Lipsi, a tiny Greek island in the Dodecanese archipelago, ranks as one of the top 10 alternative travel destinations in the world for 2022, according to Girovagate.com, one of Italy’s largest travel blogs. It. also noted Aspronissi, which has one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Greece, as one of its recommendations for tourists to visit when on Lipsi.-

 

 

What you need to know about Lipsi

There is no direct daily ferry or air connection to the island via mainland Greece, so the options to get there would include a ferry trip from other Dodecanese islands. The Greek islands providing connections to this island paradise are Leros. Patmos, Rhodes, Kalymnos, and Kos.

Lipsi is not just one island, but actually a cluster of islets located in southeastern Aegean. The collective name comes from the largest island of all, Lipsi, which is formed by landmasses joined by a narrow isthmus. Low hills and valleys, as well as a rocky coastline and several bays, are part of the landscape of Lipsi.

Cars and roads are not common on the island; therefore most of the action takes place along the pedestrian seafront promenade. A small fishing port and several must-visit tavernas can also be found, as well. In the town, Chorio, one can taste the famous island octopus dishes in one of the many ouzeries or fish restaurants there. At night, these venues turn into meeting places where people can to go for a drink and live music.

Being a small island, it is quite easy to move around by bike or even by foot on Lipsi. Despite its size, however, there are many churches and monasteries on the island. Locals even say that it’s possible that every family on Lipsi could have a chapel of their very own.

Sights on the Greek island of Lipsi

Koimisis tis Theokou, an austere Byzantine church dating back to the 7th or 8th century AD, is home to an icon of the Virgin Mary holding a crucified Jesus. The church is on the bay that dominates the port, surrounded by a lush landscape with natural springs.

The Archaeological Collection of Lipsi, in the main village, showcases clay artifacts and ancient inscriptions from the Classical, Hellenistic and Christian periods.

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

Five of Europe’s best rooftop bars are located in Greece: in the city of Athens and on the island of Santorini, according to a study released by entertainment site MrQ.

To determine its 2022 European Rooftop Bar Index, MrQ analyzed 145 rooftop bars in 30 European cities. Based on five metrics that can “make or break” a great rooftop bar experience, the study examines average rating, number of reviews, the popularity of Instagram hashtags, and average temperatures in the summer.

MrQ includes five Greek rooftop bars on its Top 10 list:

3rd spot – PK Cocktail Bar, Santorini


@pkcocktailbar 

PK Cocktail Bar, Santorini’s longest-running cocktail bar ranks third. Clearly popular with its customers, PK Cocktail Bar has secured an impressive five-star rating and the hashtag #pkcocktailbar has been used 2,583 times, MrQ says.

7th spot – Thea Terrace Bar, Athens


@athenshotspots

Thea Terrace Bar may be one of Athens’ hidden gems, with just 134 Instagram hashtags, however, reviewers rate it 4.5 stars.

8th spot – V Lounge Cafe & Cocktail Bar, Santorini


@santorini_vlounge_cocktailbar

On the top floor of the Panorama Boutique Hotel, V Lounge Cafe & Cocktail Bar ranks in eighth place and gets reviewed well, scoring 4.5 stars with 1,092 reviews.

9th spot – Metropolis Roof Garden, Athens


@electrametropolis

With just 138 reviews so far and 187 hashtags on Instagram, Metropolis Roof Garden has secured a near-perfect 4.5-star rating.

10th spot – Acropolis Secret Bar Restaurant, Athens


@divanipalaceacropolis

Rounding off the top 10 is another location in Athens, the Acropolis Secret Bar Restaurant with breathtaking views of the Acropolis Museum. Another one of Greece’s best-kept secrets, this rooftop restaurant located on top of the five-star Divani Palace Acropolis, has a fantastic rating (4.5 stars).

Originally published on: news.gtp.gr

Main image: @santorini_vlounge_cocktailbar

A recent study of the most “Instagrammed” beaches in the world revealed that Greece’s Navagio Beach, located on the island of Zakynthos, lands in the top five.

Money.co.uk, analyzed over 26 million Instagram hashtags to determine which are the most picturesque and beautiful beaches in the world.

The most Instagrammed in the world

The study ranked beaches’ popularity according to the number of Instagram posts made of them per meter of beach. According to the hundreds of thousands of posts of beaches on the social media site, Bali’s Kelingking Beach is the most popular beach in the world.


Credit: Shrigusti/Wikimedia Commons

The stunning Indonesian beach uploaded the most times on the platform per meter was Kelingking Beach. The beach itself stretches along only 80 meters (262 feet) of Nusa Penida in Bali. Despite the holiday spot’s relatively small size, Kelingking Beach has more than 338,193 photos of it on Instagram, meaning that for every meter of the beach there are 4,227 pictures uploaded to the site.

The findings also showed that half of the world’s most popular beaches to immortalize in picture form are located in Europe. However, the second most-uploaded beach could not be further away, in Sydney, Australia.

Bondi Beach ranked second on the list, with the mammoth 1.000-meter-long sandy crescent-shaped cove having 1,776 pictures per meter posted on the website. The beach’s name comes from the Aboriginal, meaning “water breaking over rocks,” and calls to both Sydney city-dwellers and tourists alike. 

Greece’s most popular beach on Instagram

The most exquisite beach in Greece features a stunning stretch of fine white sand that is 182 meters long; a staggering 403 pictures are posted on the social media site for each meter of the beautiful bathing spot.


Credit: dronepicr, Creative Commons Attribution 2.0

Navagio Beach was originally known as “Agios Georgios Beach.” On October 2, 1980, the Freightliner MV Panagiotis ran aground in the waters around Zakynthos Island during stormy weather and poor visibility. It has been rumored for years that the ship was smuggling contraband, including cigarettes and alcohol.

The Panagiotis was abandoned after running aground, and because of the extraordinary difficulty that would be involved in salvaging it, it still rests half-buried in the limestone gravel of the beach, which is now known worldwide by its nickname “Navagio,” or (“Shipwreck”).

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

Image Credit: @ivanmln

From the center of Fira and the unique Caldera of Santorini to the top of the world. The exclusive hotel Athina Luxury Suites once again made history by confirming its position as “Leading Boutique Hotel in Greece 2022” at the World Travel Awards.

 

The boutique hotel distinguished for the world-class services it offers, with breathtaking views of the Volcano, received the most important award in its history to date as “Leading Boutique Hotel in Greece 2022” at the 29th annual World Travel Awards, presented in Mallorca, Spain. World Travel Awards™ was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all key sectors of the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries. Today, the World Travel Awards™ brand is recognized globally as the ultimate hallmark of industry excellence.

 

At the same time, Athina Luxury Suites also excelled and has been recognized among the finest establishments in the world, at the 16th annual World Luxury Hotel Awards by winning the “Best Luxury Boutique Hotel in Southern Europe” award, as part of the annual awards ceremony held in Antalya, Turkey. World Luxury Hotel Awards is the pinnacle of achievement in the luxury hotel industry offering international recognition as voted by guests, travelers and industry players alike. Over 300,000 international travelers vote each year, during a four-week period to select the winners.

 

In the context of this year’s awards, Mr. Panagiotis Iglesis and Ms. Artemis Argyrou, owners and general managers of Athina Luxury Suites, stated: “We are very proud. These awards indicate the fruition of our efforts throughout the year, to be able to offer high quality services to our customers, in this beautiful and unique destination of Santorini. Our total of 25 luxurious accommodations are designed for discerning guests looking for a perfect combination of serenity and adventure. This is the highest honor we have received so far and fills us with joy and strength to continue reaching even higher”. 

 

The successive awards of Athina Luxury Suites prove the commitment of the hotel and its management to further development, its continued consistency, hard work and level of service. Just a few meters away from vibrant town center, Athina Luxury Suites immerses guests in tranquility. Breathtaking views, world-class services and exquisite accommodations all combine to create a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Each suite at Athina Luxury Suites offers its own unique set of luxury amenities. Moreover, an unforgettable dining experience awaits guests at the Esperisma bar-restaurant, where guests can find Mediterranean and Greek cuisine inspired by the freshest local ingredients, at a place where luxury meets gastronomy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Originally published in Greek on: moneyreview.gr
Translated by: Codico Lab

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Translated by: Codico Lab

Cultural heritage does not end at monuments and collections of objects. It also includes traditions or living expressions inherited from our ancestors and passed on to our descendants, such as oral traditions, performing arts, social practices, rituals, festive events, knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe or the knowledge and skills to produce traditional crafts.

UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, has been pivotal in changing and expanding the term ‘cultural heritage’: in it’s 2003 General Conference, the organization adopted the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. Since then, 180 States have become party to this text, which is now considered a key instrument – not only for the safeguarding of heritage in all its diversity, but also for peace. According to the 2003 Convention, ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage’ means the practices, representations, expressions, knowledge, skills – as well as the instruments, objects, artefacts and cultural spaces associated therewith – that communities, groups and, in some cases, individuals recognize as part of their cultural heritage. This ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage’ , is according to UNESCO manifested in the following domains: (a) oral traditions and expressions, including language; (b) performing arts; (c) social practices, rituals and festive events; (d) knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe;(e) traditional craftsmanship.

While fragile, intangible cultural heritage is an important factor in maintaining cultural diversity in the face of growing globalization. An understanding of the intangible cultural heritage of different communities helps with intercultural dialogue, and encourages mutual respect for other ways of life. As UNESCO notes, the importance of intangible cultural heritage is not the cultural manifestation itself but rather the wealth of knowledge and skills that is transmitted through it from one generation to the next. Intangible cultural heritage is: traditional, contemporary and living at the same time, inclusive, representative and community-based.

Greece, which has been a party to the Convention since 2007, has 10 inscriptions on UNESCO's representative list of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity, half of which are related to music, dance and folk festivals. The list includes collective practices transmitted from older to younger generations in an informal way that reinforces the cultural identity of the community and contributes to facilitating social integration. These collective practices often offer the opportunity to make the collective memory last, through song, dance and the telling of old tales and stories. The most recent inscription from Greece was made in 2022 and it relates August 15th (Dekapentavgoustos) festivities in two Highland Communities of Northern Greece: Tranos Choros (Grand Dance) in Vlasti village in Western Macedonia and the Festival of Syrráko, a small stone village perched in Epirus.

Tranos Choros (Grand Dance) in Vlasti and Syrrako Festival (2022)

The Tranos Choros (Grand Dance) and Syrrako festival are celebrated in Greece to commemorate the Dormition of the Virgin Mary. Historically, these Orthodox festivities originating in Vlasti and Syrrako marked the annual reunion of pastoral communities before the sheep or cattle farmers moved to their winter pastures. Although the population of most highland communities has greatly diminished, today the festivals are associated with the reunion of the communities whose inhabitants have migrated to cities. The main feature of both festivals are the ritualistic dances.

For the Tranos Choros in Vlasti, dancers of all ages form a large open circle, holding hands and dancing to a slow and imposing rhythm while singing a cappella. In the Syrrako Festival, a band and singers accompany the dance. In the communities, youth learn the customs by watching the participants and preparations from an early age. Today, cultural organizations also play a key role in transmitting the dances and cultural context. The festivities are viewed as a celebration of both villages’ identities, providing an opportunity for younger generations to connect with their cultural heritage.

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

Booking.com, a renowned global booking platform, has recently unveiled its esteemed Traveler Review Awards 2024, showcasing the world's most welcoming destinations. From charming coastal retreats to serene mountain havens, these places have earned their spots through a remarkable display of hospitality, as evidenced by a staggering 309 million valid reviews from Booking.com travelers.

In a testament to its exceptional hospitality, Ermoupolis of Syros has secured the second position in this year's list of the world's 10 most hospitable cities. This capital city is a masterpiece in itself, adorned with beautiful neoclassical structures, the grand City Hall in Miaouli Square designed by Ernesto Ziller, and the historic Municipal Theater of Apollo, crafted in 1864 by the skilled hands of Italian architect Pietro Sambo. The cityscape is akin to an open-air museum, featuring mansions along the waves in the aristocratic Vaporia district, the iconic church of Agios Nikolaos with its characteristic blue dome, and other splendid Orthodox and Catholic churches.

It's essential to note that destinations are ranked based on the total number of Traveler Review Award 2024 recipients. These prestigious awards are derived from an extensive pool of over 309 million verified reviews, recognizing businesses that consistently deliver excellent service and unwavering hospitality.

For the seventh consecutive year, Italy stands out with the highest number of awardees, boasting an impressive total of 181,012 awards. Following closely are Spain (125,611), France (124,361), Germany (86,910), and the United Kingdom (74,754), showcasing the unwavering commitment to exceptional service across these European nations.

Now, let's dive into the lists of the most welcoming destinations around the globe, according to this year's prestigious Booking.com awards:

The 10 Most Welcoming Cities:

• Arraial d'Ajuda, Brazil
• Ermoupolis, Greece
• Viana do Castelo, Portugal
• Daylesford, Australia
• Grindelwald, Switzerland
• Moab, United States
• Uzes, France
• Mazatlan, Mexico
• Jaisalmer, India
• Fujikawaguchiko, Japan

The 10 Most Welcoming Regions:

Welcome to a cinematic odyssey through the sun-kissed landscapes of Greece, where the azure waters, ancient ruins, and charming villages have become the enchanting backdrop for an increasing number of movies and captivating TV shows. As Hollywood and international filmmakers have discovered the allure of Greece's diverse and picturesque locales, the country has emerged as a prominent and sought-after filming destination.

Here are some recent films and TV shows filmed in Greece that are worth watching!

In this 2022 movie, the world-renowned detective Benoit Blanc unravels a gripping mystery set against the stunning backdrop of Greece. This mystery film, sprinkled with humor, will keep you guessing from beginning to end. The crisp and picturesque Greek imagery adds an extra layer of allure to the story. Filmed on Spetses in 2021, the adventure begins in this captivating island before transitioning to the enchanting Amanzoe's Villa 20 in Porto Heli. The shift in locations brings a dynamic element to the film, contributing to its visual richness and showcasing the diverse beauty that Greece has to offer. Director Rian Johnson described the experience as "a summer vacation where we also made a movie," capturing the essence of the unique filming journey.

2. Daisy Jones & The Six


📍Hydra, Greece. Credit: @lesbisousrouges

This American musical drama television miniseries, adapted from the 2019 novel, starts unfolding its compelling narrative in the year 1977. This drama, blending romance and music, takes you on a journey across three vivid locations: the vibrant streets of Los Angeles, the soulful atmosphere of New Orleans, and the enchanting landscapes of Greece. Following the completion of the album and the realization of genuine emotions for Billy, Daisy makes a bold move, hightailing it to Greece, specifically the picturesque island of Hydra. 

This show made history as the first Greek series to grace Netflix, whisking viewers away to the charming and petite Greek island of Paxos. Nestled between the islands of Corfu and Lefkada, Paxos becomes the picturesque canvas for this groundbreaking series. As the plot unfolds, the storyline takes us on several visits to the nearby island of Corfu. During the pandemic, a musician embarks on a journey to set up a music festival, inadvertently finding love and becoming entangled in other people's lives. This gripping drama delves into modern-world problems, keeping audiences on their toes with a rollercoaster of powerful and harsh moments with many twists. However, what truly distinguishes "Maestro in Blue" is the breathtaking imagery—the crystal-clear waters of Paxoi and landscapes that are nothing short of cinematic perfection.

4. The Triangle of Sadness


📍Chiliadou Beach, Euboea. Credit: Greg Patrikios 

This movie unfolds as a satirical black comedy, delving into the complexities of class disparity through a power play involving a supermodel couple and a disruptive shipwreck. The film skillfully explores the absurdity of a social hierarchy challenged by a lack of survival skills among the affluent islanders. Shot against the backdrop of both Sweden and the jaw-dropping landscapes of Greece, the Greek locations steal the spotlight with their breathtaking beauty. The beach scenes, filmed at Chiliadou Beach on the island of Euboea, elevate the film's visual appeal, seamlessly blending biting satire with the sheer magnificence of the Greek landscape.

5. A Perfect Story


📍Mykonos, Greece. Credit: @minogiannisvalantis
 

When Margot makes a daring escape from her own wedding, she's left adrift, searching for purpose. Little does she realize that David, with his delightful chaos, holds the key to finding her way. Adapted from Elísabet Benavent's 2020 novel 'Un cuento perfecto,' this tale weaves a classic narrative of two lovers from vastly different worlds. The magic of 'A Perfect Story' unfolds against the captivating backdrops of both Greece and Madrid. Notably, the popular Greek island of Mykonos takes center stage, becoming a visual feast for audiences. Renowned for its white and blue landscapes, Mykonos adds a touch of enchantment to the Netflix limited series, as confirmed by tourism consulting firm MTC. 'A Perfect Story' is a visual journey that brings to life the beauty of Greece and the allure of a tale as old as time.

6. How To Have Sex


📍Malia, Crete. Credit: @jess.thoe
 
This upcoming coming-of-age drama follows three British teenage girls on a rites-of-passage holiday in the lively party town of Malia, Crete. As they embrace the thrill of drinking and clubbing, anticipating the best summer of their lives, the narrative takes a powerful twist when the party unexpectedly grinds to a halt. Filmed against the vibrant backdrop of Malia, known for its energetic atmosphere and bustling nightlife, the movie weaves a compelling story, tapping into the profound theme of consent. Malia's lively streets and dynamic ambiance not only set the stage for the characters' adventures but also enhance the film's immersive portrayal of youth and the complexities of their experiences, promising an emotionally charged cinematic journey.

Nestled within the picturesque landscapes of Messinia, Greece, lies the unsuspecting village of Kremmydia—its charm extending beyond the scenic beauty that surrounds it. Positioned less than 20 kilometers from Pylos, specifically in Pylia, this gem unveils a unique distinction that has etched its name into the prestigious Guinness Book of Records.

For those exploring the region from the vibrant city of Kalamata, Kremmydia is a captivating stopover, known by alternate names like Fourtzokermyda, Velanidia, or Fourtzi. Contrary to any assumptions related to its name, the village's claim to fame in the Guinness Book of Records is not linked to onions or agricultural feats.

In 1999, Kremmydia earned its place in history by boasting the largest percentage of graduate scientists among its residents, a remarkable 30% of the population. The accolade reflects the village's commitment to education and intellectual pursuits, a legacy dating back to 1893, when the village's school first commenced its operations. The remarkable journey from its educational roots to the record-breaking feat saw a total of 810 graduates emerge as scholars and scientists.

Steeped in ancient history, Kremmydia's roots trace back to Nestor's kingdom in ancient Pylos. The current settlement, a fusion of three older settlements—Fourtzi or Frutzi (later Velanidies or Velanidia since 1927), Ano Kremmydia, and Kato Kremmydia—holds historical significance. Kremmydi, the oldest of the settlements, has been documented since the Venetian occupation, while the others date back to at least the foundation of the Greek State.

Beyond its intellectual prowess, Kremmydia echoes the battles fought on its soil. On April 7, 1825, the village witnessed a historic clash between Ibrahim's troops, fresh invaders of the Peloponnese, and Greek rebels led by Kyriakos Skourtis from Hydra. The fierce engagement involved around 3,400 Egyptians and 3,250 Greeks, culminating in a challenging retreat for the Greeks after losing approximately 600 men.

Kremmydia, a village that combines intellect, history, and natural beauty, invites travelers to explore its layers of significance—a journey through time and achievement in the heart of Messinia.

Originally published in Greek on: mixanitouxronou.gr
Translated by: Codico Lab