Prespa, two beautiful lakes

A large number of Greek and foreign vacationers and tourists flock to the reputed Prespa Lakes. The latter are situated on the Greece - FYROM - Albania border, with an elevation of 850 m above sea level and a depth of 50 m. In many parts, the lake banks are steep rocky walls, while elsewhere they become almost flat with lush vegetation. Mikri (small) Prespa lies on the left side of the central road and is separated from Megali (big) Prespa by a narrow strip of land measuring 1,000 m.The entire area is worth visiting and has been designated as a national park. Mikri (small) Prespa, fringed with reed beds, provides shelter to pelicans, wild ducks and to many rare species of birds that attract the interest of international scientific institutes. Access to the Prespa Lakes is possible via two roads. One starts from Florina and the other ascends from Kastoria. They intersect at Prevali. 50 km from Florina near the village of Lemos Prespon the road forks again, one branch leading to Agios Germanos, the largest village in the Prespa area, and the other to the military post of Koula. On the rocky lakeshores of Prespa caves are found featuring religious paintings. The Prespa Lakes are situated 45 km west of Florina, and 50 km north of Kastoria.

Amorgos - The Island of

Amorgos means fresh air, sun, smell from the herbs and an endless view of the bright blue Aegean Sea. You can have this view from almost every single point of your route. Things to be taken into consideration it was not until the mid 1990s that the first proper roads were constructed. These are; a) From Chora to Arkesini southwards, and b) from Chora to Egiali northwards. Before then, the car as a means of transport was of little importance. Donkeys used to be the essential means of transport by land and therefore, a well-designed "system" of cobbled paths used to cross the island and guarantee the transportation of goods to the villages. Despite the fact that nowadays the car has already "invaded" the island, Amorgos remains peaceful and quiet. The traditional paths have mostly been preserved, providing us with amazing opportunities of exploring the island. Even today, it is possible to meet donkeys carrying heavy loads of fresh goat milk from the fields to the villages. It is at this specific moment that time seems to have stopped for a while and an idea of how hard life in Amorgos used to be can be gained. With an altitude of nearly 850 meters, Amorgos offers a variety of different possibilities of exploration. Considering that all this hypsometrical scale is actually completed within a short distance starting from the shore, it is easily understood that certain requirements must be met by anyone attempting such a tour. On the ridges the sun is really merciless. On the high peaks, the whole area can be covered by dense fog within a few minutes, while strong winds usually blow. These hard conditions should not be underestimated in any case. Drinkable water, suitable shoes and a special jacket are necessary. Even in the marked routes, suitable shoes should be worn and drinkable water should be brought along.Below are presented many routes for rambling over the island. Four of these routes go through marked paths (red and white signs with numbers). The "Royal Route" is the route 1, which starts from Chora, goes past the Monastery of Hozoviotissa and continues towards Egiali. This is distance of nearly 16 Kms along the central ridge of the island. It is an unforgettable trip with a view of Naxos, the Small Eastern Cyclades and Ikaria. The route 4 is also wonderful. Starting at Egiali and finishing at Egiali as well, it goes round the whole valley behind the Bay of Egiali. This route goes past the fascinating villages Tholaria and Lagada. The walking time mentioned for each route concerns walkers with medium training and experience. Apart from the routes described below, there are also many other possibilities of exploring the island. For example, there is the route to the high peak of Profitis Helias at Chora (almost 700 meters altitude) or the route to the vertical cliff of Ancient Arkesini in the southern part of the island. There is also the route to the Mountain Korakas, which is the highest mountain of the region. A lot of interesting opportunities for exploration can be found in the Bay of Egiali in the north of the island, such as the remote small bays of Megali Vlichada and Mikri Vlichada which are also suitable for swimming. Whichever route you choose, rambling round Amorgos is a celebration for all the senses.

Ano Pedina Zagori

Ano Pedina (Upper Soudena) is one of the oldest Zagorohoria villages. It is located 35 kilometers north of Ioannina City and at an altitude of 900 meters. The name probably Soudena is Slavic and means "cool place", possibly because of the cold airstreams coming from the five hills' slope to the village Ano Pedina that is allocated among the hills.The first historical reference to the village is the Chrysovolo (order) in the year of 1362 of the Byzantine Emperor Andronikos III Palaiologos. The upper village area called Machalas has its center in the church of Virgin Mary. Around 1670 was created Under Machalas which is centered in the area of church Metamorphosis. During the late Ottoman Empire the village has the best period as all Zagorohoria villages, because of the autonomy and the famous travel baths of Zagori. The Soudeniotes inhibitants traveled mainly in Wlachia, Istanbul, Minor Asia and Egypt.Moreover Soudena had developed a high spiritual growth, which shows the dozens of floors at the perimeter of the settlement.

Koinonikos Tourismos

Grevena Prefecture

The prefecture of Grevena is in the region of Western Macedonia with capital the city called Grevena. It borders with the prefecture of Ioannina to the west, the prefecture of Kastoria in the northwest, with the prefecture of Kozani in the north, the prefecture of Larissa in the southeast with the prefecture of Trikala in the south.The population of the prefecture of Grevena is about 38000 inhabitants and the distance from Athens is 400 km and from Thessaloniki is 163 km. Much of the county is a mountainous surrounded by mountains to the west Lygkos, Chasia in the southwest and northeast Vourinos. The longest river in the country, Aliakmonas passes through the county and specifically the central and northeastern part of the county. The local economy is based mainly on agriculture. Livestock is also developed. Equally important is the contribution of rural tourism and ecotourism and the timber industry. The ski resort of Vasilitsa gathers every year thousands of visitors and is a lifeline for the local economy.

Vitsa Zagori

The village Vitsa is a small traditional village. It has a distance of about 37 km from the city of Ioannina.It is one of the prettiest villages of Zagoria.The houses and churches, built in traditional style, knit together, are associated with steep cobbled streets.

Limenaria Beach in Thassos

Limenaria beach is excellent, sandy and its crystal clear waters ly in Limenaria village as a small paradise destination. You will find in Limenaria hotels, rooms, studios, apartments and camping for families. Enjoy the sandy beaches Limenaria Thassos and enjoy the caress of the sun on your summer holiday in Thassos.

Kavala, a city that can satisfy the most demanding visitor

This historical, amazing city located like an amphitheater by the sea, combines all the things that could satisfy the most demanding visitor: mountains and sea, picturesque scenery and modern life, archaeological sightseeing, exciting excursions, cultural activities and tranquillity within nature... That is Kavala! It takes about 2 hours (165kms) to reach it by car from Thessaloniki. It also takes the same time from here to the last European City to the east, Alexandroupolis (174kms).Easily accessible, by all means, air, sea and land, Kavala becomes the perfect destination with its frequent, comfortable communications with the islands of the Aegean Sea, the rest of Greece and Europe. There are international charter flights too, departing from the modern airport, situated 20km outside the city and considered as one of the safest in the Balkans. In Kavala there are available all kinds of public services (governmental services, banks, hospitals, etc.) as well as the characteristic hospitable spirit of its 60.000 inhabitants! Kavala’s journey through history starts approximately in the Homeric era. Thanks to its position, it has always been the focus of attention. Neapolis (new city) was the original name of the city (7th century BC) which was an alien of Athens at the time of Pericles (5th century BC). It was also a very important center during the Macedonian Age. Neapolis was the very first place St. Paul stepped on European land when he came here to preach the Holy Bible and spread the Christian religion. For this reason, during the Byzantine time it was renamed Christoupolis. Its port was an important commercial location, which attracted the interest of the Romans and became the cause of destructive attacks by Goths, Huns, Normans and Bulgarians. During the 15th century it falls into the hands of Turks and remains occupied up to the beginning of the 20th century. After its liberation it becomes a modern city.