Contents Athens
Where it all begins
Alonissos Island
A bouquet of new experiences
Crete Island The big island
Our proposal
for a traditional Cretan wedding
Elafonisos Island A piece of paradise
Evia
A taste of traditional Greece
Special Proposals from Grecotel
Ios Island
Holding your wedding in Greece is an amazing experience
Kos Island
The whole island an endless beach
Monemvasia ...frozen in history
Santorini Island
...is the unique wedding destination with countless world awards.
Zakynthos Island
...incredible backdrop of pristine sand and turquoise waters
EDITION 3 OWNER & PUBLISHER: T.M.A Travel Media Applications (Cyprus) Ltd, 1 Pallados st, Paphos Cyprus tma@tma.travel Managing Director: Leonidas Babanis Advertising & Sales Director: Irene Sassou Cover Photo: Panagiotis Kounoupas photography - www.photoactive.gr Photos: Nik Pekridis, Phosart Marketing and Communications: Vicky Karantzavelou, vicky@tma.travel Distribution: Weddings in Greece edition 3 is distributed in the UK. Free Copy. Reproduction of articles and photographs: No articles or photographs published in this edition may be reproduced in any format without prior permission from the publisher.
Visit us on: www.yourweddingingreece.com
Athens... where it all begins Athens is Europe’s oldest capital. It has been inhabited since at least 1,300 BC, and its fortunes have varied hugely until the present day. It grew into the greatest centre of classical Greece, sank into the status of a Roman backwater, declined into a mere muddy village through centuries of Ottoman Turkish rule, only reviving after 1834, when it became the capital of the modern Greek state. Now, in the early 21st century, even the great Pericles would be amazed at the size and sheer bustling life of modern Athens. 5
Get married in Athens! The City that never sleeps lives up to its name and fame; no other city offers the incredible variety of beauty, antiquities and splendour. Walking through the ruins of the Ancient city in Plaka and Monastiraki area, with the Acropolis in view is a once in a lifetime experience. Try to imagine it as the backdrop to your wedding photos! The city was the cradle of Greek ancient civilization that produced the largest and longest-lasting empire of preclassical antiquity. Today, Athens is a cosmopolitan and dynamic town, with modern hotels ideal for wedding ceremonies. Athens boasts breathtaking monu-
ments and historical sites, a great setting to Get Married and enjoy a Fabulous Honeymoon. The new Acropolis Museum was opened in 2009, adding immeasurably to Athens’ attraction as a serious cultural destination. Perhaps the most spectacular site from the museum is the age-less Acropolis, now in the midst of a massive restoration project designed to keep its venerable marble upright for as long as possible.
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For a panoramic view of the city, though, take the short cable car up Mount Lykavittos, the conical height that thrusts above the Kolonaki districtor, if you’re young and healthy, walk up the steep winding path. On top, in the small courtyard of Saint George’s church, lean over the parapet and see the panorama of Athens stretch out at your feet, from the hills to the east, north and west, and the shimmering Saronic Gulf spreading out to the south. Live your myth in Athens in a modern way, but be informed for the following ancient custom.
Ancient Greek wedding customs encouraged responsibility in personal relationships. Marriages were usually arranged by the parents. Professional matchmakers were used reluctantly. Each city was politically independent, with its own laws affecting marriage. Orphaned daughters were left to an uncle or cousin. For the marriage to be legal, the woman's father or guardian gave permission to a suitable male who could afford to marry. Wintertime marriages were popular. The couple participated in a ceremony which included rituals such as veil removal but the couple living together made the marriage legal. Athens boasts lots of famous contemporary weddings with luxury and romance. It is the ideal place for a lux romantic wedding under the hill of the Acropolis breathtaking view or a for a navy blue marine wedding in Kavouri area. Our wedding planner have organised numerous weddings in Athens with uniquely lavish and sophisticated concepts. Their aim is to plan elegant, romantic, and stylish events exactly as your wedding day haw to be. The capital of Greece can offers you an exclusive event just for you, that will highlight the excellent beauty of the Greek culture. Take a look at some of the other happy couples that were married right here, in Athens, and capture some of their inspiration for how beautiful your wedding could be. The only you have to do is to choose the destination and the venue
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among our beautiful hotels, or wedding planners that are distinguished, for their professionalism and exclusiveness in their services. Tip: Choose Phosart team with many years of professional experience in both fields of Cinematography and Photo‐ graphy to create your unique stοry filled with emotions, happiness, and romance which will remain in your hearts for ever.
Alonissos Island Photos Credit | Costas Kalogiannis
According to a famous travel show host, daily visits to different beaches never end in Alonissos, even if one stays here for two months’ time..
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lear blue waters, organized or non-organized beaches and beautiful places to explore, relax or take summer photos. Agios Demetrius, Kokkinokastro, Leftos Yalos, Megalos Mourtias, Milia and Chrissi Milia are some of Alonissos’ most typical organized beaches. Along the south- eastern coast of the island, there is a variety of beaches for all tastes! If you are looking for sceneries of golden sandy and colourful pebbly beaches or rigid yellowish rocks and reddish cliffs, this is the best place for you. Most of the beaches here are hidden or well - protected in bays and surrounded by pine or olive trees. The north - western coast of the island is rocky and often inaccessible by land because of craggy terrain and steep rocks sinking sharply under the sea. The various small beaches in the northern part of the coast are only accessible by boat. For beaches accessible on foot or by car, visit the southern part of the coast. Nice small beaches are also found along the gulf of Megali Ammos.
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Alonissos’ landscape is ideal for day trips and long walks in nature. Enjoy local forests and wildlife; visit the chapels and bays found on the island. And to refresh yourself, have a swim in the crystal blue sea! Enjoy the little things in life, such as watching the sunset from Kalovoulos Mountain, visiting different villages every day, exploring the Old Village or having a swim in Yalia beach! Furthermore, the sea world has so many new experiences to offer. The largest natural marine park of the Mediterranean Sea is found in Alonissos. Its impressive wildlife and amazing landscape give the feeling of intact natural surroundings. It’s no coincidence that Alonissos is the natural habitat of the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus Monachus) and other rare wildlife species forming the precious ecosystem of Northern Sporades. Incomparable natural beauty meets ocean myths and legends. Marine archaeology has verified the existence of old shipwrecks of historical interest dating back to the 4th and 5th centuries or the Byzantine period. Since
2011, there are 14 spots in the marine park where diving is allowed , according to the Greek Official Gazette No. 1741/3.8.2011 “Approval of re – delimitation of the marine archaeological site of Northern Sporades & Alonissos”. Experienced and properly trained professionals provide all support and services necessary for a magnificent scuba – diving experience. The local picturesque villages fascinate all visitors. Traditional architecture blends beautifully with natural surroundings and local hospitality. The Old Village of Alonissos is a tangle of narrow streets and steep stairs; local stone – built houses are surrounded by climbing vines and flower gardens. Located in a privileged part of the island, the view from the Old Village is amazing. Visitors can enjoy the view over a large part of the landscape, as well as the sea sur-
Alonissos is one of the few ecological paradises left intact. Endowed with great beauty and wildlife, there are so many things to do and see in Alonissos!
rounding the island from both sides. Visitors are welcome to enjoy the view from local taverns and cafes that are open all day long in summertime. The Old Village (Chora) used to be the capital of the island; nowadays, it’s a place with remarkable architectural monuments, such as the medieval castle overlooking the Aegean Sea. Steni Vala is a fishing village in the south - eastern part of the island, about 10km from Patitiri. The road leading to the village goes through thick pine forests and olive groves with stunning view over the creeks of the south - eastern coast. Enjoy the panoramic view over the sea and the neighboring uninhabited islands walking your way down to the beach. Last but not least, picturesque churches and beautiful chapels within lovely natural surroundings make up the perfect scenery for honeymooners or couples looking for an idyllic place to renew their wedding vows or celebrate their wedding anniversary.
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Crete the Big Island Of all the Greek islands, Crete is the biggest ‐ covering more than 3,100 square miles and some 160 miles long from east to west. That makes it big enough to be a microcosm of all that you need for a good Greek holiday: mountains and beaches, good food and a healthy lifestyle, fellowship and solitude, the mystique of another world and the promise of a worldly good time. Crete deserves its distinction as Greece’s number one holiday destination.
{Chania} Chania is the westernmost of the four prefectures of Crete, and arguably the greenest. The chief city is Chania, a sheltered and pleasant port on the north shore, featuring an attractive Old Town waterfront that’s eternally popular with native and visitor alike. From Souda Bay in the east, the terminus of the ferries, to the shingle beach of Maleme in the west, Chania is a self-sustaining region that has proved to be a magnet for Northern Europeans seeking holiday and retirement homes.
{Heraklion} Heraklion is the chief town of Crete, a bustling and sprawling port where most of the island’s trade and industry is concentrated. Like other north Cretan ports, Heraklion is dominated by its own Venetian castle and battlements. This fortrestook shape in the first half of the 16th century and for a long time was known as Rocca a Mare (Italian for Rock By The Sea). Of course, the biggest archaeological attraction of the area is the remains of Knossos, the prime Minoan palace of ancient Crete. Lying just a few miles south of Heraklion in a wooded grove, Knos-
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sos is one of Greece’s most-visited historic sites. It was built by the Minoans about 1900BC as the base for their growing maritime empire. For four hundred years the city and palace flourished until the colossal eruption of the Thera volcano (now Santorini) in mid-Aegean sent a great tsunami southwards that almost wiped out the Minoan culture. Nonetheless, Knossos struggled on for another fifty years or so until its many enemies, encouraged by its weakened state, destroyed it around 1450BC.
{Lasithi} Lasithi, is the easternmost and in several ways most exotic of Crete’s four prefectures. It’s the part that contains the sophisticated mega-resort of Elounda Beach and its imitators, the date palms of Zakros at the eastern tip of Crete, and the placid town of Ierapetra on the south coast. The date palms are said to be the descendants of date pips cast away by ancient Egyptian traders who touched at the place. There are plans to add a third Cretan airport at Sitia, which is expected to ease international access to that part of the island.
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Our proposal for a traditional Cretan wedding
magine a fairytale setting in a traditional village estate perched on a hillside overlooking the Cretan Sea. The Agreco Farm, owned by the same family as the Grecotel Hotels & Resorts, is just three kilometres from the golden beaches on the north coast at Rethymno, Crete. Delving deep into Cretan tradition this fairytale farm has revived centuriesold organic farming practices in a unique expression of Greek ‘philoxenia’, or hospitality. The quaint farm’s buildings are typical of 17th century Cretan and Venetian architecture. The organic food is only matched by the view over an amphitheatre of vineyards and olive groves to the distant sea beyond and the most breathtaking Cretan sunset.
The chapel of St. Nicholas at Agreco offers a village setting and the opportunity of the service and reception being held in rustic charm. Greek Orthodox ceremonies can be arranged in the chapel or informal weddings can be held outside in a variety of locations.
Special offer from Grecotel Hotels & Resorts For happy couples who organise their wedding or exchange of vows at Agreco Farm, we offer the FREE Rose Honeymoon package at any of the Grecotel Hotels & Resorts in Crete.
Rose Honeymoon - FREE* • A refreshing welcome drink upon arrival at the hotel • Honeymoon welcome with chilled champagne and fresh fruits waiting in your guestroom. • Special decoration of the honeymoon bed with sugared almonds & scented rose petals • “Melokarido” - a Greek tradition of honey and walnuts, symbolizing virility and the sweetness of life. •Romantic continental breakfast served in the privacy of you room the next morning • Room upgrade upon availability *This offer applies minimum 2 night stay in any accommodation.
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Elafonisos blessed landscape, the most unique destination for the most important day
Elafonisos Island Elafonisos Island is located at the southeast of Peloponnese. Elafonisos is one of the most popular destinations of Laconia due to its tropical unspoiled beaches with turquoise‐blue crystal waters, the unique nature monuments and the underwater archaeological discoveries.
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lafonisos is an original fishing island known for its special cuisine with traditional recipes based on seafood and local “natura 2000 area” products.
{Sightseeing}
Double Simos Beach at Lefki Village Thefamous double beach of Elafonisos is located along the south side of the island, at Lefki. The turquoise water of Frango and Sarakiniko cove, the sand dunes along the beach and the exotic cedar forest gives you a sense of paradise. Panagia Katonisiotissa Beach Kato Nisi Village KatoNisi is a peaceful and quite spot with interesting archaeological discoveries and unique nature beauty. Most of the visitors characterize the area as mysterious and authentic. PanagiaKatonisiotissa a small orthodox church, located on the hill of the village is the symbol of the area. The church was built in 1825 on the remains of an old Byzantine church that was restored in 1928. Frescoes and icons inside the church reveal its history. Panagia Beach, located on the west side of the island is a long, wide sandy beach, protected by three islets off the coast, the “Panagias nisia”. The supreme and stunning landscape with the cedar trees along the edge of the beach, captures you once and for all. Pavlopetri Elafonisou Pavlopetriis the ancient submerged town between Pavlopetri islet -across Agios Spyridon Church- and Pounta beach. Pavlopetri was an active trading port. Archaeological findings indicate that back in 2000 BC Pavlopetri was a very wealthy city and an important naval trading post due to its location. Pavlopetri can be visited by boat and can be explored by visitors just with snorkeling equipment. The broader area is protected. The Pavlopetri Archeological Research Project is still in progress. Pounta Pountais the gate to Elafonisos. It is an extremely beautiful beach that actually indicates Elafonisos characteristics. It is commonly known that in the long past Pounta was connected to Elafonisos island and thus that small part of Peloponnese
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is so similar to Elafonisos island and at the same time so different from the rest of the nearby area. Aglyftis At the west side of the island, there is a small pebble beach named “Aglyftis”. Agios Patapios, a small Orthodox Church was built on the beach many years ago. Across the beach there is the homonymous islet with an old cave interesting to explore. Only a good hidden path starting from Panagia Church can lead to Aglyftis, a truly a holy place for locals.
{Suggestions} Elafonisos is the absolute place for visitors to enjoy virgin nature, peace and calmness in conjunction with the greatest traditional cuisine. It’s a place characterized by unpretentious hospitality which makes visitors to take real pleasure in, to experience relaxing vacation and to be physically revived. Elafonisos is a traditional sun and sea destination where you can enjoy sea sports, as snorkeling, diving, surfing and kite surfing. It’s a unique eco tourism destination where you can explore secret paths, participate in local cultural events and experience a real gastronomic delight. Elafonisos has naturally become a very special wedding destination, since couples from all over the world choose the blessed elafonisos landscape as the place to be for their most important day.
{How to come to Elafonisos} The best way to travel to Elafonisos from Athens or Kalamata airport is by car. Elafonisos is located at the southeast of Peloponnese. Towards the eastern shore of Laconia, follow the “Elafonisos ferry boat” signs. You will be directed to the Pounta Beach and “Ypostego”, the cordial welcome spot of Elafonisos. Ferry boat daily routes connect “Ypostego” with Elafonisos Island. Note that you don’t need to make any ferry boat reservation. For further information, please visit www.elafonisos.gr
Evia
A taste of traditional Greece
The prefecture of Evia, apart from the historical big窶進sland, includes in its ministerial district the island of Skiros and a small shed of Sterea, which is explanting over the west boarder窶人ines of the municipality of Chalkida to the other side of the gulf of Evoikos. North Evia North Evia consists of the municipalities of Kireas, Nileas, Elimnio, Artemisio, Istiea, Oreoi, Aedipsos and the community of Lichada. The entire region is characterized from a glorious historical past and deposits of great civilizations. Oreos, Istiea, Aedipsos, Elimnio, Orovie, Kirinthos, Artemisio, Kineo etc are names of ancient cities that had developed great cultural activity in all of the historical periods, and of areas associated with the mythology or with determinant moments of the Greek history. The modern cultural image of N. Evia has been improved considerably under the influence of the Greek refuges of Asia Minor since 1922. Prokopi, Farakla, Kirinthos, N. Pirgos, Taxiarhis, Kastaniotissa, N. Sinassos, these are the most important refugee settlements of
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N. Evia and the starting point of the wave of progress which was the characteristic of the past century. The ideal combination of the verdurous woody mountainous environment with the beaches of superlative beauty is what makes the northern part of Evia different from the other touristic areas of Greece.
Central Evia Central Evia includes Chalkida, Eretria and Amarinthos, and Dirfis & Messapia. The region of central Evia is characterized by the brilliant historical presence of two of the most important cities of ancient Greece. Chalkida and Eretria, long before the appearance of Athens, have established the world-wide mark of the Greek culture.
Next to these important ancient cities Petriesa Avlida, Anthidona and other smaller cities, came to their peak. Extremely important are also the samples of even more ancient civilizations that have been revealed in the sites of N. Artaki and Vasiliko. The already celebrated cultural and social identity of the region of central Evia, took new form since the arrival of the Greek refugees of Asia Minor, in 1925. N. Artaki and N. Lampsakos are the names of the homonymous cities in Marmaras, from where the new people of Evia came from.
South Evia The part of Evia, which is today characterized as Southern, is the everknown County of Karistia. It includes the Municipalities of Tamineon, Avlonas, Konistres, Kimi, Distion, Stireon, Marmari, Karistos and the Community of Kafireas. The images and the interests that this part of Evia is presenting are completely different from those of the North. The settlements of Arvanites, during the Venetian and the Turkish domination have formed especial social combination and cultural identity in S. Evia giving the colour of the Albanian elements to the image every-day life of Southern Evia.
Skyros The island of the mythical king Likomides, having an age-old past like Evia, is connected to all the great heroes of our mythology. Here is where Thetida was hiding her invulnerable (except for the heel) son, Achilles. The father of Aegeas came from here, and on this very island Theseus met his death, when Likomides pushed him off the cliff, to the sharp rocks of Skiros. Today Skiros is one of the most beautiful Aegean islands, and it has rightfully gained the preference of the Greek and foreign tourists.
Special Proposals from Grecotel Romance at Grecotel, the leading Greek luxury hotels & resorts, is beyond compare. The individuality of each couple is reflected in the smallest, but most important details. From fine‐tuning a beach wedding to a petal strewn honeymoon bed; from extravagant dinners to a Greek meze by the beach, each hotel has everything needed to make the whole experience unique ‐ superb cuisine, magnificent settings and meticulous and personalised service.
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Venues
ith Grecotel Hotels & Resorts in the most idyllic settings around Greece, one will be ideal for you. Choose the perfect backdrop for your wedding album from mythical Crete, majestic Corfu, landmark Sounio to the dazzling Peloponnese. Exclusively in Crete, the Agreco Farm, owned by the Grecotel founder, near Rethymno is a fairytale setting either for an informal ceremony or a Greek Orthodox wedding in the farm’s St Nicholas chapel. In Corfu, the Danilia Village belongs to the Group - imagine your very own private village for the big day! Versatile outdoor or indoor function spaces combined with breathtaking views and traditional Greek hospitality offer inspiring choices. Informal wedding and exchange of vows The most popular type of wedding at the hotels! Exchange your vows under the azure skies beside the turquoise seas in Greece. Grecotel Hotels & Resorts will organise a special ceremony to exchange vows of eternal love or renew your promises as a couple. From simply the happy couple to the whole family in attendance, the choice is yours! Wedding suggestions The couple can relax knowing that no detail has been left to chance. Grecotel offers informal wedding and Renewal of Vows options, to make the choice easier. Happy couples are invited to make as many or as few requests as they wish, as private or as extravagant, prior to, or during their stay. Please note that the wedding options are complete packages and items are not interchangeable. In the event that you decide not to use one of the services, no refund or alternative can be given. See individual hotel websites for prices (including all local taxes at current rate). All offers subject to availability.
Option 1
Rosse Garrden Weddiing • Choice of hotel venues including sun-kissed beaches; private hotel chapels; private villas and poolside settings • Decoration of venue with lanterns, flower petals, covered chairs and a floral display on the main table. • Bouquet of white roses for the bride and buttonhole for the groom • Ceremony: Two witnesses and the official representative of the hotel (General Manager) • A certificate of informal marriage from the hotel • Basket of flower petals and rice • A bottle of champagne & one-tiered wedding cake to toast the bride and groom • 10 photographs (13 x 18cm) from the hotel’s photographer, to capture your special wedding moment FREE: Included in this wedding offer is the Rose Garden Honeymoon. PRICE FOR DIRECT BOOKINGS: from €490-600 (Price of wedding does not include resort stay)
Option 2
Pearl Perfection Wedding • Choice of hotel venues including sun-kissed beaches; private hotel chapels; private villas and poolside settings
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• Decoration of venue with lanterns, flower petals, covered chairs and a floral display on the main table. • Bouquet of white roses for the bride and buttonhole for the groom • Ceremony: Two witnesses and the official representative of the hotel (General Manager) • A certificate of informal marriage from the hotel • Basket of flower petals and rice • A bottle of Champagne to toast the bride and groom • Single-tiered wedding cake (vanilla or chocolate) • Pre-Recorded music during the ceremony • 10 photographs (13 x 18cm) from the hotel’s photographer, to capture your special wedding moments • A wedding gift from the hotel • A manicure & pedicure for the bride at the Elixir Spa • Romantic candlelit dinner in a hotel restaurant for the bride & groom • Celebration dinner for two on every wedding anniversary (if you are staying at the hotel) FREE: Included in this wedding offer is the Rose Garden Honeymoon PRICE FOR DIRECT BOOKINGS: from €800-900 (Price of wedding does not include resort stay)
Option 3
Orchid Symphony Wedding • Choice of hotel venues including sun-kissed beaches; private hotel chapel; private villas and poolside settings • Decoration of venue with lanterns, flower petals, covered chairs and a floral display on the main table. • Selection of bouquets for the bride and orchid buttonhole for the groom • Ceremony: Two witnesses and the official representative of the hotel (General Manager) • A certificate of informal marriage from the hotel • Basket of flower petals and rice • Champagne & canapés to toast the bride and groom (max. 10 persons for 30 minutes) • Two-tiered wedding cake (vanilla or chocolate) • Pre-Recorded music during the ceremony • 20 photographs (13 x 18cm) from the hotel’s photographer, to capture your special wedding moments • A wedding gift from the hotel • Manicure & Pedicure for the bride at the Elixir Spa • 4-course candlelit dinner for the bride & groom with champagne on the beach, in guestroom or in one of our restaurants accompanied by live music (depending on weather conditions) • Romantic dinner for two on every wedding anniversary (if you are staying at the hotel) • Love Potion massage for two in the Elixir Spa and complimentary use of the Elixir Spa Pool & Sauna before your wedding FREE: Included in this wedding offer is the Rose Garden Honeymoon PRICE FOR DIRECT BOOKINGS: from €1500-1650 (Price of wedding does not include resort stay)
Ios Island Holding your wedding in Greece is an amazing experience. The fairy‐tale scenery, the renowned hospitality, the unique tastes and the romantic vibe are only a few of the reasons many choose to be wed in one of the Greek islands. Tip: Choose Phosart team with many years of professional experience in both fields of Cinematography and Photo‐ graphy to create your unique stοry filled with emotions, happiness, and romance which will remain in your hearts for ever.
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his is particularly true in the case of Ios island, where weddings have proven to be an unforgettable experience that couples affectionately remember for a lifetime.
Some people consider Ios as the party island of the Cyclades, for others it’s a truly romantic place rich in history and culture, with attractions worth visiting, fun-filled activities for guests to enjoy as well as many other interesting things to do while on holidays. There’s a plethora of sights ranging from 5,000-year old prehistoric settlements and archaeological sites to museums, medieval castles and picturesque Byzantine churches.
The island boasts 32 magnificent white sandy beaches and a deep-blue coastline. The local architecture stands out for its minimal style so typical of the Greek islands, while the mild weather and glorious Greek sun make Ios a favourable destination all year round.
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The whole island an endless beach
Kos Island Kos is the third largest island of the Dodecanese only narrowly surpassed by Karpathos, and second largest in terms of population (35.000), overshadowed by Rhodes. Its relatively modest size credentials allow for an unusual (for a Greek isle) scope of activities and events to be at the disposal of the knowing and most importantly willing visitor during his stay
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ere’s an island for holiday fun if ever there was one. Lots of wide sandy beaches, fascinating monuments, good roads and plenty of chances to hop over to Rhodes and the Turkish mainland whenever you feel like it. Psalidi, 2 miles from Kos town, has the swishest hotels. The northern shore of Kos (including Marmari and Mastihari) is popular with windsurfers who like its vigorous, choppy waters. The best beach on Kos, though, is in the south at Paradise. It’s a few miles long and connects with the neighbouring beaches of Langada and Chrysi Akti. Along the same stretch lies party-town, Kardamaina, with its clubs and all-night scene. Food and entertainment is one of the major advantages of the island. Hundreds of restaurants, taverns with great diversity in the origin of their kitchen, night clubs for all tastes makes an infrastruc-
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ture composed with great care, investment and effort over the past few years by the residents - entrepreneurs of the island that offer quality and comprehensive services to all the guests. It’s worth trying something different about food and entertainment every day, since you will always find something interesting, something special, in a great variety to choose from.
{Must walks} • From the town of Kos and the palm tree-lined avenue and castle by the port to the suburbs with their Venetianera homes. • To the ancient healing centre of Asklepios and Hippocrates’ Garden. • To the mountain village of Zia. • To the mediaeval castle at Antimacheia. • To Palaio Pyli, the castle-town with its small Byzantine churches. • To the Thermi warm springs.
Monemvasia...frozen in history Few regions in the Mediterranean oer such a variety of beaches as the Municipality of Monemvasia. Over 50 of them are easily accessible by road; others are small, hidden�away coves demanding to be discovered by the more adventurous. Whether sand or pebble, busy or isolated, all have crystal clean waters, and many have been awarded Blue Flags, an indication of a high standard of maintenance.
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ts official name is Monemvasia, although there are some slight variations in Greek, along with different forms of pronunciation – such as Monovasia. In the Middle Ages, the Franks called it Malvoisie, to the English it was known as Malmsey. Its Greek name is derived from the two words meaning single entrance, that is, the only entrance to the fortress town. The old town of Monemvasia is a perfectly preserved medieval settlement still inhabited, an world cultural heritage monument and a major attraction for every traveller in the Peloponnese. It has a unique, magical atmosphere and a fascinating history. Monuments and churches are scattered throughout the old town. An important archaeological collection is housed in the old mosque in the Square of Elkomenos Christos. At the other end of the causeway on the mainland is the new town of Monemvasia. Along the coast to the south is the settlement of Nomia. Neighbouring Aghios Ioannis is recommended for those who would like to try authentic local dishes. Both within and around Monemvasia are a number of excellent beaches. Noteworthy sights further inland include the watermill at Talanta and the Velies Folklore Museum. Religious monuments outside the old town in the surrounding area include the twin churches in Teria and the church of Aghios Nikolaos in the village of the same name. For some years now Monemvasia has been one of the most romantic travel destinations in Greece. The Byzantine fortress, with its nearby beaches and natural landscape is an ideal setting for a romantic getaway in all seasons. In fact many couples both from Greece and abroad choose it for their weddings. These, as well as baptisms, are celebrated not only in the churches within the fortress but in many other historic churches scattered throughout the surrounding region. Civil weddings are also held in many beautiful places within and outside the fortress walls. An even larger number of couples are choosing to spend their honeymoon in Monemvasia, whether in the fortress itself or in combination with other attractive destinations in the Peloponnese and nearby islands.
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Santorini Photos Credit | Studio Phosart
Beginning your lifetime of unforgettable memories together on the beautiful volcanic island of Santorini is an unique experience. Enjoy splendid and luxurious wedding reception at the best hotels of the island’s cliff side. Santorini island is the unique wedding destination with countless world awards.
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antorini island boasts incredible hotels perfectly suited on the islands’s cliff side and not only, to host any dream destination wedding. The view of the volcano offers you the perfect surrounding for your pictures, an ambiance that will never be for-
gotten.
The island of Santorini situated in the southern Aegean Sea, about 200km southeast of Greece's mainland. It is the largest island of a small, circular which bears the same name and is the remnant of a volcaniccaldera. It forms the southernmost member of the Cycladesgroup of islands, with an area of approximately 73 km2 and a 2011 census population of 15,550. Santoriniis essentially what remains after an enormous volcanic eruption that destroyed the earliest settlements on a formerly single island, and created the current geological caldera. A giant central, rectangular lagoon, which measures about 12 by 7 km is surrounded by 300m high, steep cliffs on three sides, giving the perfect backdrop for your wedding pictures. The main island slopes downward to the Aegean Sea. On the fourth side, the lagoon is separated from the sea by another much smaller island called Therasia; the lagoon is connected to the sea in two places, in the northwest and southwest. The depth of the caldera, at 400m, makes it possible for all but the largest ships to anchor anywhere in the protected bay; there is also a newly built marina at Vlychada, on the southwestern coast. The island's principal port is Athinias. The capital, Fira, clings to the top of the cliff looking down on the lagoon. The volcanic rocks present from the prior eruptions feature olivine and have a small presence of hornblende.
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Tip: Choose Phosart team with many years of professional experience in both fields of Cinematography and Photo‐ graphy to create your unique stοry filled with emotions, happiness, and romance which will remain in your hearts for ever.
Santorini weddings over the caldera sunset Getting married on the island of Santorini is a truly unforgettable experience, and when this happens during sunset is a lifelong one! The island of Santorini boasts the record in the organization of weddings in Greece, as the wedding planners there, are proud to organize more weddings every year than any other place in Greece. Choose Elite Events Santorini as your wedding consultant to plan your dream Santorini wedding. Exchange your vows by a traditional blue and white chapel (there are numerous in Santorini), or on the edge of the caldera, or in a boutique hotel, or in one of the famous Santorini wineries, or in a privately hired beach bar, there are many ideas to explore. Let a donkey or an antique car to drive you to your desired place!
Themed wedding packages A Lavender wedding under the Santorinian sunset The theme of the wedding is lavender and the flowers Elite Events Santorini uses are roses and lavender, of course! The 'Ocean Song' roses variety arrives from Ecuador and the florist of Elite Events Santorini creates fairy flower arrangements; he makes Carousel shaped constructions with hanging orchid flowers & fragrant wreaths with fresh lavender. The whole decoration that follows is in lavender and lilac colors, and everything is organized perfectly from the first to the last detail, by Elite Events Santorini team. The view and the scenery of Santorini sunset plus the flowers, setup and decoration create a stunning atmosphere!!!
Zakynthos Island
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cattered like jewels across the Ionian Sea, the Ionian Islands are some of the world’s most romantic hideaways. Each island is surrounded by white-sand beaches, green trees and warm, crystal clear blue waters – pure paradise. Zakynthos, a well known island for destinations wedding and the third biggest island of the complex, is a tourist destination, with an international airport served by many charter flights. Weddingson the island of Zakynthos can be simply splendid and luxurious. What could be more magical than beginning your life together on the paradise? Celebrate your wedding ceremony amidst the beauty of the Ionian Sea, and experience the famous Greek hospitality. If you want your wedding to be truly different then visit Zakynthos to have that special wedding experience. Zakynthos Marine Park encompasses the marine area of the Bay of Laganas, on the southern shores of the island, and hosts one of the most important sea turtle nesting beaches in the Mediterranean. Dont miss a cruise to the Navagio Beach or Shipwreck Beach, one of the most famous beaches all over Greece.
Say your vows against an incredible backdrop of pristine sand and turquoise waters, accented by lush greenery.
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Begin your married life together with just the right mix of relaxation time and exciting activities. Your choices range from a candlit beach dinner or a sunset cruise to a traditional Greek cooking class, invigorating underwater scooter exploration or exceptional snorkelling side-by-side in the warm Mediterranean Sea. Duringyour wedding holidays on Zakynthos Island, tasting the typical cuisine of Greece and especially the traditional dishes of the island is something really not to relinquish. During the dinner time, the thousands of smells invading the streets will drive you to one of the many taverns to find out a Mediterranean cuisine where meat, fish, olive oil and vegetables are fundamental and will always surprise you for the authenticity of their tastes. Your wedding on Zakynthos will be a life time experience.