Peloponnese > the hidden Greece
In middle May this year my visit to Laconia was direct on the newer roads, now through plains and not over winding mountain passes, with good junctions to lead onto the well worthwhile visits to Mystras and Monemvasia.
There is now a bypass before Gytheio, if you care to get on the country roads leading on to Messinia [...]
Cyprus > what to see and do
Larnaca > Lovely palm-lined beachfront, with plenty of shops and bars. Walk inland a street or two and you will find the places which are frequented by the locals, with more authentic food and friendlier prices.
Paphos > Infamous as the lager-lout capital of the Med. But you must visit. It’s probably the prettiest little harbour [...]
Traditional Cypriot hospitality at its best
The Sama Taverna, Spilia Village > Traditional Cypriot menu
To experience the Cypriot village taverna of 50 years ago, take a drive into the Troodos Mountains to the quiet village of Spilia, close to the well-known resort of Kakopetria. In a renovated old house in the centre of the village you’ll find The Sama [a wooden [...]
A taste of authentic Cypriot village life
Cyprus has long offered the visitor sun, sea, sand and archaeological sites, but it’s fast becoming a destination for foodies, too. If you want something more authentic than fish and chips British-style or the same old mezes, your best bet is to head away from the coast into the Cypriot villages.
The last thing I expected [...]
easyHotel coming to Cyprus in 2009
The first easyHotel to open in Cyprus will be located on the Larnaca seafront and start trading next year.
The leading super-budget hotel operator will open near Finikoudes beach and will be operated by Tzeta Enterprises in a franchise deal with the easy group. The hotel chain founded by Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou of Greek Cypriot origins, operates in [...]
Day trips from Athens > short or long
There are lots of places near Athens close enough so that visitors can make a day trip from the metropolis for the sightseeing but still enjoy all the trappings of a real beach vacation.
Athens is in the prefecture of Attica, where towns along the coastal road such as Voula, Vouliagmeni and Lagonissi are practically suburbs [...]
Venture out for taste of temples, islands
It’s easy even on a relatively short visit to see more of Greece than just its capital. Several companies, including Chat Tours (http://www.chatours.gr) offer reasonably priced day trips, or longer excursions, with English-speaking guides (and usually at identical prices); independent travelers will find a way using local transportation.
Some options >
• Delphi > It’s a 3 1/2-hour [...]
Translating Greece
Unless you have studied the history first, don’t expect the ruins of ancient Greece to speak to you. As for the residents of modern Greece, prepare to make new friends.
I have climbed the marble path worn smooth by millennia of use, and now I stand at the Acropolis, the architectural monument that surpasses all [...]
A self drive Greek tour
Commence a self drive itinerary from Athens driving north to Kalambaka, passing through picturesque villages and towns of central Greece. Visit the famous Meteora monasteries, and enjoy the unique and most impressive scenery.
Drive south to renowned Delphi, visit the Sanctuary of Apollo Pythios and the Museum. Head to Olympia, via the magnificent bridge crossing the [...]
The rich rewards of Thessaloniki
Since most tourists in Greece head for the islands, only a small percentage end up in Thessaloniki, Greece’s second city.
There are plenty of logical reasons for this. As an urban center, Thessaloniki is far overshadowed by Athens, the capital, and as a coastal vacation spot, it lacks the whitewashed Mediterranean charm of countless destinations further [...]
