Joysters

31/10/2024

Corporate Vision Celebrates the Winners of the Global Business Awards 2024 and Joysters are right at the very front!

Joysters
Best Socially Sustainable Travel Experience Provider
2024 - Northern Greece
Client Service Excellence Award 2024
Global Business Awards

"In its eighth year, the Global Business Awards continues to recognise and reward those going the extra mile for their clients and sectors – truly elevating our experience on a global scale. We are thrilled about our winner’s accomplishments and know that their success stories will serve as an inspiration to others."

Thank you ever so much Corporate Vision!

21/10/2024

Ai vs Senses...
Ai may be a very useful tool, but experiencing life requires us to trust our senses.

Ai may be a very useful tool, but experiencing life requires us to trust our senses.Only with... Joysters.

14/10/2024

What an incredible year it has been so far, crafting authentic and unforgettable experiences for travelers exploring the beauty of Greece, with a special focus on Northern Greece!

From the USA, Canada, the UK, and Scandinavia to our own Greek travellers, we’ve been honoured to welcome visitors from around the world. Whether it’s honeymooners, solo adventurers, or groups of friends and families, every journey was tailored to create memories that last a lifetime.

This year, we went above and beyond, even fulfilling unique requests that brought out the very best of Greek culture and hospitality.

Thank you to everyone who trusted us to be a part of your adventure—we can’t wait to welcome more of you in the future!

08/09/2024

Top Chef Canada Season 9 Winner, Chef Erica Karbelnik on a gastronomic journey to Northern Greece, discovering the authenticity and uniqueness of it all.
From learning how to make phyllo from scratch to making "Kopton" (the Byzantine ancestor to Baklava), to preparing "Kykeon" (a porridge type of drink - breakfast in ancient Greece).

The true identity of a destination is reflected in its culinary tradition, in the food locals cook and in the drinks they drink.
From smells that emerge from every corner, to the flavours that are dominant.

Special thanks to Food & Paths for preparing the recipes and to Παραδοσιακός Ξενώνας Αργυρώ for hosting us and assisting us with all their team.

Only with...Joysters

11/08/2024

In recent weeks thousands of protesters have taken to the streets in various destinations (mainly Spain), calling for curbs on mass tourism and a rethink of a business model that they say has pushed up housing prices and driven local people out of cities.

Joysters' business model has been- right from the beginning - based on a sustainable approach, one that's disruptive for the existing status quo in Tourism, while being supportive of the local communities and the natural and social environment they operate in.

-Instead of depriving locals of their resources, Joysters offer them more.
-Instead of driving local business and locals away from their home towns in pursuit of better opportunities elsewhere, Joysters help them thrive where they live.
-Instead of promoting cheaply obtained and mass produced produce/products, Joysters help local communities raise awareness of locally produced produce/products that compliment and enhance locally offered experiences.

Greece, with its breathtaking scenery, where visitors may enjoy some of the most diverse flora and fauna in Europe and engage in memorable activities, ranging from bird watching and mountain hiking to wine tasting and culinary experiences, combined with authentic lodging has started attracting travellers who seek out-of-the-ordinary experiences and care about the sustainability of local communities.. and Joysters are right at the very heart of it all.

03/08/2024

Checking new venues for our discerning travellers is always exciting as we envisage the next life-time experience for them.
Life is all about the right perspective...

Joysters Handpicked experiences.

02/06/2024

Joysters Handpicked experiences - Syvota, Epirus Region
And remember, with Joysters finesse and authenticity go hand in hand.

10/05/2024

People, like Patty below, keep on asking us if we only craft immersive trips in Northern Greece. The simple answer is no, not only in Northern Greece, though Northern Greece is our speciality.

" Hi Nick. Hope you and family are well! This is Patty. I keep thinking of you because I’m trying to plan a trip with my husband in Oct and another trip with my daughter again (lucky girl, right?!) in Sept. The trip you planned for us last Sept was the best trip of my life! So many spectacular memories that I think of often! I’m wondering if you plan travel in other countries beside Greece."

We have started crafting experiences of a lifetime for our travellers also in places like Athens, Nafplio, Delphi, the Ionian Sea islands, as well as selective few Aegean islands like Santorini, Paros, Naxos and Crete.

Only a few things last forever. Memorable experiences is one of them. Joysters are in the business of creating them...

04/05/2024

The litany of the Epitaphios is rooted in ancient Christian burial practices, and it symbolizes the victory of Christ over death as well as the Church's belief in the Resurrection. It is one of the most memorable and moving experiences of the Eastern Orthodox Holy Week.

18/03/2024

What is Kathara Deftera?
Kathara Deftera is the last day of two weeks of carnival revelry and the beginning of Lent. Τhat’s why wish each other “Kali Sarakosti” – which means “may the 40 days ahead until Easter be blessed”.

Kathara Deftera (Clean Monday) is an outdoor celebration in Greece when we fly a kite and eat Lenten foods before we fast for Easter.

08/03/2024

"One final note to thank you for a tremendous first visit to Greece. Everyone of all ages will remember it fondly.
Efharisto,
Jeff"

There is always something about meaningful and terse reviews. Thank you Jeff. Safe travels.

09/01/2024

"Dubbed the “Parthenon of Macedonia” by German classicist, archaeologist, architectural historian Wolfram Hoepfner, the palace was constructed during the reign of Alexander’s father Philip II (359-336 BC) in Aigai. Together with the Parthenon it is considered to be the most significant building of Classical Greece."

Greece is set to open the Palace of Aigai this week, where Alexander the Great was sworn king after years of restoration work.

03/01/2024

Happy New Year from Joysters!

10/11/2023

38th International Tourism Expo Philoxenia 2023! Joysters are once again present!


Why participate, someone may ask?
1. Connect with clients face to face.
2. Raise brand awareness.
3. Network.
4. Stay ahead of the pack - get a feel of the future ahead.
5. Generate leads and close sales.

Added value: Get to sample exquisite food, wine & coffee. :)

09/11/2023

Cycling in Kastoria and Northern Greece is Magical...
Cycling Destination knows a few things about it. ;)
Read their article in Dutch below or use the translation in English to help you.
Either way, the the end result is the same, pure Joy!

08/11/2023

Travelers Prioritize ‘Affordable Luxury’ Despite Budget Constraints.
Analysts said this development aligns with a broader trend which finds all the more consumers seeking out new and unique vacation experiences. Precisely what Joysters offer... ;)

Demand for travel remains strong with consumers willing to spend more on their holidays despite the cost-of-living crisis.

24/10/2023

Another award for Joysters, another recognition of our, hopefully, meaningful contribution to the Lux Hospitality World, but hey, we are still they same authentic and dedicated to our cause people. ;)

United Kingdom, 2023 – LUXlife magazine has revealed the winners of this year’s Hospitality Awards.
Now in its eighth consecutive year, the LUXlife Hospitality Awards is as strong as ever and completely dedicated to showcasing the best of the best within the hospitality industry.
From sumptuous menus to delightful stays, wonderful weddings to showstopping events, and so much more, this year we highlight a fine selection of businesses and individuals who each bring something unique to the table.
Congrats Joysters!
https://www.lux-review.com/winners/joysters/

20/09/2023

UNESCO adds Zagorochoria to World Heritage List
A cluster of traditional, picturesque villages on Mount Pindos in northwestern Greece, the Zagorochoria (or villages of Zagori), has been inducted onto UNESCO’s World Heritage List, the World Heritage Committee has announced during its 45th session, in Riyadh.

A cluster of traditional, picturesque villages on Mount Pindos in northwestern Greece, the Zagorochoria, has been inducted onto UNESCO’s World Heritage List, the World Heritage Committee has announced during its 45th session, in Riyadh.

30/08/2023

EUROPEAN TRAVEL AWARDS 2023
"Best Northern Greece Travel Experience Provider 2023!"
Joysters is one of the 2023 winners of European Travel Awards at EU Business News!
https://www.eubusinessnews.com/winners/joysters-2/
Thank you EU Business News. Much appreciated.

19/08/2023

Greek beaches have excellent water quality!
The data of European bathing sites, compiled by the European Environment Agency (EEA), shows how well environmental protection measures are implemented in Europe.

18/07/2023

When it comes to choosing between the Ionian Islands and the Cyclades, one must consider the unique experiences each has to offer.
The Ionian Islands, often referred to as the tropical islands of Greece, boast stunning beaches with crystal-clear turquoise waters and lush green landscapes. These islands, such as Corfu, Ithaca, and Kefalonia, provide a perfect blend of relaxation and natural beauty. However, what sets the Ionian Islands apart is their proximity to Northern Greece.
By choosing to visit the Ionian Islands, travelers have the opportunity to combine their trip with a visit to the mountainous regions of Greece. This allows them to experience the best of both worlds - the idyllic island life and the breathtaking landscapes of the mainland. Whether it's exploring the charming villages of Zagori or hiking in the Pindus Mountains, the Ionian Islands offer a unique chance to immerse oneself in the diverse beauty of Greece.

It is time for the lucky Greeks to face one of the most pleasant dilemmas: Should I visit the islands of the Ionian Sea or the Aegean?

10/07/2023

What an elegy for Northern Greece and its people!

"…but what makes Thessaloniki and northern Greece so special is not just its natural beauty, mythology, or its history – it’s the people who live here and it’s the incredible filoxenia that is a deep part of their culture."

In a letter to her infant son, US diplomat Liz Lee describes why Thessaloniki and the region of northern Greece will always hold a special place in her heart.
https://www.greece-is.com/an-american-diplomats-love-letter-from-thessaloniki/

30/06/2023

"You're Northern Greece's quality ambassadors!"
How wonderful such a comment sounds, especially when it comes from a traveller that opted for Joysters in order to "discover unexplored and worth seeing places" as she in her own words put it.
Just like our name that comes from "Joy" and the suffix "sters", we crafted something it did not exist before. For the first time ever we put together the most worth seeing/visiting/tasting...experiencing elements of our world to offer travellers a complete and joyful taste of Northern Greece, the least touristy region in the country.

17/05/2023

Ptolemy, who was the founder of the Ptolemaic dynasty, which ruled Egypt until the death of Cleopatra in 30 BC, turning the country into a Hellenistic kingdom and Alexandria into a center of Greek culture, was born in Western Macedonia.
Alexander’s most famous Successor, Ptolemy left with the rest of the Macedonian army – never to return. He went on to establish his own kingdom in Egypt and founded a dynasty that lasted some 300 years.
His life is a reminder that Western Macedonia’s influence stretches far beyond its mountainous confines. And this is just one of the many reasons why it deserves to be better known today.

The archaeological gems on show in a neglected region of Greece help to shed light on the success of Alexander the Great, as Alex Rowson reveals.

04/04/2023

This year, we are getting high demand for combo experiences, usually Ionian Sea Islands like Lefkada, Kefalonia, Corfu, Ithaca and Epirus Region, mainly Zagorochoria and Ioannina and we are very excited for this, as we get the chance to showcase the magnifecence and splendour of some of the most iconic parts of Northern Greece.
However, the one unchanging constant in all the requests we receive is the craving for immersive gastronomic experiences.
After all, what better place for this than Northern Greece...