In Diros Caves you will see an underground river split up into labyrinthine watery passageways running more or less side by side among the stalactites and stalagmites created over the aeons by drop after drop of water containing calcium carbonate. The multi-coloured crystalline caverns of exceptional beauty in this 33,400-square-metre cave are reflected in the still water of the river, creating an underground paradise.

The Crossroads of Nymphs with the little white bear, the Lake of Exotic Ocean Creatures with the stone forest and incredible little haystack, the Sea of Shipwrecks complete with a sunken shipwreck, the Golden Rain, the passage through the church with chandelier and pulpit, the Suspended Fairy Beds, the Diros Chamber where there are ancient Greek mantles, the Pink Chamber and the White Chamber where there is a harp and a Royal Balcony, and the lovely Red Chamber are just some of the unparalleled wonders that nature took thousands of years to create so that we could marvel at her majesty and our own insignificance.

There are three caves at Diros, but only one is open to visitors and that is Vlyhada cave (Glyfada by another name). Tours of the wet part of the cave are conducted in small boats, safe for adults and children and last approximately thirty minutes. The temperature of the water is 14 degrees Celsius and that of the air 19 degrees Celsius whatever the season. The fossilised bones of a panther, a hippopotamus and a lion tell a tale of a different sort of life here. Finds indicate that the Diros Caves have been used as living space and storage space, as a home-industry workshop, a burial site and a place of worship. The many significant finds exhibited in the Neolithic Museum will complete your picture of the Neolithic Age.

Carved out of the limestone by the slow-moving underground river Vlychada on its way to the sea, the vast Diros Caves—the two main caves, Glyfada and Alepotrypa—were places of worship in Paleolithic and Neolithic times, and were believed to be entrances to the underworld by the ancient Greeks, and served as hiding places millennia later for Resistance fighters during World War II. Today they are one of Greece's more popular natural attractions, and a visit is an entertaining and surreal experience.

Climb aboard a boat for a 25-minute tour of Glyfada's grottoes—with formations of luminous pink, white, yellow, and red stalagmites and stalactites that resemble buildings and mythical beasts. The cave system is believed to be at least 70 km (43 mi) long, with more than 2,800 waterways, perhaps extending as far as Sparta. At the end of the tour you walk for several hundred yards (about a fifth of a mile) before emerging onto a path above the crashing surf. The close quarters in the passageways are not for the claustrophobic, and even in summer the caves are chilly. During high season you may wait up to two hours for a boat, so plan to arrive early. In low season you may have to wait until enough people arrive to fill up a boat. Opening hours change frequently.

More Information

Address: Along southern coast, 5 km (3 mi) west of Areopolis-Vathia Rd., Pirgos Dirou, Pirgos Diros Caves, 23062
Phone: 27330/52222
Cost: €15
Hours: Nov.-Mar., daily 8:30-15:00
Apr.-Oct., daily 8:30-17:30

Source: Fodors.com

Brief history:

According to tradition the temple of Athena on the acropolis was founded by Danaus, who came to the island with his 50 daughters to escape the rage of the goddess Hera. Follow the same ancient path that the ancient Rhodians took. When you reach the acropolis you will see a 280 BC relief of a Rhodian Trireme (ancient Greek warship) carved into the rock, an indication of the naval power of ancient Rhodes. On the bow of the Trireme stood a statue of General Agesander, sculpted by Pythokritos. Did you know that the first naval code, the famous “Rhodian Naval Code”, a code of international law and one of the most important legal documents in the world was written here in Rhodes? The emperor Antonio wrote of the Rhodian Naval Code: We may rule the world but the Rhodian Code rules the seas!

The tour begins!

Through an ancient old gate you enter the world of the magnificent acropolis; on the first level you can see more recent buildings like the 1317 Castle of the Knights of St John, which was built on the foundations of an older Byzantine fortification. There is also the Greek Orthodox Church of St John, built on the ruins of an older church. The Knights significantly strengthened the fortifications of the acropolis, turning Líndos into a powerful fortified castle. On the second level to the south you can marvel at the remains of the 300 BC Doric Temple of Athena Lindia, which was built on the site of an earlier temple. At the entrance to the acropolis there is a Hellenistic stoa (covered walkway) where vaulted constructions that were once underground water storage tanks are still visible.

A monumental staircase leads to the upper level of the sanctuary consisting of the 4th century BC buildings: the Propýlea (gateways) that were built in the same style as the Athenian Propýlea, a big peristyle open air courtyard and a small Doric temple of Athena, where the statue dedicated to the Goddess by Danaus and his daughters was situated and worshipped; from this position the sweeping views of the Aegean will take your breath away…

In the main archaeological site of Líndos, homeland of Kleovoulos, one of the seven wise men of antiquity, you can also marvel at the ancient theatre situated beneath the Temple of Athena, just as the theatre of Dionysus was situated under the Parthenon.

Enjoy a leisurely evening stroll around the picturesque settlement of Líndos.

The view of Líndos village with its cubic houses sprawling down the hillside under the acropolis is one of the most photographed scenes in Greece. The whitewashed labyrinth of little alleyways was deliberately designed to confuse pirates; today this layout makes wandering around the town a real adventure! The winding streets of the traditional well-preserved settlement of Líndos form a great backdrop to a rejuvenating evening stroll. There are picture-perfect medieval captains’ residences built around votsalotó (meaning pebbly) courtyards with emblems on their heavy wooden doorways. Arched entrances adorn the streets adding a cosmopolitan flair to the settlement. Try visiting some of them and admire the stunning interiors with their impressive ceilings and the courtyards paved with votsalotó (pebbles): it feels like you are in a folk museum! Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Virgin Mary of Líndos church in the centre of the village which is full of 15th century frescoes.

Complete your tour with a visit to two famous architectural monuments of ancient Líndos: Kleovoulos Tomb, which actually had nothing to do with Kleovoulos but was the funerary monument of a rich Lindian family, and the Archokrateio, a Hellenistic burial site of the Archokratides family carved into the rock. In the interior, a corridor used to lead to an area where burial ceremonies were performed.

Source: Visitgreece.gr

On Lefkada you will find noteworthy sights, churches and monasteries, picturesque villages, lush vegetation, idyllic coves of transparent, turquoise waters, busy and secluded beaches of stunning beauty, a significant cultural heritage and hospitable locals.

Lefkada town

Lefkada is the island’s capital and port town. The town planning is a very particular one and resembles a “fish backbone”. There are picturesque alleys, small squares, traditional houses, elaborate belfries and paved pedestrian zones that give this town its character. The city is surrounded by a canal and a lagoon, while, farther north, lies Gyra, a thin stretch of a sandy beach forming a circle, dotted with windmills and scant vegetation.

Things to do and see:

• Town promenade
• The lagoon, one of the Ionian Sea’s most significant wetlands, protected by the Ramsar Convention as a wetland of international importance. There is also an ivari, a fish farm where fish grow in their natural environment.
• Agia Mavra fort, at the town’s entrance, constructed by a Sicilian named Giovanni Orsini in 1300.
• Bosketo Park, where busts of the island’s eminent scholars are to be found.
• The pedestrian zone along the coast lined with the younger generation’s hangouts.

To read more, please see visitgreece.gr

The quarter of the town known as Vaporia, where the sea captains lived, is of special interest and exceptional beauty.

Ano Syros was built by the Venetians at the beginning of the 13th century on the hill of San Giorgio, north-west of Ermoupolis. The Catholic basilica of San Giorgio church dominates Ano Syros. From there visitors enjoy a panoramic view of the neighbouring islands of Tinos, Delos, Mykonos, Paros, Andros and Naxos. Ano Syros is the birthplace of Markos Vamvakaris, the most important Greek singer and composer of “Rebetiko” music.

Syros is known for the International Festival of the Aegean which takes place annually on the island and it attracts world-class musicians, dancers, and actors. There is also the festival of Ano Syros and many other cultural events like art exhibitions, theater plays and concerts.

Syros has some excellent local products, of which most known are the “loukoumia” (gummy squares flavoured with roses, pistachio and other) and ”chalvadopita”, a cake filled with almonds and nougat, a traditional, very tasteful sweet. One of the most famous local chesses is “Saint Michali”.

Some of the most innovative products for Greece are produced by a small company MuMu organic.

MuMu organic is an ethical fashion company producing high-quality women’s clothes. Created in the beautiful Cycladic island of Syros in 2009 by designer Athena Bentila and artist Roland Wakker, MuMu organic is dedicated to creating stylish and timeless handmade womenswear, produced locally in Greece.

MuMu organic uses certified organic cotton and sustainable fabrics and through responsible sourcing supports Fairtrade producers in developing countries, while providing local employment for people in Greece.

MuMu organic’s beautiful designs are inspired by the breathtaking and versatile natural environment of the Greek islands. The collections feature fitted dresses, skirts and tops, which are carefully designed and tailored. The colours are bright and intense and the forms are simple and flattering. The water-based prints, designed by artist Roland Wakker, have been inspired by his original ecological paintings, giving a fresh and modern approach to the clothes.

As MuMu organic’s designer Athena Bentila says, “Our aim is to provide high fashion from sustainable materials and to inform consumers about the benefits of organic cotton. By supporting Fairtrade producers and organic farmers, we are helping make the fashion industry more sustainable, moving from throwaway fashion to beautiful, and producing timeless and long-lasting pieces. At the same time we are providing employment for people in Greece ensuring a safe and healthy, non-abusive, non-discriminatory environment with living wages. In this difficult period Greece is going through, it is very important to invest in innovation and bloom through our environmental initiatives.”

The MuMu organic ethical garments are sold through the e-shop www.mumusyros.gr.

MuMu organic is offering 25% discount to all the readers of this article, simply by entering the coupon code VisitGreece25.

http://blog.visitgreece.gr/syros-not-just-a-beautiful-greek-island-but-also-an-excellent-cultural-destination

Most are small, but a handful are larger operations with more challenging trails, ski schools, rental shops, night skiing, and big lodges. Here are a few of the best.

Central Greece

The country's biggest ski center, Parnassos is located 180 km from Athens. Parnassos is made up of two sections (Kellaria Mountain and Fterolaka Mountain). There are 13 lifts (half of them chairlifts, the rest tow lifts) and 23 trails, with 14 km of skiing. Kellaria features mostly blue (easy) and red (intermediate) trails while Fterolaka's seven trails include the 1,500-meter black (expert) Sahara trail. Expect traffic and long lines on weekends and holidays. Lift rates: Kellaria weekends/holidays: 27 euros; Fterolaka weekends/holidays: 17 euros, or Kellaria/Fterolaka daily (includes both ski centers): 12 euros. www.parnassos-ski.gr.

Karpenisi (30-22370-21112; weekends/holidays 20 euros; daily 12 euros), 78 km from Lamia, has four chair lifts, a couple of tow lifts, and 11 trails for all levels. There are four lifts and six mostly easy trails on Elatohori (30-2351-072200; lift rates: weekends/holidays 13 euros; daily 10 euros), while farther south is Pilio (30-24280-73719; lift rates: weekends/holidays 16 euros; daily 12 euros), which has three peaks, five-lifts, a five-km Nordic run, and a resort perched over the sea.

Northern Greece

Thessaloniki residents looking for a day on the slopes head to Seli (30-23310-49226), 95 km away. Fifty thousand skiers a year visit the resort, which has nine lifts, 15 downhill trials (nine easy, four intermediate, three beginner) and two Nordic ski runs. There is on-the-premises lodging, a small base village, and easy driving access. Lift rates: 13 euros weekends and holidays; 10 euros daily.

Farther north, 17 km from Naoussa, is tree-flanked 3-5 Pigadia, which typically welcomes 65,000 visitors a year with seven lifts (including one chairlift) and 10 trails that can satisfy advanced and cross-country skiers alike. There's a snowboarding park and two rental shops. Weekend visitors can combine skiing there, or at Seli, with a visit to the wine-producing city Naoussa (18 kms from both). Lift rates: 12-18 euros weekends and holidays; 10 euros daily. www.3-5pigadia.gr/.

Thirty-nine km northwest of the town of Edessa, at the border with the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, is Greece's highest center, Kaimaktsalan (or "Voras"), which offers 25,000 skiers a year the best dry, fluffy snow in the country. Look for one chairlift, five tow lifts, and 14 trails good for moderate skiers. There are areas for snowboarding and snowtubing, and for those who want something to warm their bones, there's a bar. Bad weather can close the lifts and the winding mountain road leading to the center. Lift rates: 15 euros weekends and holidays; 12 euros daily. www.kaimaktsalan.gr/.

The top spot for skiing in northeastern Greece is Falakro, which is visited by more than 30,000 skiers each year. True to its name, which means "bald" in Greek, the resort features wide, obstacle-free trails. You'll also find three lodges, 9 lifts (two are chairlifts), and 20 trails, including a 2,200-metre black trail and a Nordic ski trail. It is accessed by a winding mountain road. Lift rates: 15-20 euros (depending on lift package) weekends and holidays; 10-15 euros daily (depending on package). www.falakro.gr.


To read more, please visit www.fodors.com

During the summer, you can enjoy sound and light shows here. Visit Nafplio to discover the Ancient Fortress of Akronafplio along with two Venetian Fortresses - Bourtzi in the harbour and Palamidi crowning the hilltop.

Naflio came to prominence as the first capital of Greece. When the capital moved to Athens, Nafplio settled into the role of quietly beautiful seaside resort. Located in the Peleponnese, Nafplio is a two and a half hour bus ride from Athens, or one hour fifteen minutes from Corinth. The old part of the town is situated on a spit of land that protrudes into the Argolic Gulf.

Sail out to Bourtzi Fortress

Walk along the harbourfront and you can’t help but notice a fortress covering an entire, tiny island in the gulf. The Bourtzi Fortress was built by the Venetians 600 meters from shore and can be reached by boat from the harbour along Akti Misouli. In modern times the fortress is sometimes used as a venue for the Classical Music Festival held in late May and early June.

Walk up to the Akronafplia Fortress

The second fortress in Nafplio sits on a promontory above the old city. Start from Saint Spiridons Square and walk up Potomaino, a stepped street. Enter the fortress through the gate at the top. Some of the walls here date back to the Bronze Age. Although the site was used as a political prison until the 1950s, most of it has since mouldered into the ground. The view however remains spectacular.

Hike up to the Palamidi Fortress

The largest and most spectacular fortress in Nafplio sits 216 meters above the city. The Palamidi Fortress was built by the Venetians from 1711-1714 and at the time was considered a masterpiece of military architecture.

Within the extensive outer walls are several independent bastions located across the site at strategic points. The Agios Andreas Bastion stands at the top of the stairs that come up from town. Originally the home of the Garrison Commander, it is named after the small chapel that sits in its inner courtyard.

The largest bastion, Miltiades was used as a prison for condemned criminals from 1840 – 1920. Theodore Kolokotrones, a War of Independence hero spent time there after being condemned for treason. Although you can drive up the backside of the mountain to reach the fortress, it is much more impressive to climb up the innumerable stairs– 999 according to locals. Be sure to pause along the way to catch your breath and enjoy the increasingly stunning view.

Enjoy the Ambiance

After a long day of discovering the sites, take time to unwind. Choose one of the many seaside restaurants, order a bottle of wine and revel in the fresh sea air. Remember, you’re in Greece where of an evening there is nothing more pressing than a leisurely meal in the company of friends. When the last after dinner coffee is gone, enjoy a stroll long the waterfront. The lights dazzling the Bourtzi Fortress across the water bring an excellent close to your day in Nafplio.

Source: Easy voyage
By Gwendolyn Copeman

History

The site of ancient Corinth was first inhabited in the Neolithic period (5000-3000 BC), and flourished as a major Greek city from the 8th century BC until its destruction by the Romans in 146 BC.

Its commanding position on the Isthmus of Corinth, the narrow strip of land that separates the Peloponnese from northern Greece, was the primary basis of its importance. Corinth controlled the diolkos (Greek for "haul across"), the 6th-century BC stone-paved roadway that connected the Saronic Gulf with the Gulf of Corinth. This overland route was highly valuable in that it allowed passengers and cargo to avoid the difficult and time-consuming trip around the southern end of the Peloponnese.

Being a leading naval power as well as a rich commercial city enabled ancient Corinth to establish colonies in Syracuse on the island of Sicily and on Corcyra (modern Corfu). These colonies served as trading posts for the richly ornamental bronze works, textiles, and pottery that Corinth produced.

After 1204, when Constantinople fell to the Fourth Crusade, Corinth was a prize sought by all. Corinth was captured by the Turks in 1458; the Knights of Malta won it in 1612; the Venetians took a turn from 1687 until 1715, when the Turks returned; and the city finally came into Greek hands in 1822.

In 1893 a 4-mile (6-km) Corinth canal was finally completed, providing an essential shipping route between the Ionian and Aegean seas. Like its ancient predecessor, modern Corinth is the center of commerce between northern and southern Greece. Today, it has a population of about 30,000.

Systematic archaeological excavations of the area, initiated by the American School of Classical Studies in 1896, are still continuing today and have brought to light the agora, temples, fountains, shops, porticoes, baths and various other monuments. The finds are exhibited in the on-site Archaeological Museum of Ancient Corinth.



To read more, please visit sacred-destinations.com

Its capital and main port, Gaios (Gáios), is separated from its natural breakwater, the tiny island of Agios Nikolaos (Saint Nicholas), by a narrow channel, displaying one of the most beautiful port sceneries in Greece.

Not to be missed:

• the Venetian fortress of Agios Nikolaos
• the English Governor’s House
• the Paxi Museum and the churches and chapels of the area.

Visit the picturesque villages of Lóggos, Lákka and Oziás, tucked away in pine and olive trees. In the areas of Oziás, Yaná and Glyfáda, sulphur thermal springs offer an alternative treatment for rheumatics and other health conditions. Innumerable ravishing beaches await the fitter ones as a starting point for scuba diving into underwater caves and shipwrecks, and for top-notch windsurfing.


To read more, please see visitgreece.gr