time classic character of the Poseidonion as a backdrop- visitors are invited to enjoy a three-day event dedicated to a whimsical journey through time- full of evocative activities and memorable moments.
Over the weekend, guests will be able to hop on a classic bicycle and enjoy a leisurely ride around the island; stop off for a charming picnic in the blossoming nature, and experience afternoon tea at the Poseidonion Grand Hotel- all while parading in their elegant outfits and tweed attire.
The long weekend will also include plenty of delicious delicacies and famous signature dishes from Poseidonion; plus a range of surprises including a beauty pageant highlighting the best dressed, an atmospheric party, and special awards.
About the Hotel
Poseidonion Grand Hotel first opened its doors in 1914. This stunning building has become a famous landmark on Spetses island, a favourite spot for affluent Athenians and international jet-setters. The striking hotel occupies a prime seafront position and is one of the first things you spot as you arrive on the Saronic island.
Details
If you would like to dress in your best vintage/ tweed outfits and take part in this charming journey through time during “A Weekend in Tweed”, contact Christina Lagkadianou on-
It’s been two years since the last ferry ran from Turkey to Greece before closing indefinitely due to pandemic precautions, but tourists are now once again able to travel by sea between the two neighbouring destinations.
The ban on ferry services, which were halted for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, was lifted on February 7, and the restriction also applies to private yachts sailing between Turkey’s Aegean coasts and the Greek islands.
Ferry routes that have, or will resume shortly include those from Bodrum to Kos, Çeşme to Chios, Fethiye to Rhodes, Ayvalık to Lesvos and Kuşadası to Samos.
Most of these ferry services leave in the morning and return the same afternoon, making a quick day trip to Greece and vice versa an option for many locals and international tourists to both countries.
During a day trip, many visitors choose to enjoy some lunch, have a coffee, or walk around the port area and shops- while others prefer to stay overnight or for longer to experience more of the islands.
Ferry destination options between Greece and Turkey are expected to increase over the next few months, as international visitor numbers start to grow and the weather warms up.
Boasting uninterrupted views of the Aegean Sea and the beauty of the surrounding landscape, this stunning holiday villa in Serifos is the perfect getaway for those seeking privacy and tranquility.
Located in Kalo Ampeli, the property is just 200m from the sea, and a short drive and walk to a beautiful sandy beach that’s considered one of the best on Serifos island.
The elegant stone villa, which also has two smaller guest houses, is built on the cliff and sits poised over the sea overlooking the gulf of “Kalo Ampeli.” Offering maximum privacy and complete Cycladic ambiance – the villa and houses can be rented separately or together upon request.
The villa, which is a perfect mix of traditional and contemporary architecture features open and airy spaces with an array of windows that offer natural light and provide breathtaking views from each room. The master bedroom leads onto a terrace with panoramic views of the Aegean Sea.
Inside, the holiday home is adorned with stylish, modern furniture and appliances. The lounge is the ideal place to unwind after a day in the sun- with a comfortable sofa and a fireplace. There is also a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, and WiFi throughout. The kitchen is very well equipped, allowing guests to prepare breakfast, lunch or dinner at their leisure- and the dining table seats eight.
Outside on the large rustic chic balcony, guests can dine alfresco, or relax with a glass of wine in hand, as they enjoy the evening sunsets – or the majestic sea views in the morning.
The holiday home is in a fabulous position for summer getaways as Kalo Ampeli beach is close by and is one of the best protected beaches on the island; other wonderful spots for swimming include Ganema, Vagia and Psili Ammos, which has previously been named one of the best beaches in Europe (20 minute drive). Guests can also visit some nearby museums, old mines, sea caves and in 15 minutes you will arrive at the island’s centre, the Hora, and the Livadi village, where you’ll find a range of shops, restaurants, cafes and bars.
The home is ideal for both adults seeking a quiet and relaxed vacation, or for large groups of friends who want to enjoy quality time together while exploring all Serifos has to offer.
