Santorini Island

Continuing our Greece trip I would like to speak about wonderful and charming place – about Santorini Island.

Santorini is unique. Present island will draw your attention with adorable picture - beaches, covered with black volcanic sand and local snow-white houses. They say, some time ago Island had round shape, but after 1580 B.C., when powerful volcanic explosion damaged whole Minoan civilization, Santorini become half-moon island.

Given place was named after Saint Irina. Now island is huge mass of volcanic lava, which came up from sea depth and fixed above ground. Santorini consists of general island with some small islands around.

Santorini is also famous like church-city. There are a lot of small churches. Some people say, there are more churches then common houses. And it is really true. It creates special and unforgettable atmosphere. Just imagine snow-white houses with bright blue roofs, plenty of various small shops, craftsmen' stores, narrow and twisting streets, archaeological monuments of Minoan era and so on and so forth. I think, you would value Santorini.

Present Island is southernmost among Kikladian islands. Santorini' s area is 76 square km, coast line length is 70 km, its' population is about 8 thousand people. As you see, Santorinin is compact and comfortable small island.

If you would like to find place for the rest, where you will spend time actively, take part in nightlife and so on, I have to upset you, Santorini is calm and quiet place for even rest.

Santorini has perfect transport connection. You will get to the island with no problems and difficulties.

If you travel by air, you may come to Santorini from Athens, Mikonos, Rhodes, Iraklion, etc. If you would like to ferry, you may realize this dream and come Santorini from Piraeus (Athens), Crete island, Thesalinniki, Kikladian islands and so on. In summer period you may take advantage of the opportunity and travel to Santorini by high-speed catamaran.

So, if you have means, free time and overwhelming desire to look at Greece, come to Santorini Island. There are no doubts, you will fall in love with this place!

What to look at?

Ladies and gentlemen and all, who gonna spend time and rest in this wonderful country Greece. This post is devoted to all, for whom the word «rest» - isn't a synonym of boredom and passivity.

I won't stop to repeat, Greece is – one of the most hospitable country! I gonna present you selection of Greek places (cities), which you have to visit. Well, there is so-called Top 6 cities, which are worthy of your attention.

And number 1 is Athens.

It would be right to say, this city is one of the chiefest in whole country. First off, Athens – is a capital of Greece. Secondly, there is an expression «Athens is school of Hellas». It is hard to argue against this. Here you will see plenty of ancient monuments. Grand Acropolis is exactly that «magnet», which draws attention of may people all over the world. In ancient times, residents from each corner of Greece could see elevations of Acropolis.


Thessaloniki

- is main center of Greek cultural and spiritual life. The history of given city is long and it was started in far 315 year B. C. The first governor and founder of it was king Cassandr. Thessaloniki is also famous as a place, where speaker Ciceron lived in exile. Later on city became famous as the first seat of Christianity.

Delphi

Present city is famous with beauty mountain Parnassus, at the foot of which were cult monuments (holy place of goddess Gaia, Apollo Delphic Oracle...). Also you will see here ancient athletes' statues of Kleobis and Biton, well-known bronze Charioteer statue. There are no doubts, your travel in Delphi will be unforgettable and all what you see there (beauty and charming spots, ancience monuments) will impress you!


Peloponnesus

This place is also famous with legendary ancience monuments. By the way, it is hard to find out the place in Greece, which has no history and myths, which are devoted to present city. Peloponnesus will bewitch you at first sight. As it is hard don't fall in love in Mycenae (which was founded by Perseus), Lion Gates, ruins of an ancient town, Agamemnon' tomb, king castle «Gold Mycenae».

Meteora

Name of given place which in translation from Greek means «air rocks», reflects reality quite strictly. Water, knocked stones down in fanciful shapes at the bottom and showed them on surface, after that, when sea subsided, very looks like Salvador Dali' pictures.


Crete Island

Island of an amazing beauty. Here modern and ancient times are interlaced with each other. Comfortable beaches and hotels look well against archaeological Minoan civilization monuments background.

Of course, there are much more places (then I had mentioned in present post), which you have to visit, arriving to Greece. Have a nice travel & impressions! Fill up your Greek visit places list.

Cyprus Island

Hello there! I'm glad to meet you at my blog. Today I gonna speak about the most popular and adorable Greek island – about Cyprus. People all over the world choose exactly this island for their holiday. Why? Let's sort it out right now.

Cyprus has very successful location. It is situated in Eastern part of Mediterranean Sea on three continents junction (Europe, Asia and Africa). In other words, Cyprus is connecting link between East and West. This location draws attention not merely merchant ships, but also holiday-makers from various corners of the world. Cyprus is very popular place for the rest.

The largest Cyprus cities are Nikossia, Pafos, Larnaka, Limassol, Protaras. There are two official languages: Greek and English. Nevertheless German and French are also very popular in Cyprus. So, I hope you won't have any language difficulties, resting in Greece.

Cyprus Island attracts many people with mild Mediterranean climate. It is considered the most healthy, that's why Greece is popular like country with long-lived persons. There are about 300 sunny days in year, even in winter period you may swim and bathe in the sun. The most popular and favourable time to visit Greece is April – October. By the way, you may not only rest cool in this period, but also take advantage of this profitable opportunity and find yourself in discount and sell out season. Will you refuse to purchase quality-made fur coat, which price is lower in twice?

Cyprus cuisine is specific, whole national Greek cuisine is manifold and very rich. First of all, Cyprus cuisine is an addition of cheese, olives, dishes with olive oil exclusively, marine products (calamaries, shrimps, octopus, fresh fish etc.), traditional Cyprus sauces and so on and so forth. Do believe, it is impossible to reject appetizing and flavoured Cyprus dishes! The motto of each local tavern and restaurant is - variety!

If you gonna travel to Greece and choose Cyprus Island, you have to know, Cyprus belongs to Schengen Area. That's why you should to have Schengen visa.

National money in present Island is Cyprus pounds and cents.

Whole Greece is in Eastern European Time Zone (Cyprus inclusive). It is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+2).

If to speak about Cyprus sights, you may don't worry! You will look here at various medieval places of interest. Present Island is treasury of amazing monuments and relics of history (castle of crusaders, Christian temples, heathen theatres, Byzantine bridges...). Cyprus is not only museum under the open sky, it is also excellent resort with comfortable and luxury hotels, pools, services, etc.

Well, if you have never been in Cyprus, choose this place without any hesitation!

Holy Mt. Athos

I had already mentioned about Holy mount Athos in my recent trip reports. Today I gonna tell you about legendary Athos in detail. Greece is various. From one side it is vivid, modern, lively and from the other side Greece is saturated with ancient traditions, customs and religion, which was developed for centuries.

This post is exactly about religious Greece.

Well, those of you, who would like to spend time in solitude, pacification, to cognize Holy Greece, to learn history, to get supply of positive energy, to become purer, welcome to monastic state – Agios Oros!

This place is really wonderful: charming landscapes, fresh and holy air and even special atmosphere will relax you and grant warm feelings. Athos mountain is an original monastic state, which age is about one thousand years. And all this time Athos' residents were living according to special rules, which was called cannons. All Athos' monasteries are strictly male and it is forbidden to females to come and stay here. If you are interested in monastic live, come easily to Athos.

The mountain numbers about 20 monasteries. They are straggled out full length of Halkidiki peninsula. Here a lot of not merely monasteries, but also monastic cells and small secluded monasteries for hermits.

Athos mountain is real Byzantine and post-Byzantine Art museum. It is not a wonder to see here antique wall paintings (frescos) and mosaics, precious diminutive manufactures, church utensils and other relics, which are kept into monasteries.

The way of monastic life assists you in pacification, prayerful mood and purification. Here you will relax to the max, find yourself, find the way out from your hardest situation.

Each monastery has its' own rules and everyone, who came and stay here should follow these rules. They were created ages ago especially to remain calm and to save specific atmosphere. So, there are some of these rules:

it is forbidden to wear T-shirts and shorts;

to drink spirits;

to speak loudly;

to turn on radio sets and tape recorders;

to use cell phones;

to give your monastic cell to anybody else for habitation;

to move the furniture, which are situated in your cell to another place or another cell;

to take communion bread and holy loaf to unchristened and non-Orthodox persons, etc.

I think, it would be reasonable to formulate some church definitions.

Pilgrimage – is a journey to a shrine or other sacred place.

Palmer – is a pilgrim bearing a palm branch as a sign of his visit to the Holy Land.

Monastic cell – living space at monastery for one or several monks.

Communion bread – is round white small loaf, using for communion sacrament (in the Orthodox Church).

Useful information!!!

Good sunny day to everyone!

I would like to give you some useful information, so-called touristmem to everyone, who gonna travel to Greece. Here you will know about Greece time zone, features of Greek monetary unit, tip at bars and coffee shops, how to use public transport, how to rent a car or other vehicle, in what cases apply to medical services in Greece, useful telephone numbers of Greek emergency organizations, Greece city area telephone codes and so on and so forth.

When you are going to another city, country or even to another continent you have to know all special features, national features for to feel yourself comfortable in foreign country. So, let's start. I share useful touristmem with you. I hope, this info will be opportunely!

Well, Greek time zone. Greece is located in Eastern Europe and accordingly Greece time is in the Eastern European Zone (EET). Its' standard time is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+2). Like most countries in Europe Greece has Summer time (Daylight- saving period). It is a period when time shifted forward by one hour (three hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time – GMT+3). After the summer months the time is shifted back by one hour to Eastern European Time (EET) or to (GMT+2).

Monetary Unit of Greece is Euro. Greece is a member of European Community from 2002 and whole European Community (all countries, which are members of this community) has single monetary unit – Euro (soft money) and Eurocents (coins). Pay attention to not the the least of the factors - you won't pay anything in Greece for dollars, only for Euro!

Tip at bars and coffee shops. National Greek restaurants are called – taverns and there is the rule to include 10% from order' cost as a tip for service. If you would like you may «reward» waiter for the service with your wanted sum of tip.

Public transport in Greece is various. You may take advantage of this opportunity and take a trip by trolleybus, bus (including intercity buses), advanced railway network, marine communication, etc. If you would like you may take a taxi, by the way do remember there is a double rate on taxi from 00.00 to 05.00, or rent a car. There is plenty of rent vehicle departments. Here you may rent you the most liked car, motorcycle or motorbike.

To avoid some distressing situations with your health, you have to complete the formalities for international medical insurance before trip. You won't have any problems with medical centers and chemist's shops. They have special signs – green or red cross on white background and inscription in Greek «ФАРМАКЕIО».

Some Greek area city telephone codes:

Athens +30 210

Larissa +30 241

Mikonos +30 22890

Sohos +30 2395

Thessaloniki +30 231

Volos +30 2421

Greece emergency phone numbers:

Emergency 112

Ambulance 166

Fire Department 199

Police 100

Greece mobile telephone codes:

Vodafone 694

Q-Telecom mobile 699

CosmOTE Mobile 697

Hope this info will be useful for you! Have a nice trip through Greece!

Visa to Greece

Hello to everyone, who gonna travel to Greece! Today I'll tell you what kind of documents you have to grant to get Greece visa. I think present question is pretty important. Well, as they say, Greece is welcome and hospitable country, anyway you should to have documents, called international passport and visa, to enter the country and enjoy all local embellishments.

So, what kind of documents you have to grant for Greece visa obtaining? First off, you have to decide on what for you need a visa. It can be tourist visa, business visa, visitor's visa, etc. All depends on what is the goal of your travel. Nevertheless, I would like to speak about tourist visa to Greece more detailed.

As you understand in name, tourist visa is issued to tourists, travellers, visitors, who come to country to spend holidays, to look at local unique sights, to undergo special treatment and so on and so forth. Tourist visa forbids you to stay in visiting country for any kind of work, for permanent residence and no more longer then your visa term allows.

There is a list of documents you have to give for obtaining visa to enter present marvelous country. Greece is a part of Schengen States, that's why you need to get Schengen visa. It gives you great advantages, you may travel almost on whole Europe with one visa.

There is a prevention of no small importance – list of necessary documents and terms can be changed in conformity with Greece embassy requirements. Pay attention to this fact. At present, you have to grant the following documents:

international passport and copy of its' first page (passport should be valid 115 days after the date you exit Schengen States);

1 (one) passport-type photograph;

copy of all national passport pages;

completed signed visa application form;

proof of financial means (bank account);

proof of medical insurance, which will be valid for all Schengen States;

proof of accommodation (hotel reservation or reservation of any other place, where you gonna to spend time and live for holiday period);

working persons should grant certificate from workplace with office phone number, address, rate of his / her salary;

student should grant copy of student card, document from dean's office and in case student gonna travel without parents, he / she should to grant sponsoring letter from them;

for children under 18, it should be granted notarized «No-objection certificate» from non-accompanying parents. Actually, there are plenty of details for children under 18 visa. If you are interested in exactly this question, apply to embassy of Greece in your country and get full answer.

Have a good trip! Have a good time!

Greek SPA-hotels

Hello to everyone, who are interested in Greece information and reading my blog! As you see, it's about my long trip to Greece. I just want to share my impressions, interesting and amusing situations with you. Come to Greek Holidays and you will learn plenty of useful info. If you are among of those persons, who gonna travel to this wonderful country or if you are among of those, who collect travel notes, anyway you will read interesting tales of mine. :))


Given post is about SPA-salons or more exactly it is about Greek SPA-salons, which are situated in Greek resorts. May be you will wonder and give a question «There are a lot of SPA-salons, beauty salons, massage parlours all over the world, why he tells us about SPA-salons in Greece?».

First off, in itself SPA-salon with medical and relaxing procedures is center of and for health, but imagine if this center is located in place, where even climatic conditions and each factor (colourful nature, comfortable hotel, warm sea water, etc.) influences on you well?! This place is called Greece and no matter which one island you will choose. Anyway, you will relax with all your heart and soul.

Medical treatment is very popular in Greece and not merely aboriginals take care of their health, but also everyone, who come to this adorable and charming corner of the world, realizes Greece – is special world, where would be wrong not to take an advantage and reject an offer to visit SPA-salon!

I'm sure each of you knows what is it SPA-salons and what procedures it offers to clients. Nevertheless, let's specify what exactly spa-salons may offer to you. Many people think, that SPA is only pointless pastime in hot whirlpool, and they are wrong. Today spa salons suggest a lot of every possible relaxing, medical, prophylactic procedures, that will make your body and soul happy. It can be stone therapy, thalassotherapy, thermotherapy and so on and so forth. Be sure, if you will come to any Creek SPA-center, qualified staff select you exactly that therapy you need the most!

Well, it would be reasonable to list some the most popular hotels with SPA-salons in Greece and they are:

If you gonna travel to Northern Greece, you may put up at Meliton Hotel in Halkidiki (Sithonia). Present hotel offers you full range of various spa procedures (health-improving massage, face and body skin care procedures, hydro-massage with the use of medicinal sea water, physiotherapy, aromatherapy, acupuncture, lose weight programs, etc.)

Souther Greece also has special hotels with SPA-salons. And first one hotel is situated in Athens and called Athens Hilton Hotel. Here you may «taste» very tempting programs, such as sauna (Finnish bath), various types of massage, swim in covered drying pool.

There is another hotel, which is also located in Southern Greece (Vouliagmeni) – Grecotel Cape Sounion. This hotel disposes of the following medical and relaxing services: fitness-center, gyms, saunas....

If you have a wish to visit legendary Greek island – Rhodes, you may put up at Atrium Palace Resort Hotel, which is located in Kalathos. Given hotel will offer you the most-up-to-date gyms, saunas, Turkish bath, beauty salon, aqua massage, aqua bath, body-building.

There are no doubts you will remember time, spent in Greek first-class SPA-hotels!!!

Corfu Island.

Thinking over and looking for wonderful place where to spend time well? This question becomes very popular, especially in holiday period. There are a lot of beauty spots and charm places all over the world and in Greece too. Let's speak about Corfu Island today – one of thousand places, where you will rest to the max!

Present paragraph will tell you about Corfu island, its' geographical location and climatic conditions. I think, you will be interested in this information. Well, whole Greece and its' islands are unique. Each of them is beauty, with favourable weather and Corfu island doesn't an exclusion. So, Corfu is adorable island with capital of the same name. If you gonna come to Corfu island, you have to know it is the most northwest island of Greece with comfortable climatic conditions. Summer season and period of resorts starts from May and keeps on October. If you will come to Corfu in the course of this period, you take pleasure in wonderfully warm and clean sea water, balmy and soft Mediterranean wind. Present island is that corner of the world, which dispose you to positive.

Corfu City is also legendary place, as many Greek places, which were objects of multiple captures and conquests. Corfu offers you to look at unique historical monuments, take a walk on vivid parks, visit Byzantine churches.

Corfu is city of two fortresses, as Greeks say. On one side Corfu is shielded with Byzantine Marine fortress and on the other side with Coastal fortress. At that medieval times these fortresses were strong defence from Turks attack, now they are (I mean fortresses) are legendary historical monuments and vivid reminder about hard times.

Rest in Corfu Island is quite expensive pleasure. Nevertheless, Corfu island will welcome its' quests
with open arms. The chiose of given island as a place for the rest will suit both families and persons with elite demands.

There are luxury hotels and villas all over the Island, so I'm sure you if you have pretty penny you will find out exactly that place, where you have dreamed to spend time.

Some words about Corfu beaches. However, first off I will mention about that, all Greek beaches are the winners of cleanness and environmental safety and have worldwide recognition. Many of Corfu beaches are sandy, but if you would prefer pebbly beaches, you will find them without any problems. Actually Corfu is wonderful place, where you are surrounded by green landscapes and green sea water.

Greece and each its' island and city famous with comfortable coffe houses and taverns, where you will enjoy national Greek dishes. If you are among those persons, who prefer dynamic nightlife, be sure here you will relax to your own taste, find out that place, which will welcome you every day or every night.

Persons, who also like dynamic life, but prefer sport rest (water sport, air sport, etc) will find way of the rest to their tastes. All about what you have dreamed and all what you wanted will come true in Greece!

Yachting.

Offer you to discuss yachting not like kind of sport, but like kind of the rest.This way of pastime is quite expensive and not everyone has such funds to charter comfortable and beautiful yacht for some hours or days. Nevertheless, let's have a dream and may be exactly this way of the rest will be your next summer trip goal!


Once morning, when we came downstairs for breakfast, we saw vivid and colourful advertising booklet «Cruise Sail». Without a moment's hesitation, we went to book tickets on this cruise. It was daily four hour-long sail along Aegean Sea. Type of this sail was - sea excursion with interesting guide' tales about Greek islands, seas, etc. This yacht was with glassy bottom, that made us possible to see marvelous marine life.

Nevertheless, it was daily cruise sail. By the way, we liked it and got pretty much impressions! There are some types of the other sails. And very popular way of the rest among Greek islands visitors is yacht charter.



There are some kinds of yachts: sailing vessel and motor (high-speed) yachts. Both of them offer you total comfort, team, which will service you 24 hours per day and much more you will want to have and to do on the board.

But let's speak about each type of yacht separately. And the first one I would like to describe and also to travel on the board of which, is sailing vessel. You may choose small comfy yacht, which will accommodate from 3 to 6 people or large yacht, which may «invite» to 12 persons (2 families or large youth group). Anyway, you will get positive emotions, as what can be better, then cleave the water calmly under sail!

Motor yachts. If you prefer to live and also to rest dynamically, but have a desire to vary your resort, as it would be correct to say, you have a desire to dilute ordinary days with bright colours, motor yacht is exactly what you need!

Also you may take care of watter sport equipment beforehand and charter yacht with, for example, diving, fishing equipment, etc. All what you want and what you need to have in board will be at your service (food, PC, selection of your favorite CD, DVD, magazines, newspapers....)

And now I would like to speak about the prices on this type of the rest. As you understand and I had already mentioned about this above, charter of motor or sailing vessel is expensive pleasure. For example weeklong rest on board of comfortable yacht is comparable with weeklong rest at modern and comfortable hotel.

By the way, you may charter you wanted yacht without board team and service staff and even without skipper, but in this case you should to have special permission (international licence), which allows you to stand at the wheel.

It's your own business how and where to spend time, but I advice you, if you have pretty penny and some free time, to have a good time on board of luxury yacht!

Summer Camp In Greece.

Greece has not only plenty of medieval sights, but also summer camps, where your kids will spend time, as they say with benefits for the good of their soul and body. Well, today I gonna tell you about one place for your children rest – Macedonia Camp.

When we were traveling and examining Macedonia area, we find out summer camp. We took an interest in it and made inquiries about this Macedonian camp and collected information. So, there is all what we knew this one.

Macedonia Camp, this is official name of present summer camp, is very popular not merely among local kids, but also among foreign parents, who would like their children spend summer time well in beautiful spot. We asked a permission to come in the territory of the camp, and if to be honestly, we had a great desire to came back in childhood and spent time in Macedonia Camp.

There are some words about present summer camp' entertainments & cultural programs, which were told us by this camp leaders. First of all, I would like to tell you about given camp location. This place is really wonderful, charming and adorable and the name of this place is Kassandra peninsula (Halkidiki). I had already wrote about this place. Read in my blog what places of interest you may see here. So, Macedonia Camp is located in fairy place with wonderful beaches and nature landscapes in general. By the way, there are about for kilometres from camp to beach. Special well-equipped camp bus with air-conditioner brings kids on beach. And all that time, when kids romp, camp workers, doctor and lifeguards look intently at restless children.

Surely, you will be interested in camp meals. First off, meals, every possible equipment (for example inflatable beach mattresses, sport equipments, etc.) are included in the price of camp voucher (tour). What about the meal, I have remember my mom words «growing organism needs plenty of vitamins and calories». This is really true and that's why the menu, which is offered riches in various dishes. There are both national Greek dishes (Tiropita: pie with cheese; Musakas: shepherd's pie and so on and so forth) and national American dishes, such as Coca-Cola and hot dog. So, you have no reasons your child will be hungry!

There are some words about physical trainings in the camp. Two times per day, at the minimum, physical exercises are included in camp program and they are obligatory. Moreover, each evening camp leaders will organize different entertainments with fun and playful contests. I'm sure, your children will like camp pastime and will get a lot of impressions!

I think, it is of no small importance to speak about visa and documents you have to obtain and grant. As a rule, travel agency gives you full list of documents you have to grant for camp tour. It can be mass trip (with another child from your country). In such a case there will be person of the full legal age (camp leader, accompanying person, who will responsible for each child). For more detailed information, please apply to you wanted travel agency and inquire about camp trip abroad.

Unfortunately, it was forbidden to made photos and videos in Macedonia Camp, that's why I present you Macedonia, Kassandra peninsula and Halkidiki pics only.

Extreme Greece!

Hello! I'm glad to welcome you at this blog. Today I gonna tell you about extreme sport and resort in Greece. If you are among those persons, who like to spend time dynamically, you will read plenty of useful information in present report.

Well, there are a lot of every possible places, where you will spend time well. But what is your trip goal? To relax on beach, to sleep in comfortable and soft bed and don't care wonderful Greece landscapes? I offer and advice you to have a good and catchy time. Will you wonder how is it possible to do? Go on reading! :)

There is a large list of various extreme types of resort. Let's discuss and consider each of them one by one. And I give the place of honour to ... water extreme sport. What kinds of sport are among this group? First of all, it is diving – the most popular type of water entertainment today. Many people think, diving is quite common procedure: you get on uncomfortable rubber wet suit and dive under the water.And that is all! This opinion is wrong. For those persons, who would like to get mass of extreme and of course positive only emotions and under water impressions, diving instructors will offer routes of different level of complexity, excursions into caves, etc.

I would like to present you one more kind of water sport – surfing. I'm sure, each of you has heard about it, has seen brave men, cleaving waves and you have dreamed to became proficient in surfing at heart. Nothing impossible. Each resort, each Greece island gives you perfect opportunity to become a professional in your favorite kind of sport.

Water skis. This pastime will seem you funny entertainment, as people, who don't know what is it water skis and how difficult to hold balance and stay even minute above, not under the water, will spend plenty of time, trying again and again their force and endurance. Yes, water ski is real test of your endurance. Or you may safe your time and nerves and hire qualified water skis (surfing, diving) instructor.

And the last one kind of water extreme sport, which I like the most – is rafting. What is it and what advantages this entertainment have prepared to you? The main advantage you will like – is instantaneous and mad blow-up of adrenalin. I'm sure you will like this feeling and may be you will have time to observe local nature places of interest. :)

Diving, surfing and water skis is nothing as compared to rafting. I mean, your delight, impressions and much more. There are many ways of different levels of complexity and in every chosen route, you will be with rafting professional on board. So, you have nothing to worry about!

You have no ideas how to spend your holiday time well, memorable and fun? So the question is settled, pack the luggage and come to wonderful Greece!

Kind regards and have a good time!

Beauty Spot!

Greece is great, rich and luxurious place. I think, you have heard these words not for the first time. Yeah, Greece – is an unique, generous and hospitable country. Nevertheless, today I would like to speak about Thessaloniki and share my impressions with you. I hope, it gonna be interesting!

Thessaloniki has also another names. And some of them are: the northern capital of Greece, cultural centre of Europe and whole Macedonia and so on and so forth. Thessaloniki has prepared a lot of places to look at.

Well, what exactly you have to visit in Thessaloniki, where and how to spend your time, what places to come to and how to entertain yourself, if you set out in Thessaloniki?

Let's start with hotels, as I'm sure, you don't want to find yourself no shelter for the night in foreign lands. So, there is unbelievably large number of hotels to everyones tastes. Even the most exacting tourist will choose the place, I mean the hotel, for the good of his / her soul. You will find here hotels starting from 2* class and finishing with villas of de luxe and elite class, where will be their own night clubs, shops and even currency exchange, etc. Nevertheless, everything, as you understand, depends on what sum of money you gonna spend for your resort. Greece – is quite expensive country. I'm sure you will have a desire to taste everything and to visit many places, and of course, you won't refuse to bring with you little souvenir, as a remembrance of the past Greece holiday!

Recommend you urgently to hire guide, who will speak in your language. As they say, Greeks speak well in English, French and German languages, but take care of yourself beforehand in order to avoid every possible upsetting situations. For example, misunderstanding when you moving into the hotel....

Sights. There is one of thousand major places of interest – is the city itself with its' medieval narrow streets and buildings. And one of them is White Tower. It was built in far Ottoman times and served as tower-defence and also it was a part of prison. After that time, when Greece became free from agonizing Ottoman invasion, tower was whitened. However, since that times present Tower became grey.

There is another place you have to visit too – is Rotonda. This construction also belongs to historical heritage of present country. Well, Rotonda was built like mausoleum for emperor Galeriy. Nevertheless, after some time this building served as Christian temple and that mosaic masterpieces, which decorate the walls of present building are one of the most antique (about IV century).

For those, who prefer modern resort and entertainments, picturesque northern capital of Greece will offer to come to aquapark «Water Land».This park is one of the biggest in whole Europe. Yes, it is really BIG! Here you will find out various watter park amusements, bars with soft drinks, pools and so on and so forth. Also, take advantage of the opportunity and sign up to take a course of hydro-massage.

As a matter of fact, don't delay and even don't think over «What will I do in Greece?». Just come to it. It will be fun!

Greece Ski Tours!

Hey! I'm glad to welcome you at this blog! And today I would like to speak about Greece also, but about winter Greece. It is wonderful country, saying these words again and again. Well, let's speak about Greece ski tours.

There are a lot of splendid ski resorts in Greece, nevertheless, I would like to draw your attention to one of them – to Parnassos. It is one of the biggest and well-developed & organized ski resort of whole Greece. Parnassos Massif is very popular among visitors from all corners of the world. There is short list of the most famous of winter resorts: Falakro, Seli, Voras, Thessaloniki, etc.

You know, Present country is fairy & magic in each season and you will spend your time wonderful in both summer and winter. So, if your holiday will happen in winter period of year, don't waste time. Purchase a ticket to Greece with confidence.

Also, your holiday will promise well, if you are among those persons, who prefer dynamic pastime and like skis, snowboarding, sledges and another winter sports' equipments. Even if you prefer mountain area, covered with dazzling snow to hot summer sun, you will relax to the max and get plenty of positive and unforgettable emotions!

Well, Parnassоs Mountain. As I have already said, it is one of the most popular and beautiful plece and comfortable ski resort. It is located near by the capital of Greece – by Athens (about 180 km), that's why Athenians also, as visitors, like to come to present resort in holidays and days-off.

And now I gonna tell you about service quality of given resort, where would be better to stop at and other useful details, which will be necessary to everyone of you. Well, Parnassos' service in high level. Here you will be able to rent or even purchase you necessary sports equipment. There are a lot of coffee houses, where you will get warm yourself with a cup of tasty coffee or tea. Also, here you will meet well-equipped aid stations. And you know, this fact inspires to feel free yourself in alpine skiing track. :)

There are no hotels in the territory of Parnassos resort. But, don't give up and more over don't feel upset about this. You will find out large hotel settlements nearby Parnassos. There are two large and very comfortable settlements. They are: Arahova and Delphi. There are about 20 km to Parnassos ski resort.

Given place will provide you with mass of positive emotions and unforgettable impressions! I took a rest there and I promise you, this place is really fairy. I got added evidence that Greece is very hospitable and hearty country. Each of you, even the most captious person will find entertainment and relaxation to his / her own taste.

Are you bored with this hot sun and crowded beaches? Are you thinking over what place to choose for winter holiday? Come to Parnassos snow paradise!

Good luck and all the best! :)

Greatness and Charm of Athens!

Travelling to Greece and sharing my trip impressions, it would be wrong to miss nice, famous, glory, legendary place – Athens, which is also the capital of Greece. Let's speak about Athens at this post!

Many people come first of all to this city, and from one side it is good, but from another side, it seems visitors associate Greece with Athens only. That's why I describe my Greece tour for your knowledge of all famous and comfortable Greek resorts.

I don't want to say, Athens – is nothing to look at! Athens is splendid place, where you will spend your time perfect. This city has an amazing destiny. Athens suffered from wars and raids and finally became charming capital.

Present city is quite big and have large population, many of citizens are greeks. By the way, there are four languages, speaking on which you may feel free, spending time in Greece. They are: modern Greek, English, French and German.

As they say, Greece starts from Acropolis. This monument of an antiquity is really impressive. Visiting Athens, you will find yourself among an infinite number of sights. Most of them are located in center of the city. The theatre of Dionysus, the temple of Poseidon, Parthenon and much more you will see in legendary Athens.

This place is known for its' comfortable and luxe hotels and coffe houses. So, take plenty of money, planning to come to Greece. As I'm sure you will have great desire to purchase every possible souvenirs and visit many places of the interest.

Beaches in Athens mostly are paid. Nevertheless, tourist and beach infrastructure is well-developed, and you don't be disappointed of spent money. Each hotel offer its' own pools, spa services, therapeutic and relax massage, etc.

What else I can add? ... Greece is rich country. Here you will find out everything you want and about what you even didn't think. Athens is luxury resort! Unforgettable pastime is guaranteed to you.

Halkidiki Peninsula!

Hello there!

Let's travel to Halkidiki peninsula today! I have been there and have a lot of excite impressions and pictures. And gonna share them with you at this post.

Well, first of all, I will present some historical information and brief description. Halkidiki is – wonderful peninsula of Macedonia area. All people, starting from aborigines and finishing with visitors call this land - «garden of Eden» and it is really true! If you will see all charming landscapes, comfortable bays, strong and powerful mountains, you realize this «corner of the world» is something holy, divine....

If you have free time and money, don't waste this precious time, go to Halkidiki peninsula. You won't be disappointed of your pastime!

Legendary Halkidiki is famous as perfect and environmentally safe resort and also as historical heritage of Greece. Nevertheless, let's start from the first and the major thing – from geographical location.

So, present place is located near by Northern capital of Greece – Thessaloniki. This fact will make you happy, as you will safe plenty of time to reach your chosen resort. I mean Halkidiki. Another interesting fact is the shape of the peninsula. It bears a strong resemblance to Poseidon's trident, where each of indent is separate peninsula. As they say, three separate and unique «fingers». They was named after great ancient Greek gods. For example, the first one has the name of Macedonian king – Kassandra and it is famous as the place of adorable and wonderful landscapes. Here you will view lots of every possible hotels, as they say to any tastes. By the way, Greek hotels have another system of division. European hotel measuring rod of 5* hotel conforms to Greek de-luxe or hotel of category A. So, be attentive, choosing the place where to stop at!

Well, as Kassandra peninsula is famous as chic «hotel place», then another, the second Halkidiki' peninsula – Sithonia is well known sport place. If you choose dynamic rest, go to exactly this surfing and diving paradise! This place got its' name after the giant Sithon.

For those, who are orthodox Christians and have a wish to visit Greek church, or if to be more correct, visit Orthodox Monastic Republic, then you will like the third «finger» of Halkidiki – Athos with the mountain of the same name. This place is really charming and Holy. Arriving at Athos, do remember, it is forbidden women to enter inside Republic. Even animals of female sex do not enter to this Monastic area. People say, even animals honour the name of Virgin Mary.

Well, if your holiday goal will be exactly this spot on the globe, your pastime and relax-time promises fair!!!

By Greek Traditions.

There are two major traditions in Greece – holidays and religion, by the way, it would be reasonable to include one more to this list is ... national dishes. Nevertheless, I will devote to this subject separate report.

Well, I gonna speak about two chief things, which are closely associated with the word «Greece». If you are going to visit this country, whatever you trip goal is, you have to respect national traditions. Actually, it would be right and respectful on your part regarding any country you gonna visit.

So, holidays – is not just a word for greeks. They revere and keep in mind customs and holidays of their own nation. There are three types of holidays in Greece. And the first one I want to mention is ecclesiastical (or church) celebrations. As you probably know, greeks are very pious. They go to church, say grace before and after meal and so on. Well, when you pack your luggage and you have already gone Greece in your imagination, please, treat national tradition of your chosen country with respect!

I will cover just some of the most famous church festivals. And they are:

-Epiphany (January 6);
-Easter;
-Feast of the Holy Spirit (June 12);
-Dormition of Our Most Holy and Glorious Queen (August 15);
-Christmas (December 25);
-The Pentecost (the fifty days from Easter to Trinity Sunday);

Most citizens in Greece are orthodox Cristians (about 98% of all Greece population), the other percent is divided between Moslems and other religion followers.

There are some of official holidays, celebrated in wonderful Greece:

-New Year (January 1);
-Mother's Day (May 9);
-Flower Festival (May 1);
-Independence Day (March 25);

This is only brief list of national and official Creek holidays and festivals, nevertheless, arriving to this sun paradise, you may find yourself at unofficial festival, which are also fascinating and amusing.

I advice you visit Greece at Carnival season. They fall to period from February to March and another Summer festival goes off from June to September. Why carnival season is important event? You will see impressing parades (carnival processions) in beautiful costumes. You may take part in every possible competitions, such as competition of folk dances, etc.

Greece is a dream country. It is a place, where all your desires will come true!!!

Rhodes Island!

Good morning, good afternoon, good evening to you, wherever you are!

Sharing my Greece trip emotions with you, I'll tell you about Rhodes journey today. I had the good fortune to visit a lot of wonderful and charming places in Greece and I'm happy to share my impressions, useful hints with you. I'll tell you where would be better to spend time, to what island would be better to go and so on and so forth. If you have already been in this country, please, post your comments, your trip emotions!

Rhodes!... Ah! This place impressed me very much. First off, it is the third largest island in Greece. When you come in Rhodes, you feel something unbelievable and say something «Oh, my God, where am I, in Paradise?!». This place is really splendid.
Have you ever imagined to yourself how should looks like perfect, ideal place in the world? Each of us wishes to find out that place, where he / she would get relax non-stop, where everything, even rush of wind favours to the rest. Rhodes is exactly that place, where you will find your way of the rest. There are lots of places, which will be the most suitable for family holiday. And the one of them is place under the name - Kalithea.

Kalithea - charming place with plenty of luxe hotels, every possible entertainments, such as excursions, sea and park amusements and much more. Actually, as for me, I was wondered of this bay comfort. Sandy beaches, warm sea, rich flora – there are no doubts you will like Kalithea Bay.
Faliraki – is also beautiful place, actually this is another Rhodes' bay. If you will ask me to describe Faliraki briefly, I say, this is no less comfortable and favourable for the rest place. Faliraki is the center of nightlife, where light atmosphere gains to forget about concerns and troubles.
If you are belonged to that persons, who can't life with any move and ... surfing, visit Lalissos. There is one more wonderful bay, which seems is the most suitable place for this kind of sport. By the way, you may try yourself in surfing, whatever level of training you have. Friendly and qualified instructors will teach you to keep your balance on water, to cope with some surfing tricks, etc. Be sure, time will go by cheerfully in Lalissos!

Rhodes City – is cultural and tourist center of the whole island. I have no doubts, you will be impressed to see Old City, which is situated beyond medieval fortifications. Just even imagine, you will cross streets, where lived or walked ancient Greek scientist and thought up his works. You will deep into an atmosphere, which was progenitress of modern European culture. There are antiquity remains and relics of the past far and wide in Greece.

Whatever you want to get, arriving in this beatifical country, you will get pleasure, satisfaction, cheerful pastime.... You will take in positive emotions and sun energy. Greece is exactly that place, which everyone wish to visit!

Sun Paradise!

Carrying on our enthralling trip through Greece, I would like to speak about one of the largest and the most beautiful island - about Crete!

Here you will find entertainment & relaxation to anyone's taste. There is primary and very impressive thing: when you come to Greece and view wonderful and charming landscape, you realize, that you are in PARADISE! For those, who prefer active and dynamic rest, I advice to visit Crete's beaches . Here, take advantage of the opportinity and be engaged in diving, surfing or go to an amusing expedition watch for whales. I think, you will get lots of impressions. You will fall in love with comfort mild climate, clear limpid sea water, fascinating sunset, and much more.

Crete is also the place for youth and those persons, who don't think the day comes to an end at midnight! Crete, as also each city of wonderful Greece, rich in disco clubs and every possible entertainments. So, if you will feel sleeplessness, feel free choosing to what night club to visit. Be sure nightlife in Crete will make an impression on you!

Family rest. These words are also not meaningless for Crete. There are a lot of comfortable and cosy hotels with unbelievable tasty dishes, big pools and so on and so forth. Greece
hotels' service is at a high level. Peace and untroubled rest for you and your kids - is it your trip goal?

Don't waste time! Visit Crete! :)

Greece - extraordinary country!

Hello to everyone!

I would like to share my Greece impressions with you. I have traveled through this country and got lots of positive emotions and soul satisfaction. There is one I can say - Greece is - separate world of an exceptional beauty! If you are going to travel, spend your holidays with enjoyment, to your heart's content, let it be Greece.

Have a nice trip!