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Monday, 04 May 2015 17:54
Ferries To The Greek Islands 2015 – Cyclades
One of the best parts of getting to Greece’s many islands is undoubtedly the trip. Daily, dozens of ferries depart from the main ports of Attica – Piraeus, Rafina and Lavrio – to the most popular Greek island destinations. The Cyclades, in the Southern Aegean, are among the most visited. Favorites? Mykonos, Santorini and Paros, to mention a few.
Every summer, holidaymakers flock from across the globe with one or more of these tiny Greek islands on their travel agenda. One of the best parts of getting to Greece’s many islands is undoubtedly the trip. Daily, dozens of ferries depart from the main ports of Attica – Piraeus, Rafina and Lavrio – to the most popular Greek island destinations.
The Cyclades, in the Southern Aegean, are among the most visited. Favorites? Mykonos, Santorini and Paros, to mention a few.
Northern Cyclades
Northern Cyclades
Kea (Tzia), Kythnos, Syros (the capital of the Cyclades), Andros, Tinos, Mykonos, Delos and Renia.
Central Cyclades
Serifos, Sifnos, Antiparos, Paros, Naxos, Donoussa, Irakleia (Heraklia), Schinoussa, Koufonissia and Amorgos.
Southern Cyclades
Milos, Kimolos, Folegandros, Sikinos, Ios, Santorini and Anafi.
Traveling by Ferry to the Cyclades Islands?
The ferry trip to the Cyclades is for most travelers part of the fun and in many cases the only option. Very few of the isles have airports and there are no flight connections to link these islands with one another. What’s more, ferries are much cheaper than flights.
Central Cyclades
Serifos, Sifnos, Antiparos, Paros, Naxos, Donoussa, Irakleia (Heraklia), Schinoussa, Koufonissia and Amorgos.
Southern Cyclades
Milos, Kimolos, Folegandros, Sikinos, Ios, Santorini and Anafi.
Traveling by Ferry to the Cyclades Islands?
The ferry trip to the Cyclades is for most travelers part of the fun and in many cases the only option. Very few of the isles have airports and there are no flight connections to link these islands with one another. What’s more, ferries are much cheaper than flights.
Greek ferry services today are upgraded and quick. Holidaymakers can chose to travel with high speed hydrofoils or the more conventional and larger ferries, which transport vehicles as well.
Popular islands like Mykonos and Santorini, which cater to thousands of international visitors all-year-round, do have international airports and tourists can catch direct flights from a number of European capitals.
The majority of holidaymakers visiting Greece, fly to Athens and then catch a ferry to the islands. Most of the isles, at least during the summer, are very well connected to Attica by ferry.
Athens and its Ports
Piraeus Port: The country’s largest port and shipping hub is just 12km from the Greek capital, on the eastern coast of the Saronic Gulf, and easily reached by public transport (Metro, train and bus).
Athens and its Ports
Piraeus Port: The country’s largest port and shipping hub is just 12km from the Greek capital, on the eastern coast of the Saronic Gulf, and easily reached by public transport (Metro, train and bus).
Rafina Port: A much smaller port on the eastern coast of Attica, closer to Athens Airport and very convenient when traveling by ferry to the Northern Cyclades: Andros, Tinos and Mykonos. It is accessible by bus both from central Athens (Pedion tou Areos Park) and from Athens International Airport.
Lavrio Port: A busy little port in the summer on the southeastern coast of Attica, from where ferries to the islands of Kea (Tzia) and Kythnos depart, also offering a wide variety of sailing rental options. It can be reached by bus both from Athens and Athens International Airport.
Ferries to major islands depart daily from Athens early in the morning, between 7:00 and 8:00 and in the evenings, from mid-May to mid-September. Smaller islands are served with routes on most days of the week. Far-away destinations are usually run at night.
The port of Rafina is a better option for holidaymakers wishing to visit the the Northern Cyclades (Andros, Tinos and Mykonos) with much shorter travel times.
To read more, please head to Greek Travel Pages for more information about how to book, ferry schedules and routes.
To read more, please head to Greek Travel Pages for more information about how to book, ferry schedules and routes.
Published in
Travel Greece
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Monday, 04 May 2015 09:47
Mini Heat Wave In Athens
Pull out the sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen ~ this week is going to feel like summer! Despite it being early May, the first mini heat wave will hit Athens this week. Here's a look ahead at the weather for the first week of May.
Monday May 4: 14 - 25 degrees
Tuesday May 5: 18 - 30 degrees
Wednesday May 6: 18 - 31 degrees
Thursday May 7: 18 - 31 degrees
Friday May 8: 18 - 28 degrees
Saturday May 9: 18 - 25 degrees
Source: Meteo.gr
Monday May 4: 14 - 25 degrees
Tuesday May 5: 18 - 30 degrees
Wednesday May 6: 18 - 31 degrees
Thursday May 7: 18 - 31 degrees
Friday May 8: 18 - 28 degrees
Saturday May 9: 18 - 25 degrees
Source: Meteo.gr
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Local News
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Sunday, 03 May 2015 01:17
Café Avissinia: Flea Market Find
Sooner or later almost everyone in Athens, tourist or local, heads for the flea market, the city’s oldest bazaar, below Monastiraki Square. Although it’s busiest on Sundays, all week long you can rummage through the antiques – furniture, bric-a-brac, mirrors, paintings, vintage toys, statuettes, vases, silverware – spread out in colorful disorder in front of the small shops that line all four sides of Avissinia Square. There are still treasures to be found for those with patience, and it’s one corner of Athens that has kept its funky character more or less intact over the decades.
One treasure that requires neither a keen eye or a connoisseur’s expertise is Café Avissinia, the square’s only establishment where the antiques are not for sale. A restaurant/watering hole, where you can stop for a coffee or a full course meal, the Café is more than just a place to grab a bite. With its old-fashioned rush-seated chairs and marble-topped tables, pink floral wallpaper, tiled floors and stained glass or painted windows, it feels part ancestral home, part elegant 19th-century Viennese coffee house. Portraits and landscapes fill the walls, lining the stairs to the second dining room and roof terrace; period sconces and chandeliers shed a gentle light; and porcelain platters, pitchers and vases on high shelves give diners plenty to contemplate while awaiting their order.
That the café blends in perfectly with the square was no accident. Its owner-founder, Ketty Koufonikola, chose the location because it reflected her own interest in art and antiques. And because it seemed like a good place where she could combine them with her other passions, cooking and entertaining.
As her son and current manager, Nikolas, told us, when she opened the café in 1986, the upstairs still operated as an auction house, and the all-male proprietors of the antiques shops did not take kindly to this female interloper. But Ketty was no ordinary woman. A native of Thessaloniki who’d spent many years in London, “she had a balance between her aristocratic side and her free-spirited tomboy side,” said 40-something Nikolas. “If I had to describe my mother, I’d say she’s the Greek Martha Stewart, without being such a perfectionist. She’s a great hostess but she’s also down to earth, a warm personality, and she can handle any situation. In those days, she was like Bouboulina [the legendary sea captain in the Greek War of Independence], that rare creature, a woman who was the boss in a man’s world.
To read more, please visit: Culinary Backstreets
Article written by Diana Farr Louis
To read more, please visit: Culinary Backstreets
Article written by Diana Farr Louis
Published in
Restaurants In Athens
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Monday, 08 July 2024 07:00
Open Air Cinemas In Athens
Nothing defines Greek summer as much as open-air cinemas do; in fact, almost every Athenian neighborhood has an outdoor cinema, or 'therinos' as they are called in Greek.
Some summer cinemas in Athens offer extraordinary views of the Acropolis; others are surrounded by fragrant gardens that fill the air with the sweet scent of jasmine and orange blossoms while others are right next to the sea.
The decades-old tradition of open-air cinemas is still alive and kicking, in fact, there are more than 60 outdoor cinemas in the Attica region alone. Open-air cinemas are a great summer outing for the young and old alike; there you'll sip on an ice-cold beer, enjoy an ice cream or snack and smoke a cigarette without being told off.
Interesting Facts
- Movies are not dubbed and will be subtitled in Greek
- There are usually two movie screenings, one at 21:00 and another at 23:00
- It's best to purchase your tickets ~20 minutes ahead of time to avoid a long queue
- Seats at open-air cinemas are not numbered, you can sit wherever you like
- Most cinemas have a bar where you can order snacks and drinks
- Most cinemas have intermissions
Iconic Open-Air Cinemas in Athens
Cine Paris
@cineparis.athens
Founded in 1920 in the heart of Plaka, this iconic cinema has reopened after 4 years of restoration and offers an enchanting rooftop cinema experience with stunning views of the Acropolis.
Why We Like It: For its rich history, captivating ambiance, and the perfect blend of cinema and breathtaking scenery.
Address: Kidathineon 22, Athina
Telephone: 21 0325 2996
Cine Thission
@heleniflessas
This historic cinema was established in 1935 and has been in operation ever since. Much like Cine Paris it offers excellent views of the Acropolis.
Why We Like It: For homemade snacks and carefully selected drinks that are served at the bar.
Address: 7 Apostolou Pavlou, Thission
Telephone: 210 34 20 864
Cine Dexameni
@apozagkos
A favorite among locals, this cinema is located in the upscale area of Kolonaki and has been in operation for many years.
Why We Like It: After the screening, you can enjoy a nightcap in one of the area's high-end bars.
Address: Platia Dexamenis, Kolonaki
Telephone: 210 36 23 942
Cine Aegli
@youflycom
Cine Aegli
@youflycom
Located inside the historic Zappion Garden, Aegli is the oldest summer cinema in Athens and has been in operation since 1903.
Why We Like It: Its old-world charm, verdant garden, and delicious snacks.
Address: Zappio Garden (entrance from Vas. Olgas Avenue)
Telephone: 210 33 69 300 (ext. 5)
Published in
City Discovery
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Friday, 01 May 2015 17:46
Red Elephant Indian Restaurant - Athens
Hailing from the UK, I took for granted the eclectic mix of culinary delights there. I mean, in my father’s small West Country town of Tiverton, there are at least four Indian restuarants, a Thai restaurant and any any number of Chinese restaurants. Surprisingly, I didn’t find that much choice in Athens – OK, there are the Indian restaurants near Thissio Metro station in the touristy area, but then I came across the Red Elephant near my local neighbourhood.
At a Glance
Cuisine: Indian
Address: 42 Larisis St, Panormou (on the blue line of the Metro)
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 6pm-1am, Sat-Sun 2:30pm-1am. Kitchen closes at 00:00
Seats: 35
Dress Code: Smart-casual
Average Price: €12 – €15 (excluding drinks)
Payment Options: Cash
Take-away: Available (collection only)
Nearest Tube: Panormou
For reservations please call: 2106924421. Due to space limitations, they only accept reservations up to 4 people.
But what’s the food like?
I’ve been several times now – both as a take away and as a sit down meal with friends. The place is pretty small, but interestingly it doesn’t feel crowded. And you know, sometimes, in a small enclosed space the smell of cooking can permeate everything: your clothes, hair, etc…no, not here.
Dishes
The menu is vast: Curries (obviously) with your choice of strength of spiciness. Choose from chicken, lamb, beef or prawn. Samosas, onion bhaji’s and my favourite, Korma (yes yes, I know: my curry choices are not very exciting). Plus a choice of rices such as mushroom basmati or vegetable pulao.
To read this article in full, please visit Life Beyond Borders.
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Restaurants In Athens
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Thursday, 30 April 2015 22:56
New Bus Line Links Piraeus With Athens City Center
The cruise terminal in Piraeus is now only a 30-minute bus ride away from the center of Athens thanks to the new X80 bus line “Piraeus-Acropolis-Syntagma Express” that launched on Thursday, April 30 2015.
The new bus line will service visitors to the Greek capital arriving by cruise ship as well as Greeks needing to quickly move between Piraeus and Athens center.
The terminal of the new bus line is Akti Xaveriou in Piraeus and the last stop is Syntagma Square. The new service operates in a circular route and the travel distance from Akti Xaveriou to Syntagma and back again is 25 kilometers (60 minutes).
The route includes a total of 15 stops that are located near major tourist attractions in Piraeus and Athens such as the Acropolis Museum, the Archaeological Museum of Piraeus, the Planetarium, the Piraeus Municipal Theatre and the National Museum of Contemporary Art. The X80 bus also provides connections with other metro and bus routes in and around Athens.
To ride the bus, passengers can use one-day (four euros) or three-day (20 euros) tour tickets. The first bus route will be at 7am. Furthermore, passengers that ride the X80 bus are eligible to visit the four buildings of the Benaki Museum at a special discount price.
Source: Greek Travel Pages
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Local News
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Thursday, 30 April 2015 22:46
Three Greek Islands Are The Most Popular In The Mediterranean
The top three spots on the list of the 30 most popular islands in the Mediterranean are occupied by the Greek islands of Ios, Hydra and Folegandros. The list was published after a survey on the search history and hotel price comparison of travel website Trivago.
The research was conducted based on searches made between April 1 and September 30, 2014, for trips made during that period. In order to conduct the survey, Trivago used information from the travelers’ reviews in 51 different platforms. The final results included islands with at least 50 hotels and 50 reviews per hotel.
In total, thirteen Greek islands were included on the list of the thirty most popular islands in the Mediterranean. As mentioned above, Ios, Hydra and Folegandros occupied the top three places, while the Greek island of Santorini ranked in 5th place, Mykonos in 6th, Naxos in 7th and Paros in 8th place. Furthermore, Spetses, Crete, Zakynthos, Kos, Rhodes and Corfu also made it on the list, in 14th, 16th, 20th, 23rd, 27th and 29th place respectively.
Source: Greek Reporter
by Ioanna Zikakou
Published in
Greece In The News
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Monday, 29 April 2024 19:00
Greek May Day Customs And Traditions
May Day, celebrated on the first day of May, holds its roots deep in ancient Greek culture, marking the arrival of spring and paying homage to the Roman goddess Maia, associated with motherhood and fertility. In Greek mythology, Maia was a nymph, the mother of Hermes and a significant figure embodying the roles of midwife, nurse, and mother. Moreover, ancient Greeks dedicated the fifth month of the year to Demeter, the goddess of agriculture, and her daughter Persephone, symbolizing the return of spring as Persephone reunited with her mother after spending the winter in the underworld with Hades.
The ancient celebration of May Day continued throughout the centuries with solemnity through various customs and traditions. One of the oldest celebrations was the Anthesteria, the first ancient Greek flower festival.
Anthesteria included various processions were ancient Greeks would carry flowers to the sanctuaries and temples. The flower festival was first established in Athens and later in other ancient Greek cities. When the Romans arrived and conquered Greece, the May Day celebration continued to exist in some form but it was slightly changed, since both Romans and ancient Greeks believed that flowers represent the beauty of the gods and bring power, glory, happiness and health.
While the original meaning of May Day has evolved over the centuries, ancient Greek customs endure as cherished folk traditions. Today, May Day stands as a secular holiday celebrated across Europe, including Greece. One of the enduring customs in modern Greece involves crafting May Day wreaths from freshly picked flowers, adorning doorways until they naturally wither. This act of wreath-making serves as a reminder to reconnect with nature amidst the hustle and bustle of urban life.
In the Aegean islands, young girls used to get up at dawn and walk to the wells, carrying the flowers they had picked the previous day. They would fill vases with the “water of silence” and return to their homes without uttering a word. Later, they washed using the same water.
In villages of Corfu, another unique custom takes place on May Day. Residents parade through the streets carrying a cypress trunk adorned with yellow daisies and circled by a wreath of green branches. This trunk, known as the "May Log," is carried by young workers dressed in pristine white trousers and shirts, with red scarves around their necks, as they sing songs of May.
In Epirus, on the eve of May Day, children venture into the gardens, banging on cooking utensils and reciting magical incantations to ward off snakes.
Another highly theatrical custom is the "Resurrection of the May Child," found in various regions. A teenager portrays the deceased Dionysus in the fields while the village girls sing a lamenting song aimed at resurrecting him and, along with him, reviving the entire nature.
Greek May Day customs and traditions offer a glimpse into the rich tapestry of ancient beliefs and practices, weaving together elements of mythology, nature worship, and community celebration. As the world evolves, these timeless rituals continue to resonate, serving as a bridge between the past and the present, fostering a appreciation for the cyclical rhythms of life and the beauty of the natural world.
In Epirus, on the eve of May Day, children venture into the gardens, banging on cooking utensils and reciting magical incantations to ward off snakes.
Another highly theatrical custom is the "Resurrection of the May Child," found in various regions. A teenager portrays the deceased Dionysus in the fields while the village girls sing a lamenting song aimed at resurrecting him and, along with him, reviving the entire nature.
Greek May Day customs and traditions offer a glimpse into the rich tapestry of ancient beliefs and practices, weaving together elements of mythology, nature worship, and community celebration. As the world evolves, these timeless rituals continue to resonate, serving as a bridge between the past and the present, fostering a appreciation for the cyclical rhythms of life and the beauty of the natural world.
Published in
Greek Traditions
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Monday, 29 April 2024 07:00
Protomagia - May Day In Greece
May 1st is International Labor Day and in Greece, it is called ‘Protomagia’ (literally meaning the first day of May). It is an urban holiday and people traditionally go to the countryside for picnics, fly kites, and gather wildflowers.
May 1st is a national holiday and this means that everything is closed, with the exception of cafes and food venues. Expect to have travel delays, demonstrations (typically peaceful), and heavy traffic!
Greek Protomagia & Folklore
The custom of Protomagia has its roots in Ancient Greece - it is a celebration of spring, nature, and flowers. Flower wreaths, typically made from hand-picked wildflowers, are hung on the doors of many homes in a way of welcoming nature and all things good.
May is the last month of spring and has taken its name from the Goddess Maia - a goddess who took her name from the ancient word Maia meaning great one or mother. May, according to Greek folklore, has two meanings: good and bad, rebirth and death. The custom celebrates the final victory of the summer over winter or as the victory of life over death, which dates back to ancient times, and culminates on the first day of May. This day was also dedicated to the goddess of agriculture Dimitra (or Demeter) and her daughter Persephone who on this day emerges from the underworld and returns to Earth. Her coming to Earth from Hades marks the blooming of nature and the birth of summer.
Some May Day History
May 1st is International Workers' Day, also known as Labor Day in some places. It is a celebration of laborers and the working classes that is typically promoted by the international labor movement, anarchists, socialists, and communists and occurs every year on the 1st of May. The date was chosen as International Workers' Day by the Second International to commemorate the Haymarket Affair, which occurred in Chicago on May 4, 1886.
May Day is a national public holiday in most European countries, however, not all countries celebrate the day specifically as Labor Day. Historically, the earliest May Day celebrations are traced back to the Floralia festival, a festival dedicated to Flora, the Roman goddess of flowers, that was held on April 27 during the Roman Republic era.
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Greek Traditions
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Thursday, 30 April 2015 12:49
Spring Sales In Athens: May 2 - 9
Spring sales start Saturday May 2 2015 and run until Saturday May 9 2015. The Commercial Association of Athens has suggests that shops remain open on Sunday, May 3 from 11 am to 6 pm, and in Piraeus from 11 am to 4 pm.
Happy shopping!!
Happy shopping!!
Published in
Local News
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