The first written reference of Messolonghi dates back to the 16th century. From 1804 to 1820, this historical town was under the command of Ali Pasha of Ioannina.

The most remarkable event was the heroic Sortie (April 10th 1826) of its inhabitants after a siege by the Turks lasting several months. The Sortie of Messolonghi has marked the Modern Greek history. It remained under Turkish control until 1829. Afterwards, began its reconstruction process. In 1937 Messolonghi was named “Sacred Town”.

It is a town of glorious cultural and historical past, as it was the birthplace of authors Kostis Palamas, Miltiadis Malakasis and Antonis Travlantonis as well as important politicians such as Prime Ministers Spyridon and Charilaos Trikoupis, Dimitrios and Zinovios Valvis and Epameinondas Deligiorgis. Nowadays, Messolonghi is a major fish-production center. There are interesting examples of traditional architecture in Messolonghi. It is located 250 km NW of Athens and 510 km SW of Thessaloniki (via Amfissa-Nafpaktos).

In the museum there is also a room exclusively for Lord Byron, with oil paintings, letters, portraits of the poet, the people that he met, the places he visited during his stay in Greece and which he expressed in his poems, personal items and letters specifically of his Philhellene efforts. In a prominent position is his statue which was donated by the Canadian Embassy. The nobly family of Palamanians had its impact as well. At a house which stands out architecturally, the ancestor of the Palamanians, Panagiotis Palamas was born in 1722 and was considered as the teacher of the Greek origins. In the same house, stayed our National poet Kostis Palamas when in 1865 he became an orphan. Both his parents died and he went to the house of his father's brother Demetrios Palamas. Here he stayed until he completed his education and wrote his first poems.

A lot of places remind and stir the emotions of many visitors such as the neighborhood of Kapsali, the position of the house of Lord Byron, the noble house of John Trikoupi which is situated at the end of Mayer road near the "first arch", the noble house of Zafirio or Zinovio Valvi where the public library is housed, and the local historical center. The position of the house of Bishop Josef of Rogon near the Xenokratio public school, the windmill, the small church of Panagia of Phoenekia, 2 km outside Messolonghi, where Lord Byron often visited and the historic Monastery of Agios Simeon which is 8 km from Messolonghi.

To read more, please visit messolonghi.elea.gr

The ancient myth that referred the island as Aphrodite’s birthplace has been the inspiration for the paintings of celebrated artists such as Sandro Botticelli and Jean-Antoine Watteau. Now, a trip to Kýthera is the symbol of a burning desire, of hankering for beauty; and not unjustly so.

Chóra, the capital of the island, stretches out around the Venetian castle of the 13th century - renovated by the Venetians in 1503 - to share with it an overwhelming view to the Cretan Sea. On the cliffs around the castle a small yellow jewel of a flower grows; sempreviva is peculiar to the island. White little houses squeeze each other to fit in the narrow cobbled streets that go whirling uphill and past tiny little churches and Venetian mansions with beautiful gardens. Your need for a rest will be met at the cafés of the two scenic squares of the village. But if you feel like having a delicious meal or a drink, walk downhill to Kapsáli.

Kapsáli could be said to be the busiest spot for tourists. Full of cafés, tavernas, bars and boasting a marina too, Kapsáli is where the night of the island turns energetic and eager for a meeting and romance. The number of the aficionados of the island is a multi-digit one. Most of them agree that Avlémonas is the most beautiful village of it. Crystal blue-azul waters bathe the frisky morphology of little bays to match with the cycladic architecture of the houses and the cobblestone paths around them into an attractive ambience of recreation and wellness.


To read more, please see visitgreece.gr

There are 47 villages scattered on the mountain range of Tzoumerka with common cultural and historical background, the so-called ‘Tzoumerkochoria’ (villages of Tzoumerka).

According to tradition (there’s no written source found) these villages were built between the 14th and the 15th century, during the Turkish occupation (possibly for reasons of defence) and played an important role in modern Greek history.

The area is an attraction for nature lovers and also for the lovers of extreme sports, as it has a rich ecosystem that impresses the visitor and also two rivers, Arachthos and Kalarrytikos (tributary of Arachthos), which offer magnificent routes for rafting and canoe - kayak. Additionally, river Acheloos (also called Aspropotamos) flows in the confines between the region of Tzoumerka and Thessaly.


To read more, please visit tzoumerka.info

Long nicknamed “the straight Mýkonos”, Skiáthos is overrun come summer with trendy Italians, Spaniards and Greeks; Brits, Germans and Scandanavians show up more in spring or autumn.

What to do
Skiáthos is the quintessential fly-and-flop island – there’s not much to do away from the beaches other than watersports, hiking or propping up a bar.

Skiáthos Town

The older, hillier quarters above the old port, around the churches of Tris Ierárhes and Ágia Triáda, retain some charm with their little plazas and gardened houses, though the flatlands to the north have been blighted by tattier tourist development – and the German burning, in August 1944, of much of the town in reprisal for resistance activities. There are few specific sights, though the Galerie Varsakis antique shop behind Tris Ierárhes serves as a de facto folklore museum of textiles and Greek rural impedimenta.

Evangelistrías

Two-and-a-half miles from town, the schist-roofed, 18-century Evangelistrías (daily 10.30am-2.30pm and 5pm-8pm) is Skiáthos’s premier monastery. An ecclectic museum (€3) features numerous documents and photographs from the Balkan Wars – including the fledgling Greek Air Force in action – in addition to a folklore wing centred on an old bread oven.

Kástro

At the northernmost tip of Skiáthos, Kástro was the island’s original, pirate-resistant settlement, fortified during the 16th century; after 1830 the place was abandoned in favour of the current town. Today it’s an eerie, windswept ruin with just the original gatehouse (steps replacing the original drawbridge) and four churches left standing.

Scuba diving

Friendly Dolphin Diving (00 30 6944999181, www.ddiving.gr) at Tzaneriá beach offers morning and afternoon dives around many of the islets just south-east of Skiáthos. Since 2006, many new permitted areas have been opened up.

Author: Marc Dubin Destination expert

Marc Dubin has been writing about Greece for three decades, Cyprus for two. He is the author of several books including the Rough Guides to Greece, the Greek Islands, and Cyprus. He has also written about Greek cuisine, Greek music and Greek real estate.

Source: For more of the article please visit www.telegraph.co.uk

During oviparity period, the female turtles head to the shore at night and dig with their back fins big holes in the sand, where they place 120 small eggs the size of ping pong balls. They then head to the sea leaving behind their traces in the sand, a sign that marks the holy ritual of birth.

After forty to sixty days the first eggs begin to “burst”. The little turtles remain protected for a few days more in the warmth of their nest until their body takes its final shape. A strong memory instinct will lead them back to the sea, where they will embark on their fascinating journey of life. They may return—adults this time—to breed and nest in the same place that they themselves were born. Unfortunately only one out of a thousand will survive since they will be exposed to many dangers, mostly associated with human activity. That is the reason why the Marine Park had been founded there in the first place.

For more information, please visit www.nmp-zak.org

visitgreece.gr

Inhabited since the Protocycladic Era, as indicated by archaeological finds brought to light in the area, Amorgos has a long cultural history and tradition. Step off the beaten track and visit an island that has preserved its traditional color, where the locals welcome you with a smile on their face and make you feel at home!

Town of Amorgos (Hora)

Built at the center of the island and surrounded by rocky hills, the maze-like Hora of Amorgos is considered to be one of the most picturesque in the Cyclades! Here you can admire a breathtaking setting with scenic squares, traditional Cycladic houses with bougainvillea trees in their courtyards, and Lilliputian whitewashed alleys. In the morning you can wander around the narrow streets, visit the 13th-century castle and the monasteries or relax at a local coffee shop; in the evening pick one of the cozy bars and tavernas scattered around Hora’s streets and squares and enjoy local specialties accompanied by a shot of “psiméni” raki! Don’t be surprised if you come across a big group of people enjoying an impromptu feast - it is a very common event on the island- feel free to join in!

Katapola

Katapola is the main harbor of the island as well as a haven for boats and small cruise ships. Set off on a boat trip from Katapola and explore the island’s sun-kissed beaches!

Aigiali

Aigiali, the second harbor of Amorgos, is popular with young people as it is the site of the island’s campsite. Along its lively waterfront, you will find plenty of cafes and restaurants. Perched on a mountain behind Aigiali there are three picturesque villages: Tholaria, Lagkada, and Potamos; visit them at the end of the day when the sunset is beautiful.


To learn more about Amorgos, please visit: visitgreece.gr

This man-made canal is the border between mainland Greece and Peloponnese. Ancient Greeks used to carry their ships through a narrow road in order to bypass this small part of land.

Following the direction to Tripolis, we make a turn when we see the sign Mycenae. In less than 2 hours from Athens lies the ancient city of Mycenae, one of the first empires in the ancient Greek times. You may have heard it from Iliad, the world famous epic poem by Homer. The king of Mycenae, Agamemnon, was considered to be the king of the kings in ancient Greece. His capital, the citadel of Mycenae, was one of the first organized cities, with high stone walls called Cyclopean Walls. Due to their huge size these walls are considered to have been built not by humans but by Cyclops. Enter the city by the Lion Gate. Also pay a visit to the Treasury of Atreus, a very famous and impressive “tholos” tomb. Same ticket applies for the citadel and the Treasury.

Heading to Nafplio, we make a stop to the Acropolis of Tiryns. It also used to be one of the well known citadels in ancient Greece – 2.000 years BC. Both Mycenae and Tiryns are included in UNESCO’s catalogue as Monuments of World Cultural Heritage.

Napflio is one of the most beautiful getaways from Athens. It was the first capital of Modern Greece. The old city is full of narrow roads, beautiful buildings, many hotels and restaurants. You can find low prices off-season. Pay a visit to the Rosary Museum (“Kompoloe” in Greek), a hidden gem in Napflio. If the weather is good, consider taking a boat to Bourtzi castle, a small castle in the middle of Napflion harbour. Enjoy a meal in one of the traditional tavernas in the old city of Nafplio. Try local, traditional and seasonal food like stuffed vegetables, fresh fish and salads. Nafplio is also famous for ice cream shops, some following famous gelato recipes directly from Italy.

Next day, after having a breakfast in the old city opposite to Bourtzi castle, it’s time to pay a visit to Epidaurus. It is located about half an hour from Nafplio. The archaeological site is full of surprises and history. Visit the Asklipeio, one of the most famous ancient ‘hospitals” – healing process for Greeks was a mixture between medicine, science and belief. The Asklipeio was considered to be the birthplace of Asclepius, the healer, god of medicine and healing.

The ancient theatre of Epidaurus is probably the most known ancient theatre of ancient Greece and is still in use. If it happens that you are around during summer, book a ticket to see a play in this really beautiful with perfect acoustic theatre. You may not understand the words, but you can feel them with your other senses. The spirit is still there.
Returning to Athens via the coastal road near the Saronic gulf, full of memories, pictures and ancient spirit, you may imagine how all these places created the foundation of modern civilization.

P.S.: Check the opening hours of the archaeological sites before visiting in order not to miss anything.

Text by: Christos Loukas (aka Kitsos Mitsos) - World traveller and blogger - www.blogtravels.gr

To read more, please see blog.visitgreece.gr

Corfu, the cosmopolitan island

Where: The most northern island in the Ionian complex

Why: Stands out due to its refined Italian finesse and the cosmopolitan, Venetian character that impresses throughout the year. Renowned globally as the green island of the Feakes and Odysseus’s final stop before returning to his coveted destination, Ithaca. Corfu is one of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean, distinguished by its rich nature, as well as, wonderful attractions.

What to visit: The famous Old Town of Corfu, with the illustrious Esplanade, one of the prettiest piazza’s of Greece, with the Old Fortress on its East and a cricket court on the grounds. Walk through the prominent pathways and admire the unique estates. Enjoy a stroll through the beautiful Liston, adorned by elegant colonnades. Visit the imposing temple of Saint Spyridon, patron saint of the island, with the acclaimed crimson bell tower. Admire the palace of Saint Michael and Saint George, the only “Georgian” style monument in the Mediterranean and the masterpiece, Achilles, 19 kilometers southwest of the city. A trademark locale, is the small island known as Pontikonisi (Mouse island), the brightest gem on the Corfiot crown. We travel through time with Archaeological and Byzantine Museum’s and the Banknote Museum’s impressive exhibits. In the northern region, is the area of Paleokastritsa, known for Aggelokastro – the commanding remains of a Fortress – which along with Kalami and Kassiopi, are some of the most beautiful areas of the islands. While in the southern region you will be astounded by the traditional village of Vatos, as well as, the exquisite habitat of the Korission Lake.

Evia. Endless beauty

Where: Stretching across the northeastern coastline of continental Central Greece

Why: Near Athens and with very easy access, Evia is the second biggest island of Greece and the sixth largest in the Mediterranean. Despite its tourism, Evia’s charm remains intact, enchanting the senses. The numerous beautiful cities, combined with renowned locations and impressive attractions, make Evia the ideal destination, even during the winter season. Its rich geophysical scenery, surrounded by imposing mountains and beautiful lakes, offers visitors a plethora of activities, such as hiking, biking and horseback riding, thus keeping the momentum going at all times.

What to visit: Beautiful Chalkida, the capital of the island, where you can enjoy a stroll on the beach with a background of the famous bridge. You will be able to admire the Castle’s old quarters, distinguished by its architecture, characterized by Turkish and Venetian influences and impressed by the plethora of exhibits in the Archaeological and Folk Museum. The ancient city of Eretria is especially interesting, only 22 kilometers southeast of the Chalkida, which in ancient times was one of the most prestigious areas of Greece, before it’s destruction by the Persians in 490 B.C.

Karistos awaits you in the south of the island, 130 kilometers from Chalkida; a historic city, with beautiful neoclassical buildings, decorated by the exceptional Venetian port of Castelo Rosso. The harbor includes scenes of traditional cafes, picturesque taverns, as well as, restaurants offering gastronomical delicacies that appeal to all taste buds. You will also be able to horseback ride and hike in the beautiful nature and of course blaze your own biking trails. In the northern part of the island, tracing back to the depth of ancient Greece, you will encounter the baths of Edipsos, the most well-known health and wellness center in all of Greece. Also in the north, the settlement of Kimi, with a spectacular view of the sea, is one of the prettiest in the region.

To read more, please see visitgreece.gr