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Many people associated Greece as being just a summer destination, but with its hidden treasures and diverse winter scenery, Greece is an amazing surprise for anyone lloking to explore its diversity all year around!

 

Here are a few of our favorite places to visit during the winter.

 

 

Lake Plastira is probably the most scenic lakes in Greece with exquisite surroundings, virgin nature, mountain villages, and fine monasteries and churches. You can limit your trip to the tour of Lake Plastira, however, if you are in the mood for an adventure and have a car that can take dirt roads or an SUV, it is definitively worth wandering through the rough dirt roads of Western Agrafa.

Known as a fashionable place in the winter months, visitors come from mostly Athens and Patra to enjoy a fun weekend at the ski resort. The natural scenery and old monasteries are also fun for all ages.

Zagorohoria 


@georgeeptr

This area never fails to awe its visitor with its majestic natural beauty, pine and fir forests, crystalline streams, and stunning scenery. Visitors can also see arched stone bridges, imposing mansions, and lovely old churches.

Imposing and charming, Kastoria is embellished with impressive lakefront mansions and Byzantine churches. Among the places you should definitely visit is the Petrified Forest, which dates back approximately 20 million years, Lake Orestiada, designated as a Monument of Natural Beauty, and last but not least the Cave of the Dragon with its beautiful stalactites and stalagmites. 


Trikala 


@dimitris_moutsopoulos

 

Just a breath away from Lake Plastira you will find the charming town of Trikala. The first thing you should do is take a walk through the ancient town, particularly in the Varousi and Old Manavika districts, where you will be transported to another era. Varousi is home to some gorgeous houses and the city's oldest churches.

 

Nothing stands in the way of the Evzones doing their diligent duty as the members of the Greek Presidential Guard. They have been serving their country since December 12, 1868. Even when it is cold, rainy and snowing the guards are responsible for guarding important sites such as the House of Parliament and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

The Evzones are like statues who are so precise from their uniforms to their routine. This is because they are trained to be able to march with their legs expanding to shoulder width and to stand motionless for over 100 hours a month.

The Evzones are allowed a coat when it gets cold, but regardless of the weather, they must stand at their posts and perform their duties in the snow, sleet or the cold!

To read this article in full, please visit: Greek Reporter

The international golf tournament Messinia Pro-Am will take place in Costa Navarino, the award-winning golf destination in Europe, from 21 – 24 February 2017. Professional and amateur golfers are rushing to ensure their participation in the tournament. Please see the teaser video here!

The 30 teams participating in the first tournament have been almost completed while registration will continue until January 20 2017.

Costa Navarino is renowned for being an ideal destination at any time of year and participants in the tournament are expected to enjoy the exceptional Messinian climate and mild winter in February.

Mr. Bernhard Langer, former two times US Masters Champion, Ryder Cup Captain and designer of The Dunes Course, Costa Navarino mentioned:

"Following the two recent awards that Costa Navarino received this year both by IAGTO and IGTM, it is super exciting that the 2017 season kicks off with the Messinian Pro-Am Golf Tournament! Launching the Messinia Pro-Am at a time that golf has once again become an Olympic sport for the first time since 1904, Costa Navarino proves its devotion and dedication to golf and golf tourism. A new tournament to discover and hopefully a well-established annual golf event in the near future, the Pro-Am presents a great opportunity to mingle among top golfers from around the globe, while play golf at a world-class golf destination of unprecedented natural beauty, historical and culinary legacy. I am sure that alongside the tournament, participants will experience a rich program of entertaining events, on top of the warm and genuine hospitality of the Messinians. This cannot be missed!”

The tournament will be held at both golf courses The Dunes Course and The Bay Course. In The Dunes Course, athletes will play golf amongst olive trees over 100 years old and enjoy stunning views of the Sellas River and the Ionian Sea. Similarly, in The Bay Course, athletes will follow a spectacular path among hills and olive groves overlooking the historic bay of Navarino. Costa Navarino has recently been recognised by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) and presented with the prestigious European Golf Resort of the Year 2017 award.

Each team will play a total of 54 holes, 18 holes per day, while the three best professional players and the three best teams will be awarded for their success. In addition, special awards will be given in both men and women’s categories.

Golfers’ prizes have been crafted by the company Vourakis, the official supporter of the first Messinia Pro Am. In addition, Loux, the largest Greek soft drinks and juices company will support Messinia Pro Am tournament as official sponsor highlighting its authentic flavors and Greek qualitative raw materials with the most effective way. AEGEAN Airlines, member of STAR ALLIANCE, the leading global aviation alliance will be the official airline partner of the event, while the company Kyvernitis Travel will also be an official supporter of the event.

Registration and participation forms for the 1st Messinia Pro Am continue for a few more days at the official page of the event.

For those who are interested in staying at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino and enjoy the full experience of the Messinia Pro Am 2017, special accommodation packages are available.

The 1st Messinia Pro Am will be held under the umbrella of the PGAs of Europe, the PGA of Greece, the Hellenic Golf Federation and the Hellenic Olympic Academy.

Website: messiniaproam.costanavarino.com

 

Photo Credit: The Dunes Course, @Costa Navarino 

With heavy snowfall, freezing temperatures. rainstorms and gusty winds blowing up to 10 Beaufort, Greeks will wave Goodbye to 2016.

According to National Meteorological Service (EMY) the icy weather front is expected to set foot in the country Wednesday, December 28th through Saturday, December 31st with heavy snowfalls even in the low lands, particularly in the east. Powerful winds will be blowing with intensity of 8 to 9 Beaufort, locally in the Aegean Sea with even 10 Beaufort. There will be a significant drop of temperature and frost.

Thursday to Saturday, Dec 29-31/2016: Snowfalls as on Wed but also in Athens and Attica, the Cyclades and Crete. On Friday Winds will reach up to 10 Beaufort locally in the Aegean Sea.

 

The coldest day is expected to be Friday, December 30th 2016, with the weather forecast to speak of temperatures of -14 or -16 degrees Celsius in some mountain areas.

The weather is expected to gradually improve as of Sunday, however low temperatures and frost will remain in mountain areas.

To read this article in full, please visit: Keep Talking Greece

Enter Borsalino Bar, an intriguing addition to Kolokotroni street serving fine spirits and cocktails with soul and jazz on the speakers. Inspired by the 1930s-set French gangster film of the same name, Borsalino's atmosphere and decor harken back to an era where men wore hats non-ironically. As a result, the cocktails you'll find here are smooth and sophisticated. Try the Borsalino Blues — the seductive libation of bourbon, port, banana, camomile and buttermilk will have you hooked. At Borsalino, just when you think you're out, you get pulled back in.

 

Address: Kolokotroni 59, Plaka, Athens

Hours: Daily, 9 a.m.-3 a.m.

Telephone: 210 323 2222
Facebook Page

To read this article in full, please visit: Savoteur

Over 1,200 children migrants and refugees completed their first trimester in school, according to the International Migration Organisation (IMO). IMO said that 35 school buses transfer every day children from 13 hosting centers throughout the country to the closest schools.

According to Greek Education Ministry’s planning, 400 additional children refugees and migrants will go to school in January after the end of Christmas holidays.

To read this article in full, please visit: Greek Reporter

Greece’s landmark coastal Astir Palace resort, located in the southern Athens suburb of Vouliagmeni, is expected to re-open in early 2018, following a redevelopment plan that includes the renovation of both Arion and Nafsika hotels, the development of 13 residences, the creation of a new park and a significant upgrade of the marina.

According to the owners, the plan will carefully consider Astir Palace’s cultural heritage and endeavor to protect and enrich the property’s natural environment whilst safeguarding Astir Palace’s legacy. Furthermore, the plan is expected to reinforce Athens and Greece as international destinations for high-end tourism.

The total project value, including the redevelopment, is expected to be over 600 million euros and the project is expected to be completed in 18 months.

To read this article in full, please visit: Greek Travel Pages

The European Solidarity Corps is the new European Union initiative which creates opportunities for young people to volunteer or work in projects in their own country or abroad that benefit communities and people around Europe.

The young people who participate in the European Solidarity Corps will all agree with and uphold its Mission and Principles.

You can register for the European Solidarity Corps when you are 17 years old, but you cannot start a project until you are over 18. European Solidarity Corps projects will be available to people up to the age of 30 years old.

After completing a simple registration process, European Solidarity Corps participants could be selected and invited to join a wide range of projects, such as helping to prevent natural disasters or rebuild afterwards, assisting in centres for asylum seekers, or addressing different social issues in communities.

Projects supported by the European Solidarity Corps can last from two to twelve months. They will usually be located within the European Union Member States.

For more information, please visit: Europa & Facebook

In this post on Travel Passionate, top travel bloggers from around the world share their favourite Christmas destinations in Europe!

The city’s Christmas Market is located in the quaint and charming Old Town Hauptmarkt (market square) where 180 stalls await visitors. The Christmas Market typically runs from the last week in November up to Christmas Eve. Visitors to the market can enjoy all sorts of things, such as horse carriage rides; regional foods (be sure to try the Nuremberg sausages – 3 on a bun); libations such as Gluhwein (mulled wine); handmade local products; souvenir and gift shopping; the children’s Christmas market where the Christkind visits with kids.

Nothing beats having a cup of hot gluhwein as you wander the streets of Prague. The weather is chilly but very pleasant, we have visited in the summer heat, and we much prefer the cooler temperatures. Stop in the local restaurants and shops to warm with some local treats or do a bit of Christmas shopping. Prague really is the perfect Christmas destination.

Brussels organises one of the biggest Christmas markets in Europe. Besides the impressive spruce tree in the middle of the Grand Place, the main attractions are the Sound & light show, the Ferris wheel and the numerous Christmas stalls around the Fish Market.

To read this article in full, please visit: Travel Passionate