At the Holidays in Greece directory you'll find a comprehensive, carefully
handpicked set of exciting Greek Holiday ideas.
Miranda Vincent Chief Editor email
The island of Lesbos, home to Sappho (born somewhere between 630 and 612 BC) is the third largest Greek Island and seventh largest Mediterranean island. It is also known as Lesvos - the Emerald Island - and is located between the islands of Chios and Limnos, near the coastline of Turkey, and is verdant with varied flowers and fauna. It has a mild and healthy climate with warm winters and year round sunshine.
It is in the northeastern Aegean Sea, 180 miles from the Greek capital, Athens and has a population of around 110,000, of which nearly a third live in the capital Mytilini down in the South East of the island. Mytilini is a lovely friendly place, has lots of interesting Art Galleries and Museums, more than its fair share of impressive churches, picturesque neighbourhoods and historical mansions and houses.
The other main towns on Lesbos Island are Plomari, Kalloni, Agiassos, Molyvos and Eressos.
The island has the Gulf of Geras and the Gulf of Kallonis which both penetrate so far into the interior of the island that you are never more than a few miles from the sea.
There are a huge amount of trees on the island, in fact around 60% of the island is covered in Pine, Olive, Oak and various fruit trees. There are rocky mountain ranges, with a couple of peaks over 3000 feet. There are also hot springs, a result of the volcanic activity that originally spawned the island. These springs are used for many therapeutic treatments including treatments for rheumatism, arthritis and sciatica.
The locals make their money mainly from agriculture, with 11 million olive trees producing very high quality olive oil, dairy products such as cheese, fishing and ouzo production. Of course tourism is a big money earner also.
There are many fine beaches on the island, some are busy and have all your favorite activities and watersports, from jet-skis to windsurfing, while others remain quiet, even in July and August. Many reckon that Skala Erressos is the best beach, especially when you have children, you can read up on this beach at www.lesvos.com/erressos.html
www.lesvos.com also has a lot of other good info on the island.
All in all, the island has a lot to offer - beaches, monasataries, pretty towns and a great little capital city and I think its worth considering Lesbos for your next Greek Island getaway. Greece is the Word ! April 2, 2008
To help you choose a Holiday in Greece this year the Mirandasbeach Holidays in Greece Directory has found a plethora of ideas to keep you happily occupied into the wee small hours. The site has the following sections:
While working on our Greek Wildlife Holiday and Greek Islands sections, one Greek island that caught my eye recently is Amorgos, one of the most remote, yet most beautiful, of all Greek islands. I found this description at www.amorgos.dial.pipex.com :
"The remote location, excellent walking, the opportunity of peaceful activities and this comfortable charming hotel with its own unique taverna make these programmes an ideal holiday for those who enjoy the outdoor life. Enjoy the mountains and valleys whether it be for walking, photography, botany, painting or ornithology and discover Greece of old but at the same time enjoy the comforts of life. The variety of sites and experiences are endless.
Very few visitors to Amorgos get to see the most remarkable sights here, as they have to be visited by donkey or on foot. It is quite extraordinary walking terrain but a local guide is essential. Some routes are not too difficult to find but often interesting and fascinating historical sites dating back to 5BC, of which people are unaware, lurk just around the corners . We take you where only the goat herds tread, and beyond!" Sunvil organise holidays in Amorgos - if you are looking for something off the beaten track this may be for you. Olympic Holidays - Greece Specialists December 7, 2007
Olympic are always worth checking out when considering a trip to Greece (they do much more than Greek Holidays so you might see something else that catches your eye !). They are Greece specialists and have a good set of pages full of information on holidaying in this beautiful country at: www.olympicholidays.com/Worldwide/Greece/
Yes Please ! A Villa with a pool will do nicely November 11, 2007 Sometimes you know that what you want is simple and straightforward. A villa in Greece with a pool - sounds uncomplicated ? Well, there are many villas with pools in Greece and the islands and you should take a browse through our Greek Villas with Pools section here at holidays in Greece to give you a kick start. It will increase your chances of finding the simple, straightforward dream that will make your year ! Crete September 3, 2007 If you eat the Cretan diet they say you'll live to be a hundred, but it may be more to do with the lovely climate and the feel of this, the largest of the Greek Islands, than the quaffing of the Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
Crete is 8,336 km² (3,219 square miles) and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean. It was the centre of the Minoan civilization around 2600–1400 BC), and was the oldest civilization in Europe.
The island lies approximately 160 km south of the Greek mainland and is extremely mountainous, has many beautiful beaches and delightful villages.
During summer, average temperatures are in the high 20's-low 30's (degrees Centigrade), with maximum in the upper 30's to mid 40's.
The south coast is hotter. This includes the Messara plain and Asterousia mountains which fall in the North African climatic zone and therefore enjoy significantly more sunny days and high temperatures throughout the year. In southern Crete date palms bear fruit and the swallows stay year-long, instead of migrating to Africa.Crete features in Greek mythology with King Minos, the mythical king of the island. He was the son of Zeus and Europa. After his death, Minos became a judge of the dead in Hades, nice job.
Its bountiful variety of features includes mountain villages, long sandy beaches, rocky bays, beach bar dancing and nightlife. There are magnificent mountain ranges, water-sports, tranquil locations and clean swimmable seas. Bathed in clear sunlight much of the year, the climate is one of the best in Europe. The largest island in Greece, it is understandably a most popular travel and vacation destination.
Main Towns in Crete: Heraklion has the big archaeological museum for you historians to mull away a pleasant few hours. There are smart and trendy cafes and shops and it has a busy, lively feel. Chania has a rich Venetian history, with plenty still to see from that era. There are luxurious Venetian Villas converted to hotels, the delightful Venetian Harbour. Also the narrow shop and restaurant lined pedestrian streets make going to spend some cash a most pleasant experience. Small hotels contained in buildings that once were home to expatriate Venetian merchants are common.
Rethymno has an historical old section with a castle. A big sandy beach, and all the cafes and restaurants you need.
Sitia is the more placid of the bunch, but still worth a visit. There is Fortezza, beach, unique cafes and many hotels..
Mirandasbeach top 4 Beaches on Crete (there are many other wonderful beaches on this island – these are our favorites)
1. Falassarna beach, West Crete. A long sandy beach with wonderful sunsets. It was voted Best Beach of Greece in 2002. There are several beaches in the Falassarna bay area. There are some great small sandy beaches close to the ancient Falassarna town (north), but it is the Long Beach (Pachia Ammos), which is the stunning long and wide sandy beach of Falassarna.
2. Agia Pelagia beach, North Coast – Heraklion. Located sixteen kilometers west of Heraklion. This beach is close to the bars, restaurants and cafes of Agia Pelagia town. The bay of Agia Pelagia is nicely protected from north winds which leaves the sea often like a mill pond..
3. Vai beach, East Crete. An area of outstanding natural beauty with a palm tree forest. The beach at Vai is sandy and often crowed with plenty of watersports available. It is a beautiful beach with normally mild winds.
4. Xerokampos, East Crete. Many sandy coves to explore and classicly emerald waters. Xerokampos is a magnificent place when there is no wind. It is a quiet, sleepy resort far away from the madding crowd.
5. Elafonissi Lagoon, West Crete. Very pretty beach with famos pink sands. The water is very shallow. It can get very crowded till about 4pm when the tourists leave, but after that is the time to enjoy the place. Sunset here is a great sight.
Naxos is the biggest island in the group of islands known as the Cyclades and is known in mythology as the island where Theseus abandoned Ariadne, after slaying the Minotaur - and as the island where Ariadne met Dionysus, god of wine and protector of Naxos. But why do so many people go here in the summer months ? It is of course the really wonderful beaches ! There are beaches for all tastes. White sandy beaches, stony sand beaches as well as beaches perfect for sports like windsurfing, beach volley and the like.
Best Beaches on Naxos:
Agia AnnaFine, golden sandy beach Agios GeorgiosFine gold sand - in Hora Agios ProkopiosFine gold sand AgiassosLong bay with golden sand ApollonWide pebble beach, plus a small sandy bay in the village KalandosBeautiful sandy beach, accessed by boat or 4x4 LionasPebble beach bay Mikri ViglaFine white sand, very long MoutsounaBeautiful, fine sand coves OrkosFine sand, just next to Plake PlakaFine golden sandy beach, the longest in Naxos - 4 kilometers long PyrgakiExcellent, fine golden sandy beach
Festivals on Naxos:
Easter Sunday - Panagia Argokiliotissa 5 May - Kinidaros 7 July - Potamia 8 July - Agios Prokopios 17 July - Koronos 26 July - Kinidaros 14-16 August - Filoti 29 August - Apollon 8 September - Koronida (Komiaki) 8 September - Moni 14 September - Tripodes (Vivlos)
Naxos Holiday specialists: Sunvil PackYourBags.com cyclades-orbit CyberCityGuides (good hotel list) Naxos-Greece.net Greeka NaxosIsland.com Cooking at Sea June 28, 2007 You’ll find the enormous gulet, nearly 100ft long, built from teak and pine, with ornate railings in the Turkish style, in a bay on the Datça peninsula, south of Bodrum. You are welcomed on shore by a line of burning torches illuminating a beach furnished with cushions and tables from the boat. A barbecue is set up, and the aroma of oregano-flavoured lamb will entice you in for a picnic on shore. The ship's captain, Tunçay Kormaz, and his crew serve a feast of Greek and Turkish specialities: börek (filo parcels of feta and dill); bean, bulgar wheat and beetroot salads; little fried red mullet. Ten hours earlier, Greek chef Theodore Kyriakou, best known for launching the Livebait and Real Greek restaurants, had been hosting the morning's cookery workshop. It is part of a week long cookery course in which you are taught the joys of Greek and Turkish foods whilst sailing on board the Randa at 11 knots, holding on to your cubed lamb! The bulk of the week is spent aboard ship, learning the mysteries of the vine leaf and the filo. (In Greek Orthodox tradition, there should be 33 layers of the pastry in a baklava to match the age of Jesus when he died.) Several nights are spent in anchorages, where late in the evening one takes a glass of raki listening to the lapping of the water and the crickets on shore. In the morning dive into the shallows off the Turquoise Coast or snorkel in search of sea urchins. The volcanic island of Nissyros is the first port of call. After a hike across the sulphurous crater, climb up to Nikeia, a pretty, whitewashed village with rain butts built into every house - their only source of fresh water. Symi is a very different. Take a walk up whitewashed steps past the church bell cast from an unexploded German bomb, past windmills, goats, chickens and a tortoise to a headland from where you can see half the island and the Aegean stretching all around. Getting there: Tussock Cruising (020-8510 9292, tussockcruising.com) offers a week's culinary gulet cruise with Theodore Kyriakou, departing June 30 for £659pp, including food, drink and excursions to Tilos and Symi, excluding flights. Thomson (thomsonfly.co.uk) flies to Bodrum from nine UK airports for £159 rtn inc tax. Further information Turkish tourist board: 020-7839 7778, gototurkey.co.uk. Country code: 00 90. Flight time: Gatwick-Bodrum, 4hrs. £1= 2.57 new Turkish lira. Inter Rail To Greece and Beyond ! May 20, 2007
Back twenty or more years ago, if you asked any long or short haired student what they were going to do in their summer holidays then “InterRail around Europe" was the standard reply even from the skint ones. Not much could better the joy of owning that railpass that was going to give you unlimited train travel all over Europe. It was cheap and run jointly by all the national railways. It was started in 1973 and was the “cosmic pass” that opened the doors of Europe to young people eager to make the grand European tour by train, with the freedom to go where they liked and exactly when they wanted. Of course InterRail soon became a cult of huge proportions and young adults were InterRailing all over the continent creating there own adventures as the mood took them North to Scandinavia or through Germany down to the beaches of the Mediterranean.
Budget airlines have cast a shadow over InterRail in recent years, but now that the carbon footprint of air travel is a consideration and environmental awareness is increasing all over, it’s an interesting time for InterRail to offer a completely new range of passes on sale from April 1 this year, and it looks like InterRail is positioned for a powerful return to prominence. The new ticket range offers loads of options and good value, but importantly for anyone over 26 years old InterRail is no longer just for backpacker youth either. There are passes for those of us over 26 and our kids, in both first and second class.Gone is the annoying zone system introduced in the 1990s, and once again all InterRail global passes now give unlimited train travel across the whole of Europe, from Portugal in the West to Poland in the East, Helsinki in the North to Istanbul in the South. There are two options for those not expecting to travel all the time, either five days unlimited travel in any 10-day period or 10 days unlimited travel in any 22-day period (what days you travel is up to you at the time). There are also two continuous options for those expecting to zip here and there most of the time and they are either 22 days or one month.
The 10 days in 22 days pass allows you to go there and back by train for £175 (under 26) or £263 (over 26). It gives plenty of time for stopovers in Paris, Vienna, Budapest, Bucharest or even Transylvania, and of course you can go out on one route and come back on another.
Travel on comfortable (some of the time !) daytime trains or make good use of the overnight sleepers to save on hotel bills and cover big distances. You can get into the thrill and pace of the long train journey – something I enjoy so much more than air travel. It’s not all about getting there as quick as possible, it’s about the journey, the scenery, the people you can meet and the freedom you can feel. And it is that freedom that InterRail gives you that you don't get with the strict itinerary of pre-booked non-changeable air fares. If the mood takes you, you can stay longer; if you are not keen to stay, you can move on to somewhere new. With InterRail and the European train network, you can really go where the fancy takes you. · For more information on InterRail passes, see raileurope.co.uk, interrailnet.com or seat61.com/Railpass.htm.
'space, tranquillity & nature' The Gentilini Retreat is set in idyllic walled grounds of approximately 20 acres, covered in cypress and olive trees, some of which are over 500 years old. It offers a rural yet quietly sophisticated setting, with just six individually decorated and furnished rooms. It is the perfect place in which to unwind, read, converse, take a dip in the swimming pool, meditate – or, because of the estate’s central location, explore the stunning beauty of the island in easy stages.A breakfast buffet is served daily and picnic baskets can be ordered to be enjoyed in exploration of the grounds or indeed the island. The local taverna is only a short distance away – and other tavernas are easily accessible by car or taxi.
A sure way to find a good Greek taverna is to follow the locals. Many Athenians make the trip to the island of Mykonos and head for Sea Satin which cooks fish second to none and has a great quirky atmosphere:
"The great Christos with the far-out look left Ai-Yanni and moved to the corner of the Old Venice, beneath the wind mills. He will serve you fresh fish and, if he's in the right mood, will be making some sculpture right next to you"
It is set below the famous Mykonos Windmills (see picture) , beyond a small beach next to the Little Venice area of Hora and is apart from the noise of the town in one of the quietest spots in the vicinity. You really get a taste here of what a summer night on a Greek Island should be like with the cotrast between frenetic but cheerful kitchen activity on view at the front with the stillness and beauty of the view. The food is superb - but you may have to be ready to down an extra bottle or two because service can be on the slow side. Relax - make a night of it ! the food really is worth it !
For trips to Mykonos go to http://www.easycruise.com/ - from summer 2007 long weekend cruises go from Athens every Thursday.
The spring flowers in the Alpine valleys of Cyprus make it one of the best times to visit. Two of the very best walking regions in Cyprus have to be the rugged, pine-clad Troodos Mountains with their rocky, terraced slopes, and the more Mediterranean landscapes of the Akamas Peninsula. Also for walkers there is the island of Crete which offers quite magnificent coastal, gorge and mountain routes, some of the very best that can be experienced. Why not try Samos the Aegean island for a superb show of orchids in the spring.
North Cyprus in springtime is an absolute delight, when many kinds of wild flowers can be seen in the mountains, valleys, along the coast roads, around the reservoirs and castles: http://www.fezbus.co.uk/Spring_Walking_North_Cyprus
Crete's archaeology and history - 8 days from £599pp http://travel.guardian.co.uk/article/2006/oct/18/greece.greece 17, 24 April; 1, 8, 15 May; 2, 9 Oct 2007 From London Gatwick to Heraklion Highlights of the tour include a fascinating walking tour of Rethymnon itself, a charming town with narrow cobbled streets full of restaurants, bars and shops, a glorious harbour and beautifully-preserved Turkish and Venetian architecture.
Christmas in Greece - that means it's kourabiedes time again, and the mellow aroma of melomacarona cookies will soon be filling Greek kitchens worldwide. Santa does exist..and he's a Greek. His alternative name, St. Nicholas, reflects his true identity. From gift-giving to red clothes, Nikolaos of Myra was a model for the modern Santa Claus.
In general, don't expect as many Christmas displays, lights, or other Western decorations, except of course in the windows of expatriates and the increasing number of Greeks who have adopted Western customs. Retsina, Like most Greek beverages, such as ouzo, is undeniably at its best when combined with Greek foods, especially the savory mezedes served as appetizers. There are two distinct Greek peculiarities which impact the national Christmas festivities. On the one hand, December in these southern latitudes is a relatively mild season and it comes as no surprise that the celebrations held in the sun-drenched streets filled with people take on a totally different character compared to those held in the empty northern isolation of ice and snow.
The Greek Islands - Hop Until You Drop ! November 2, 2006 The Greek Islands have a well-deserved reputation for their beauty, history, myths, beaches and architecture.
There are more than 1,400 Greek islands and they are split into several groups - Cyclades, Dodecanese, North-Eastern Aegean, Sporades, Ionians - and you can spend a fortnight hopping around these little worlds, but that is for the energetic with some cash ! It is all here, from soaking up the sun (they have 300 days' guaranteed sunshine a year) and wine, beer and ouzo , to exploring the remains of some of Europe's oldest ancient civilizations. There is also a the hottest party scene on the Mediterranean - but also classic family holiday paradises. Stay on one island for two weeks or hop around to your heart's content.
You can Fly to Athens and then take ferries. With well over a hundred inhabited islands and a territory that stretches from the south Aegean to the Balkan countries, Greece offers enough to fill months of travel. The historic sites span four thousan years, covering both the legendary and the obscure, where a visit can still seem like a personal discovery. Beaches are parcelled out along a convoluted coastline equal to France's in length, and islands range from backwaters where the boat calls twice a week to resorts as cosmopolitan as any in the Mediterranean. We will be exploring Greece here to bring you all the best Greek Holiday Ideas.
Self-catering holiday villas & apartments Find the perfect holiday villa or self catering apartment on
the UK's no.1 holiday rentals site. Choose from one of 45,000 rental properties.
Book direct from the owner for great value.
Out
Of School Care Regardless of your budget, circumstance or location we have
the kids club, summer camp or out of school care solution for you. Out
of School Care has been developed as a simple search and booking service
for parents looking for children's holiday club providers and summer camps
in their area. We also work with companies to help provide their employees
with the best backup childcare.
London
Apartments For a wide range of London Apartments our Serviced apartments
are suitable for a single person to a large family and small businesses
to corporate. Whether you are looking for a long-term apartment or a short
term stay Apartotels.com is confident that we can match you needs
London
airport to town transfer London Shuttle Service offers rapid London Airport Transport
and reliable London airport minicab Transfer & Transportation services
to reach your destination quickly. London Airport Pick Up and Drop transfer
services are available for 24 hours a day.
Travel Guide Adventure Travel for Disabled - Nothing Can Stop You Anymore
Royal Caribbean Cruises A Royal Caribbean cruise holiday is fantastic value and is a
very smart, affordable way to travel.
London
Hotels www.discountcityhotels.net offers great deals on Last Minute
Bargain Hotels, Late Availability London Hotels, Paris Hotels, Bed and
Breakfast Hotels and Budget Hotels in London. Up to 70% discounts on wide
range of hotels from 5 star Luxury Hotels to Budget Hotels for family,
business & leisure travelers.
Self Catering Vacation apartments for rent and self catering holiday lets
direct from Holidayapartmentsdirect.com
Climate Change News All the latest news on Climate Change and Global Warming
WeWin4U Automatic Competition
Entry If you and your family like entering the hundreds of free
competitions on the net but find it a time consuming task filling in all
those entry forms then WeWin4U is the answer. They will find the competitions
and enter for you, for a small fee. You never know, you might just win
a dream family holiday!
Discount
Hotels
Discount Hotels & Last Minute Hotel Deals from Discount-Breaks.com.
Save up to 70% on Hotels Booking. Special offers available from top
hotel chains. Low Prices guaranteed. Wedding
venues London Free Wedding/Christmas party Venue Finders in UK. Find cheap
conference/reception centers, licensed ceremony/exhibition venues in
London, Asian civil Essex unusual wedding venues, halls for hire and
Meeting rooms, marquees in London, Buckinghamshire, Wales, Scotland,
Berkshire, and Edinburgh. Get Special offers on Country House Wedding
Venues for all your events and occasions. Tajmahal Agra Tour India Tajmahal Agra Tours, Tajmahal Agra Tour India, Tajmahal Tours
Bangalore Hotels Hotels bookings in bangalore, bangalore hotels, bangalore
hotels in india, online reservation bangalore hotels, 5star hotels in
bangalore. Self
Catering Ireland
Four star self catering cottages in Ireland at Croan Cottages, Kilkenny.
Go To Tenerife A privately owned holiday apartment in Los Cristianos
Tenerife that you can book direct with the owners
Celebrity
Cruises Just imagine what it feels like to turn 360 degrees and see
nothing but mesmerizing ocean and majestic scenery. Or to rise to the
wonders of a new destination each morning as your every need is catered
to. These are moments that can only be experienced on a cruise. Car
Hire Spain Car Hire in Spain and Worldwide, Find the best deals on car
rental and vehicle rental in many countries worldwide, UK, France, Spain,
Ireland, Portugal and more, Dublin, Nice, Malaga, Alicante. Let Argus
do the Searching.
UK Online Delicatessen - Buy Gourmet & French Food Online The Good Food Network Online Delicatessen - Buy Gourmet and
traditional French food online. Wide range of gourmet/French food &
drink available online which you will find in specialist delicatessens
and food halls only. Regular special offers on all French/Gourmet food,
UK delivery..
Heart
of Malta - Malta Hotel and Information Guide On this website you can find a holiday accommodation and information
guide about Malta and Gozo and a wide choice of Malta hotels and self
catering apartments.
Kerala Hotels
Karma Kerala is a Kerala travel service for visitors who want to experience
more of Kerala's culture, people, wildlife and history.
