The family-friendly island of Sifnos is a great choice for travelers looking to snap some gorgeous holiday pictures, according to the publication.

The Greek island of Sifnos topped the list with the ten most photogenic destinations of the world, according to the Spanish edition of Condé Nast Traveler, the largest travel magazine worldwide.

The Cycladic island came first with the Church of the Seven Martyrs, the idyllic landscapes, the Castle, the numerous churches, and the picturesque villages that charm all the travelers that visit the island of Apollo every year, the writer of the article Alberto Piernas Medina says.

Second was Morocco followed by Valencia, Portugal, and its lakes, France, the Canary Islands, Mexico, London, and the verdant regions of Italy.

Originally published on: greece-is.com

Main image: @greek_vibes_wd

Greece is one of the most friendly countries in Europe, according to a recent report by InterNations.

Thousands of expatriates took a survey for InterNations, a site that offers essential tips to expats around the world, to help determine which countries in Europe and around the world are the most friendly. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Greece, a country known for its extroverted people, ranked among the top ten in Europe.

Greece among top ten most friendly countries in Europe

Greece was voted the eighth friendliest European country, while Portugal topped the list. Greece was also ranked twelfth on the list of best countries in Europe for making friends.

Taiwan topped the international list of friendliest countries, and Mexico ranked first for making new friends.

The least friendly country on the survey was Austria, and the countries least conducive to making friends were Sweden, Denmark, and Norway.

Greece’s friendly reputation amongst expats and tourists likely stems from the longstanding Greek value of hospitality, or “philoxenia.” Philoxenia, which literally means “friend of a stranger” in Ancient Greek, is an ancient concept that is still very prominent in modern Greece.

In fact, Greek god Zeus is also known as “Zeus Xenios” because he was also the protector of strangers and travelers. He thus embodied the ancient Greek religious obligation to be hospitable to travelers.

To read this article in full, please visit: greekreporter.com

Two Greek hiking trails feature on a list of what can be considered the most scenic trails in Europe, based on online reviews and social media.

The list of beautiful trails, which was put together by workout equipment company Onbuy Treadmills, was compiled with the help of various experts and Tripadvisor reviews. The trails on the final list were then ranked according to the number of times they’ve been tagged on Instagram. Europe is home to thousands of hiking trails, and the two Greek trails on the list were ranked as number 27 and 28.

The Samaria Gorge trail, the most famous hiking route on the island of Crete, is placed number 27. A big draw for tens of thousands of visitors each year, especially during the summer, it’s a 16-kilometer hike that takes from five to eight hours to complete depending on your shape and experience, all downhill.

This ruggedly beautiful canyon is not only instagrammable, but a place you’ll remember. The trail begins at Xyloskalo, more than 1200 meters above sea level, on a steep, rocky path downward (a walking stick is a good idea here), and continues along the Tarraios river, through the abandoned village of Samaria and the natural habitat of endangered wild goats, through the narrowest part of the gorge known as the “Gates,” where the steep rock walls stand only a few meters apart.

The second Greek trail on the list, in 28th place, is perhaps less famous among hikers, but all the more recognizable in photos due to its iconic views. This is the Fira-Oia trail on Santorini – a path connecting the two famous villages running along the edge of the caldera. 10.5 kilometers long, it is a moderately challenging route that takes around 3 hours to complete regardless of the direction you choose, featuring some more demanding, steep sections with loose gravel.

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Main image: @girlwith.thecamera

Two Greek hotels are among the best on the planet for 2022, according to TripAdvisor’s annual “Travelers’ Choice Awards for Hotels” list released on Tuesday, May 10.

TripAdvisor’s latest community-powered ranking reveals the most-loved hotels around the world. The awards are based on traveler reviews and ratings posted on Tripadvisor throughout 2021.

Greek hotels on “Top 25 Hotels – World” list

Ikos Resorts’ Aria hotel located on Kos ranks third on TripAdvisor's “Top 25 Hotels – World” list, while the group’s Dassia hotel on Corfu, is in the 11th position.

In addition, Ikos Aria tops the “Top Hotels Europe” list, with Ikos Dassia ranking sixth and Sani Dunes in the 11th position.

This year’s awards include 11 subcategories of accommodations, including three brand new ones: Out of the Ordinary Hotels, Hotels on the Water, and Mountain Resorts & Lodges.

Greek hotels among the best in the world

Top 25 Hotels: Ikos Aria (3rd); Ikos Dassia (11th)
Top Small Stays: Anastasis Apartments & Spa (12th)
Top 25 All-Inclusive Resorts: Ikos Aria (1st); Ikos Dassia (6th); Ikos Olivia (12th)
Top 25 Luxury Hotels: Ikos Aria (1st); Ikos Dassia (11th)
Most Romantic Hotels: Anastasis Apartments & Spa (7th); Lindos Blu Luxury Hotel & Suites (19th)
Top 25 Hotels for Families: Sani Club (2nd); Potidea Palace Hotel (9th)
Top Mountain Lodges & Resorts: Papaevangelou Hotel (14th)
Top Hotels on the Water: Ikos Aria (1st); Ikos Olivia (11th).

To read this article in full, please visit: news.gtp.gr

Main image: @laydeebird2015

As recently announced by the European Commission, one of the Peloponnese’s most fascinating and well-developed attractions, the archaeological site of Ancient Nemea, is among the twelve new sites to join the European Union’s Heritage Label list, taking into consideration its significant role in shaping the history and culture of Europe, as well as the building of the European Union.

The symbolic European value of Ancient Nemea

The archaeological site of Nemea becomes, thus, the second attraction in Greece after the “Heart of Ancient Athens” - namely, the Acropolis and its surrounding archaeological sites - to be awarded the prestigious Label. 

According to the award rationale, the site of Ancient Nemea is a complex of well-preserved and exhibited archaeological remains that are emblematic on account of the organization of the Nemean Games in antiquity. It includes the sporting roots of Europe and the ideals of classical sports as an element for the comprehensive education of young people. The Stadium is a characteristic example of this type of construction in its original form. Moreover, the modern revival of the Games reflects fundamental European values such as equality, social inclusion, and peaceful coexistence.

The archaeological site and the revival of the Nemean Games

Located about 25 km southwest of the city of Corinth and about 115 km from the city of Athens, Nemea is a place full of secrets worth exploring and a delightful one-day excursion for Athenians and tourists alike. Famous for its viniculture tradition which goes back to Homer who called the area Ampelóessa (meaning "full of vines”), as well as for the legend of Hercules’ lion labor which is often encountered in ancient Greek art and literature, Nemea boasts an ancient history that is depicted in its many monuments.

Among them lies a true archaeological gem: the 2,300-year-old Temple of Zeus. The temple is standing next to the ancient stadium -notable for its well-preserved vaulted entrance tunnel, dated to about 320 BC - and the on-site museum was constructed as part of the University of California's excavations. Interestingly, Nemea’s temple sits on top of an earlier version from the 6th century, B.C. – however, not much of that early temple is visible today because it was destroyed by fire and then built over later on. The partially reconstructed site now provides the visitor with a clearer sense of the magnitude and magnificence of the original Greek temple. Most importantly, the site is better preserved for generations to come.

To read this article in full, please visit: greeknewsagenda.gr

Main image: @alice_barbisan

Greece’s beaches are among the world’s cleanest with the region of Halkidiki and the island of Rhodes in the lead this year, according to the 2022 Blue Flag quality award list for beaches, marinas, and sustainable tourism boats, released by the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (EEPF).

Greece ranked second after Spain among 48 countries with 581 of its beaches, 15 marinas, and six recreational boats getting the Blue Flag label, one of the world’s most recognized voluntary eco-labels, awarded to beaches, marinas, and sustainable boating tourism operators.

At the top of the list with the cleanest beaches is the Halkidiki region with 87 Blue Flags, followed by Rhodes (55), and Crete: Lassithi (41), Chania (36), Heraklion (31), and Rethymno (20).

Other top 10 Blue Flag beaches in Greece are in Attica (18), Kefalonia (17), and Lesvos (17).

“We are blessed as a country. Our destinations are highly sought after by people from across the globe,” Deputy Tourism Minister Sofia Zacharaki commented on the news. Zacharaki went on to refer also to the quality of services and human resources in Greece while announcing that 140 million euros in RRF funds will be going into the construction of marinas and beach accessibility.

Last year, Greece ranked second again globally with 530 beaches among 49 countries for its Blue Flag beaches.

About the Blue Flag

The Blue Flag voluntary eco-label program is operated under the auspices of the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) and is headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark. In Greece, the program’s coordinator is the EEPF.

In order to qualify for the Blue Flag, a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility criteria must be met and maintained.

To read this article in full, please visit: news.gtp.gr

The title of the longest sandy beach in the European Union goes to Monolithi in Preveza, which stretches 25 kilometers long and is in western Greece, along the Ionian Sea on the Epirus mainland.

The beach of Monolithi extends along the west coast of the Prefecture of Preveza.

The name Monolithi comes from the Greek roots “Μόνος” + “Λίθος” = “single” + “stone”. It was an oversea rock 10X10m, near the coast, until the year 1942, when German and Italian soldiers destroyed the rock with mortar fire.

The beach extends from the Village Mytikas of Preveza (Cape Komarus) until the Village Kastrosykia also of Preveza City. The wide sandy beach in winter is about 50–10 meters and ends in Monolithi’s protected forest, also in Koukos hills.

The total length of the coastline west of the prefecture of Preveza is 70 km and is a pristine growing tourist area.

To read this article in full, please visit: greekcitytimes.com   

 

Image Credit: Spyros Vangelakis 

The British magazine "Conde Nast Traveller" has highlighted the Greek islands of Lipsi and Patmos as must-do destinations that should be at the top of every international traveler's list, underlining their spiritual aspects that promote well-being.

Patmos, with its unspoiled landscapes and its cultural heart, is a real pleasure for the body and soul, the article said, pointing to the additional glamour provided by Unesco world heritage monuments such as the Cave of the Apocalypse and St John's Monastery, or the pretty central village of Chora, while providing everything that the modern tourist requires.

A few miles away, the island Lipsi offers a 'castaway' experience and seclusion, with Conde Nast describing it as the "ultimate switch-off destination" for enjoying the simple pleasures, such as swimming in its blue-green waters, hiking, and dining in traditional restaurants.

Originally published on: tornosnews.gr

Main image: @pascalidou

This we know: Athenians love to brunch. Over the last decade, brunching went from a trend to a concept wide open for experimentation, to a standard meal worthy of its own menu at almost every café and restaurant in the city. At first, it was all about typical American dishes like pancakes and sliders, but before long, chefs realized the potential of traditional homestyle Greek foods which, dressed up, found their way back to the tables; trahana got paired with poached eggs, and sourdough bread topped with Myconian lountza (cured pork tenderloin). Unlike some food trends that come and go in the span of a couple of years, locals have embraced brunch wholeheartedly, and it’s not surprising, considering that few Greeks have big breakfasts, thereby leaving room for a breakfast-like meal ahead of lunch.

In fact, Athens has risen to the best city in Europe for brunch, according to new research by Uswitch.com. Amazingly, the Greek capital appears to have surpassed even places with a long-established brunch culture, like the UK.

To establish their rankings, the company analyzed data from Tripadvisor for all major cities in Europe, taking into account the number of restaurants and their ratings, as well as prices. Besides the many options and high average quality of the food served in Athens, the affordable rates secured its spot. “With 1,136 restaurants to choose from, the average price of a brunch in the ancient city is just €16.66 on average, the fifth cheapest of all capitals analyzed,” a press release for the study stated. For true lovers of the pre-midday munch, these low prices make brunching an option for every day, rather than just a Sunday tradition. Meanwhile, cities like Copenhagen, known as a foodie’s paradise with gourmet options for the meal in question (Smørrebrød anyone?), received lower ranking due to their high rates.

Athens climbed from second to first place this year, having placed just below Tirana in the same study last year.

Originally published on: greece-is.com

Grace Hotel, a member of the Auberge Resorts Collection, was awarded the title of No 1 Best Resort Hotel in Greece at the prestigious Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2022.

It was also runner-up for Best Hotel in Europe and Best Hotel in the World. These important distinctions for the 20-room luxury boutique hotel in Imerovigli on the southern Aegean island, “reflect the effort of the entire hotel team and are a special reward,” said Giorgos Avgoustis, general manager of Grace Hotel.

The complex also hosts the Varoulko Santorini restaurant, where Michelin-starred chef Lefteris Lazarou presents a menu of Greek and Mediterranean cuisine.

Originally published on: greekcitytimes.com