Discovering The Greek Islands
Picturesque Islands
– Discovering the Greek Islands – Greece & the Greek Islands are known for 3 things: ancient civilization, amazing landscapes and high developed tourism. Really beloved by people, Greece is so rich in culture and beauty that it never seems to be completely explored, no matter how many times you visit it. After all, this is one of the reasons that brought it on the list with the top 20 tourist destinations worldwide. It is all about Greece, from nature to locals, that makes people come back to this wonderful land every summer. Traveling to Greece and the islands has become a must activity according to the modern lifestyle. Over the last decades, it has always been visited by jet setters, including politicians, musicians, actors, artists and other celebrities with a significant contribution to the popularity of Greece.
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Pélekas, Corfu
Pélekas is a picturesque village of bougainvillea-covered stone houses, olive groves and vineyards, with traditional tavern- as and small hotels, that has resisted mass tourism. Sitting on a hill overlooking unspoiled sandy beaches, it is known for its breathtaking sunsets.
Anogí, Itháki
A traditional village of olive trees and stone walls, Anogí is around 500 m (1,640 ft) above sea level, with great views. One of Itháki’s most remote and old est communities, it has its origins in medieval times. The people observe old customs and speak a distinct dialect.
Greece is a mountainous peninsula located on the eastern side of the Mediterranean Sea. With a total area of 130,800 km2, the country is surrounded by sea from three sides. The northern side borders with other Balkan countries. Due to the numerous islands, in the Aegean and the Ionian Sea, Greece has the longest coastline in Europe and the fifth longest coastline in the world. The country has a population of about 11 million people, while 4 of them live in Athens, the country’s capital. The largest cities after Athens are Thessaloniki and Patras.
Fiskárdo, Kefalloniá
This quintessential picture- postcard village miraculously survived the great earthquake of 1953 and retains many original Venetian buildings. Painted in soft pastel shades, the houses that were once the homes of merchants line its yacht-filled harbour. Most now host tavernas, restaurants and shops.
Lagopóda, Zákynthos
One of the mountain villages on Zákynthos, sleepy Lagopoda offers a rare glimpse into how the people of Zákynthos have lived for centuries. It is character ized by its cobbled alleyways, stone houses with vine-covered court yards and its pretty church.
The hot sun, the relaxing beaches, the marvelous nature, the rich culture and the warm hospitality will charm you from the first step into the country. There are so many islands and mainland resorts in Greece that it could take you years and years to explore the entire country. Take a look at the Greek destinations by popularity. Greece is a wonderful place to visit all year round and gives amazing chances for trips off the beaten track.Sandy or pebbled, organized or secluded, beaches in Greece are ideal for all tastes. Most impressive beaches are found in the Cyclades and the Ionian islands, such as Myrtos Beach in Kefalonia, Navagio Beach in Zakynthos, Porto Katsiki Beach in Lefkada and Super Paradise Beach in Mykonos. Related: Discovering The Greek Islands
Imerovígli, Santoríni
With dazzling white and blue square houses and blue-domed churches descending down the hillside to the bay, Imerovígli is a typical Santoríni village. Facing west, over the flooded caldera, its sunsets are a photographer’s dream .
Kontiás, Límnos
Kontiás is one of the most charming villages on the island. Its architecture reflects Venetian, Byzantine and Ottoman influences. Surrounded by pine forest, it has some glorious beaches. Kontiás is the seat of the municipality. Every year, the beached in Greece are rated among the most beautiful and clean beaches worldwide. Apart from its beaches, Greece is also known for its traditional and picturesque villages. The villages have different architectural styles depending on their geographical location. For example, villages in Cyclades are famous for the sugar-white houses, villages in Dodecanese have a Medieval style, villages in the mainland have more earthy colors while most of the cities offer a wide variety of beautiful Neoclassical buildings. Related: Discovering The Greek Islands
Greece proposes many events especially in the summer. The famous Greek festivals include various cultural events at venues in Athens and drama performances at the Ancient Theater of Epidaurus. Also particularly popular during the summer are the “panigyria”, which are actually religious celebrations followed by traditional dancing and traditional food.
Asfendioú Villages, Kos
This cluster of villages on the slopes of Mount Dikéos, comprising Ziá (Evangelístria), Ágios Dimítrios, Asómatos and Lagoúdi, is surroun ded by forest and springs. The villages retain their old charm with stone houses and Byzantine churches.
Pýrgos, Tínos
Houses, fountains, churches and public buildings sculpted from white marble give this village a distinct beauty. Marble has been used here for centuries, making it the birthplace of many great sculptors and home of the Tínos School of Fine Arts.
Oía, Santoríni
A popular holiday spot, Oía is a lovely village of blue-domed churches, white houses and tiny alleyways huddled on the hillside overlooking the volcano. It has many tavernas, gift shops, a maritime museum and the remains of a Venetian fortress.
Náoussa, Páros
Considered one of the prettiest villages in the Cyclades, this small fishing port is characterized by white houses, chapels, a bust ling harbour and tiny lanes. Despite development, it has not lost its traditional charm.
