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Kefalonia or otherwise Cephalonia, apart from the "hidden magic corners" that it keeps hold of, such as lakes, caves and mountains, where orchids grow and goats and horses graze freely on the mountain peaks, boasts a variety of fantastic restaurants and taverns, where the visitor has the chance to discover an amazingly traditional cuisine through a blend of homemade flavours. Here, culinary aspirations are not placed to the limit, to a single piece of “moussaka” and a traditional salad bowl; contrariwise, the visitor will be pleasantly surprised as the discovery of “another Greece” is undertaken through a journey of tastes. The Cephalonian cuisine is characterised by pies, greens, seafood and meats cooked with traditional recipes from local ingredients that you will find nowhere else. The particular climatic conditions and frequent rains make the island’s soil fertile, providing the production of a wide variety of agricultural products that render the Cephalonian diet as one of the richest diets in Greece and of high quality. Hence, it is more than certain that during your stay in Cephalonia you will enjoy scrumptious food at the plethora of restaurants, which offer delicious dining options and an exceptional experience within a surrounding of flavours. On the island, it will not be hard to find what you truly enjoy tasting since this land is regarded as highly developed in terms of tourism services. You will find, even in the most remote corner, restaurants of all kinds, while in the most popular places on the island the choices are simply…endless! You will even discover, in many beautiful spots of the island, restaurants and taverns that existed to this day solely in your imagination with most of them retaining a breathtaking view and as a main background, the crystal blue sea, where small boats commute transporting fresh fish on land. Some of the best places to visit for a complete pleasure in taste are the peninsula of great natural beauty, Lassi, the popular beach, Makris Gialos, the picturesque town of Lixouri, the beloved resort of Skala and the largest town on the island, the historic Argostoli. You may try the Cephalonian pies, which are incredibly delicious and considered to be the trademark of the island. They are made with homemade dough and contain a filling, which could be any of the following: rice with meat, leek and spinach, vegetables, cod and octopus. The Bourbourelia: is a type of pea soup with salt, pepper and olive oil. The Aliada: is a local dish that consists of octopus juice, garlic and mashed potatoes. The Strapatsada: eggs with tomatoes slightly fried in local olive oil, salt and pepper. The Riganada: sliced bread, either toasted or untoasted, oil and oregano. Kolokythokorfades: squash blossoms steeped in flour slurry, egg, feta cheese and fragrant dill, the perfect partner to enjoy a pleasant Cephalonian dish, which are fried and served hot. Tsigaridia: various sauced greens, which are basically cooked with a lot of tomatoes and herbs. These are just some of the delicious dishes that the Cephalonian cuisine has to offer, since you will discover later on and many other tasty combinations, which will become even more tasty if you accompany them with the local and fantastic white wine, Rombola. Rombola has been awarded as one of the best white wines worldwide. It has a delicate aroma and a unique flavour, holding as a main characteristic the scent of the white grape variety named as “Rombola”. At this point, it is worth noting that the vines for the production of Rombola thrive only on the plateau of the community of Omalon, at an altitude of 700 metres, on the slopes of the beautiful and lush mountain, Ainos and next to the monastery of Saint Gerasimos, the patron saint of the island of Cephalonia.
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The place for prayer. The place for worshipping nature. For some, a place to escape from everyday life. For others, it is regarded as their daily lives. Moments of everydayness blended with moments of relaxation. Common denominators: experiences, satisfaction, peace and diversity of the ordinary. It is almost certain that whoever reaches or lives permanently in Cyprus will feel at least something of the above. The island is large and the options are countless. The time that is required is from an hour to unlimited in order for someone to live what would please him or her the most. Churches and monasteries The churches and monasteries in Cyprus are hospitable to visitors. From parish churches in towns to Byzantine churches on the Troodos Mountains, chapels but also monasteries offer tranquility to the visitor. Places of peace and communication with God boost human stamina for the hardship of our epoch. The religious heritage of Cyprus, rich in history and monuments, overwhelms any Christian visitor. Magnificent churches, small stone-built churches, Byzantine hagiography in churches and monasteries with ecclesiastical museums elicit admiration worthy of any space that houses the sublime faith to the Christ. The passage of time and the religious perception of the Christian Cypriots have given a large number of churches and a diversity in both architecture and the size of churches that someone could observe. Wine The wine records its own historical course on the island, which in recent years through the “Wine Routes” it highlights the particular characteristics of the Cypriot wine. Routes to the wine villages, visits to vineyards, wineries and local wine museums comprise for the visitor as sources that reveal the local wine. The journey with destination to wine is an experience of wine tastes combined with traditional dishes. The sun, the Mediterranean climate and the fertile soil are factors for the cultivation of vines on the island since antiquity, but also for the production of quality wines with the top being the sweet and fragrant Commandaria. The expansion of vineyards in some villages became the core, which around
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it rotate the daily lives of the residents. The wine as power became a tradition and a long-lasting history. It shaped the landscape, where the presence of vines dominates in plains and ridges of low mountains. Cypriot cuisine A unique and highly enjoyable pleasure for many! In Cyprus, as nowhere else, the great variety of food, the cleanliness and quality local ingredients play a vital role for someone to feel completely satisfied by the gastronomy of the place. Despite the plethora cuisine choices, the traditional Cypriot cuisine ranks first with its king being the well-known “Cyprus Meze”. The parade of the various appetisers, cooked and grilled dishes that will pass from the table tastefully compensate anyone who may think about his or her silhouette. Do not miss for any reason the experience of the Cyprus Meze, but also and of the other traditional dishes in a tavern, even if you escape for a while from your usual diet. It is no coincidence that the Cypriot cuisine gains more and more fans, who seek it in many parts of the earth! The acquaintance with tradition If you do not get to know the tradition of a place, then your tour is not yet complete. Cyprus, scattered with villages, divulges through these a more crystallised concept on hospitality, the beauties of nature and the joys of a more human everydayness. In the villages, the morals and customs are inherited from generation to generation. Many of these such as the traditional occupations that have been annihilated by the industry revive through small festivals that are mainly organised during the summer by each village. The architecture that characterises most of the villages in Cyprus is simple. It combines stone for building walls, tiled roofs and protruding chimneys, narrow streets and courtyards with every kind of container that has been made a flower pot. This simplicity is the characteristic beauty of the villages of Cyprus, which in combination with their rich cultural heritage and natural landscape are becoming interesting destinations for touring at any time of the year.
In the mountainous and picturesque village of Agros on the mountain that dominates the region, is built in traditional architecture, the Rodon Hotel. Rodon is known for its superb combination of comfortable accommodation, stunning panoramic views, warm Cypriot hospitality and a good homemade cuisine. In the decade of the 80s, the residents and friends of the village of Agros proceeded to the ambitious reconstruction project of the Rodon Hotel, which aimed on the tourism development of the village. The hotel owes its name to the small fragrant roses that abound in the area, making Agros Pancyprian as the first village in the production of rosewater, but also of dishes, beverages and products from rose. The hotel was launched in 1986 keeping hold of its own story and currently, consists of fully renovated rooms and venues with an upgraded service in order to please all the demands of modern travellers. The hotel is offered for relaxation, education, good and traditional food, physical exercise, a healthy lifestyle and quality entertainment. It is ideal for events of every form and on every occasion (weddings, baptisms, gatherings). It is also ideal for visitors with special interests, who prefer hiking, climbing, cycling, walking in beautiful nature trails, studying the natural flora-fauna and built environment (stone houses) of the area, as well as the lifestyle of the residents of the Cypriot countryside. Rodon is also accessible for people with disabilities. Today, Agros, as a result of Rodon, composes one of the busiest tourist resorts of Cyprus. Locals and foreigners spend pleasant breaks from their everyday life in a village that consists of restaurants, cafes, small workshops of local traditional products and many interesting activities. The tourism development has helped to increase the number of residents and the expansion of the village, determining it as one of the largest villages in the Pitsilia region.
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By staying at the Rodon Hotel, which is positioned in the heart of mountainous Cyprus, an opportunity for experience evolves as you take an excursion in the surrounding area. Here, the nature lovers could enjoy great hiking trails and driving routes, meet neighbouring villages that are located just a few kilometres from Agros and live in the rhythms of rural Cyprus. The Byzantine churches of the Holy Cross of Agiasmati in close proximity to the village of Platanistasa, the Holy Cross in the village of Pelendri and Panagia tou Araka outside the villages of Saranti and Lagoudera will monopolise your interest as they are globally considered to be monuments of Orthodoxy with a great religious and historical value that are under the protection of UNESCO. Furthermore, in the village of Agros there are two historic churches, the church of Our Lady of Mercy, a former monastery of Great Agros in which the image of Our Lady of Great Agros (one of the 70 icons painted by Apostle and Evangelist, Luke) is found and the church of Saint John the Baptist. The small churches of Saint Kyriaki and Saints Gerasimon, as well as the museum of the artist and icon painter, Solon Frangoullides, are also worth a visit. By descending from Rodon towards the three neighbourhoods of Agros, you will discover the unique of their kind “traditional crafts� with delicious spoon sweets, the ancestral traditional desserts soutzouko and paluze, the pure and genuine honey from the bee, the rustic halloumi cheese and the traditional smoked and dipped into wine cold cuts. Additionally, you will find the pottery workshop and smell the wonderful aroma of the roses, from which, apart from the famous Agros rosewater, various other products such as tea, liqueurs, aperitifs, wines, aromatic candles and biological cosmetics are produced. Get to know the secrets of the evolutionary course of fine wines and make tastings at one of the local wineries. You will even discover the village’s fresh fruits and vegetables and the flower shop with its amazing flowers, aromatic plants and trees. In the historic centre of the village, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the digestive water of Agros, along with Cypriot coffee or a rustic hot tea, in one of the traditional cafes. The view of the surrounding greenery overwhelms the travellers as the colours and scents of nature form a breathtaking beauty due to the countless trees mainly, apple trees, cherry trees, peach trees, walnut trees, hazelnut trees, adventitious roots and ubiquitous roses. This astonishing and harmonious image that relaxes the eyes and calms the soul looks like a divine intervention, where one could feel complete peace and tranquility. If you are a sports fan and enjoy action such as climbing, cycling, hiking, walking in beautiful nature trails and visiting historical, religious and cultural sites in the area, you could ask for more information from the hotel reception for the planned activities that are organised for all kinds of tastes and ages. You could even be informed about the cultural events that take place in the village, which you should not hesitate to attend! What will surely remain in your memory as an unforgettable experience is the hospitality of the residents, the traditional dishes and the amusement accompanied with delightful music that lasts until the morning hours!
A paradisiacal land for vacation! The golden sandy beaches of Ayia Napa gently touch upon the east coast of the island of Cyprus. Once being a small picturesque fishing village, Ayia Napa with its stunning coasts of astonishing white sands, its wonderful beaches and beautiful blue waters, today is bustled with life and a cosmopolitan atmosphere and is regarded as the main and most popular summer resort of the Mediterranean. The shallow, calm and crystal clear waters have made this coastal area a heaven of extreme attraction for beach lovers. While you are there, spend the day by sunbathing on one of the many magical beaches, by swimming in the warm waters or by even taking a short cruise along the coast to observe from cosmopolitan beaches to secluded coves and incredible sea caves. Additionally, you could take another trip to Cape Greco, a place of an indescribable beauty, where you will obtain the opportunity to go for diving and enjoy the exceptionality of the seabed through underwater observations. At night, you could go out and dine at one of the many restaurants that serve international cuisine or at traditional taverns with delicious local dishes, while later on, you could enjoy every moment by dancing and having fun with the most modern rhythms in some of the many nightclubs that the area consists of. If you love being inspired with culture and tradition, then you will feel truly pleased by visiting this extraordinary destination as year round events and festivals are organised by its municipality that strongly express the island’s culture and traditions. Ayia Napa is a very famous destination for summer holidays. People from all over the world visit this amazing cosmopolitan resort to enjoy in particular, the sun and sea on its remarkable beaches that will surely not disappoint them. Come to Ayia Napa and discover a unique temptation within the crystal waters of the Mediterranean, take pleasure in having a peaceful walk across the shore, enjoy the excitement that the water sports have to offer and try to take upon new and unprecedented experiences hence, getting to know your strengths and weaknesses and even new abilities. Moreover, take a chance to relax in the spas of luxurious hotels that will unquestionably satisfy your highest expectations. Go shopping at the trendiest stores you could ever imagine, take a walk or ride around the main busy streets that the town keeps hold of, where you will find many restaurants, cafes and taverns to enjoy scrumptious international but also local delicacies, as well as pubs and nightclubs with Greek and foreign music. The nightlife in Ayia Napa is simply‌ incredible! For all kinds of tastes and all ages! Without doubt, in the town of Ayia Napa you will find an outstanding atmosphere and an excellent service and what makes this breathtaking place so unique is that everything is constantly provided with a smile. Therefore, what exactly prompts a contemporary traveller! The Monastery The medieval monastery located in the centre of Ayia Napa is dedicated to Our Lady of the Forests. The 16th century church is partly underground and carved into the rock. Undoubtedly, what will impress you the most is a century old sycamore in front of the south gate, which is believed that it is
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over 600 years old! Within the convent an ancient icon of the miraculous Virgin Mary of Napa is kept. The monastery is surrounded by a high wall with carved stones and the whole complex has a great medieval architecture. The Sea Museum What is remarkable is the Sea Museum situated at the municipality of Ayia Napa, where in a pleasant environment you could explore the role and importance of the sea in the history of Cyprus from antiquity until today. The exhibits of the museum include fossils of marine organisms and animals aged up to 100 million years old and stuffed sea animals and organisms like fish, turtles, seals, birds, starfish, sea urchins, sponges and corals. However, the most awe-inspiring exhibit of the museum is the life-size effigy of the ancient ship in the era of Alexander the Great that was found wrecked off the coast of Kyrenia. Apart from the exhibits, within the spaces of the museum a few shops, a cafe and a place for educational programs are also available. The Port Enjoy a coffee or lunch besides the waters of the Mediterranean at the port of Ayia Napa. Gaze upon the colours of the sea as they change in the sunlight and let the relaxing sounds to lure and accompany you to beautiful moments. The anchored boats and other vessels offer to the landscape a tranquil atmosphere that will undeniably calm your spirit. At the port, what will surely surprise you is the cosmopolitan aura that exists as there are so many people, who wish to visit and sit in its restaurants and cafes. Its location offers a special view to both foreign and local visitors alike and is regarded as an ornament to the town of Ayia Napa, by producing an exceptional sensation both during the day and night. The beaches of Ayia Napa The beaches of Ayia Napa are considered to be among the best that exist in Cyprus. The crystal blue waters and sandy beaches are what make each guest to adore them and become attracted to their beauty. From cosmopolitan beaches to almost empty ones, with white or golden sands, well organised to completely isolated ones, at either a green or deserted environment, with calm waters to large waves, with steep cliffs to remarkable caves, in this part of the world you could find any type of beach that would satisfy your needs without having to travel miles just to find it. If you are either an athletic or adventurous person and you like action, you will be impressed by the wide variety of water sports available on the beaches of Ayia Napa. Your adrenaline will reach its heights and will provide you with a unique experience. On the other hand, if you prefer to be in a calmer state then take a ride on a boat to which its bottom part is actually like a submarine! The windows that it consists of will let you observe throughout your journey the magnificence that the underwater life has to offer and when an anchor is casted, a diver feeds the fish in front of your eyes within the sparkling blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea or even better why not dive for yourself and let them eat from your own hands?
Skala is one of the most popular and well-organised resorts on the southern edge of the island of Cephalonia. It is located 35 kilometres from the island’s capital, Argostoli and as is the neighbouring Katelios, is considered to be a paradise for navigators and nature lovers. The most prominent feature of Skala is its very long sandy beach and pebbles and its characteristic pine forest, found at the back of the beach, which separates the mainland from the sea. Since the resort is highly esteemed, the beach is quite busy during the summer season, despite its large size. In addition, the beach is ideal for water sports as it consists of an organised water sports centre, which promises lots of action! If you enjoy having fun at the beach and love listening to music while you are lying on your sunbed, you could visit the lovely beach bars that Skala keeps hold of and live the essence of relaxation through marvellous moments. For those who want to avoid the noise of a crowded beach and prefer privacy, places to relax alone such as small, secluded coves are found all over the region of the resort. You could also take a day trip by boat to Poros or to other parts of the beautiful island of Cephalonia through the tours that are organised by Skala. In the village of Skala, there are many taverns, restaurants, bars and supermarkets that fulfill all your basic needs. From a delicious meal in a tavern and a refreshing cocktail at a local bar to the daily supplies from the supermarkets and souvenirs from gift shops, Skala has it all! If you decide to visit the village’s taverns, you must choose to try the traditional dish “Bianco”. This dish is a scrumptious fish soup with garlic that is served with croutons. Everything is within a reasonable distance and hence, you will not need to waste time on the way to the largest towns, such as Argostoli. However, if you enjoy travelling and in other areas, we recommend for dinner the famous restaurants of the neighbouring Katelios, a place where you will find luxury hotels of three and four stars, as well as flats and maisonettes in economic prices. For your evening entertainment, apart from the bars and taverns which are regarded as a necessity to visit at any point you find yourself in Cephalonia, you could party until dawn in one of the many clubs on the island. For more options, you can always visit Argostoli with its exciting nightlife and go dancing all night long! If you are looking for something more than the typical beach holiday and if you are interested in sightseeing, in Skala you will find both natural and historical sites, such as the Sakkos Cave, the temple of Apollo, the ruins of the old town and the chapel of Saint George. In the Sakkos Cave, many discoveries of prehistoric times were found, while ruins of the Temple of Apollo with splendid Doric Columns still stand, on the outskirts of Skala, along the road to Poros and date from the 6th century BC. No matter where you find yourself in Skala, you will surely enjoy the warm hospitality of the locals and learn more about the rich Cephalonian culture. You will be impressed with the authentic experiences that you will obtain, while the idyllic blue pictures of the Ionian Sea will fascinate you to the fullest!
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Fiscardo is one of the most beautiful villages in Cephalonia. It is located at the northern end of the island and 50 kilometres from Argostoli and is regarded as the nearest point to Cephalonia from the adjacent island, Ithaca. The harbour is continuously full of boats and connects the island with Ithaca and Lefkada, with frequent routes, particularly during the summer months. Its settlement has been characterised as preserved, since it is considered to be one of the few that have not been flattened by the devastating earthquakes of 1953, in Cephalonia. Here, time seems to have stopped, since the imposing mansions that you will see are buildings of the 18th century. Two-storey houses with bright red roofs and narrow, hanging balconies painted in various bright colours create, along with the green nature and blue sea, a
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unique painting! Fiscardo is built on the position of Ancient Panormos, a lost Roman city, whose existence was mentioned by Homer, but also other written sources. After many centuries of research, Panormos has been identified, based on the findings of archaeological excavations, as the current Fiscardo. Apart from a rich history, in Fiscardo you will find gorgeous beaches like Agia (Saint) Jerusalem, Emblisi and Foki, while on road towards Assos you will have the opportunity to visit Myrtos, the jewel on the crown of the Cephalonian beaches. Known worldwide, the award-winning beach, Myrtos, completely satisfies the demands of its guests and meets expectations by offering an exceptional landscape. The lush vegetation, wild rocks and cliffs, surround this huge whitesand beach with astonishing small white pebbles. The waters of the beach are crystal clear and could be described as even transparent, particularly, bluegreen in its shallow waters. The sunset at Myrtos is regarded as an unforgettable moment, as the beach “looks” to the west, where the golden red sun gradually “immerses” in the blue sea, a magic picture that could be gazed for only just a few minutes, but which has the ability to remain forever in the memory of oneself. Get into small stylish shops, navigate the narrow streets and gaze into the yards of the village houses, which are full of colourful flowers. Furthermore, get to know everything that composes the identity of Fiscardo, a place where its quaintness often attracts Hollywood celebrities, who arrive in the small and picturesque harbour with their luxurious yachts to visit the village. Finally, dine at the village’s seaside taverns or have a drink while enjoying the magnificent views of the Ionian Sea and let your eyes reach until the island of Ithaca …
Lassi is one of the most beautiful areas in Cephalonia, just 1.5 kilometres from Argostoli and is considered to be an ideal place to stay in. By being combined with close access to the town of Argostoli, it is also rendered as one of the finest resorts on the island. In Lassi, everyone can have a pleasant time, since it satisfies all the tastes of its visitors. This place is ideal for shopping at various shops, culinary delights and entertainment in a wide variety of restaurants and traditional taverns, while its many bars offer to youngsters a unique nightlife. When you visit Lassi, you will enjoy a variety of activities, such as taking a walk along Lassi’s perimeter round (Giros tis Lassis), a pleasant and comfortable walk by the sea with spectacular views of Lixouri’s coast, the second largest town on the island and will be charmed by the view of the most romantic sunset at Lassi’s lighthouse. Furthermore, you will have the chance to observe the site of Katavothres, an exceptional geological phenomenon where the sea water disappears and appears on the other side of the island in the Mellisani Lake, in close proximity to the town of Sami. In Lassi, you will find very beautiful beaches, which are ideal for swimming and relaxing under a warm sun and an amazingly endless blue sky. The diversity of the landscape will surely carry you away; nevertheless, the crystal blue waters and astonishing views of the sea are regarded as the common feature of all the beaches in the area. Makris Gialos is a long lane of golden sand. It took this name, which means long sandy beach, as it is quite long in length. This beach is very popular and is considered to be ideal for families since it is not very deep. Gradakia is a smaller beach located in the beginning of Lassi with a gray sand and shallow waters, making it an ideal beach for small children. Platis Gialos, meaning wide sandy beach, is the extension of Makris Gialos and are two beaches that are separated from each other by rocks. Paliostafida is a quiet beach and behind it, on a low hill, are many trees that provide the completeness of of this beautiful landscape’s scenery. The Fanari Beach is found on the footpath of ‘Giros tis Lassis’ and is regarded as a beach for families, since those who have children prefer this beach because of its shallow, warm waters. Moreover, it is considered to be an ideal choice to take a quick dip since the beach is located very near to Argostoli. Finally, the Metela Beach, next to the statue of the Greek satirical poet N. Kavvadias is preferred by those seeking serenity and tranquility. This beach overlooks the village of Farsa and the gulf of Argostoli with its semi-hourly ferry boat that offers daily routes from Argostoli to Lixouri.
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Some of the most beautiful islands that you can visit in Greece are those of the Ionian Sea or otherwise, Heptanese and in total, the largest islands from this island complex are seven. They are located along and near the west coast of the mainland of Greece and particularly of Epirus, Central Greece and the Peloponnese. Cephalonia, Corfu, Zakynthos, Ithaca, Paxos, Lefkada, Kythira, whichever island you may choose to visit, you will surely obtain an unforgettable experience! You will gaze upon wonderful green landscapes, amazingly clean beaches with either rocks or simply… sandy and serene. Live the myth of Ancient Greece and get to the chance to meet the places that were ruled by Odysseus, the legendary hero who inspired Homer to write the Odyssey (Omirou Odysseia). Be sure that everything you see and live will satisfy your every desire, while the locals will accompany you with a warm hospitality. Corfu Corfu, the Lady of the Ionian Sea, is located in the north end of the Ionian Sea and is the second largest island, after Cephalonia, from the Ionian cluster of islands. This island has an oblong shape and its extent reaches 592 square kilometres. It is opposite the mainland’s coast and composes the northwestern part of Greece. It is regarded as one of the most beautiful islands of Greece and with its significant history, green countryside, lacy beaches and mainly, its exceptional elegance has gained worldwide fame. Thanks to its geographical position, this island dominates in the history of Greece from ancient times. It is identified with the mythical land of the Phaeacians, known from the Odyssey, as the hospitable Phaeacians contributed to the return of Odysseus, the hero of the Trojan War in Ithaca. The riot of colours, with alternations that only the sight of nature can create, compose the scene of dreams for every traveller in the magnificent Corfu, a place where despite the development of tourism its natural, fairy beauties have not faded away.
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Cephalonia Cephalonia is a truly verdant island surrounded by the emerald waters of the Ionian Sea and is regarded as the island of mystery and strange phenomena! It is a place worth visiting to ascertain that it is truly… an endless place with everything you can imagine. Cephalonia is one of the few places in the world that gathers so many geological “strange” phenomena. Apart from its natural beauties, the island’s “geological mysteries” attract both visitors and scientists from all over the world. Today, with a tour through the whole island one can see close at hand the magnificence of nature being contrary to the laws and rules and “acting spontaneously” on the canvas of the Cephalonian landscape. Despite being given some explanations for the phenomena by geologists, imputing them to the position of the island, which is found at the junction of the Earth’s tectonic plates, they still compose a scene of mystery that is reinforced by mythology, legends, traditions and religion, of-
fering uniqueness to the island! Significant discoveries that have been made support the fact that Odysseus, in antiquity, was the king of the Ionian Islands, while the archaeologists’ hoe unearthed the tomb of Odysseus, ultimately, being found in Cephalonia. Therefore, enjoy what the island has to offer, a landscape that combines astonishing beaches, attractions of historical, cultural and religious interest, as well as unique phenomena, such as underground caves, an example being the Melissani Cave, the sea water disappearing at the site of “Katavothres” and Mount Ainos, which is a monument of nature with rich flora and fauna. Ithaca Ithaca has become famous all around the world since the depths of centuries, being regarded as the island of destination and homecoming, an island that symbolises the homeland and the affection towards it. Since ancient times, through the poems of Homer, Ithaca had become the symbol of destination. Homer describes the wanderings of Odysseus, subsequent to the Trojan War that lasted 20 years until he reached his Ithaca, while later on, the island acquires an even greater and deeper meaning through the poem written by the Greek poet Constantine Cavafy, “Ithaca”. The island of Ithaca is regarded as the smallest island in the Heptanese, is located next to the island of Cephalonia and is slightly larger from the island of Paxi. It is divided in two with a strip of land connecting its southern part to the northern one. Of exceptional beauty is its green landscape, pure white and turquoise beaches with pebbles and unique waters on a naturally refreshing sunshine coast. The picturesque, little villages with their simplicity and authenticity will grab your attention, while the village of Vathy, built around a natural bay, is one of the smallest and most picturesque, colourful, peaceful island states of Greece. The island of Lazaretto, in the middle of the bay, provides a panoramic view with an extra touch of uniqueness. Paxi Paxi is a small green paradise that is located just 7 miles south of Corfu and 8 nautical miles west of the continental coasts. It is regarded as a cosmopolitan island that combines charm and nobility to the fullest. Paxi, the smallest of the Ionian Islands, enchants every visitor. Like all the Ionian Islands, Paxi is characterised by incredible beaches, picturesque coves, steep coasts, magnificent sea caves and dense vegetation, while it is also famous for its endless olive groves. According to myth, Poseidon wanted to create a love nest for him and Amphitrite and struck with his trident the southernmost point of Corfu, hence, forming the islands of Paxi, Antipaxi and small islets. The capital and port of Paxi is Gaios, a place which maintains its traditional colour and consists of an intense tourist movement. The ornament of the port is the small island of Agios Nikolaos with its Venetian fortress, the churches of Saint Nicholas and Saint John and a windmill. Excursion boats with Gaios as their starting point operate around the island and connect Paxi with the island of Antipaxi. CONTINUE ON PAGE 24
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Zakynthos Zakynthos or otherwise, Zante, is the third largest island of the Heptanese. Its shape resembles an irregular triangle and retains a ¾ mountainous land with its highest peak being Mount Vrachionas, which is positioned in the centre of the island. Zakynthos consists of rich flora and fauna with the loggerhead turtle being the protagonist. Every autumn, the rainfalls give life to the cyclamens, sage and the nine species of orchids that grow on the island. The scent of the sea lily that thrives in August in the bay of Laganas is perhaps the reason for the island’s name and as the “Flower of the East” or as the Venetians called this southernmost Ionian island, “Fiore di Levante”. This island is known throughout Greece for the lifestyle, enthusiasm and music of the residents, keeping hold of a remarkable musical tradition. The visitors on the island will surely have a pleasant stay and be provided with memorable experiences. Get to know the culture, idyllic beaches and local cuisine and experience the unique Ionian lifestyle!
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Lefkada Lefkada is the island that enchants every visitor. The vast green areas, the blue waters of the Ionian Sea, the bright sun that bathes the island in the daytime with its rays and the sweet moonlight, which every night floods the sky with its radiance, all generate the perfect setting for your dream vacation. This beautiful and idyllic island has a peculiarity as it is the only island that has road access and for this reason, it is also known as the “mainland island”. Between Lefkada and the mainland of Greece, the distance is very short and the two sides are connected with a bridge of a few metres. However, Lefkada’s bridge does not look like any of the typical bridges, since this bridge floats and can be moved, creating a… crossroads of land and sea. Along the coast of Lefkada dozens of beaches are found, but particularly on the west side of the island, overlooking the Ionian Sea, the best known beaches are located such as, Pefkoulia, Egremni, Kathisma and of course, the famous Porto Katsiki.
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The river of Liopetri is the favourite anchorage for the local fishermen of the Kokkinochoria region, but also a serene, natural environment that floods you with extraordinary pictures of small boats commuting with fresh fish and seagulls following their path, commencing their own short journey for fish in the Mediterranean waters. The Liopetri River is a river which is distinct from others, since it consists of sea water and is essentially, a creation of the Mediterranean Sea, where at this point its waters have penetrated ashore to a greater level, generating on the right and left side, two banks. It is, basically, a lane of sea that looks like a fjord, which has entered on the land with a length of approximately 600 metres and a width of 10-25 metres. Just a few kilometres from the tourist resorts of Agia Napa and Protaras, two towns bustling with traffic, the river of Liopetri literally seems like a small sheltered harbour, a haven of nature, which retains the capability to impress both locals and visitors from all over the world with its authentic elegance. Additionally, it is considered to be a very popular place for the lovers of the sea and fresh fish with the surrounding landscape illustrating a natural beauty of the rocks, the wild, low-growing plants and the picturesque church of Saint George. Significantly, over the river, on the west bank is the famous fish tavern “Potamos”, the trademark of the area since 1963. This tavern is regarded as the best point from where one can gaze both the river, which is believed to be a “miracle of nature” with its fishing boats and the opposite bank. The Potamos fish tavern is a place of tidiness and cleanness with tables that not only fill up the inside area of the restaurant, but also the outside, being placed exactly next to the waters of the Mediterranean Sea and the quaint fishing boats. With such a background …the appetite for fresh fish and a seafood “meze” soars and if there is a good company, wine, cold beer or ouzo the experience at the tavern becomes simply … one of a kind! Thanks to its idyllic location, the tavern “Potamos” is regarded as an ideal place to enjoy not only lunch, but to also revel in an evening escape from the everydayness. With a simple décor and a traditional cuisine, the tavern offers classic tastes that are served along with the sea breeze, a sense of true magic. In addition, you will be served with a plethora of appetisers, well-fried local fish and a delicious “meze”, all of which are prepared entirely from fresh ingredients and come from traditional recipes. Accompany them with fine wines from the tavern’s wine cellar and give emphasis to the flavours that are overflown from the tavern’s dishes.