Contents Athens
Where it all begins
Alonissos Island
A bouquet of new experiences
Crete Island The big island
Elafonisos Island A piece of paradise
Evia
A taste of traditional Greece
Kos Island
The whole island an endless beach
Monemvasia ...frozen in history
Zakynthos Island
...incredible backdrop of pristine sand and turquoise waters
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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.
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key recent date was 2004, when Athens hosted the XXVIII Olympic Games. For months beforehand, the city had been spruced up with new roads, a glittering new airport, one of the cleanest and fastest Metro services in Europe, and new coats of paints on whatever charming neoclassical mansions had survived the concrete onslaught of the late 20th century. In June 2009 the New Acropolis Museum was opened, adding immeasurably to Athens’ attraction as a serious cultural destination (see separate story). Perhaps the most spectacular sight from the museum is the ageless Acropolis, now in the midst of a massive restoration project designed to keep its venerable marble columns upright for as long as possible. 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.
{Athens in 1 day) Start with that absolute viewing necessity, the Acropolis. It can be reached by taking Metro Line 2 (red) and alighting at Akropoli station. Athens sightseeing bus number 400 also passes the district. The Metro station has the additional benefit of housing replicas of the Elgin Marbles
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in its spacious hallways, as well as collections of ceramics and coins discovered when the station was being dug in the mid-1990s. Emerging from the station escalator, turn left a few yards and then left again, and you’re on Dionysiou Areopagitou Street, with the great bulk of the Acropolis rising on your right. Walk straight up the gently rising street, passing the new Acropolis Museum and neoclassical mansions on the left. Across the street, under the Acropolis walls, are the ruins of the Theatre of Dionysus, where the great plays of classical antiquity were staged. A few minutes later the restored 2nd century BC Herod Atticus Theatre appears on the right. This theatre is heavily used in summer, thanks to its excellent acoustics. This street was pedestrianzed as part of a move to unify central Athens’ main archaeological sites to render them traffic-free and more accessible to tourists on foot. The result is Europe’s largest archaeological park. The route up to the Acropolis is well-marked. At the start of the stone-flagged main path, the road comes to the top of the rise, with a view of Philopappus Hill to the left and the tiny restored church of Aghios Dimitrios Loumbardiaris hidden away amongst the pine trees. The Acropolis path winds up to the Propylaea, the great marble gateway to the Acropolis precinct, and past the Erechtheion and up to the great Parthenon itself, the Temple to Athene. A huge restoration and repair project has been underway for about twenty years, so the temple itself has been roped off. On the way back down, turn right and pass the flat rock where the ancient Athenians held their assemblies and Saint Paul later preached. Walk through the remains of the Agora, or ancient Athenian civic centre and main place of business. Outside this precinct is the old and picturesque district of Plaka, Athens’ old town, under the northern wall of the Acropolis and rich in Byzantine churches and Ottomanera crumbling houses.
{Athens in 2 days) Again, cramming Athens into just two days is pushing things a bit, yet it’s still possible. Okay, so you’ve spent the first day on the Acropolis, in Plaka, and in the bustling tavern and bar district called Monastiraki. Now what?
On the second day, visit the National Archaeological Museum, the largest such museum in Greece. Here are housed the cream of archaeological findings, such as the frescoes of Thera, numberless statues from the archaic and classical ages, the treasure of the Mycenaean kings and a great many other treasures of Greek civilization. The museum is just ten minutes’ walk from central Omonia Square, or one stop on Metro Line 1 (green) from Omonia to Victoria Square. You need at least two hours to get the best out of this remarkable museum.
{Athens in 3 days) Oh, now we’re getting ambitious. Two days are the basic amount of time in which to experience ancient Greece. Now it’s the turn of modern Athens. Start the third day with a visit to the National Art Gallery on Vassilissis Sophias Avenue next door to the Athens Hilton. It’s a brisk fifteenminute walk from Syntagma Square, or one stop (Syntagma-Evangelismos) on Metro Line 3 (blue), or three stops by yellow trolley bus. The National Art Gallery houses Greece’s premier collection of modern Greek pictorial art. From time to time it hosts major collections from foreign museums, one of the most notable being masterpieces by the Cretanborn Renaissance painter El Greco (Domenikos Theotokopoulos). Back at Syntagma there’s tram Line 4 (Aristotle) and Line 5 (Plato) which offer a quiet and leisurely electric ride on rails to the Peace and Freindship Stadium at Neo Faliro and the seaside suburb of Glyfada respectively. Summer evenings in Glyfada are raucous with endless cafes, bars, fish taverns and the sea to dip in whenever one likes.
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} C hania 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. Vamos and Apokorona are two districts that have seen a boom in the holiday homes market in recent years.
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Chania is served by a small but smart international airport on a peninsula 14 kilometres out of town. The peninsula itself is dotted with pretty villas that stand out against the deep blue backdrop of the Sea of Crete. The prefecture of Chania has a number of excellent beaches, from Georgioupolis in the east to Frangokastello in the west, in the shadow of the ruins of a Venetian castle. The beaches vary in texture and suitability. Those with shallow water and that are good for children, for example, include Almirida, Marathi, ChrysiAkti, Hora Sfakion on the south coast, and Frangokastello. For bolder adult swimmers there are the KyaniAkti, Stavros (where the beach scenes from the 1964 movie “Zorba The
Greek” were filmed), Kolymbari, Falassarna (very clean water), Anidri, Marmari and Loutro. After swimming at Falassarna, history buffs can examine the remains of massive archaic walls and a throne carved out of rock. There are more archaeological relics at Kissamos at the extreme west end of Crete, where a museum houses findings from the Neolithic to the early Christian eras. In Chainaitself, at the west end of the Old Town waterfront, stands the town’s War Museum, with relics of Greece’s 19th century independence wars and the momentous 1941 Battle of Crete, when German paratroopers descended on the district in the face of fanatic Allied resistance.
{Heraklion} This 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, Knossos 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. The ruins of Knossos remained buried for millennia until Sir Arthur Evans, an intrepid British archaeologist, made history by diligently unearthing them in 1901. Partly restored to give some idea of what the original palace looked like, Knossos remains at the top of everyone’s must-see list for Crete.
There are plenty of high-quality resorts and beaches lining the coast of Heraklion prefecture. One lies near Fodele, just east of the city. Art buffs may recognize the name as the birthplace of Renaissance artist El Greco (or Domenikos Theotokopoulos, to give him his real name). Ammoudara, and – to the east of Heraklion airport – Hersonissos, Florida, Gournes and Malia are all popular. At Malia (if you can ignore the occasional hordes of lager louts that inundate the place) there are archaeological sites with the remains of Minoan palaces similar to that of Knossos. About 50km to the east, at the extremity of Heraklion prefecture, lies the ruin of the palace of Phaistos covering about 7,000 square metres. This is where thePhaistos Disk was found – a roughly circular
clay disk with a series of inscriptions on it that have never been deciphered; nothing like it has ever been found anywhere in the world.
{Lasithi} This 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. The chief town is AghiosNikolaos on the north coast. It’s close to the small but luxuriously sandy beach at Boufos, and a rather larger one at Avlaki, fronting theKalimeriaKriti hotel. The beach at Plaka offers a view of the islet of Spinalonga, a lepers’ colony until the 1950s and now a pleasant destination for a brief sail. Some beaches are shingle rather than sandy, such as those at Kalo Horio, Vai, Palaikatro and Kato Zakros. This last-named community, about 100 kilometres from AghiosNikolaos over a scenic and winding road, is the site of the ruins of a large Minoan palace rivalling in size that at Knossos. It is believed to have been a major naval base that had trading links with ancient Egypt and Anatolia.
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.
The main island along with three islets “Panagias nisia”, “Aglyftis” islet, “Pavlopetri” islet and Pounta beach, constitutes the Municipality of Elafonisos, an area of 23 km. Elafonisos Municipality consists in five small villages. The main one “Elafonisos”, an original fisherman’s village with traditional taverns and coffee shops on the picturesque port and a small charming bridge towards to Agios Spyridon church. “Kato Nisi” village, with the great Panagia Katonisiotissa beach, “Lefki” with the worldwide famous Simos double beach, “Kapari” and “Pounta beach” which is actually the main gate to Elafonisos Island.
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Within Elafonisos Municipality territory there is one of the most significant worldwide underwater cultural monuments, “Pavlopetri Elafonisou”. Visitors use to say that Elafonisos is a place where culture exists even on the seabed. Elafonisos is a place also noted for its unique plant life. The island is included in the European network of protected areas Elafonisos Island NATURA 2000. The major elements of the area are the two significant bird waching spots, Strongyli and Limnitsa wetlands, the dunes and the endemic plant species found only in Elafonisos. The population of Elafonisos Municipality is 1.041 according to the latest census. An unusual characteristic of Elafonisos community is that locals are mostly indigenous. Most of them are coming from the first natives of the island, who were actually the ones who de-
veloped the socio-economic status, as well as the local culture. Professionally occupied within the marine industry locals love their island and they protect sea environment. Proud of their traditional fishing fleet Elafonisos fishermen have a strong sea related culture and philosophy. They are also faithful to their ethics and values retaining their religious and cultural rite. Visitors use to say that staying in Elafonisos it’s like living in another era. During spring and summer time a great number of visitors -from all over the world- changes totally the quiet and peaceful profile of the virgin Greek island. The island becomes an attractive destination with quality and convenient enough tourism infrastructure for all those who seek to experience the beauty of nature and the absolute relaxation. Elafonisos is a unique place, a distinguish destination with authentic natural and cultural beauties local customs and habits, hospitable and unpretentious people, a place where fisherman’s way of life is still alive.
{Sightseeing} Double Simos Beach at Lefki Village The famous 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 Kato Nisi 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. Panagia Katonisiotissa 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 Pavlopetri is 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 Pounta is 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 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
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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 histori- cal past and deposits of great civilizations. Oreos, Istiea, Ae- dipsos, Elimnio, Orovie, Kirinthos, Artemisio, Kineo etc are names of ancient cities that had de- veloped 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 Mar- maras, from where the new people of Evia came from.
South Evia The part of Evia, which is today characterized as Southern, is the ever- known 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.
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, fascinat- ing 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 (in- cluding 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 settle- ment still inhabited, an world cultural heritage monument and a ma- jor 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 combina- tion with other attractive destinations in the Peloponnese and nearby islands.
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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.
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.