WELLNESS HUB
XpatAthens
Tuesday, 15 May 2018 08:01
Girl's Trip To Greece - What To Do In 7 Days
A reader from the USA wrote to Jessica, who blogs for Athens Coast, and asked how she should plan an upcoming 7-day trip to Greece with her girlfriends. Jessica plans the week-long holiday making it the ultimate girl's trip, including seeing an island or two and staying in the great city of Athens!
Dear Jessica,
One of my best friends lives in the Netherlands and is meeting me in Greece in June, and we’re looking for some advice about what to do & where to spend our time!
This is is roughly what I had in mind:
This is is roughly what I had in mind:
- See Athens on Sunday afternoon (the Acropolis & Parthenon, maybe a hop on/off bus tour?)
- Ferry to an island on Monday (Paros?)
- Ferry to Santorini on Wednesday
- Fly from Santorini back to Athens on Saturday
Suggestions for 7 days in Athens & Cyclades Islands
Athens Center
Just having a Sunday afternoon/evening to do the whole historic Athens thing is a bit tight. It can be done and what better way to stay active and resist napping (don’t nap! fight the urge)?
For the center of Athens with the time you have, visit the Acropolis, Acropolis Museum, Panathenaic Stadium with walks through National Gardens, Plaka & Monastiraki.
Staying longer in Athens? Check out 3 Days In Athens for suggestions on hotels, sites, and restaurants!
Paros
For Paros I’d recommend staying in Parikia (hotels) which is where the port is OR Naousa (hotels). With Parikia, you have the convenience of the port and it is the largest town on the island. Naousa is more picturesque with a bit more of an upscale feel. There are buses that run regularly from the port to Naousa.
Naxos
Another popular island to combine with the Athens -> Santorini route is Naxos. I like Naxos because you can stay (hotels) in the traditional village of Chora and walk to a nice beach, Agios Georgios. I’ve been to Naxos twice and never rented a car. We did take the bus twice from Chora to Plaka beach (which is a really nice beach!).
To read the full 7-day itinerary for a girl's trip, please visit: Athens Coast
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Travel Greece
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Thursday, 31 May 2018 08:54
Secret Spots Of Greece - Where The Locals Go
Greece is the ultimate summer holiday destination, with stunning beaches, Mediterranean cuisine, unique shopping, and incredible experiences. Some places might be more popular than others, from Mykonos to Antiparos to Athens, but below are secret spots where the locals go. Forbes gets the inside scoop on where to go, stay, eat, and what to do in some of the most well-known destinations of Greece.
Athens
Ano Petralona
"Just a hike down Philopappou Hill, Ano Petralona is the neighborhood to be if you want to feel like a local Athenian. The tavernas, bars and restaurants do not only offer some of best affordable menus, but the cocktails and music also make this area a popular destination."
Ilias Lalounis Jewelry Museum
"While the most iconic jewelry house in Greece might be globally praised, the museum — which is housed in the old workshop of the master Ilias Lalounis — is often overlooked when visiting Athens. Under the shadows of the Acropolis, the incredible space is run by Lalaounis’s daughter Ioanna, who is launching a number of initiatives to help cultivate new talent. Call ahead and organize a private tour."
"While the most iconic jewelry house in Greece might be globally praised, the museum — which is housed in the old workshop of the master Ilias Lalounis — is often overlooked when visiting Athens. Under the shadows of the Acropolis, the incredible space is run by Lalaounis’s daughter Ioanna, who is launching a number of initiatives to help cultivate new talent. Call ahead and organize a private tour."
Lake Vouliagmenis
"Lake Vouliagmenis is located along the coast and is the starting point for the stunning drive known as “Limanakia” meaning small ports. Because of its constant warm water temperature and its rich content in hydrogen sulphide, the lake functions as a spa since the end of the 19th century."
For many more recommendations and to read this article in full, please visit: Forbes
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Travel Greece
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Tuesday, 26 June 2018 08:42
Island Of Tinos - A Wild And Raw Greek Experience
Still a fairly quiet island, Tinos is only a 20-minute ferry ride from the 'glitz and glitter' of Mykonos, but worlds away when it comes to attitude and appearance. Elizabeth traveled to Tinos recently for a photography workshop and shares her experience of exploring the different beaches, the gastronomy scene, and other things to do, where to stay, and what to eat.
"Near the fairy-tale hamlet of Koumaros, introduced to us by Greece Photo Workshops leader Maria, the rocky cliffs of Kolibithra form a perfect horseshoe-shaped bay cradling a sandy crescent beach. With its reputation for having the best breaks on the island – a rarity in a country better known for its still waters – Kolibithra has become a popular yet laid-back spot among Greek surfers."
"On the beach, a guy with a man bun staffed the bar, a repurposed vintage Volkswagen van, from which emanated the Eagles classic, Hotel California. The surfers hung around hoping for a swell, their boards propped against a thatched roof lean-to. Other beach-goers sipped mojitos by the bar, swam or lounged under quirky mushroom-shaped wicker parasols."
"Since anyone arriving on Tinos has to come through the chora, Tinos is an island whose powers of seduction are not immediately apparent, but venture beyond and you will soon fall under its spell."
To read this article in full, please visit: The Globe and Mail
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Travel Greece
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Monday, 16 July 2018 07:00
The Most Beautiful Places Of Greece
As if we needed any more excuses to visit (or live in) Greece! From CNN Travel, here are their picks of the most beautiful places of Greece.
Naxos
The largest island of the Cyclades, Naxos, combines Caribbean-looking sugar-sand beaches for sun-worshippers and a 3,000-foot mountain for hikers.
Karpathos
This island's wild landscapes are only matched by its unique ethnic culture. The village of Olympos is so cut off from the rest of the island that women still wear traditional embroidered dresses.
Andros
Andros is a green, lush island close to Athens and the birthplace of 20 ship-owning families who have endowed it with museums and art collections. Today in Andros, it's easier to navigate around the island by boat than car.
The palace of Knossos, Crete
Knossos, according to tradition was the capital of the Minoan civilization, the first in Europe, and was inhabited from the Neolithic period (7000 BC) until Roman times. One of the few archeological sites in Greece to be partially restored, its big draws are the Throne Room and the remarkable frescoes still adorning the walls.
Mycenae
Mycenae, setting of the Homeric epics, became one of the first excavated sites in Greece when archeologist Heinrich Schliemann discovered several grave mounds in the 1870s.
To read this article in full, please visit: CNN Travel
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Tuesday, 11 September 2018 08:06
The Experience Of Driving Greece's Egnatia Odos - A Modern Ancient Highway
The Egnatia Odos is part of the European E90 highway that runs from Istanbul to Italy and as BBC writes, "one of the most fascinating (and fastest) drives across Greece." Completed in 2009, it starts from the Turkish border crossing of Kipi in Thrace and goes to the Ionian Sea at Igoumenitsa.
From BBC Travel, "While (not only) Greek drivers get a thrill out of shooting for 200km/hour speeds on the highway's long, flat expanses, for travellers the major reward lies in the close access the Egnatia Odos provides to many towns of historic and culinary interest, all complemented by an ever-changing scenery quite different from elsewhere in Greece."
"When approaching from Turkey the earthy eastern plains of Thrace are first to emerge, with their vivid patches of sunflowers, rolling fields of wheat and storks' nests dotting the telephone poles. The first major settlement, Alexandroupoli, is a pretty port town with good seafood restaurants, and just west of the Evros Delta, an important migratory route perfect for bird-watchers. Alexandroupoli is also the jumping-off point for ferries to Samothraki island."
To read this article in full, please visit: BBC
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Travel Greece
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Monday, 04 November 2019 08:21
Great Hikes In And Around Athens
There's no perfect time of year to go for a hike because any time is a good time! Walking for just 30 minutes a day can improve your overall health by increasing your muscle strength and endurance, decreasing your risk of stroke and heart disease, making your bones stronger, improving your balance, and much more. On top of these physical benefits, walking can improve your mood and boost your creativity! So put on your sneakers try out these top hikes in and around Athens!
Monastery of Kaisariani
A short 30 minute drive from Monastiraki or the northern suburbs, the Monastery of Kai-sariani is a breathtaking site of the Monastery of Kaisariani. A few minutes off the highway, and you’re into pure forestry bliss. You can visit the monastery, take a botanic walk and soak in the remarkable views!
Tsagkarada to Damouchari
A three hour drive from Athens is Tsagkarada in Thessaly. A fun hike from the village down to Damouchari (where they filmed the famous Dancing Queen scene in Mamma Mia!) takes a couple of hours. Amazing scenery and adventure – almost like no other place in Greece.
Palamidi Castle in Nafplio
There are almost 1000 steps to reach Palamidi Castle in Nafplio – but every single step offers endless views of this beautiful seaside town. You can reach Napflio and get hiking in about 2 hours from Athens.
To read this article in full, please visit: Greek Reporter
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Travel Greece
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Monday, 29 October 2018 07:00
Two Great Destinations For A Skiing Holiday In Greece
Even though Greece is a well esteemed summer destination, it's also a great winter destination offering 18 ski centers that operate from December to April each year. Greek ski resorts have become popular due to their affordability; prices for a winter holiday can be up to 3 times lower than those of Austria, Switzerland or France. Apart from being reasonably priced, Greek ski centers are located in some of the country’s most beautiful regions. With the Christmas holidays coming up, now is the perfect time to start planning your winter getaway. Here are our two favorite ski resorts in Greece!
Parnassus
Parnassus Ski Center is located 180 km for Athens and is the oldest and most modern ski resort in the country. It has 23 pistes, of varying difficulty, from easy runs for children and beginners to black runs for experienced skiers. As the most organized ski resort in Greece, Parnassus offers 17 lifts, equipment rentals and sales, as well as cafes and restaurants. Furtermore, Parnassus’ location is ideal for day trips to the cosmopolitan village of Arahova and the archaeological sites at Delphi.
3-5 Pigadia
Located on the slopes of Mount Vermio, 17 km from Naoussa and 103km from Thessaloniki, 3-5 Pigadia is an excellent option if you want to explore the stunning landscapes of Northern Greece. It offers 10 pistes of varying difficulty, 3 cross country slopes, restaurants and cafes, ski rental stores, and 2 ski schools. What makes 3-5 Pigadia different than any other ski resort in Greece is its artificial snow system that allows for continuous, and uninterrupted snowing, regardless of the weather conditions.
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Thursday, 21 February 2019 07:00
New Tourism Video Invites Visitors To Discover The Authentic Side Of Greece
Greece’s wide diversity, nature, culture, gastronomy and lifestyle, are showcased through “Oh My Greece | Unlock the Feeling”, the country’s new tourism promotional campaign. The campaign kicked off with a new video, presented at the Megaron Concert Hall in Athens by the company’s CEO, Ioanna Dretta.
The video that focuses on hospitality, features a series of images of Greece and invites travelers to experience a unique Greek getaway, a holiday that will have them saying…“Oh My Greece”.
“We want to enrich the visitor’s experience with even more details. There is always more Greece to see… A Greece that promises original, unique, authentic travel experiences,” Dretta said while presenting the campaign.
The video that focuses on hospitality, features a series of images of Greece and invites travelers to experience a unique Greek getaway, a holiday that will have them saying…“Oh My Greece”.
“We want to enrich the visitor’s experience with even more details. There is always more Greece to see… A Greece that promises original, unique, authentic travel experiences,” Dretta said while presenting the campaign.
Marketing Greece’s CEO underlined that the Greek tourism product may be a combination of nature, culture, gastronomy, traditions, and lifestyle, but it is also offers something more direct: the hospitality of the Greek people.
“We really need to understand how much we can offer through our hospitality and how much we are loved for it… Hospitality for our guests is not only perfect accommodation conditions… It is also the friendliness and smile of the locals.” she said.
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Travel Greece
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Tuesday, 26 March 2019 07:00
Trivago Awards Reveal Some Of The Best Hotels In Greece
Trivago, the well-known hotel search engine, recently announced the national winners of the “trivago Awards” 2019.
“As a leading global hotel metasearch with data on millions of aggregated guest ratings, we are well positioned to identify the top-rated hotels that are delivering exceptional guest experiences,” said Johannes Thomas, trivago Managing Director and Chief Revenue Officer.
“At the same time, being a digital marketing channel used by hundreds of thousands of hoteliers around the world enables us to recognize the hotels that are embracing technology and excelling online. The trivago Awards give us the chance to honor the hard-working and forward-looking hoteliers behind these exemplary hotels,” he added.
Among the winning hotels are: the five-star Lindos Blu Luxury Hotel & Suites on Rhodes, the four-star Rocabella Mykonos Hotel, the three-star Saint Vlassis hotel on Naxos island.
“As a leading global hotel metasearch with data on millions of aggregated guest ratings, we are well positioned to identify the top-rated hotels that are delivering exceptional guest experiences,” said Johannes Thomas, trivago Managing Director and Chief Revenue Officer.
“At the same time, being a digital marketing channel used by hundreds of thousands of hoteliers around the world enables us to recognize the hotels that are embracing technology and excelling online. The trivago Awards give us the chance to honor the hard-working and forward-looking hoteliers behind these exemplary hotels,” he added.
Among the winning hotels are: the five-star Lindos Blu Luxury Hotel & Suites on Rhodes, the four-star Rocabella Mykonos Hotel, the three-star Saint Vlassis hotel on Naxos island.
To read the full list of awarded Greek hotels, please visit: Greek Travel Pages
Image Credit: Lindos Blu Luxury Hotel & Suites
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Friday, 30 July 2021 07:00
3 Wonderful Under The Radar Greek Destinations
If you are planning on going on a Greek vacation this summer, take our advise and skip the tourist flocked destinations and head to some of Greece's most beautiful hidden treasures. There, not only will you discover a more authentic side of Greece, but you will get the chance to scratch beneath the surface and explore Greece like a discerning traveler! Here are 3 of our favorite under the radar Greek destinations.
1. Nafplio
Nafplio is a beautiful coastal town in the Argolic Gulf in northern Peloponnese. You'll be surprised to discover that Nafplio is a distinctive town with great attractions and a unique aesthetic. As the first capital of modern Greece, it boasts beautiful neoclassical buildings, unique Venetian architecture, and fascinating history. This lively provincial town will definitely make you want to visit over and over again.
2. Corinth
About 80 kilometers west of Athens, Corinth is known for the Temple of Apollo and the outstanding Corinth Canal. Apart from its great archaeological museum Corinth and significant ancient remains, Corinth is an ideal place from which to set out to discover the area's many beaches, unique mountain villages, and the resort town of Loutraki with its world-famous thermal springs and casino.
3. Meteora
Literally meaning suspended in the air, Meteora is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most dramatic landscapes in the world. Travel to Meteora and you'll learn all about the astonishing rock formations and discover some of the most breathtaking and distinctive monasteries in all of Greece. Religious or not, Meteora is an awe-inspiring destination that will surely impress you with its raw natural beauty and striking monasteries.
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