The GREEK ISLANDS - Tourist information for travellers and and holiday people.

If you don't love Greece you don't know life ...

Greek coasts

The Greek coast has a total length of approximately 16,000 km. Half of this length includes the thousands of Greek islands scattered through the Greek seas, while the rest extends along the mainland. The Greek shores are world-famous and exceedingly popular because they are known for their crystal clean and clear waters, as well as for their unique diversity. The visitor has the opportunity to enjoy beaches stretching along over many kilometers, sheltered bays and coves, golden stretches of sand with dunes, pebble beaches, coastal caves with steep rocks and dark sand typical of volcanic soil. In 2007, 428 beaches and 5 marinas in Greece were awarded the “Blue Flag”, a figure that places the country in second place among 49 other countries.

Most of the thousands of Greek coasts are freely accessible and you can easily discover and enjoy them. There are also many organized beaches in the country, with the necessary infrastructure providing high-quality services (umbrellas, reclining chairs, change booths, cafes, bar-restaurants etc), where, apart from swimming, you can enjoy water sports (water skiing, windsurfing, diving, etc) as well as other means of having fun in the water, such as the parasailing, “inner tubes”, “bananas”, wakeboard, jet ski, etc. All organized beaches also have manned lifeguard towers, ensuring safe swimming in the area.

Agrotourism

In recent years there has been an increased demand for agrotourism (rural tourism), as a mild form of sustainable tourist development and multi-activity in the agricultural sector, especially by demanding tourists who are not satisfied with conventional forms of tourism and who are therefore seeking alternative experiences.

Agrotourism offers the visitor an opportunity to acquaint himself with agricultural areas, agricultural and rual activities, local products, traditional cuisine and the daily lives of the local inhabitants, cultural elements and the authentic chracteristics of each region, while showing respect for the environment and tradition. Other than for entertainment purposes, agrotourism also brings the visitor closer to nature and rural activities, which the visitor can then participate in and experience the joys of touring, learning and discovering.

At the same time it mobilizes the productive, cultural and developmental forces of an area, thus contributing in this manner to the sustainable environmental, economic and social development of the rural area..Many businesses - throughout the country offer you the opportunity to enjoy the unique advantages of the Greek countryside through special argotourism programs. These businesses are classified in the following categories:

• outlets / exhibitions of agrotourist products
• agrotourist catering and recreation centers
• travel agencies that organize and implement programs offering outdoor activities and excusions of ecotourism and cultural interests
• farms
• businesses producing traditional products
• popular art workshops

Wineries

Greece, the renowned birthplace of Dionysos, the god of wine, has the longest wine production and consumption history in the world, as well as the richest heritage. Greek wine has been produced for more than 4,000 years. Wine culture – the consumption of wine as a social event and its sophisticated appreciation was developed for the first time by the Ancient Greeks. There is clear evidence that in Ancient Athens it was known that the shape of the cup affected the taste of wine. Today Greece plays a major role in the international wine culture and industry. Through better understanding of the physiology of the vine, matching site and grape variety and attention to detail, Greek wine producers have realized the potential of further developing and improving local viniculture. Dozens of vineyards and wineries now allow visitors to wander through the magic world of the grapevines and the wine, learn the traditional and modern methods of wine-making and to taste select Greek wines, together with traditional tastes.

Glossary of the main Greek grape varieties

Agiorgitiko
King of the red grapes in the Peloponnese, Agiorgitiko is cultivated in Nemea. It produces wines that are deep red in color, with a pronounced gooseberry and blackberry flavor, and a rich, mature, velvety, luscious texture. The soft new Agiorgitiko wines are fruit-forward and are enjoyed at an early age. However, there is a potential for long-term cellaring (5-10 years).

Assyrtiko
Assyrtiko is the noblest white variety found in Greek vineyards, and its cultivation is centered in the Cyclades. However, it has successfully migrated to Chalkidiki, Epanomi, Drama and the Pangeo Mountain in Northern Greece, as well as to the Peloponnese. It maintains its high acidity even in full ripeness. Its wines are rich and refreshing with crispy acidity and excellent minerality. The aromas of the wine remind us of citrus, lemon blossoms, orange peel and grapefruit.

Athiri
This is another white grape found on the islands in the Southern Aegean and in Chalkidiki in Eastern Macedonia. The wine is characterized by a mild aroma of citrus and yellow fruits.

Debina
A white variety from Epirus, with its cultivation centered in Zitsa, in the Ioannina Prefecture. Its wines place emphasis on fruit. They are characterized by their refreshing acidity. Debina has the potential to produce effervescent wines.

Liatiko
An exclusive Cretan grape, Liatiko is considered to be one of the oldest Greek varieties. It matures in July, hence its name, which is an abridement of “Juliatiko”. Liatiko is a variety with high alcohol potential that best demonstrates its qualities when it is sufficiently ripe.

Limnio
Limnio is an ancient red grape variety from the island of Limnos. References have been made to it by Aristotle and other ancient writers.Today it is cultivated not only on Limnos, but also in Chalkidiki and generally in Northern Greece, where it produces a superb red robust wine, with the exotic fragrance of the violets after a rainfall and the aroma of cherries.

Malagousia
This subtle Greek white variety is possibly related to the renowned “Malvasia” wine dating back to the Middle-Ages. It was rescued from obscurity thanks to the foresight of certain Greek producers who believed in the wine. The accolades of the critics and the enthusiastic response of the consumers did more than justify their acumen.The Malagousia wines have a strong bouquet and a musk aroma, while leaving a mild peppery taste in the mouth.Savvatiano: A variety from Mainland Greece, with its cultivation centered in the Attica region. It produces wines with the aromas of yellow fruit and low acidity.

Kotsifali
A red Cretan grape, Kotsifali produces wines noted for their wonderfully juicy taste, their bright red color and a good grip on the palate. It is usually blended with Mantilaria, another island red grape.

Mountains

Greece is primarily a mountainous country with more than 300 larger or smaller mountains. The most significant Greek mountain axis is the Pindus Mountain range, forming the “backbone” of Mainland Greece, which extends naturally to the mountains in the Peloponnese and Crete. In addition, the majority of the islands are in fact the mountain peaks of the now submerged landmass of Aegeis, which at one time linked Mainland Greece with Asia Minor.

The highest mountain in the country is Mount Olympus in Macedonia -known from Greek mythology as the home of the gods- reaching a height of 2,917 m (Mytikas peak), while about 40 mountain ranges throughout the country exceed elevations of 2,000 m.

The Greek mountains are characterized by their diversity, rare scenery and unique forests, some of which rank among the oldest natural wooded lands in Europe. Due to the unsurpassable rich flora and fauna, many are protected as National Parks, while at the same time the infrastructure that was developed over the last few decades has created ideal destinations for those daring tourists who want to enjoy winter and mountain activities.

Archaeological Sites

A dense grid of archaeological sites covers the entire surface of Greece.  After the foundation of the new Hellenic state, increased interest was expressed for the promotion of our national heritage.  Both the Greek Archaeological Service and foreign archaeological schools (French Archaeological School, German Archaeological Institute) started excavations as early as the second half of the 19th century.  At that time of course interest was focused mainly on the sites of the classical period.  Thus, expeditions of the foreign archaeological schools excavated important archaeological sites already known (for example, the French Archaeological School at Delphi and Delos, the German Archaeological Institute at Olympia).  On the Greek side, pioneering work was done by Chr. Tsoundas, the Ephor of Antiquities, who unearthed many sites of prehistoric and early historic times during his excavations in Mycenae (palace, tholos and chamber tombs), on the Cyclades and in Thessaly (Neolithic citadels of Dimini and Sesklo).

Gradually, the interest of the archaeologists turned also to other periods of Greek civilisation and from the beginning of the 20th century excavations started at sites dating from prehistoric, early historic, Roman and Byzantine times.  Despite the activity developed during the Interwar period, it was only after the end of World War II that excavations made essential progress and the first organised archaeological sites were set up after the appropriate maintenance and restoration works had been completed. 

The organised and systematic archaeological activity during the second half of the 20th century promoted the archaeological sites, which could now be visited by the public and cover the period from the Palaeolithic era to more recent times. The archaeological sites are supervised by the Ministry of Culture via the Ephorates of the Archaeological Service in each region.  Opening hours vary, depending on whether it is winter or summer, and you need to purchase tickets in order to enter.  

Destinations

Greece is much more than we were taught at school and than we have seen in the photos with beautiful sunsets and golden sandy beaches.

In Greece, you are in a crossroad of colors and cultures; you feel the strength of History and the warmth of the southern extremity of Europe and you discover the evolutionary course of thought, influence and experience.You are in a country with a uniquely affluent historical past, whose people, however, do not rest on their laurels and are not stuck in that past. You are in a country that, though statistically small, is huge in its diversity. You see landscapes that have given thousands of postcard images but remain incredibly vivid and of unrivalled beauty.

Greece is a country of beautiful contradictions, a constant journey in time, from the present to the past and back again. Walk through the olive groves, through archaeological sites; move to clusters of islands, go through beaches and mountains and explore the breathtaking scenery.

In Greece the succession of images is not just our imagination; it is a sheer reality.

Main cities

Greece is the ideal place for city tourism. Discovering the soul of a Greek city is much more than a quick tour around its monuments and sightseeing. Greek cities are full of possibilities, easily accessible and visitor friendly around the year, offering a great sum of modern facilities and choices. Greek cities combine excellent conference facilities with unique museums, archaeological sites, shopping and nightlife.

Think of the perfect city break. And then visit a Greek city, where it will be planned and organized for you!!
A walk around the old neighbourhoods reveals the coexistence of different eras in cities’ heart. Old mansions, many of them well-preserved, luxurious department stores and small intimate shops, fancy restaurants and traditional taverns are located one next to another. All have their place here!

The Greek spirit, a force of creativity and renewal throughout Greece’s long history, has yet again transformed the urban landscape.Greece is a unique destination that combines business and pleasure in the best possible way! It is one of the most charismatic locations in terms of natural beauty, with mild climate conditions, a combination of landscapes from sea to mountains and appropriate for vacation and business activities throughout the year!

Luxurious hotels with services that combine entertainment, leisure areas and excellent conference facilities, constitute yet another powerful incentive for someone to enjoy a magnificent city break or even close a business deal in Greece!Even museums can wonderfully combine a tour to an archaeological site with a philosophical conference, thus demonstrating the magnificence of ancient civilization through modern culture!
Moreover, there are innovative scientific centers and exhibition areas that can accommodate small or large scale conference events, with state-of-the-art technical specifications including audiovisual systems, teleconference means, auxiliary dining areas, and by utilizing specialized staff such as interpreters and translators.

Greece is now dynamically entering the city tourism sector on the global map.

The 2004 Athens Olympic Games, the widely acknowledged “unforgettable, dream games” left a crucial legacy to city of Athens:  transport infrastructure of a new era, green parks and squares, world-class sports facilities, and a gleaming, Calatrava-inspired Olympic Sports Complex. The Olympic cities, Thessaloniki, Patras, Heraklion, and Volos revamped, refurbished, cleaned up.

Some of the oldest European civilizations developed on the Greek islands (Cycladic, Minoan civilizations, etc.), so therefore the islands have unique archeological sites, a distinctive architectural heritage and the fascinating local traditions of a centuries-old and multifaceted civilization. Moreover, 58.5% of the country’s hotel units and 62.6% of hotel beds are found on the islands (2003 data). This data, in conjunction with ideal climate, safe Greek waters and small distances between ports and coasts, have made the Greek islands extremely popular among Greek and foreign visitors.

Most of the islands are found in the Aegean Sea and are divided into seven groups (from north to south):

• The Northeastern Aegean Islands: Agios Efstratios, Thasos, Ikaria, Lesbos, Limnos, Inouses, Samos, Samothrace, Chios, Psara.
• The Sporades Alonissos, Skiathos, Skopelos, Skyros
• Evia
• Islands of Argosaronic: Angistri, Aegena, Methana, Poros, Salamina, Spetses, Hydra.
• The Cyclades A group of 56 islands, with the most important being Amorgos, Anafi, Andros, Antiparos, Delos, Ios, Kea, Kimolos, Kythnos, Milos, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Santorini, Serifos, Sikinos, Sifnos, Syros, Tinos, Folegandros, as well as the “Minor Cyclades” comprising Donousa, Irakleia, Koufonisia and Schinousa.
• The DodecaneseAstypalaia, Kalymnos, Karpathos, Kasos, Kastelorizo, Kos, Lipsi, Leros, Nisyros, Patmos, Rhodes, Symi, Tilos, Chalki.
• Crete

The Ionian Sea has only one island complex:

• The Ionian Islands Zakynthos, Ithaca, Corfu, Kefallonia, Lefkada, Paxi, and Kythira which is situated opposite the southern Peloponnese (Lakonia), the biggest islands in Ionian Sea,constitute the Eptanissa.

Antipaxi, Ereikoussa, Kalamos, Kastos, Mathraki, Meganissi, Othoni, Skorpios, Strofades are smaller islands in Ionian Sea.

The islands of Gavdos (situated south of Crete), Elafonissos (in the Gulf of Laconia) and Trizonis (in the Gulf of Corinth), do not forming a group but are still of unparalleled natural beauty.

Information on this Greek island web site is for the Greek people and you can get more Greek travel information from:
Visit Greece.com (Official site for the Greek islands) and  www.gnto.co.uk

HOLIDAYS to the Greek islands: Travellinkco-ordinators.co.uk and Travellinkco-ordinators.com (International)

 

Greek islands - the night clubs

Most visitors arriving in Greece fantasize that it is a country of revelry that never sleeps – and not without reason. Greece is famous for its especially intense and multifaceted nightlife, which is not restricted to the weekends; the weekdays are just as hectic. Restrictions found in other countries do not exist here. Greeks, especially in spring and in summer usually go out to their night-time entertainment just before midnight, and the fun lasts until the early hours of the morning. Of course there are bars and bar-restaurants that open earlier, but here again you will not meet any habitués before 10 in the evening.

There are many suggestions on having a good time, satisfying all tastes and preferences, which increases year by year by adopting whatever is “new” from abroad, but the country itself continues to “lead the pack” in entertainment. A typical Greek night in Athens is long and opulent, so wear your blue jeans or your tux, put on your high heels and let yourself enjoy the experience of Greek carousing!

Night clubs can be found everywhere and remain open until six or seven in the morning. They also offer a wild range of music and some of them, mostly in Athens, guest famous DJs from the entire world. A special care of the decoration gives a unique atmosphere to each club.

The alcohol is abundant and the thirst for fun and party wins  everyone over, even the people who just went 'for a look'
A lot of places playing live Greek traditional music can be found all over Greece; it is where a lot of Greeks go to enjoy their night, eat, drink and mostly dance all the Greek traditional dances, accompanied by the sound of the famous “bouzouki”. Everybody laughs, dances, sings and throws flowers: it is a delirious and unique experience to live.

Personal Note:

Thanks to all the people of Greece - I have enjoyed every holiday in the Greek Islands...
and really enjoyed 'working' in Ithaca/ Kefalonia SEE: Ionian islands on this site

Nigel Simpson - owner Travel link co-ordinators / Local people Worldwide

This website is from:

Travel Link Coordinators

Part of the friendly group ...