XpatAthens
Monday, 26 September 2016 07:00
Refugees Turn Abandoned Hotel In Athens Into Peaceful Home
Activists and refugees have turned this abandoned hotel in the heart of Athens into a new community. The City Plaza hotel is now home to nearly 400 refugees stuck in Greece after the rest of Europe closed its borders to them. Their goal is to build a peaceful and supportive community.
For more information, please visit: Al Jazeera
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Videos
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Monday, 13 August 2018 10:11
Yoleni's - A Food Emporium In Kolonaki
Located in the upscale neighborhood of Kolonaki lies Yoleni's, a multi-level food emporium offering visitors anything from a taste of cold cuts and cheese to wine at the wine bar or head upstairs to the restaurant.
Nikolaos Pipas with Dorotheos Chatziioannou opened Yoleni's in 2016 with the goal to showcase the hidden gastronomic treasures of Greece. Pipas spoke to the NY Times and said, "I was thrilled every time I found a new product hidden in a tiny corner of Greece, in a village where an old granny would tell the secrets of a recipe or a hidden treasured ingredient. We wanted to find all those treasures for Yoleni’s, to show people the real Greek cuisine.”
Behind the wine bar is Yoleni's expert on Greek wine who helps visitors narrow down their wine choice. They have over 30 types of local wines by the glass, and even more by the bottle.
The restaurant offers two menus, one called Topos, that was created by Yoleni's to revive their grandmothers' lost recipes. Menu offerings include grilled sardines wrapped in vine leaves, a cheese and egg pita, or a traditional Greek pie.
Yoleni's doesn't stop there. On another level they have a paradise for meat-lovers, with a butcher shop and steakhouse sharing the space. Go down a level for dessert and coffee and if the kids want to play, Yoleni's offer a children's play area. For a small fee, kids can play while their parents enjoy their meal or even go shopping in the neighborhood.
On the third floor, Yoleni's offers cooking classes that teach old and forgotten recipes, as well as an olive oil bar.
To read this article in full, please visit: NY Times
Photo source: Tripadvisor
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Pubs, Bars & Cafes
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Tuesday, 30 July 2019 07:00
The Greek Island Of Milos Voted The Best In Europe
Each year Travel + Leisure magazine asks readers to share their opinions on top travel experiences such as islands, cities, hotels, cruise ships, and more. The islands on the top 15 list have been rated according to their sights, natural scenery, beaches, friendliness, overall value, and of course, food!
4 great Greek islands made the list of the 15 best islands in Europe: Crete, Paros, Santorini, and Milos. Milos, is in fact, the grand winner as it was voted the best European island for 2019!
4 great Greek islands made the list of the 15 best islands in Europe: Crete, Paros, Santorini, and Milos. Milos, is in fact, the grand winner as it was voted the best European island for 2019!
"One of the Cyclades, Milos is known as the place where the famed Venus de Milo statue was discovered. But visitors today still find their own treasures while exploring this 58-square-mile island. Stroll its cobblestoned streets, hike volcanic craters, wander through ruins, or stretch out on the groomed white-sand beaches overlooking turquoise waters. Even the largest town, Adamantas, which has two museums and a multitude of boutique hotels, remains largely free of the crowds prevalent on the other Greek isles. And, as one fan pointed out, “it’s very affordable.”
Other islands who made it to the list are Isle of Skye in Scotland, Ischia in Italy, Malta, and Madeira in Portugal.
To discover the full list of great European islands, please visit: Travel + Leisure
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Greece In The News
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Tuesday, 01 October 2019 11:21
Discover The Wineries Of Halkidiki
Lovers of wine and stunning landscapes, you're in for a treat; Halkidiki, the three-legged peninsula in north-eastern Greece, is well known for its abundant nature and breathtaking coastline. There, you will discover a unique mix of traditional and modern winemaking techniques in a beautiful setting, from to the low-lying hills of Kassandra to the monasteries of Mount Athos.
Alongside its natural beauty, the region boasts excellent vineyards that, together, offer wine tours that are bound to change the way you see Greece and its wines.
Take tours around the local vineyards and their wineries, go wine tasting, and discover local grape varieties you probably never knew existed. The combination of modern winemaking techniques and longstanding traditions adds to the charm. There's no way you're going home without a bottle or three, to delight your friends and relive the experience.
Top Wineries In The Halkidiki Region
Here are some of our favorite wineries in the Halkidiki region. To keep things simple we've noted their distance from Thessaloniki.
Tsantali Winery
Location: Agios Pavlos (40km, 40mins from Thessaloniki)
Why Visit: Because of the panoramic vineyard and underground cellar housing more than 2,000 barrels.
Domaine Porto Carras
Location: Neos Marmaras (125km, 2.15hrs from Thessaloniki)
Why Visit: Because it is the largest organic vineyard in Greece.
Claudia Papayianni Estate
Location: Arnea (75km, 1.15hrs from Thessaloniki)
Why Visit: Because of the carefully selected indigenous and international varieties, and modern winemaking techniques.
Livadiotis Estate
Location: Marathousa (75km, 1.1hrs from Thessaloniki)
Why Visit: The estate's organic cultivation alongside and modern equipment produces high-quality wines.
Tsantali Mt Athos Vineyard
Location: Metohi Chromitsas (140km, 2.20hrs from Thessaloniki)
Why Visit: Because of the traditional Mt Athos winemaking traditions and the sloping hillside view of the sea.
Mylopotamos Winery
Location: Mt Athos (120km, 2hrs from Thessaloniki)
Why Visit: Mylopotamos is the most significant dependency of the Holy Monastery of Megisti Lavra. According to legend, it was St Athanasios who first planted vines in the area.
When To Visit
Vineyards in Halkidiki are open all year round, but you will get the most out of your visit if you go during autumn or spring. Some wineries open to the public upon request, so be sure to call beforehand. In the autumn, the wineries are in full production mode, with staff tending the vines and the grape harvest in progress. You might even be lucky enough to witness grape treading and bottling. In April and May, the vines are bursting with life, and maybe you'll be able to spot the first grapes of the year.
To read this article in full, please visit: Discover Greece
Click Here To Discover Athens Vineyards Worth Visiting
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Travel Greece
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Thursday, 06 February 2020 07:00
From Canada to Ancient Greece: Traveling with Technology
The Museum of Vancouver in Canada worked with Simon Fraser University’s Stavros Niarchos Foundation Centre for Hellenic Studies to create an exhibit called Beyond Worlds: Greek Civilization XR Experience. This exhibit used both augmented and virtual reality technologies that enable visitors to virtually immerse themselves in Greek mythological and historical sites.
The exhibit was in its nascent stages and was only for elementary students until January 2020 while the researchers calibrated the technology being used. Even in its pilot run, though, the program offered visitors a unique opportunity to put on a pair of 3D goggles and be transported to a digital reconstruction of the Tholos of Delphi. Within this virtual site, museum-goers could explore the landmark and even leave an offering for the Delphic Oracle.
The museum also offers other virtual experiences for their visitors. For example, using a common tablet attached to a round shield, a still image of battleships could be projected onto the wall. Then, via the tablet’s screen, visitors were given access to a Greek warship’s deck after the Battle of Salamis, which took place in the 5th century BCE. From the ship’s virtual deck, viewers could see orange clouds emanating from the fires that destroyed enemy ships.
At a less dramatic installation, a tablet could also be used to virtually open a door painted on one of the museum’s walls. The door led to an ancient Greek villa’s yard, where actors in costumes of clothes from ancient times sat in conversation under the sun.
Visitors were also invited to wear 3D goggles and enter the mythological Greek underworld. In this world, people were transported throughout the underworld to perform simple tasks.
Although the exhibit is still considered to be a pilot project, it points to a new type of digital tourism and immersive learning. Museum-goers will not only be able to cross geographical boundaries in a matter of seconds, but they’ll also have the chance to go back in time and participate in mythological and historical events that they could only learn about, or watch from afar in movies and documentaries.
To read this article in full, please visit: Greek Reporter
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Greece In The News
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Thursday, 25 February 2021 14:15
Adopt Your City: A Program To Heal Athens
Like most large urban cities, Athens faces many challenges. Illegal tagging and graffiti, run-down schools, and the lack of public green areas are just a few of the effects of the recent crisis in Greece.
The City of Athens aims to deal with these problems by finding straightforward, practical solutions to help Athens recover from the recent economic crisis, as well as the current pandemic. To make Athens a cleaner, more accessible, and more sustainable city, it is essential to build collaborations between citizens and the public and private sectors.
It is this exactly that spurred the launch of the "Adopt Your City" program. The City of Athens is calling for our support to protect, upgrade, and maintain the city's public spaces; urging residents, enterprises, foundations, and organizations to "adopt" a street, a park, a square, a playground, a sports facility, a neighborhood, or even a tree to make Athens a brighter, greener, and friendlier place to live in.
The program includes big and small projects in every part of the city - including the redevelopment of Omonia Square and this pocket park in Pagrati. All interested parties are welcome to contribute ideas, in-kind offers, or donations. The "Adopt Your City" program focuses on areas such as sanitation, lighting, greenery, sustainable development, homeless issues, culture, social welfare, sports, education, and new technologies.
Learn more about this program here. You may also be interested to read about how Novoville is helping facilitate citizen to government communication.
XpatAthens extends a warm thank you to This Is Athens and the City Of Athens for sharing news and inspiring stories about how Athens aspires to be a clean, friendly, and welcoming city to live in and visit.
XpatAthens extends a warm thank you to This Is Athens and the City Of Athens for sharing news and inspiring stories about how Athens aspires to be a clean, friendly, and welcoming city to live in and visit.
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Local News
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Thursday, 25 November 2021 07:00
Why Ikarian Honey Could Be The Key To Longevity
In Ikaria honey is used to treat everything from wounds to stomach issues, influenza, and the common cold. Ikarians start their day with a simple spoonful of raw local honey, which has a high antioxidant level. This may reduce inflammation and also contains amino acids and vitamin C which are known to speed the growth of healthy tissue in the body.
This famous Greek island is a part of ‘Blue Zones’ a name given to 5 places in the world- Ikaria, Sardinia in Italy, Okinawa of Japan, Nicoya of Costa Rica, and Loma Linda of California, USA, whose inhabitants surpass the life expectancy and reach over the age of 90 years.
A new television report by CBS has taken a close look at why Ikarian honey could be one of the main keys as to why the locals here keep healthy and strong well into old age.
“Up the winding mountain roads of this isolated isle, you’re likely to notice brightly-painted boxes dotting the landscape. And what’s happening inside those boxes is generating some buzz: Bees busy making rare honey that locals believe is one of the secrets to a long life,” notes CBS.
“Up the winding mountain roads of this isolated isle, you’re likely to notice brightly-painted boxes dotting the landscape. And what’s happening inside those boxes is generating some buzz: Bees busy making rare honey that locals believe is one of the secrets to a long life,” notes CBS.
Ikarian beekeeper Andoni Karimalis explained to CBS correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti that people on the island “have been eating the honey for generations, to keep healthy and strong well into old age.”
At work in her weaving studio, 109-year-old Yiayia Ioanna from Ikaria agrees there is something special about it. So does 87-year-old-beekeeper Giorgos Stenos. He eats the honey “every single day.”
For centuries humans have valued honey for its medicinal properties. And in Ikaria, known in ancient times as the “healing island,” the honey is different from that found on most supermarket shelves.
As a result, the pollen and nectar collected by the bees are free of chemicals and pesticides normally found in commercial or private farming. And unlike most honey sold in the other parts of the world, Ikarian honey is also unheated, unfiltered, and unpasteurized – all processes which can destroy the natural vitamins and minerals.
Although this has been one of Ikaria’s best-kept secrets, after the CBS report aired live on American television, there has been a huge response with people all over the world wanting to get their hands on some of this Ikarian gem!
Originally published: greekcitytimes.com
Originally published: greekcitytimes.com
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Greek Food & Diet
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Thursday, 26 May 2022 14:41
XpatAthens Receives Funding From The Stavros Niarchos Foundation
We are excited and honored to announce that XpatAthens AMKE has received the support of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation.
As a donor, their grant that will help our trusted platform continue fulfilling its mission of serving the international community in Greece. Their support further motivates and inspires us to continue working toward our vision and mission of connecting people and sharing knowledge, empowering our efforts to create a global digital community.
As a donor, their grant that will help our trusted platform continue fulfilling its mission of serving the international community in Greece. Their support further motivates and inspires us to continue working toward our vision and mission of connecting people and sharing knowledge, empowering our efforts to create a global digital community.
What is SNF?
The Stavros Niarchos Foundation is one of the world’s leading private, international philanthropic organizations, making grants to nonprofit organizations in the areas of arts and culture, education, health and sports, and social welfare. SNF funds organizations and projects worldwide that aim to achieve a broad, lasting, and positive impact on society at large, and exhibit strong leadership and sound management. The foundation also supports projects that facilitate the formation of public-private partnerships as an effective means of serving public welfare. Learn more about SNF here.
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Local News
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Thursday, 23 May 2024 13:02
Porto Carras Pro-Am Aegean Mini Tour With Participants From 12 Countries
Professionals and amateur golfers from Europe, the ideal weather, the impressive golf course of Porto Carras, and the excellent facilities of Porto Carras Grand Resort, created a unique setting for the international golf tournament Porto Carras Pro-Am Aegean Mini Tour, held from May 14 to 18, 2024, on the peninsula of Sithonia, in Halkidiki.
In one of the most beautiful and idyllic landscapes in Greece, and on the only 18-hole par 72 golf course in Northern Greece, overlooking the Aegean Sea and the stunning pine forests on Mount Itamos, golfers from twelve countries participated, representing Austria, Bulgaria, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, the Netherlands, Romania, Serbia, Sweden, the Czech Republic, and Greece.
The golf tournament contributed to the promotion and development of golf tourism in Northern Greece, with visitors enjoying the perfect destination while playing golf amidst the estate’s vineyards, the impressive three lakes of the course, pine trees, and olive trees, while also participating in many parallel activities.
FootGolf with the Legends 2004 Team
With the support of the tournament’s Official Airline, AEGEAN, the exciting FootGolf event was held. Football legends and European champions such as Zisis Vryzas, Fanis Katergiannakis, Angelos Basinas, Vasilis Tsiartas, Takis Fyssas, and Kostas Chalkias, who won Euro 2004 with the Greek national team, as well as the international football player Nikos Lymperopoulos, visited the Porto Carras Grand Resort. Among them, many internationals were invited to place a football into holes larger than those found in golf with as few strokes as possible. The rules of the game closely resembled those of golf, promising an entertaining sport blending elements of football and golf, ensuring a delightful experience filled with fun and joy. The international footballers had the opportunity to enjoy the facilities of Porto Carras, which included participating in a golf clinic, taking a boat trip, and experiencing a wine tasting at Greece’s largest organic vineyard, Domaine Porto Carras.
The Golf Competition
The Porto Carras Pro-Am Aegean Mini Tour schedule at the award-winning Porto Carras Grand Resort, recognized as the top golf hotel in Greece, began on Wednesday, May 15, with a practice round for all participants, followed by a Welcome Cocktail by Domaine Porto Carras in the evening. The golfers enjoyed the amazing cocktails by Domaine Porto Carras and the refreshing mocktails by Souroti. On Thursday, May 16, the 1st round of the Pro-Am took place, and on Friday, May 17, the 2nd round followed. On Saturday, May 18, the competition concluded with the Open Tournament for the professionals and the Individual for the amateurs.
During the games, golfers had the opportunity to enjoy high-quality coffee from Miele coffee machines, protein bars from Lidl, Souroti water, Sknipa beers, traditional Greek souvlaki, and fruits at the registration area, and refreshment stations on the golf course.
During the games, golfers had the opportunity to enjoy high-quality coffee from Miele coffee machines, protein bars from Lidl, Souroti water, Sknipa beers, traditional Greek souvlaki, and fruits at the registration area, and refreshment stations on the golf course.
Tournament Winners
The schedule officially concluded with the Awards Gala Dinner, which included the awarding ceremony to the winners in both team and individual categories. The event was hosted by the accredited journalist Efi Alevizou. During the night, an honorary award was presented in memory of the late former president of Aegean Airlines, Mr. Theodoros Vassilakis, for his contribution to the development of golf in Greece. The award was given from the Golf and Sports Manager of Porto Carras Grand Resort, Mr. Panagiotis Sabaziotis to the General Legal Counsel of Aegean, Ms. Katia Avramidou. Another honorary award was given to the Greek national team of Legends 2004, the European champions of 2004. The award was presented by the General Manager of Porto Carras Grand Resort, Mr. Konstantinos Anglopoulos to the president of Legends 2004, Takis Fyssas.
In the Pro-Am tournament teams’ competition, the champion team was composed of Papadopoulos, Avramidou, Maltezakis, Piperas. The second-place team included Christos Nikopoulos, Gkotsis, Werner, and Kalogiros, while the third-place team featured Themis Ginis, Fistrek, Hoppen, Fasois. In the special team awards, the top team during the first-day consisted of Sofronis, Bountis, Van Duijne, Fragistas, while the top team on the second day was Elli, Marian Abrashev, Alexander Abrashev, Tourgaidis.
In the Pro-Am tournament teams’ competition, the champion team was composed of Papadopoulos, Avramidou, Maltezakis, Piperas. The second-place team included Christos Nikopoulos, Gkotsis, Werner, and Kalogiros, while the third-place team featured Themis Ginis, Fistrek, Hoppen, Fasois. In the special team awards, the top team during the first-day consisted of Sofronis, Bountis, Van Duijne, Fragistas, while the top team on the second day was Elli, Marian Abrashev, Alexander Abrashev, Tourgaidis.
At the individual level, the Swedish Henrik Engdahl was the Pro champion. In the Amateur Gross category, Alexander Abrashev was first, Christian Werner was second, and Marian Abrashev was third. In the Amateur Net category, Anastasios Gkotsis was first, Philippos Piperas was second, and George Karakasis was third. The Longest Drive award for the first day was received by Christian Werner, and the second day by Anastasios Gkotsis, while in the Closest To The Pin category, Petros Tourgaidis won the first day, and Michalis Archangelitis the second.
The guests enjoyed a specially designed menu with unique savory and sweet “golf” selections, cocktails, and mocktails by Souroti, and excellent wines by Domaine Porto Carras. In addition to trophies, the tournament winners received special gifts from Domaine Porto Carras and Sknipa.
Wine Tasting for a Good Cause
The largest unified organic vineyard in Greece, Domaine Porto Carras, supported the event as a Platinum Sponsor and organized two Wine Tasting Sessions for the event’s guests on Thursday, May 16. Participants had the opportunity to experience firsthand Domaine Porto Carras and taste the exquisite varieties of the historic vineyard. In addition, Porto Carras Pro-Am Aegean Mini Tour, with the support of Domaine Porto Carras, reinforced the Association of Parents of Children with Neoplastic Diseases of Northern Greece “LAMPSI”.
During the two Wine Tasting Sessions and at the Awards Gala Dinner, participants had the opportunity to contribute to this cause. The total amount collected by the event was donated to the “LAMPSI” association, which, among other things, ensures the excellent medical and pediatric care of children suffering from malignant diseases, for the creation, organization, staffing, and equipment of specialized oncology, hematology units, providing moral, social, and financial support for the treatment, care, education, and social reintegration of children and providing all possible assistance, information, and other forms of support to the families of sick children. More information about the Association “LAMPSI”.
Golf Lessons for Beginners
Finally, on Saturday, May 18, non-golfers along with the Legends 2004 team participated in a Golf Clinic. There, they learned the basic principles of the Olympic sport of golf and had fun improving their flexibility, concentration, and mental health.
Porto Carras Pro-Am was organized by Porto Carras Golf under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, the Greek National Tourism Organization, the Halkidiki Tourism Organization, the PGA of Greece, a member of the Confederation of Professional Golf, and the major sponsor, AEGEAN.
The Official Airline of the tournament was AEGEAN, a member of the leading airline alliance, Star Alliance. For the 12 th consecutive year and 13 th overall, AEGEAN is declared the passengers’ top preference and wins the title of “Best Regional Airline in Europe” according to the Skytrax World Airline Awards 2023.
The event’s sponsors:
Platinum Sponsor: Domaine Porto Carras
Official Airline: AEGEAN
Gold Sponsors: Lidl, Auto Hellas Hertz, Play Kids
Silver Sponsors: Miele, Quantos
Bronze Sponsors: Souroti, Luanvi, Olga Karaververi
Official Sponsors: Taylormade, Dacristo, Sknipa Beer, Cross Sportswear
Official Partners: Jardin Plus, Kapa Olive Farm, Liokladi, Messinian Spa
The sports marketing agency of the year ActiveMedia Group was responsible for the event’s Golf Production.
#portocarrasproam #aegeanminitour #portocarras
Porto Carras Porto Carras Grand Resort is the historic iconic resort that has contributed significantly to the establishment of luxury tourism in Greece, especially in Halkidiki. For 50 years, it has been offering high-level services and authentic Greek hospitality to its guests in an environment of unparalleled beauty and intense contrasts. Located alongside a sandy coastline of 9 kilometers and surrounded by a verdant area of 18,000 acres, with gardens under the shade of pine trees dressing the slopes of Mount Meliton. Its facilities include an 18-hole golf course, the biggest organic vineyard in Greece, a spa and wellness center, restaurants with high-level gastronomy, a casino and a marina that provides integrated services. In addition, a wide range of sports and cultural activities on land and sea are available to visitors of all ages.
Porto Carras Porto Carras Grand Resort is the historic iconic resort that has contributed significantly to the establishment of luxury tourism in Greece, especially in Halkidiki. For 50 years, it has been offering high-level services and authentic Greek hospitality to its guests in an environment of unparalleled beauty and intense contrasts. Located alongside a sandy coastline of 9 kilometers and surrounded by a verdant area of 18,000 acres, with gardens under the shade of pine trees dressing the slopes of Mount Meliton. Its facilities include an 18-hole golf course, the biggest organic vineyard in Greece, a spa and wellness center, restaurants with high-level gastronomy, a casino and a marina that provides integrated services. In addition, a wide range of sports and cultural activities on land and sea are available to visitors of all ages.
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Local News
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Wednesday, 18 February 2015 13:53
Discover Anemotripa Cave
Mountain escapes used to be connected to trekking, rafting or climbing. Here you will discover something different that will offer you the best cave impressions in one of the most amazing mountains in Greece. Anemotripa Cave is located in the Tzoumerka mountain chain and more specifically in Pramanta village. The cave is at an altitude of 900m and has a total length of 350 m (270 can be visited). Anna Petrocheilou (speleologist) was the main researcher of the cave who decided to explore it in 1960.
The entrance and the exit of the cave are the same. Under well-colored stalagmites three little lakes in the colors of grey, pink and white have taken shape. The interior part of the cave houses various species of insects as the species of Lepidopterans.
The path: After the entrance of the lake the hall leads to the First Chamber which has a length of 17 m. In the left side you can find the Chamber of the River.
The ladder leads to the Big Room with a height nearing 6 meters.
Anemotripa is composed of 3 main levels; the highest one is not accessible by visitors since it had collapsed in the past. Thus, you can start your tour through the median level that is the main touristic path and offers a unique atmospheric environment that will magnetize you from the very first moment. In the cave’s lowest level there is an underground flowing river. Moreover, the cave is divided into several room spaces that are connected by corridors, sometimes uphill, sometimes downhill. Fascinating stalactites and stalagmites, waterfalls, ponds and the underground river are only some of the ingredients that if we mix them with the cave’s natural colors, the result becomes really majestic.
Author: Mary Kallivoka
Published in
Travel Greece
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