People from the entire known world would make the pilgrimage in ancient times in order to consult the future-telling Oak tree and to attend cultural festivals that took place regurarly at Dodoni.

"The divine couple had their adobe in the Oak-tree, and from the rustling of its leaves and the flight of the doves (Peleiades) that nested in is branches the soothsayers of Zeus, the prophets (Selli), who slept on the ground and never washed their feet so as to be in contact with the earch and draw their oracular powers from it, interpeted the will of the god to mortals." (Dodona," by Sotirios Dakaris.)

I drove to Dodoni in a clear July morning not knowing what to expect. I drove North from Arta and within one hour or so I saw the signs for Dodona just before I reached the city of Ioannina. I turned left and followed the narrow road that snaked diligently around small and large hills until I was confronted with the majestic twin peaks of mount Tomaros (1972m and 1816m tall) at the foot of which Dodoni is nested. Although it took much longer than I anticipated, I enjoyed the drive to Dodoni enormously, and the ever-changing mountain scenery gave me the feeling that I was about to reach a special place, and I was not disappointed once there.

I entered the ruins of the sanctuary early in the morning before the hot summer sun and the hordes of tourists had a chance to ruin my pilgrimage. I walked the long dirt path from the ticket counter to the excavated site and I could see nothing that gave me the impression of an important ancient center. That is until the enormous retaining wall of the theater of Dodoni grew out of a small hill with an imposing authority that defined the rural landscape.

The limestone seats of the theater were weather beaten and nested in a respectful semicircle between the two enormous retaining walls. I entered the theater and stood alone in the middle of the orchestra pausing to comprehend the majestic scenery, and to imagine the cultural spectacle that took place in ancient times. What were the audience like? Were they restless when the play unfolded? Absorbed and motionless when the plot was climaxing? Did they remain frozen, afraid to make a sound that would disturb the illusionary space of the tragedy? What would they think of me, staring at them with camera at hand and Nike shoes at my feet?


To read more, please visit greeklandscapes.com

An island pregnant with history
There is evidence of human activity on the rich with archaeological treasures island since the Neolithic times. But it’s the Kaviria Mysteries – religious event of great importance, equal to that of the Eleusinian Mysteries - that brought the island’s fame to the top. The grandeur of the archaeological prominence of Samothrace stretches over the 50-square-kilometres site of Palaiópolis, at 6,5km from the port of Kamariótissa.

Hundreds of crystal watered streams flow from mount Saos to rush through the forests all the way to the sea. On their way, they form waterfalls and stone basins, the so called “váthres”. As a matter of fact, the streams and the waterfalls are the landmarks of the island. A pair of the best of those are the stream of Foniás (=”killer”) and its tallest waterfall (Kleidwsi – 35m high). A nature wonder in the form of a waterfall is situated in the Northeast; it’s Kremastó. The water there goes through some iron rocks to obtain a sweet, reddish colour before fiercely ending into the sea. Behind the water mass there is a cave to be explored. Other well-known waterfalls are Kakiá Pláka, Karyá, and Griá Váthra.

Along the north and the eastern coastline there are wetlands formed seasonally. Migratory birds call at the mouth of Foniás, at the wetland of Vdelolimni, whereas the lagoon of Agios Andreas near Kamariótissa is popular with birdwatchers.

But don’t forget you are on an island with rugged, mostly pebbly beaches, some of which are accessible only by boat. The beach of the Gardens with the black and gray shiny pebbles stands out. In the south, there is the only sandy –thus most cosmopolitan- beach of the island, Pachia Ammos (= “thick sand”) where you can marvel at the –perched-on-a-steep-rock chapel of Panagia Krimniotissa. Rent a boat here for a tour around the otherwise inaccessible areas of Katárti, Spiliés, Váto, Kremastó, Grias ta Paniá, and Gyalí. The fascinating bottom of the sea and the underwater life abundance appear transparent through the crystal clear waters.

An alternative tourism paradise

The imposing mountainous heart of the island paired with its pristine nature are just what explorers and adventure lovers could ever wish for: crossing gorges, trekking, mountaineering, mountain bike, paragliding, rafting, kayak, diving will be amongst your choices if you want to go active.

But Mother Nature has been generous to Samothrace in geothermal richness too: sulphurous therapeutic thermal springs welcome you to the village of Therma and to the spa facilities, where Greeks and foreigners seek and find health and wellness.


To read more, please see visitgreece.gr

In the area of Hóra, little glittering white houses under the Aegean sun stand next to proud two-storey mansions. Follow the historical narrow streets all the way from the monastery down to Skála (the island’s port), and discover restaurants, cafés, shops and traditional bakeries. Treat yourselves with cheese pies, local dairy products, and reticule-shaped dough with honey and nuts.

The largest settlement, as well as capital and port of the island, is Skála where you will find accommodation and fresh-fish tavernas among buildings used by the Italians during the Italian Rule of the Dodecanese (1912-1943).

At 5km fromSkála have a rest stop at the village of Grikos, and enjoy the freshness of a drink by the sea,or even a swim at the beach by the same name.
For tan-seeking sunbathers:

The beach in Kámpos with sea sports facilities and marvelous fish tavernas is the most cosmopolitan one, whereas Psili Ammos (literally meaning “thin sand”) will offer you an off-the-beaten-track experience as it is accessible only by boat. For cool and not very salty waters the beach of Váya is definitely the choice, whereas Sapsilas with its warmer waters will be the refuge for the less courageous ones. The beach of Lámpi is very beautiful, covered with colourful pebbles. The very small and mainly uninhabited islets of Arkoi are absolutely worth a visit, so catch a boat from Skála, and make sure you call in at Maráthi for crystal clear waters and fresh delicious fish.

To read more, please visit visitgreece.gr

Parga is a busy town in the summer with lively streets packed with a healthy tourist population that mingles busily in the narrow passages and the coffee shops that line its promenade. It seems to be a favorite destination of Italian vacationers who elect to spend their summer vacation in Parga due to its proximity to the Italian coast.

It is within an overnight trip with the ferry from Italy, making it convenient for the visitors to bring their own vehicle to explore the surrounding country. Parga is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Epirus, and it is full of hotels, motels and organized camping grounds that seem to easily accommodate the vacationers who come to enjoy the beautiful scenery, the sea, and the sun.

A stroll through the streets of Parga reveals an "island flavor" with the multitude of the tourist shops and tavernas lined up on both sides and the carefree tourists that constantly stroll up and down the narrow corridors. A short walk through the steep streets would take you to the castle that reveals a bird's eye view of the ceramic rooftops of the town, the small beach in its center, and on the other side of the hill a glimpse of the large and very popular Valtos Beach where swimming is best.

Although many choose to vacation in Parga itself, the surrounding areas seem to be popular as well. Within a short driving distance the quiet village of Lichnos with its spectacular beach is very popular for its relaxing atmosphere, and further up the small beach of Ai Giannakis, a busy watersports hub. The fjord-like nature of the coast near Parga hides also a number of small beaches that could only be accessible by boat, and the beauty of the coast attracts a multitude of sea vehicles.

Within a short distance of Parga (about 25 minutes) lies the ancient ruins of the Nekromanteio of Acheron, and driving south through the Preveza coast the road takes you through Loutsa, Vrahos (party beach wiht many bars,) Lygia (another popular vacation destination,) Riza (a lesser known and very quiet swimming spot,) Kanali, Monolithi (voted in the top 10 best beaches in Greece,) and through the ancient city of Nikopolis and the port of Preveza. Many European vacationers who drive their Mobile Homes (RV) from Italy choose Lygia and Riza beaches for an overnight stop by the beach. From Preveza an underground tunel would take you to Aktio and within a short driving distance from the draw bridge that the Island of Lefkada to the mainland.

Source: Greeklandscapes.com

A settlement harmonically combined with the Cretan nature, which stretches like a renaissance painting from every window and yard. The finest craftsmen carved the stones of the pathways where visitors and owners have their afternoon strolls in an enchanting and captivating environment.

In the heart of the settlement the visitors can find a luxury pool and have a swim or coffee and enjoy the tranquility while taking in the amazing views of the stunning landscapes and the turquoise waters at Georgioupolis beach.

Morfi Village is a gated community ensuring the safety and privacy of its inhabitants. However every homeowner loves to stroll around the narrow streets of Exopolis, the neighboring village.The peaceful and traditional village reflects the ideals of Crete. Here you can find the true spirit of Cretan hospitality in the friendly villagers, who will happily share their own Cretan family dishes such as traditional pies and a shot of tsikoudia, a homemade drink produced by grapes, with their neighbors and visitors.

Thymari the Settlement’s restaurant is located on site where you can sample the finest cuisine all sourced from the local area. While you enjoy a meal on the terrace you can experience breath taking sunsets with amazing colours that dance in the sky above the sublime scenery. When you stand at the edge of Thymari, you feel the cool breeze caressing you like you are on board a large cruise ship sailing on the Cretan countryside, surrounded not by waves but with green trees, grandiose mountains and majestic valleys.

MORFI Village is unique not only for the beauty of its surroundings or the quality of the houses but for the services.

Every homeowner or visitor can count on the settlement’s warm and welcoming staff for every need. Morfi Village takes care of your transportation, grocery shopping, cleaning and laundry and most important it has a doctor on call service. That is where our philosophy stands, The Real Luxury is Services. And we are happy to say that the inhabitants of the settlement are member of the big, caring family of MORFI.

Crete offers a good, peaceful life.

Morfi Village gives you the extra luxury and quality to enjoy it!

Source: Morfiislands.com/en

In 1989 the UNESCO included Meteora in its World Heritage List, as a place of special cultural and physical significance.

The word ‘Meteora’ came from Saint Athanasios Meteoritis, founder of the monastery called ‘Metamorfosis tou Sotiros’ (The Transfiguration of Jesus), or else Great Meteoron. St Athanasios Meteoritis gave this name to the ‘large stone’ on which he climbed, for the first time, in 1344.

The first monks arrived there in the 12th century and lived isolated in rock caves. The first monastic communities were founded in the mid 14th century.
In many monasteries you will admire masterpiece hagiographies and you will see treasures, manuscripts, jewels, Gospels and ornaments.
Information:

One can reach Meteora from Kalampaka, which is 20 km far from Trikala.

In the past the inhabited monasteries on Meteora were 30, to many of which the access was through rope ladders. Today there are only six monasteries that are inhabited and some smaller ones.

The six monasteries that remain today are:

• The Holy Monastery of St Nicolaos Asmenos or Anapausas. (inhabited by men, built in 1150)
• The Holy Monastery of Rousanos (or Arsanis) (built in 1288)
• The Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron (or Metamorfosis tou Sotiros) which was built on the biggest rock called: “Large Stone”. In Great Meteoron the visitor can see St Athanasios’ retreat.
• The Holy Monastery of Varlaam or Agion Panton Monastery (meaning the Monastery of All Saints) that is the second biggest monastery of Meteora. (built in 1350).
• The Holy Monastery of Agia Trias (The Holy Trinity) that was founded by the monk Dometios in 1438.
• The Holy Monastery of St Stephanos (St Stephen) that is inhabited by women.

One can also visit the following monasteries:

• The Holy Monastery of Ipapanti.
• The Holy Monastery of St Nicholaos Badovas, on the site ‘Kofinia’.
• Doupiani, today’s church of Zoodohos Pigi (The Life-giving Source), which was founded by the monk Nilos.
• The Holy Monastery of St Georgios Mandilas.
• The Holy Monastery of the Holy Spirit (or else the Archangels Michael and Gabriel monastery) that is the oldest monastery of Meteora.

Source: www.inthessaly.gr/en/-87.html

Westwards, Kastoria borders with Florina prefecture, eastwards and southeastwards with the prefectures of Kozani and Grevena, southwestwards with the prefecture of Ioannina, while northwestwards it borders with Albania.

Kastoria and the surrounding villages have numerous natural monuments and high constructive creations, which in combination to the warm hospitality attract thousands of people.

This city is the ideal destination for the lovers of sports and nature. The options are many and satisfy all demands. You can ski at the ski center of Vitsi or you can hike on one of the indicated paths close to wild nature. The region is really beautiful during winter time. The renowned lake of Kastoria and Aliakmonas River are the perfect choice for canoeing and long walks along the lakeside leading visitors to the peace and tranquility nature has to offer.

The Town of Kastoria has more than 75 Byzantine churches with invaluable religious monuments. The prehistoric lake settlement of Dispilo reveals a lot about the region’s route through time.

Kastoria and the neighboring villages are quite enchanting. Tradition, history and modern civilization jog along creating this unique culture of Macedonia. Klisoura, Argos, Orestiko, Korisos, Omorfoklia, are some of the villages you ought to visit. Every town and village has its own history, which makes it unique and special. Visit them and meet this earthly paradise.

www.holiday.gr

During the Byzantine period the district enjoyed privileges of autonomy and tax exemption. For this reason the northern part of the district was also called “Agrafa” (literally “unwritten”), because the residents were not included in the imperial tax registers.

The wild landscape, which helped keep central authority and aspiring occupiers at a distance, nowadays also offers many options for alternative tourism activities. Skiing at Velouchi and rafting on the rapids of the Acheloos, Trikeriotis and Tavropos rivers have been the sports that have catapulted the district’s largely untapped tourism potential to popularity in the last two decades.

The part of Evrytania which is best known and most popular with tourists lies on the road axis between Karpenisi, the main town, and the historic Monastery of Proussos -- perched like an eagle’s nest atop a precipitous cliff above a gorge. Cameras should be at the ready to capture the highlights of the route, especially Kleidi, the narrowest point of the gorge from where the monastery is first visible.

Karpenisi, a town of less than 10,000 people at 1,000 meters on the slopes of Mt Tymfristos, is the base for most activities in the area. Lying on the route to Proussos are the well-known picturesque villages of Mikro and Megalo Horio and the listed settlement of Koryschades. It was this latter village that hosted the elected National Assembly during the German occupation, on May 7, 1944 and has a Museum of National Resistance.

Fidakia, 17 kilometers from Karpenisi, is one of the most beautiful villages in Evrytania, with a fine view of the Kremasta reservoir. Just outside the scenic village of Klafsi, in the Potamia valley, is the unique 5th- to 6th-century Basilica of Aghios Leonidios, with an exquisite, well-preserved mosaic floor.

The main village of Proussos, at the edge of the tourist zone, is best known for the reportedly miraculous icon of Our Lady of Proussos in the monastery, which attracts thousands of visitors annually and can be congested at weekends, especially Sundays.

An easy hiking route, lasting about two hours, takes walkers from the monastery to Mavri Spilia (“Black Cave”) -- next to a waterfall -- which was used as a hideout by guerrillas in years gone by. The more adventurous can rappel down the cliff face. A second route in the area, beginning from the village of Aniada and lasting about an hour and a half, takes in the slopes of Mt Kaliakouda. Part of it runs alongside the Trikeriotis River before it ends at the Pantavrechi waterfalls.

Aghios Nikolaos, 6 kilometers from Karpenisi, is a charming village known for the most prolonged snow cover in the district and its chestnuts.

A fine route through dense fir forest on the slopes of Mt Oxya is from Karpenisi to the beautiful mountain villages of Krikello and Domnista, if you take a right turn from the road to Lamia going east. As you enter Krikello, at 1,120 meters, you will see five stone fountains gushing the icy waters of Mt Oxya. Domnista has some huge plane trees and an impressive folk museum which also hosts local ancient finds. The village also features a monument to the national resistance, as it was here that resistance leader Aris Velouchiotis proclaimed the armed struggle against the Axis occupiers on June 7, 1942.

Lastly, it is worth seeing the Bridge and Monastery of Tatarna, in a beautiful area near the Kremasta dam. The view of the lake from the bridge, which has won three architectural awards, is superb and the monastery houses a number of precious icons.

Things to See & Activities

Evrytania is replete with sights and historical monuments. Opportunities for mountain sports abound throughout the year: contact Ef Zein (25673 and 695.396808, www.fzein-evryt.gr/), Mountain Action (22940 and 6972.706.177), and Trekking Hellas (25940 and 6972.421.349). Saloon Park (24606), 4 kilometers from Karpenisi, offers horse-riding activities. Eleven kilometers from town at an elevation of 1,800 meters, is the Velouchi skiing center (23506, 21112). Megalo Horio has an interesting folk history museum.

Author: Haris Argyropoulos