Τετάρτη 25 Αυγούστου 2010

Remvi hotel, Galissas , Syros Island


Remvi is situated in Galissas, just a short walk from the sandy beach. It offers modern rooms with balconies and there is free Wi-Fi in public areas.

The rooms are air-conditioned and have en suite bathroom facilities and a refrigerator. Most of the balconies look out to Remvi's pool and across to the bay.

There is a lovely outdoor pool and a pool bar. Guests can also make use of free private parking facilities.

Remvi is surrounded by restaurants and mini markets. Syros Port and airport are just 8 km away.

Hotel Rooms: 19.

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Archaeologists cite discovery of royal residence on Ithaca


Greek archaeologists believe they have found the remains of a royal residence of pre-Classical Ithaca , with links to legendary Odysseus (Ulysses) inevitably coming to mind. Excavations by a University of Ioannina team of archaeologists are centred on the Aghios Athanassios site of Ithaca , a small isle in the Ionian Sea - west of mainland Greece - that has long been associated with Homeric hero Odysseus and the epic Odyssey.

"According to evidence so far, which is extremely significant, and taking under consideration scientific reservations, we believe we are before the palace of Odysseus and Penelope; the only one of the Homeric-era palaces that has not yet been discovered," professor Thanassis Papadopoulos told reporters during a briefing last week.

To date, the dig has uncovered remains of a three-storey building with an interior staircase cut into the side of sheer rock. Remnants of Mycenaean-era pottery were also found, along with a fountain dated to the 13 century BC. Similar fountains have been unearthed at the related sites of the acropolis of Mycenae and Tiryns , in southeast mainland Greece , and specifically in the Argolida plain in the NE Peloponnese.

source: ana-mpa.gr

Athens mayor's reaction to gov't initiative to safeguard city's historic centre


Athens Mayor Nikitas Kaklamanis on Wednesday responded to statements made a day earlier by Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou during an informal ministerial Cabinet meeting concerning Athens’ historic centre:

“The government in power is exclusively responsible for cracking down on crime and for instilling a sense of security in the citizens of our cities. I am pleased that, after many months, the prime minister is dealing with the problem that exists in Athens’ historic centre and has adopted all of the City of Athens’ proposals in full, just as they were submitted several months ago to the competent ministries and featured in a volume ... Two points mentioned by the prime minister made a particular impression on me," he said, adding:

"Firstly, that he fully agreed with me on the need for the Organisation Against Drugs drug rehabilitation units to be relocated away from the city’s historic centre - all of them had been established during PASOK government terms - ignoring the fact that the competent deputy minister, Ms (Fofi) Gennimata, has a totally different point of view from his.

"And the second element that made an impression on me is that I did not hear a word about the substantive safeguarding of Greece’s borders, which would ensure that our country no longer constitutes a ‘borderless state’, where anyone can enter and leave, for whatever reason they like.”

source: ana-mpa.gr

Τρίτη 24 Αυγούστου 2010

Kinissi Palace, Egnatia, Thessaloniki


Located in the heart of the city's business district, this hotel is listed as a historic monument by the Ministry of Culture and preserves its distinctive original decorative features.

Kinissi Palace Hotel is delighted to welcome all guests with professional Greek hospitality. The hotel has business rooms for small groups and a conference rooms for up to 100 delegates. The 2 fully equipped conference rooms on the mezzanine level can be set up to accommodate a variety of types of event.

The hotel offers delicious Greek breakfast. The ground floor coffee shop looks out onto the bustling Egnatia Street and serves drinks and snacks from morning until late at night. The hotel also has health and well being facilities that include Turkish baths, saunas, hydro-massage pool and massage service.

Hotel Rooms: 52.

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A royal wedding on the island of Spetses


The Greek summer ends with the aristocratic wedding of Nicholas Gliksburg, son of the last Greek King Constantine, who is getting married on the island of Spetses to sweetheart fiancée Tatiana Blatnik. After a six-years relationship the couple got engaged at the end of last year and set the date for their wedding to be August 25th. They have chosen as their godfathers the older brother of the Prince Pavlos, Tatiana's brother Boris, as well as their close friend the Greek businessman and one of the owners of the football team AEK Nasos Tanopoulos. Tatiana herself will adopt the Orthodox faith before the ceremony.

And because small details are the most sweet, I will tell you that the bride's engagement ring has a sapphire stone, which was given to Nikolaos by his mother Anne-Marie, who in turn received it from her parents the Danish King Frederick IX and Queen Ingrid.

And because we are talking about a royal wedding the guests invited to the ceremony for which there are disputes whether it would be wasteful and lavish, or in close family circle, are the groom's aunt the Spanish Queen Sofia, together with the crown prince Philip, Prince Charles along with his two sons William and Harry, the cousin of the groom on his mother’s side, who is Prince of Denmark, the Queen of Netherlands Beatrix as well as the Sheikh of Dubai and some members of the International Olympic Committee.

The police and the port authorities, of the small island near Athens are in a quandary about what security measures to undertake, although all the guests invited will bring a whole 'army' of personal security. Since last week, police and port security have begun to draw up plans for the security of the island and of Porto Heli Resort as the guests will be accommodated in two hotels and luxury villas on the island, but also on the opposite bank, which is located in the mainland part of Greece. However during the meeting of the police with the port authorities, it appeared that Constantine has not yet informed which of the distinguished guests have confirmed their presence so the people responsible for the security only pointed the places where they will anchor their boats and the necessary teams of divers that will guard them.

The relationship of Nikolaos and Tatiana started in 2003 when they met during a ski vacation in the Swiss resort Gstaad through mutual friends. Nikolaos says that when he proposed Tatiana to marry him, she was completely surprised and this moment has been filled with strong emotions for both of them. In turn, Tatiana shares that Nikolaos likes her cooking skills and this is what has kept them together for so long. Tatiana is studying Greek and loves Greece and it was even her who offered to make their wedding in the country. After the ceremony, the two of them will go to London, where they live and where Tatiana is working in the field of public relations for a famous fashion house.

Tatiana Blatnik was born in Venezuela in 1980 and is a child of a Slovenian father and German mother - granddaughter of a Countess. Her family moved to Switzerland, when Tatiana was at the age of three, and years later she goes to study in university in the U.S.A. Since 2006, Tatiana is working in the office of the fashion designer Diane von Fyurstenberg and as she says herself, "she does a little bit of everything: organizing events, talking to the press, traveling the world together with Diane."

source: grreporter.info

Agistri is ideal for people who own their own boat...

We sail around the island of Agistri on a sea taxi, by Halikiada beach, the picturesque little port of Aponisos, the sea caves, Dorousa isle, Dragonera beach and the old boat yard of Agistri.


source: visitgreece.gr

US 'Dream Team' in Athens


Los Angeles Lakers star Lamar Odom signs autographs on Tuesday in front of the Hellenic Parliament and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Athens' central Syntagma Square.

Odom along with the rest of the US "Dream Team" players visited the Greek capital's main square, where they were greeted by teen players from Panathinaikos Athens coach Zeljko Obradovic's youth academies and by officials from the tourism ministry and the Greek basketball federation.

Players signed numerous autographs for gathered tourists at the popular site and were also photographed with members of the elite Evzone presidential guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

source: ana-mpa.gr

Δευτέρα 23 Αυγούστου 2010

Anastasios Sevasti Hotel 3*,Mykonos City, Mykonos Island


Anastasios Sevasti is a hotel set in a quite hillside location with sublime views of Mykonos Town and the Aegean.

Built in the charming Mykonian architectural style, this hotel has much to offer to its guests.

You can take a dip in the hotel's warm pool, overlooking the sea of the south coast beach. Otherwise take a 10-minute walk to the town centre or visit the ruins and see the cultural sites of Mykonos.

Anastasios Sevasti has easy and convenient access to most interest points, such as beaches, port/airport and tourist attractions.

Guests can enjoy privacy and peace, while taking in all that Mykonos Island has to offer.

Hotel Rooms: 42.

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Archaeological sites open for August full moon


More than 90 archaeological sites around the country will remain open on Tuesday during the evening hours on the occasion of August's full moon, the last of the summer.

The New Acropolis Museum, the Acropolis itself, the Cape Sounion site and the National Archaeological Museum in downtown Athens will remain open to the public, a more-or-less summer tradition over the past few years that was, nevertheless, threatened with cancellation this year to a disagreement between the relevant culture ministry and staff at the archaeological sites over extra pay.

The difference was finally settled with a compromise, allowing for the sites to remain open on Tuesday night.

According to the union representing archaeological sites' guards, extra overtime pay will be donated to the children's advocacy NGO "Hamogelo tou Pediou" (A Child's Smile).

Caption: A file photo dated Thursday, Aug. 6, 2009, shows a full moon illuminating the ancient Nemea archaeological site in the northeast Peloponnese during a classical music concert at the site. ANA-MPA / V. PSOMAS.

source: ana-mpa.gr

Ancient sports games for women recreated on Samos


Athletes and volunteers dressed as torch-bearers of antiquity participate in one of several events recreating an ancient festival in honour of the mythical goddess Hera (Heraion), which was held at the port of Pythagorion , on the eastern Aegean island of Samos on Friday 20 August 2010.

The ancient Heraia festival served as a sports event for women, and dates back to 200 BC. The games were organised every four years.

Female athletes would take part in a night race, following an ancient path, beginning from Hera's temple and finishing at the port, where the lightning of the flame took place.

source: ana-mpa.gr

Κυριακή 22 Αυγούστου 2010

Karpathos Mariza

Mariza is a short 3d animated film created back in 2008 for the MA of Animation course I took at University of Technology Sydney.

Premise: An old fisherman faces his donkeys obstinacy.



Corfu, Heptanese - Kanoni and Pontikonisi

We set out from Kanoni, a point of reference on the island of Corfu, just 3 kilometers outside the homonymous town. From Kanoni we walk down to the isle of Vlacherna, crossing the pedestrian walkway. We visited the Church of the Holy Mother of Vlacherna, named after the icon found by a nun at sea. Afterwards we sail to the green isle of Pontikonisi to visit the chapel dedicated to the Pantokrator. It is only a three minute trip at sea! Legend has it that this is where Odysseus ship turned to stone.


source: visitgreece.gr

Airport traffic back to normal


Flights to and from Athens' Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport as well as to other airports around Greece were normalised by early in the afternoon on Sunday following a breakdown hours in earlier in the communications system connecting flight control towers in the country.

A glitch was repaired before 10:30 a.m. local time in the main communications system.

source: ana-mpa.gr

German hiker found safe on Crete mountain


A 19-year-old German hiker was found safe and well by a rescue team just after midnight on Saturday after getting lost on the southern slopes of Mt. Psyloriti on Crete earlier in the afternoon. The teen had earlier called his father via cellphone, with the latter contacting police in the area.

source: ana-mpa.gr

Adopt Aristotle’s motto: “ The energy of the mind is the essence of life”, and visit Greece.


The ancient Greek writers and philosophers praised the thermal springs, where the Nymphs offered the divine gifts of health, wellbeing, strength, and spirit invigoration.

The use of baths in Greece began in 1500 BC. Systematic knowledge of the hydrotherapeutic art was first developed by Hippocrates (in Greek: Hippokrátēs), the Western father of medicine. Throughout the evolution of spa therapy, the belief that the therapeutic qualities of waters revitalise our body, soothe our soul, and pamper our senses persisted down the centuries.
Natural therapeutic springs are found in numerous places all over Greece. Their beneficial action offers you the opportunity to receive treatment for chronic conditions in a natural way, whereas the healing properties of seawater, seaweed, or sea mud help you conquer stress and anxiety, and improve your mental performance.
You can experience and embrace all these therapies and products in first-class facilities, which include parks, gardens, rivers, lakes, clinics, therapy centers, therapy-related accommodation, and controlled diet under the supervision of medical specialists.
Like the ancient Greek writers, become the narrator of your own story; share with the rest of the world your healing experience in Greece, surrounded by our country’s colourful landscape, seaside scenery, and mesmerized by our ancient history and culture.

Adopt Aristotle’s motto: “ The energy of the mind is the essence of life”, and visit Greece.

source: visitgreece.gr

Astromeria - Pelio


Ideally located in the traditional village of Makrirachi, Astromeria Hotel offers magnificent views to the Centaurs Mountain, Pelion and the Aegean Sea.

Enjoy a relaxing holiday with breakfast in your room. Treat yourself to a drink from the pool bar or soak up the sun on your private balcony.

Throughout the day your hosts are on hand to prepare light meals and snacks. During winter, enjoy a hot drink around the cosy fireplace.

Astromeria's bar offers a great selection of Greek wines in a peaceful and modern setting. Here, you can also enjoy a range of fun board games and free wireless internet.

Situated just 3 km from the beautiful seashores of Pelion and close to 8 traditional churches, Astromeria hotel is an excellent base from which to explore Pelion.

Hotel Rooms: 12.

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Σάββατο 21 Αυγούστου 2010

Zante Palace, Akrotiri, Zakynthos (Zante)


Just 4km from Zante’s main town, Zante Palace is set in a beautiful tree-filled landscape in Tsilivi, only 150 metres from the famous sandy beach of Tsilivi.

Surrounded by tree covered hills, the spacious studios and apartments have private balconies facing the sea. Each is comfortably furnished and has air conditioning, kitchenette, fridge and private bathroom.

Within a short walking distance, guests find many seaside fish taverns. Super markets and bars are also within easy reach.

At the hotel’s lounge area guests can relax with a drink from the bar or watch satellite TV. Free Wi-Fi internet is offered throughout the hotel.

Hotel Rooms: 58.

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Hotel Atlantis - Corfu


Hotel Atlantis is located just opposite the new port in Corfu Town. It features a restaurant, rooms with private balconies and sea views, and offers free Wi-Fi.

All guest rooms at Atlantis are air-conditioned and include satellite TV and en suite bathroom. In-room breakfast is available.

Guests can enjoy the scenic views from their balconies or relax at the beach, which is only one kilometre away.

Hotel Atlantis has a bar and a restaurant and a 24-hour front desk service.

Atlantis Hotel is situated next to the commercial and historical centre of Corfu, with easy access to several dining and entertainment options. Ioannis Kapodistrias Airport is 3 km away.

Hotel Rooms: 61.

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Hotel Akti - Palio - Kavala


Akti hotel is situated directly on the sandy beach of Palio, at a distance of 5 km from the city of Kavala. It provides deck chairs and umbrellas on the beach.

The hotel offers 11 rooms equipped with air conditioning and satellite TV. Each comes with balcony with views of the sea.

The hotel’s beach bar Il Primo offers cold drinks and refreshments.

A bakery and a supermarket are available at a short distance from the hotel. Palio also offers a good variety of traditional restaurants.

Hotel Rooms: 11.

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Knossos - Crete

Knossos (alternative spellings Knossus, Cnossus, Greek Κνωσός pronounced [knoˈsos]), also known as Labyrinth, or Knossos Palace, is the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete and probably the ceremonial and political centre of the Minoan civilization and culture. The palace appears as a maze of workrooms, living spaces, and store rooms close to a central square. Detailed images of Cretan life in the late Bronze Age are provided by images on the walls of this palace. It is also a tourist destination today, as it is near the main city of Heraklion and has been substantially restored by archaeologist Arthur Evans.

The city of Knossos remained important through the Classical and Roman periods, but its population shifted to the new town of Handaq (modern Heraklion) during the 9th century AD. By the 13th century, it was called Makryteikhos 'Long Wall'; the bishops of Gortyn continued to call themselves Bishops of Knossos until the 19th century. Today, the name is used only for the archaeological site situated in the suburbs of Heraklion.































Botsis Guest House - Hydra Island - Greece


Botsis Guest House is located just 70 metres away from the Hydra Island Harbour. It offers spacious and modern rooms that boast private balconies and air conditioning.

For convenience, the Guest House Botsis provides a fully equipped kitchen for all guests to use. Restaurants and bars are also less than 5 minutes’ walk from the hotel.

The Botsis Guest House Hydra features free Wi-Fi throughout the entire hotel. Guests have free access to personal computers in the lobby.

Hotel Rooms: 7. Only 3 rooms left .

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Παρασκευή 20 Αυγούστου 2010

Guess Where?


RETHYMNO - CRETE

Kristalli Hotel Apartments - CRETE


Kristalli Apartments offers modern and stylish accommodation in walking distance from the sea and a 10-minute walk from the bars and clubs of Malia.

Local amenities including a supermarket and bakery are located close to the Kristalli Apartments. In the evening, enjoy a short walk to Malias lively centre.

Relax on the terrace by the clean and tidy pool, play a game of billiards, and make use of the free wireless internet, available in all public areas.

Hotel Rooms: 45.

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Koufonisi, a true paradise on earth...

We set out from the port of Pano Koufonisi on foot to the beaches surrounding the island. We go by Italida, Pisina, the beach called Pori, the largest on the island and we reach Gala.



source: visitgreece.gr

Moscow kids hosted by Athens


Forty-six children from wildfire-ravaged areas around Moscow will be hosted for eight days at the municipality of Athens children's summer camp in the east Attica site of Aghios Andreas, following an initiative by Athens Mayor Nikitas Kaklamanis.

The children, aged 7 to 12 years, will be hosted at the municipality's summer camp until the end of August.

source: ana-mpa.gr

Πέμπτη 19 Αυγούστου 2010

Discover the secret beauty of northern Skiathos...


Setting out from the old port on the island of Skiathos, we sail on a traditional khaik to discover the beauty of the northern part of the island. We go by Megas Gialos, an area often referred to in the novels of our great, late author, Alexandros Papadiamantis. We go on to the green blue water of Lalaria beach, accessible by boat only.

source: visitgreece.gr

Manos Small World - Thira - Santorini Island


This hotel has a peaceful setting by the edge of the caldera and offers a panoramic view of the crystal-clear sea, with a short walk to the center of Fira.

Manos Small World is situated in a quiet location by the coast. It is also in the outskirts of Fira, which is the heart of Santorini. Fira is known for its unique beauty and has a fairly dynamic night life. The town maintains is traditional Cycladic appeal, with white-washed houses, blue domed churches and narrow roads made of cobblestone.

Manos Hotel is perfect if you are looking for a romantic and peaceful setting. The hotel combines tradition and modernity elegantly, with a stunning view of the Mediterranean. Enjoy a relaxing holiday that will leave you refreshed and rejuvenated.

Hotel Rooms: 11.

Availability and rate

Loving nature while bathing in sunlight



Voluntourism is a trend in tourism that combines vacationing and volunteering, and has been considered as an alternative to the traditional vacation of pure leisure. More and more travellers from all around the world wish to visit a destination and help protect endangered species, or participate in animal welfare initiatives. In this way, tourism becomes a responsible activity which respects destinations’ natural habitats and wild life.
In Greece, there are now a wide variety of volunteer opportunities available in almost every local destination.

Become a volunteer and take part in the daily treatment of sea turtles (: caretta caretta) on the island of Zakynthos, where the first National Marine Park of turtles was established in 1999.

http://www.archelon.gr/

http://www.nmp-zak.org/

source: visitgreece.gr

The breathtaking 'Porto Katsiki' beach on Lefkada


The east coast section of the island is dotted with small resorts, the most notable being Nidri, and Nikiana and Perigiali to its north.

Nidri is set in a sheltered location with views across to the small islands of Skorpios (owned by the Onassis family) and Meganissi, as well as the Greek mainland.

Some 20 kilometers south of Nidri is the resort of Vasiliki, which features a windsurfing center.

The renowned beach of Porto Katsiki, one of the most famous beaches in Greece and Europe in general, is located on Lefkada's west coast. It was named Porto Katsiki (meaning Port of the Goat) because once only a goat could reach the area.

A much-photographed beach, Porto Katsiki lies at the botton of an arc of pale cliff that appears to have the clean lines of something designed by an architect rather than a natural landscape. It rises out of the water like a wedge, narrow at the center of the bay where there are only a few stairs to the sand, and then towering upwards at either end. As well as the white lines of the cliffs, the water is bright, bright blue and the cliffs have grassy topped fringes.

The unique view of the white cliff over the beach combined with the surrounding green of the area and the cyan water of the sea make this beach a "must visit" place for tourists. It is consistently rated Top European Beach of the Year.

source: ana-mpa.gr

Τετάρτη 18 Αυγούστου 2010

Cretaquarium - Θαλασσόκοσμος

This is where your experience exploring the Mediterranean sea world begins. Come face to face with hundreds of species and thousands of living organisms. Be fascinated by their behaviour as they reveal the wide variety of shapes, colors, habits and needs of their own world. Learn about them and reflect on what our common future may be.