Plastira Lake

The region of Plastiras Lake is located in Karditsa Prefecture, 25 km west of the city. Starting for the Lake by car from Athens you will need to cover about 340 km, and from Thessaloniki just 230 km. The route in the prefecture is mountainous and scenic, thrilling the driving lovers, with several turns and provincial network. The traveler, however, is compensated when reaches the lake edge when enjoying a landscape of incomparable beauty, habitat and wetland. The lake lies at an altitude of 1000 meters and bears the name of Nicholas Plastiras, a great military and political figure, who in 1925 conceived the idea of diverting the river Megdovas and to build a dam in the area. The idea finally materialized after his death and was completed in 1959. The lake spread in the plateau of Nevropolis creating one of the largest artificial lakes in Greece. Around the Lake, there are fourteen villages, giving the traveler a high degree of alternative destinations and different accommodations. The Mesenikolas is the first village leaving behind Karditsa. It's built at an altitude of 700m. and famous for its wine and raki its residents offer. It is worth visiting the church of the Life Giving Fountain with murals of 1646 east of the village. Two kilometers to the north at an altitude of 800m. is the Morfovouni, hometown of Nikolaos Plastiras, with stunning views of the plain of Thessaly. The path alongside the edge of the lake our guide to the villages overlooking the lake. From the village Kerasia, the ring road leads to Krioneri, a village built next to the lake with good tourist infrastructure. Trails lead to the forests of Krioneri with the firs, the oak, chestnut. Do not forget to visit them if you can tolerate. If you love nature, they will amaze you. The next village on the shores of the lake is the Kalyvia Pezoulas with a strong tourism development and organized outdoor areas and beaches. Street from Pezoula will lead you to Fylakti and Neraida. The village of Fylakti is at an altitude of 1200m. on the steep slopes of Mount Voutsinaki overlooking a dense forest. The road ends at Fylakti and so we turn back to Pezoula and at the junction that will lead us to Neraida at an altitude of 1120m. in an area full of chestnut trees and with magnificent views of the lake. Here you can take lots of pictures for your album. The area had been previously resort of the inhabitants of Karditsa. A small road from Neraida leads to a small ski resort at an altitude of 1550m. Then, we head for the largest and most organized tourist village in the area, Neochori, which lies on a slope and has the best view of the lake. In Neochori, it worths visiting the botanical garden that includes plants that make up the ecosystem of the region. The last stop on your journey is the dam you will find a few kilometers from Neochori and after Belokomiti. If you visit the lake be sure to see up close the dam. You will admire the beauty of the landscape and, if you want, you can complete the cycle route to the villages Moucha, Kastania, Lampero, St. Athanasius and Moschato. Lake Plastiras is an ideal destination for every season and is worth visiting to admire the colors of the Greek nature.

Leros, the island of Goddess Artemis

The island of Leros is located in the north Dodecanese, a few miles south of the island of Patmos, while in the south is separated by a relatively narrow sea passage with the island of Kalymnos. The geographical terrain is punctuated by small hills and countless bays, with greater the Bay of Lakiou, which is the largest natural harbor in the eastern Mediterranean, and for this reason also Italians in 1932 created there in the main naval base in the Dodecanese. Other major bays are of Alinta, Gourna, Vromolithos, the bay in Partheni, Blefouti and Panteli. The island of Leros is green and in its inside, there is agricultural production, there are countless vineyards, fig trees, prickly, Gkavafes (found only in Leros), crops and many roads are covered with eucalyptus and pine trees. In the beaches, there are plentiful trees that provide shade to visitors. There is even a small river running from the hill Imerovigli and emerges in the Gulf of Gourna. The island is small but has many villages and beaches. The Capital, Platanos, is at east of the island down the mountain Apitiki and the castle of Virgin Mary. Agia Marina is the second largest port and city located in the north only a few minutes walk from Platanos, as well the graphic Panteli in the south.Many beaches are found in Leros, almost for every taste. There are organised, in Alinta, Panteli, Vromolithos and Gourna, Xirokambos, Blefouti, Two Lisgaria. In many beaches, there are taverns and canteens, as well as umbrellas and sunbeds. The most have sand or pebbles. But if you want to explore the island you will find numerous small beaches only for you, especially if you have a boat or you like hiking. There are other small beaches that you will find to Tourkopigado and Vourlidia opposite Panteli. The road after Merkies to the bowl of the port will lead to innumerable small bays and secluded beaches. Leros in recent years has witnessed a good tourism development, the Municipality has made several development projects, as pedestrian walks, restoration of traditional buildings, and biological treatment, and new roads. For many years the Psychiatric and political prisoners formed a position on this beautiful island, but now all that is past and for many Greek and foreign visitors, Leros has become their holiday island. The island has many tourist complexes, hotels, rooms, studios, furnished apartments and a campsite. A very interesting night life, winter - summer, with several bars and cafes, countless options for dining at traditional taverns, restaurants, taverns and ouzo.

New Moudania Halkidiki

N.Moudania created by Greek refugees from Asia Minor after the Marmara disaster search site.The reason for the establishment in the area to N.Moudania, asthey called it, is not accidental. The harmonic alternationselaiofyton hills, rich valleys, sea and natural beauty of the region, the charmed and this place has become the home after the eradication of the coast of the Propontis and Asia Minor.

Kamariotissa, Samothraki's port

Port of the island, Kamariotissa with the beautiful sunset stretches along the coast and has a considerable tourist traffic. Here tie fishing and excursion boats. It is 5 km west of Chora. Sights of the village is the church of Panagia Kamariotissa and small lagoon of Saint Andreas.

Alonissos - The Story of a Βeautiful island

Today Alonissos took this name in the early years of the liberation of Greece and is not the same as the ancient Alonissos. The island in ancient times was called Ikos, while the neiborhood island  to the north, Kyra Panagia, was probably called Alonissos by the ancient Greeks. The island's history is lost in the Paleolithic era, when it is probable that it was connected to the other islands and Thessaly. Tradition says that Cretans led by the mythical hero Stafilos made colonies in Peparithos (current Skopelos) and Iko. This colonisation became in the 16th century BC during the Minoan naval in the Aegean Sea. In that time, begins the cultivation of olives and vines. The Minoan colony takes later a Mycenaean character. The Mycenaean city is located in today Kokkinokastro, on the east coast of the island. At the end of the Mycenaean era, on the island come the father of Achilles, Peleus, and stays until the end of his life. According to tradition, in the island was found the tomb of Peleus. Historically, however, it is clear that in the geometric times is found Iko under the authority of Dolopes. The Dolopes appeared to be a part of the great race of the Pelasgians. After a period of time, they became dangerous and evil pirates of the Aegean. To deal with them, later, the Athenian fleet under the command of Cimon moved to the island, who routed them and annexed the islands to Athens. Thus, in 476 BC, the island joins the first Athenian Alliance. In the classical era, Ikos must have two cities (the geographer Skylax, 5th century BC, called it dipolin). At that time the island is famous for the cultivation of vines and fine wine. The wine was exported in jars, which are one of the two handles bearing the inscription IKION. At this time it appears that the location of the island is very important. This is confirmed by the number of ancient shipwrecks, which have been identified in the region. This important position has made the island base of the Athenian fleet struggles against Philip. In 190 BC the island was conquered by the Roman fleet. We have almost no information for the history of Iko until the capture of Constantinople by the Franks in 1204 AD, when the island and the adjacent islands came into possession of the Franks. Along with Skopelos, Alonissos is an alternating conquerors. After the conquest of Constantinople by the Turks in 1453, the islands were obtained by the Venetians. They remained Venetian until 1538, when the Turkish fleet under Barbarossa Chairedin imposed on the Turkish authorities. During the revolution of 1821 and the first years of liberalization of the Greek nation, the Greeks resorted to Alonissos from various parts of Greece. They, along with the natives of the island, compose the present population of Alonissos.

The border Thrace

Occupying a prime location, Thrace, with a major contribution to the shaping of Greek mythology, was inhabited by the utmost antiquity. Main geographical features of this gifted by nature region is the Rhodope Mountains, Mount Saos of Samothrace, large forests, fertile plains, rivers such as the Evros and Nestos, lakes Vistonida and Ismarida. The visitor is impressed by the famous archaeological sites, the byzantine, medieval and ottoman monuments, the fine examples of folk architecture, the harmonious coexistence of Christian and Muslim tradition.Thrace is an area of 8,578 sq. km. and a population of 345,709 inhabitants. It is divided into the prefectures of Evros, Xanthi and Rodopi. In Thrace belongs the island of Samothrace, which is a special province of Evros Prefecture. The climate of Thrace is continental, but generally healthy except for the river Evros, which is very fluid. Financially, Thrace is a rural area. It cultivates mainly cereals and tobacco, which is world renowned and is one of the greatest sources of wealth in Greece. It has valuable livestock and there is a good exploitation of the forests.

Mykonos, one of the top tourist destinations

Mykonos or Myconos is a Greek island and one of the top international tourist destinations, famous around the world for its cosmopolitan character and its intense nightlife. The island is part of the Cyclades, lying between Tinos, Siros, Paros and Naxos. It spans an area of 105.183 square kilometers and rises at an elevation of 341 m at its highest point. The island is composed primarily of granite. It has little natural fresh water and relies on the desalination of sea water in order to meet its needs. There are 9,320 inhabitants most of whom live in the largest town, Mykonos, also known as Chora, i.e. the Town in Greek, a common denomination in Greece when the name of the island itself is the same as the name of the principal town, which lies on the west coast. Archaeological finds indicate that the Ionians settled on Mykonos in the early part of the 11th century BC. More recent discoveries have uncovered remnants in Ftelia beach from the Neolithic Kares tribe dating back to as far as 3000 BC. In Greek mythology, Mykonos was the location of the battle between Zeus and the Gigantes, and the island was named in honor of Apollo's grandson Mykons. During these ancient times, Mykonos, due to its proximity to the highly populated island of Delos, situated about 2km away, became very important as a supply island and possibly as a getaway location for Delian citizens.Today, Mykonos is one of the world's most cosmopolitan islands, having become increasingly popular especially during the last 50 years due to the numerous international jet set visitors that spend their holidays on the island. It is widely known for its extremely rich, diverse and often intense nightlife featured by a vast number of bars and nightclubs. Mykonos is also distinctive for its sandy beaches, offering everything from crystal clear waters, windsurfing potential, sea side tavernas, bars featuring 24hour loud music and even full nudity in some cases. Many Greek and international celebrities have summer residences in Mykonos and can often be seen walking the white washed roads or having dinner at a small street side table of an expensive restaurant or a taverna. The island is also one of the most upscale areas of Greece, and its real estate is very expensive. The popularity of the island has given rise to a wave of real estate development with the construction of private homes, villas, and hotels. This has raised some concerns that the island may be gradually losing its character. In order to prevent this, the island's zoning requires all new buildings to abide by the rules of the Cycladic architectural style.The nightlife of Mykonos is marketed as among the best in Europe.1. Mykonos is rated among the top clubbing destinations in the Mediterranean, along with Ibiza, Ayia Napa and Rimini. Mykonos also attracts world famous DJs to its clubs and beach bars, the most well known of which are Paradise, Super Paradise and Paranga. In addition, Mykonos is a gay friendly resort area during the summer, featuring several gay clubs.2. Mykonos nightlife focuses mainly on bars rather than clubs, yet a number of notable clubs can be found throughout the island.3. Additionally a number of non Greeks have recently taken up residency in Mykonos coming mainly from Albania and the Balkan republics which is said to have created an uptick in petty crime.

Hiking trails on Mount Olympus