Greece Trips & Tips

01/02/2024

Mountain refuge of Agrafon

The Mountain Refuge of Agrafon is located at an altitude of 1,536m. in the Karamanoli area. It is a well-organized shelter housed in a modern stone building with full equipment and accommodation. It offers basic services such as central heating, fireplace, bunk beds, blankets, kitchen, toilet, hot water, shower, food and cooking facilities. It also has a comfortable dining room and can accommodate up to 30 people.

The location of the refuge is the starting point of a network of paths on which appropriate markings have been placed for visitors' excursions. The options available to the visitor cover all levels of hiking difficulty and along the paths, kiosks and benches have been placed to facilitate climbers - walkers.

At a very short distance is the shelter of the Mountaineering and Skiing Club of Karditsa. Its facilities include a 300m long beginner's track. and sliding elevator. The ski resort is under development and offers great possibilities for cross-country and alpine skiing.

Access to the Agrafon Mountain Refuge from Karditsa is possible from two directions:

Following the road to Lake Plastira via Krioneri and
Via Kastania and Lake Plastira dam.

Both roads lead to the settlement of Neraida, from which, traveling 5 km. paved road you reach the shelter.

25/01/2024

SPARTA. The beautiful mountain villages of Taygetos , Georgitsi and Kastori, are joined by an impressive hike through the famous gorge of Mylon.

The highest mountain of the Peloponnese is famous for its excellent trails . Routes that used to be the only way of connection and communication between the mountain villages . Fortunately, many of them remain open to this day even though their use is not so common anymore.

In recent years there has been an increasing interest in alternative tourism that brings people closer to nature and its majesty. The most common way to get to know the natural environment of a place is of course to walk it.

So one of the most famous paths of Taygetos (from the side of Laconia) is the so-called Mills Gorge . A route that connects the balcony of Taygetos ( Georgitsi ) with the beautiful Kastori .

We usually go down the canyons and not up them, without this being an inviolable rule. But it is easier to go down a route than to have only uphill ahead of you. That is why in this particular case we say we go from Georgitsi (970 m. altitude) to Kastori (475 m. altitude).

The total distance of the hiking route is almost 10 kilometers and we estimate 4 hours of walking. The trail is considered moderate to difficult (depending on the season) and is well marked. In special circumstances it can be dangerous if you do not have experience, knowledge and appropriate equipment.

17/01/2024

02/12/2023

This charming town, whose beauty will most certainly seduce you, is built amphitheatrically on a narrow peninsula, mirrored in Orestiada Lake and nestled in between the mountains of Grammos and Vitsi. The best way to explore the city is taking a little tour around the lake starting from the southernmost side up to the northernmost.

Take a stroll on the narrow pathway along the lake’s coast; you will be overwhelmed by its idyllic beauty and tranquility. The promenade shaded by beech and plane trees as well as the neighbouring forests exude a mystical atmosphere and make an excellent shelter for all kinds of bird species.

Touring the Lake

Orestiada Lake is home to a 200 different species, among them, some rare and some endangered. Local fishermen find themselves in competition with waterfowls for the lake’s fish. During your walk don’t forget to make a stop by the Dragon’s Cave, where you’ll get to see seven underground lakes and rooms with astonishing stalactites. If you want to admire the city from above, follow the lush and green path towards Profitis Ilias Church and continue even higher up to Agios Athanasios viewpoint.

At a short distance from the lake you’ll encounter the old neighbourhood Doltso, a picturesque corner of the town where buildings date back to the 17th and 18th century, when the city’s economy blossomed due to the fur treatment and trade. Lots of buildings have been converted into museums, such as Neratzi Aivazi mansion that houses the Folk Art Museum, Emmanouil mansion lodges the Costume Museum etc. Second oldest neighbourhood with an aristocratic allure is Apozari; you will absolutely fall in love with the byzantine churches and the beautiful mansions, which are typical examples of Macedonian architecture.

29/11/2023

Aggitis Cave

When in the region of Drama, it is worth visiting the Aggitis cave (also called Maaras Cave), located NE of the capital, close to Prosotsani, on the south foot of Falakro mountain where the freezing Aggitis river springs from the depths of the mountain. It is the largest in length and volume cave in Greece and it is a river cave, the only one existing in Greece! The cave is an elongated natural pipe which is almost the only draining path for the waters collected in the closed basin of Kato Nevrokopi.

It was first explored by speleologists Yannis and Anna Petrocheilou of the Hellenic Speleological Society (H.S.S.) in 1952 but it wasn’t until 1978 that French and Greek speleologists managed to explore it in a depth of 500 meters. Their theory, based on several natural phenomena, was that Aggitis river passes through a cave. To prove this theory, they decided to dive into the river springs. In 7m. depth, they found a passage to the cave.

A great chamber was discovered reaching 500 m length. Its roof is full of stalactites, some of which have a diameter of 2m. and touch the surface of the water. Their colours are amazing, due to the existence of minerals such as manganese, iron, copper etc. Nowadays, 8.5 km have been explored and only 2.5 are accessible to visitors.You can enter the cave from the artificial entrance that has been opened and walk for 500 m. Stalactites of various forms, sizes and colors decorate the cave. As for stalagmites, their number is very limited because of the continuous flow of the river.

Visit the “Wheel chamber” and admire the amazing technical accomplishment of the local popular mechanics dating back to the 19th century. A rotatable waterjet pushed the water to a channel, specially constructed for this purpose, which led the water in the plain in order to irrigate the to***co crops of the region. Excavations in the Cave and the surrounding area began in 1992 and have brought to light stone tools and bones of prehistoric animals (rhinoceros, megakeros (giant deer) and mammoth). Some of them are exhibited in Drama’s Museum.

"Acropolis hall" is also impressive. It is the biggest hall ever discovered in a Greek cave (120m long, 65m wide and 45m high). Its size, decoration and the river flowing along it, creating underground banks and rocky formations, composing a really eerie atmosphere that will definitely take your breath away!

Useful information:

Aggitis River cave is open to the public 365 days a year! During winter period visiting times are from 10:00 to 17:00 and during summer from 10:00 to 19:00.

For further information please contact the Aggitis Cave information desk: +3025220- 60460.

27/11/2023

It is one of the most touristic villages of Zagori and at the same time manages to maintain the basic characteristics of the area.

Aristi, located in western Zagori, is easily accessible and has inexhaustible natural beauties. It has a wonderful view and is located at an altitude of 650 m and 47 kilometers from Ioannina.

From here, among others, one can see the serpentine road that climbs the opposite mountain to reach Papigo , while the settlement is surrounded by points of interest that make it an excellent starting point . At the same time, it has several guesthouses and hotels, with a high level of service.

Making a small historical review of the settlement, we note that in 1380, it was fortified by the Despot of Epirus with the aim of facing the advance of the Turks. Its male inhabitants usually traveled to Serbia, while women with children stayed behind and worked hard. It was one of the first villages in which schools were established: from the second half of the 18th century it maintained a co-educational school and from 1900 a Girls' School.

In the period of the 1940s, and the Greco-Italian war, the area was the defense line of the Greek forces with the characteristic hill of Grabala, being inaccessible to the Italians

Starting at Aristi

Starting from the beautiful Aristi, the visitor can go down to the bridge of Voidomatis - it is the point through which the road in the direction of Papigo passes . It is a beautiful place, surrounded by greenery, where you will have the opportunity to touch the frozen waters of Voidomatis . From here, in fact, start several groups that participate in the descent of the river, up to the bridge of Kledonia, on a route that passes through places of exceptional natural beauty. You will almost certainly come across a group preparing and taking safety lessons before they board the boats and set off.

Hiking alongside Voidomatis
At the same time, from here, from the Bridge , the hike to the Voidomatis Gorge begins, which follows a well-marked and mildly difficult path, which runs parallel to the banks of the river, in the heart of the Vikos-Aoos National Forest . It passes through forests with centuries-old plane trees, alder and other trees that make up an enchanting scenery. Along this three-hour route the walker will discover the shallow caves, inhabited by primitive people during the prehistoric era. In these caves numerous stone tools and bones of animals that were their prey have been found. The route also passes by the small church of Agioi Anargyro, which dates back to the 17th century, while the path ends shortly after the single arched stone bridge of Klidonia . The total duration of the route is approximately 3.5 hours.

17/11/2023

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23/10/2023

Springs of Louros

The Lake of Louros Springs is a small natural lake with crystal-clear and glassy blue water that accepts large quantities of water from nearby underground reserves. The water flows from the lake into the Louros River which empties into the Amvracian Gulf. Lake Ziros as its official name is, is also called “Blue Lake” due to the amazing turquoise color of the water. The lake is round in shape with a diameter of 100 meters and its maximum depth is 10 meters. Dozens of tall trees surround its banks but what makes it unique is the extremely rich vegetation at the bottom. Other than water lilies, one can see whole trees that are visible from the surface. Louros Springs is a place not to be missed. It is near the village of Vouliasta in Epirus and only about a 30-minute drive from the city of Ioannina. It is an earthly paradise great for outdoor activities and walking under the old trees. During summer, you can even dive into its blue water to enjoy a refreshing swim. The lake is located after the “Chani of Terovo” on the National Road Ioannina - Arta. So, if you are planning to visit Ioannina do not forget to put this wonderful place with the scenic Blue Lake on your bucket list.

29/09/2023

The Twin Waterfalls of Mokistianou

The diverse and incomparably impressive scenery in the lakeside area of ​​Trichonida with its basically mild landscape is complemented by the gorge of the Mokistianos stream.

The canyon can be visited for the most part by a path that crosses it along its entire length. The path starts from the Springs of Agia Sophia and passing through the gorge, somewhere near the bed of the stream and somewhere further, it ends at the lake where the stream empties very close to Loutra Myrtias.

The natural beauty that one encounters in the total length of 7 km. Mokistianou gorge, as it is defined at first by the Twin Waterfalls of Mokistianou and by the dense vegetation along its entire length, coexists with a multitude of man-made elements.

The Springs of Agia Sophia , this exquisite landscape that we meet at the beginning of the path from Agia Sophia to the lake and next to the church complex of the Byzantine churches of Agia Sophia , as well as many remarkable elements of the rural heritage, (such as water mills, watermills, farmhouses, stables and farms), encountered along the route of the trail, are those elements of culture that together with the aforementioned natural elements make the gorge an enviable destination.

The first and main element, however, that makes the gorge an attractive destination is the Twin Waterfalls of Mokistianos, the precious jewel of the gorge.

The falls in question are easily accessible via a short descent path to the bottom of the falls in continuation of respective rural roads that start from both Agia Sofia and Myrtia and end at points close to the falls. With the care of the Municipality of Thermo, in fact, the improvement and marking of the path that will pass through the gorge along its entire length from the springs of Agia Sophia to the lake is expected soon.

23/09/2023

14/09/2023

Lemnos is one of the most beautiful islands of the northeastern Aegean, a well-kept secret of those who love nature and are looking for a peaceful vacation .

Lemnos is a beautiful island with a special geomorphology due to the eruption of an ancient volcano. It is famous for its wonderful landscapes and is suitable for relaxing holidays close to nature.

In Lemnos you will find golden beaches , beautiful traditional settlements, biotopes, salty lakes, caves, rocks with impressive formations, but also sand dunes that remind you of a desert!

Although the special nature of Limnos and its relaxed atmosphere are what you need for relaxation, the island also offers many options for entertainment and nightlife .

Lemnos has a long coastline with many beautiful beaches for all tastes: long shores or small coves, organized and crowded or more isolated, all will charm you with their beautiful scenery and clear blue waters.

The 8 most beautiful beaches of Limnos are the following:

Platy : one of the most beautiful and popular beaches of Lemnos. It is large and sandy with blue-green waters and has many infrastructures. It is ideal for families, as it has shallow waters, but also a landscaped playground on the coast.

Keros : this beach has it all! Sand dunes, beach volleyball, pine forest for camping, beach bar, sunbeds, umbrellas, but also gazebos. The shallow, safe waters and frequent winds make it ideal for windsurfing.

Gomati : a beach of unique beauty with golden sand and wonderful crystal waters. It has a tavern, beach bar, umbrellas and sunbeds. You may also meet campers.

Kokkina : one of the most impressive beaches of the island, ideal for those looking for tranquility. It owes its name to the red color of its rocks and has fine, white sand, white pebbles, and deep blue waters. Access is via a dirt road and then a short path. The beach does not have any organization, so make sure you have the necessary things with you.

Diapori : a long and sandy beach of special natural beauty. A part of it is organized with umbrellas and sunbeds, while it also has a small tavern. Around Diapori you will find many beautiful hiking trails.

Thanos : one of the busiest beaches of the island. It is large, with sand and crystal clear waters and has umbrellas, sunbeds, taverns, cafes, beach volleyball, and infrastructure for water sports.

Zematas (Panagia) : one of the most popular beaches of Lemnos. It has fine white sand, crystal clear shallow waters and trees that provide shade. It is also fully organized.

Neftina : some consider it the best beach of the island. Fine, all-white sand, emerald waters, trees, and a stream in the middle of the coast make up the enchanting scenery. Keep in mind that the beach has waves when the wind blows from the north.

Sights in Lemnos

Lemnos has been inhabited since prehistoric times and is full of impressive archaeological sites and monuments. At the same time, the special geomorphology of the island creates unique natural landscapes that are worth seeing. Some of the attractions of Lemnos that you should not miss:

-The Castle of Myrina
-The prehistoric settlement of Poliochni (4th - - millennium BC)
-The wetland in Kotopouli and the salt lakes
-The sand dunes in the northern part of the island
-The archaeological site and the ancient theater of Hephaistia
-The Sanctuary of Kaveri (or Kaverio)
-The chapel of Panagia Kakkaviotissa
-The cave of Philoctetes
-The cave of Fokia
-The Faraklou geological park
-The Archaeological Museum of Lemnos
-The Folklore Museum of Portiano

Nightlife in Lemnos

Although Limnos is all about relaxation, the island's nightlife is quite good without being too intense.

The liveliest settlements are Myrina and Moudros , the second largest city of Lemnos. There you will find many bars, clubs and restaurants, as well as nice tavernas, beach bars and cafes.

There are some clubs that play international hits until the early hours of the morning, while you can also find café bars with traditional music in every corner of the island.

09/09/2023

Finikounda is today one of the most important tourist resorts of the prefecture of Messinia, harmoniously combining mountain and sea. The visitors' eyes are mainly attracted by the amazing sandy beaches with crystal clear waters. Also, the picturesqueness of the landscape and the excellent tourist infrastructure have made Finikounda a popular summer destination.

From Finikounda you can make interesting excursions to the surrounding areas. Visit the traditional Methoni with its majestic Venetian castle, as well as the picturesque Koroni with its island character.

In Finikounda you will find a variety of wonderful beaches for every taste. Here you will find extensive sandy beaches, but also pebbly beaches, cosmopolitan but also secluded and quiet, where you will have the opportunity to enjoy the sun, the sea and indulge in water sports, living moments of relaxation and relaxation.

Finikounda has developed an excellent tourist infrastructure in recent years. Here you will find a wide range of hotels and rooms for rent for every preference, where you will enjoy a pleasant and comfortable stay. The village also has three campsites, which attract many visitors.

Here you can find several restaurants and traditional tavernas, where you can enjoy, among other things, fresh fish, as well as the delicious dishes of the Messinian cuisine. There are also plenty of cafes here to enjoy your coffee, as well as plenty of tourist shops to browse.

With its beautiful coastlines, unique beaches with crystal clear waters, endless natural beauty and excellent tourist infrastructure, is undoubtedly a magical place, which promises to give unique emotions to those who visit it.

Local Flavors & Products

As in the entire prefecture of Messinia, you will find a rich traditional cuisine and many pure local products. The main agricultural products produced in Messinia are olives, grapes, raisins, figs, citrus fruits and fruit and vegetables.

Some of the distinct flavors of the local cuisine are pastas, boiled goat, fried cod with garlic, roast pork chicken, and the unique for their taste and quality sausages smoked with sage.

Also try wonderful diples, lalagias and oil rolls. Don't forget to stock up on the famous Kalamon olives, honey, which is of excellent quality, pastels, ouzo, balsamic vinegar, trachana, noodles, aromatic plants and herbs.

05/09/2023

Tolo is a beautiful seaside village with about 2500 inhabitants. It is located a short distance south of Nafplion and in the summer season attracts many tourists. The image it presents is simultaneously picturesque, romantic and idyllic. Built almost on the beach, it has three beautiful islands in front of it. Koronisi, Romvi and Daskalio. Its permanent residents are mainly engaged in tourism and fishing. The place, which has an excellent tourist infrastructure, stands out for its natural beauty and the hospitality of its inhabitants, characteristics that attract visitors from all over the world.

Events

During the summer months, various cultural events are organized during which wonderful evenings of music and traditional dances from all over Greece are held, in which locals and visitors to the area take part and enjoy.

What to taste

Tolo was and is a fishing village and that is why it is famous for its fresh fish, its fish soup and its delicious seafood products.

01/09/2023

Between the two islands of the Saronic Gulf, Agistri and Aegina , is the islet of Metopi.

The islet is uninhabited and there are only the Church of Agioi Theodoros and some vineyards on it. On its SE side is a very beautiful small beach with white sand and shallow blue-green waters (on its Eastern side, although the waters are shallow, they are particularly dangerous).

Metopi is a common stop for sea turtles (known from their depiction on the coins of Aegina, the first of ancient Greece) found in the Saronic Gulf.

Metopi is easily accessible by private boat. Aegina is connected by boat to Metopi, Moni (boats also depart from the village of Perdika ), the Diaporia islands, Kyra, Dorousa and Spalathronisi.

28/08/2023

Thanks to their famous islands and internationally discussed waters, the Aegean and Ionian Seas usually monopolize the imagination of where to go during the summer season, overshadowing smaller seas of our country, such as the Thracian in northern Greece or Myrtoos, on the eastern side of the Peloponnese.

Myrtoos , of course, as one of the individual seas of the Aegean, has its own beauties. But they remain less known and somewhat inaccessible , at least for those who have not explored the coasts of Arcadia and Laconia. Arcadia , in particular, may not even be associated with the sea in most people's minds, since it is usually identified with the plateau of Tripoli and with famous winter resorts around Mainalo like Vytina.

Apart from mountains, however, Arcadia also has access to the sea , having coasts towards both the Argolic Gulf and Myrtoos. And one of the most beautiful beaches washed by the latter is Fokiano . Which has become somewhat better known thanks to various internet publications, yet is kept quiet, few seem willing to put in the effort it takes to get here.

25/08/2023

The prefecture of Arcadia may not be the first thought that comes to mind when you imagine your summer holidays, but the beaches of southern Kynouria stand out for their crystal clear waters and calmness, so much so that this year they seem like the ideal destination.

The most beautiful part of the area is Sambatiki, a picturesque fishing village that resembles an island and is flooded with visitors every weekend. You meet Sabatiki on the road to Leonidio and looking down from the road, you understand that it is worth devoting yourself to her, since she invites you to swim and dive.

The place is suitable for relaxation and tranquility, while a few kilometers away is the Livadi settlement with the organized beach of the same name. Sambatiki and Livadi are two of the oldest fishing villages in the region, while in recent years they have secured a large part of the tourism pie.

The beach is a picture-postcard image with the boats moored in its bay and the nets spread by the fishermen on the beach, completing the enchanting scenery. In essence, we could liken it to an old image of an island, before hordes of tourists came and the traditional element was altered.

21/08/2023

Tyros is a beautiful town, half perched on the green slopes of Mount Parnon, the other half spread out at the foot of the Myrtle Sea. It has approximately 1,700 inhabitants, who still speak one of the oldest dialects of Greek, Tsakonika.

Inhabited since prehistoric times, some say that it got its strange name from the ancient temple of Apollo Tyritis, others say that it was baptized by the Phoenicians, great traders and seafarers from today's Lebanon, with the name of one of the largest and richest cities their. A supporter of this second point of view is also Stephen Byzantius, a mysterious Constantinopolitan about whom we know almost nothing beyond what he wrote in the 6th century AD. the first geographical dictionary of mankind, Ethnika.

Drowned in the green mountainous Ano Tyros on the slopes of Parnonas, Kato Tyros a little lower, and Paralia Tyros, a picturesque settlement full of island houses with red tiles, which is cooled by the sea breeze of Myrtou and ends – as you probably guessed – in one of the most beautiful beaches on this side of the Peloponnese.

Right above the picturesque port with the fishing boats of Tyros rises the green hill that the locals still call Kastro. At its top, archaeological excavations brought to light traces of the ancient Acropolis, while in parts of the hill, intact parts of the city's cyclopean walls survive to this day. At the foot of the Castle, from the back side, stretches one of the most beautiful beaches of Tyre, Lygaria. With a view of the windmills above it, and the shocking waters of Myrtou in front of it, Lygaria has been awarded as one of the best beaches in the Mediterranean.

17/08/2023

Aegina is a beautiful island near Athens, an ideal destination for holidays all year round!

Aegina, a short drive from Athens, is a popular choice for day trips or short-day getaways in the blue waters of the Argosaronic Sea. Holidays in Aegina promise relaxation, beautiful beaches, good food and many options for entertainment, nature walks and activities.

Beaches in Aegina

Most of the beaches of the island are organized and combined with the rare natural beauty and the clear blue waters of Argosaronicos cover all tastes! A list of the best beaches of Aegina:

Agia Marina : it is the largest and most famous beach of the island, awarded with the Blue Flag. Sandy, with crystal clear waters, sunbeds, umbrellas and beach bar.

Agios Vassilios : this beach is organized, with shallow water and sand, and ideal for families.
Aeginitissa : it is a beautiful beach with sand and eucalyptus trees that offer shade.

Vagia : it is a beach of exceptional beauty with sand and a beach bar. If you go a little further, you can find secluded coves to relax and enjoy swimming with your company.

Marathon : this organized beach with sand and crystal clear waters is ideal for children.

Klima : this cove, with clear blue waters, is one of the most popular beaches of Aegina.

Perdika : Perdika is one of the most beautiful and picturesque villages of Aegina. Although it doesn't have a beach in the sense of an endless stretch of sand, you can dive off the rocks into the wonderful turquoise waters!

Portes : these are 2 isolated beaches, ideal if you want to avoid the crowds. One is rocky with pebbles, while the other has sand. Next to it is the fishing village of the same name, where you can eat after your bath.

Souvala : the beach of the settlement of the same name has sand and crystal clear waters, and is everything you need for relaxation. The fishing village has taverns, ouzo and restaurants.

Tip: From the port of Perdika, you take a boat to Moni , a small uninhabited island with an impressive natural landscape and crystal clear waters. During your visit to the Monastery, you may meet deer or peacocks, which are the permanent residents of the island.

What to see

Aegina has been inhabited since ancient times. The rich history of the island as well as the intense cultural activity of the inhabitants is evident in the various attractions and museums of the island. We recommend visiting the following:

-Temple of Aphaia
-Archaeological site of Colona
Old country
-Archaeological Museum of Aegina
-Kapralos Museum
-Monastery of Agios Nektarios
-Tower of Markellos

Nightlife in Aegina

The nights in Aegina are full of relaxation by the sea. The most lively parts of the island are the central city of Aegina as well as the seaside areas of Agia Marina and Souvala.

In the central town of Aegina, you can find wine or cocktail bars, restaurants and taverns. Popular beaches such as Marathonas, Perdika and Vagia, have beach bars for drinks by the sea.