You can take a peaceful walk through the shaded, green valley with its small river and beautiful waterfalls. You are permanently surrounded by butterflies camouflaging themselves against the tree trunks as you walk up towards the monastery at the top, or rest for a while on one of the wooden benches along the way.

Visitors can witness a spectacular phenomenon which occurs only rarely in nature. Huge numbers of butterflies congregate in this small valley during the final stage of their life cycle. Every year, at the end of the wet season (late May), thousands of butterflies attracted by the scent of the Oriental Sweetgum trees cover the entire landscape. They are actually adult insects that follow the waterways and migrate here to reproduce (females leave for other suitable areas to lay their eggs in the early fall) due to the high humidity of the area.

Hush, hush..butterflies are resting here…The moths cannot eat during this final phase of their life cycle, so they rest here to conserve energy. Any loud noise would force them to fly away, thereby consuming valuable energy. Observe them as they “sleep” well-camouflaged in black and yellow; in flight their cherry-red overwings flash. If you are quiet and still, they may even land on your arm –that would make a wonderful photo!

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It is ideally located for access to Halkidiki, day trips to Thessaloniki, has a very reliable ferry network for Thasos, Lesvos, Samos and Samothraki and is just a twenty minute drive from the mountainous region of Pangaio, well worth a visit for its natural beauty including large expanses of forest, as well as for its monasteries and skiing during the winter.

The reason why people refer to Kavala as the Blue City is clear; the dramatic old town is built upon a rocky headland which is surrounded by the blue and turquoise colours of the Aegean, creating a stunning backdrop for a city and reflecting the Mediterranean sun onto the colourful houses.

The old town of Kavala was formerly a colony of Thasos and called Neapolis. It was significant both strategically and economically due to its proximity to the road which connects Thrace and Macedonia. It has been discovered that the first inhabitants of Neapolis came from Paros and Thasos. Being ideally positioned to confront invasions from Thrace, Kavala also functioned as a very important port linking the west and the east. This role would have begun around 650 BC. The city’s name then changed to Christoupolis under Byzantine rule and Kavala under Turkish occupation. Historically, Kavala has functioned as an important base for the tobacco trade, a key fishing port as well as being suitably located for the movement of gold from the Pangaio Mountain.

Upon visiting Kavala, one realises immediately how the development through many periods of history has created the modern city of Kavala, with constructions such as the Town Hall, a combination of traditional Greek and neoclassical architecture and the houses in the area of Panagia which were built by Greeks, Jews and Turks in the early twentieth century. The most symbolic constructions, however, are the Fortress (Frourio) and the Aqueduct (Camares), built by the Turks and the Venetians in AD 1425.

Kavala has an array of things to see and do, with a long coastline of white sandy beaches which begin at the ammolofoi, an area of sand dunes backing onto the region of vineyards just under twenty kilometres west of Kavala. As one heads closer towards the city, the fishing village of Iraklitsa offers a variety of Tavernas, all of which offer high quality seafood and mezedes, mainly catering for the local market. One of the most popular is Taverna Odysseas, located on the village promenade overlooking the small harbour.

The main road from Iraklitsa to Kavala meanders along the coastline between the mountains and the sea, with a continuous view of Fidonisi (Snake Island) and Thassos in the distance. (Photo-above left)

The most obvious place to visit in the city of Kavala is of course the fortress, with frequent live music performances as well as plays taking place during the summer, many of which are free of charge. Access to the fortress is through a cobbled street which runs through the old town past the old Turkish style houses.

In the local area any inquisitive visitor would find it hard to resist the urge to visit the ancient site of Philippi, one of the most important towns of Eastern Macedonia which had important privileges during Macedonian rule. However, the Battle of Philippi in 42 BC would lead to its transformation into a completely Roman town. The Apostle Paul baptized Agia Lydia, the first Greek female and European to be baptized by him, just a few minutes walk from Philippi.

For those with access to a vehicle, the region of the Nestos River is not to be missed due to its absolutely stunning natural beauty. (Photo-above center)

In all, Kavala can be described as a highly varied holiday destination with something to cater for the demands of every individual, ranging from beaches with crystal waters to Tavernas with live music as well as ancient sites and mountain hikes. What is more, this is a truly Greek working city and visitors will experience an authentic Greek way of life rather than any artificially created environment to cater specifically for tourists.

Author: George Howell

The Vikos Gorge lies in the North Pindus Mountains in the historic area of Epirus, 30 kilometers north of Ioannina and 38 kilometers from the Albanian border. The area, called the Zagori, has 44 villages called the Zagorohoria. The 12-kilometer gorge itself can be hiked in two or three parts: Monodendri north to Vikos; Vikos to Papingo, and Monodendri south to Kipi and its lovely arched stone bridges.

Part of the pleasure of hiking the gorge comes from the long journey to get there. A car trip from Athens to Ioannina takes 7 hours with an advised overnight in Ioannina to enjoy this lakeside town with its Ottoman-flavored bazaar and inexpensive eateries rimming the lake. After Ioannina, it's only 16 kilometers to the first villages of the Zagori. The mountain road is steep, narrow, and winding. Local drivers tear around hairpin curves leaving little space for oncoming traffic.

By bus from Athens, the journey requires calculation to connect with the smaller buses to the Zagori. Long-distance (KTEL) buses leave Athens Bus Terminal A (Kifissou Street) nearly every hour starting at 6:00. The trip is approximately 7 hours with a spectacular crossing of the new bridge at Rio. Buses can be packed with Albanians making bus connections in Ioannina for the Albanian border so arrive at the station early if you need to make a connecting bus to the Zagori.

Two bus services leave Ioannina for the Zagori. One goes to Monodendri and villages near the south end of the gorge, leaving Ioannina at 6:15 and 16:15. The second goes to Mikro Papingo and Megalo Papingo and the villages near the north end of the gorge, Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 5:15 and 14:30.

The village of Monodendri, on the rim of the gorge near the south end, is a good spot for those who want to hike the entire gorge as well as view the famous stone arched bridges over the river below the gorge. Nearby Vitsa is also good for hiking the gorge, although it's a distance to reach the entrance to the gorge.

The villages of Mikro Papingo and Megalo Papingo, at the north end of the gorge, are better suited for hikers who want to hike the gorge as well as east into the Gamilla range.

The challenge of hiking the Vikos Gorge is how to return to your point of origin. The long, winding gorge and its deep side ravines separate villages from each other. It can take hours to drive to a village that is visible across the gorge. Local buses make twice a day flying stops in the village squares with one service connecting the villages near Papingo and the other connecting the villages near Monodendri.

Source: Hiking in Greece

Nafpaktos: A Jewel of a Town

Built between Antirrio and the mouth of the river Mornos, Nafpaktos is the most beautiful town of the district of Aitoloakarnania. Its idyllic beaches face the Corinthian gulf; its mountain attractiveness encompasses Nafpaktia; its rich history is reflected on two fabulous monuments, the Venetian castle and the Venetian port.

The first things that strike visitors in Nafpaktos are its comfortable plane-shaded roads, its traditional buildings, and its people of all ages enjoying the sun in open air restaurants and cafés, often by the sea. Start strolling around the cobbled streets with the naval houses and the well-preserved mansions. Bougainvilleas climb on the stone walls and flowers fill the neighbourhoods with welcoming colours and aromas.

All the streets lead to the port, the smallest and, maybe, most beautiful in the Mediterranean Sea! At the eastern tower there is the old lighthouse and the Fethiye Tzami (mosque) of 1499. The built-in marble plaque reminds us of the famous sea battle of 1571. At the western part and next to the cannons targeting the sea, there are the statues of the legendary captain Giorgos Anemogiannis and of the famous Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes. The delicious teasers on the pedestrian walkway of Stenopazaro, right at the place where the old market and the small tavernas used to be, provide the perfect excuse for a long or brief stop.

Strong again and no more hungry, you can climb up the castle, one of the best preserved castles in five landings, whose story dates back in the Ancient times. The Venetians used to call its top “the triple tiara of Lepanto”. Stand there to marvel at the imposing view of the town and the port, dominated by the cable Rio-Antirrio bridge on the horizon. Your attention will also be drawn by the chapel of Profitis Elias (11th century) the tower clock, as well as the remnants of the ottoman bath.

Leave Nafpaktos at night, when its lights will be flickering on the quiet waters. Say goodbye to the beautiful town, but not to a great travel experience yet.


Galaxidi: The Famous Naval Town

Through the stunning mountainous landscapes of Fokida one reaches a town with a feel of posh, tradition, and naval history: the picturesque pride and joy of the southern coasts of central Greece, i.e. Galaxidi. Brave seamen used to sail around the Mediterranean Sea to seek refuge in the two natural ports of the little town, Agora and Chirolakas. The naval and the folklore museums bear witness to the history of Galaxidi.

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 Further still, Asia and the Middle East can also be reached from Volos, which is Greece’s third major port (after Pireaus near Athens and the port of Thessaloniki).

Built near the neolithic (4,000BC) remnants of Dimini, today’s city of Volos sits on the site of 3 later, ancient Greek cities. One of them, Demetrias, was named after both the local Olympian goddess of harvest and a Macedonian king; another city (Iolcus) was connected to the mythological hero Jason (of Argonauts and Golden Fleece fame).

During the Byzantine era (13-14th century AD) and subsequent Ottoman (Turkish) rule, the city was known as ”Golos”. It became part of free Greece in 1881.

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By Karen Bryan

The small paved square with the parish church of St. Nicholas, the planes and the simple cafes and grills, are forming the picturesque village ambience. The Karali Folk Museum with collection, which spans the last two centuries, is one of the points of interest.

The material is more than 1800 items and includes pastoral and agricultural utensils for household use, weapons and costumes of the region, wood carvings, embroidery, coins, tools and various miscellaneous items of folk art.

The Annunciation Monastery, established in 1700 with magnificent frescoes in good condition.

The Church of St. Nicholas, built in 1904, located in the central village square.

The Church of San Marco and the Church of St. Cosmas Aitolos.

Wander to the two mills to the position Goura, which are declared as preserved monuments, as well as the church of Saint Panteleimon.

Source: Xenion.gr

Skópelos belongs to the North Sporades group of islands and has three main ports: Skópelos, Agnóntas and Glóssa.

Hóra, on the northern coast, is the capital of the island. Its ancient name was Peparithos, after the son of the god Dionysos and Ariadne, who was the first inhabitant of the island.

Hóra nestles comfortably on a hill and sprawls around a castle. The medieval castle with its sweeping views of the Aegean, the stone houses with picture-perfect courtyards, narrow paved streets and a number of Byzantine churches, the town encapsulates the essence of a typical Greek island settlement. Take a trip through the rich history of the island with a visit to the Folklore Museum, housed in a renovated mansion built in the previous century, where you can enjoy a rich collection of folklore-related exhibits (open Mon-Sat, 10:00-14:00 & 19:00-22:00; entrance: €3).

More settlements for you to discover:

The island’s other settlements are Glóssa, Palió Klíma and Néo Klíma/ Élios.

• Glóssa, the second biggest settlement on the island, is 25km north of Hóra. “The tall village” according to Papadiamantis is distinctive for its traditional, noble character and the ruins of ancient towers and buildings that have been discovered around the area.

• Palió Klíma is a picturesque village close to Glóssa that suffered great damage during the earthquake of 1965.

• Néo Klíma or Élios, situated 18 km far from Hóra, below the forest of Vathias at an altitude of 688 m, is quite a new settlement which was built in 1981. It is very close to the beautiful beach of Hovolos. Note that all the villages on the island have excellent facilities for tourism, with hotels, rooms to let, restaurants and bars to satisfy all your needs during your holidays.


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From here, the view is simply majestic. The entire city of Volos is right down below your feet, and it the perfect view to sit back and watch as you enjoy a drink.

If you walk to the back of the church of Agios Yiannis, you can see the frescos from 1910 that were painted by the artist Theofilos. In the "Tapali" mansion, which was built in 1844, you will find the museum for music and art folklore. The museum has a very impressive collection of household objects, tools, books, clothing, flags and guns. It is open daily from 10.00 until 17.00.

You can visit the interesting churches with many icons and frescos, like the church of Panagias (1767), Agios Athanasios (1792), Agios Nikoloas (1787) and Agios Georgios (1795).

At the village square is the church of Agios Yiannis Prothromos. On the side of this church is the famous old spring fountain with its sculptured lions heads. In the old days, the people used to say that this water made you immortal. The fountain was built in 1809.

During the summer, many festivals take place. In July are the celebrations of "Mays" and "Maithei", which have their roots with the ancient Greek God Dionysos, and they are based on the renaissance of life and nature. You can enjoy dance and music at these festivals.

In the village you will find restaurants, cafes, bars and tavernas. At the restaurant "Partheon", you can enjoy your meal or drink with a magnificent view of Volos.

At the Koukourava, which is actually a quarter of the village of Makrinitsa, you can see the medieval castle of Skotiniotis, old water mills and wild vegetation.

You can also visit the church of Agia Magthalini that dates from 1737. Inside you can enjoy the impressive icons and wall paintings. Makrinitsa is a village that you will never forget. It is one of the most beautiful and popular in all of Pelion.

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