Karterados

Want to know which is a traditional village that is closer to Santorini? It is the Karterados. This village is inside two rivers, if you do not know it, you might even know its existence. It is invisible from everywhere, thus its name ‘hidding spot’ or Karterados and it is an ambush point. There are beautiful traditional Santorini architecture for a great photography opportunities. The village next to the stream in a ravine dates back to the 17^th century. Cave houses are built as the kind of original dwellings for the Greek in those days. They are very deep into the rock face. Two centuries later, it became one of the large sea captain village. There used to be ambushes set up to trap marauding pirates. In the square of this village is a traditional windmill. You can find a memorial plaque of those who fought in the WWII. Following the road that curves sharply to the left leads you to the ‘Steps of Galaios’. And again you can find cobbled streets in a small neighbourhood, with cave houses and captains houses other than shops.

Perissa and Kamari

Perissa

The other town to see is the three thousand year old Greek town Perissa, and the must see here is the Messa Vuna. On the summit of the mountain between Kamari and Perissa, relics in the Athens are mostly excavated from this part. By the tours you might be able to get there due to no organized trips to it. It is not an easy place to access to, not for those with mobility problems nor those with heart issues. Most likely a three kilometers hike up the 600 meters high hill is necessary. Then you need to walk round the ruins in the early morning if possible since the Ancient Thira closes by 1430 in the afternoon. You may also explore further by going up to the monastery via those paths, to Perissa or Kamari. Going downwards, it leads you to Pyrgos. This sea-side village Perissa is an amazing place with long black sand. You can enjoy the usual water based activities. Do try to experience the surroundings via a water taxi which can take you round the headland to the town of Kamari, the other seaside village on the southeastern side of Santorini. Kamari can lead you to the Ancient Thira by buses, by car or on foot.

Los island

Los island has three major villages, namely Ormos (Yialos), Hora and Milopotas. The most beautiful beach of them all is the Milopotas. For Hora, sometimes it is known as Chora has very small alleys and all around are white-wash houses. It may seemed like a quiet place in the day, but at night, it became a main party zone. Thus, you must see what it has to offer for its nightlife and also the archeological museum there. There resides the Homer’s tomb, an open-air theater, the Old castle Paleocastro, the marina and the beach of Maganari. Usually people go there to party, to do water sports such as wind-surfing, diving, waterskiing and also visit the prehistoric settlement on Skarkos. You should also try the Greek dishes, Mezze style, the Italian style wood fired pizza, Mediterranean desserts and dishes, tapas and meze dishes with an electic mix, fresh fish, international cuisine, bbq, sandwiches, waffles, smoothies and do also remember to try their house wine. If you like camping in Milopotas, try the Far Out Camping or PurplePig Star. You can easily find hotels that can accommodate up to four persons near the Mylopotas Beach and there are event apartments accommodation that are five minutes walk from the beach.

Anafi

Anafi

Since you are near to Santorini and Los, you should also check out Anafi. It is a quiet, unspoilt island where tourists normally go there for recreational purposes. What you should see is the Monastery Zoodchou Pigis on the east of Anafi which is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Be warned to be in proper clothing if you wish to enter the monastery. The other must see is the ancient settlement called Kastelli. It is a ruin site just on the way to the monastery so you would not missed it. Anafi is also good for walks other than the beaches. The three footpaths to follow are Klisidi, Katsouni and Megalos Roukounas. Expect fine soft sand at Klisidi. And at Katsouni, people even camp there. Megalos Roukounas offers the best beach of about 500meters. You can also find a snack bar there. The thing is to not take your car or motor bikes to the beach area. You are also recommended to check out the Alexandras Place which has a nice sea view and tasty fish. In the morning they serve breakfast as well. The other is the Margaritas Restaurant in Klisidi beach which serves every homemade from bread to their food. If you like a unique balcony view, that’s the place to go.

Epidaurus

Summer is a great season to visit Greece as it has lots of cultural events not limited to just dance performances to offer. Be warned that if you are on the mainland, it is a climate of hot to very hot. Coastal or island areas are cooler, though many places are generally hot. Expect temperatures up to 28ºC if you are in Athens, Crete is two degrees cooler. People still enjoy outdoor cinemas other than the art festivals and some local festivals.

Propylaion Gate, Acropolis

Whether it is spelled as Propylea or Proyplaia or Propylaea, this gate is a monumental gateway and entrance to the Acropolis in Athens. This place will be with great crowds in Summer. The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus is one of the venues for the Athens & Epidaurus Festival. Other than getting to see the archaeological site of Sanctuary of Asklepios, you can see theatrical performances. Or go to the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, the Herodeon on the southern slopes of Acropolis. You can find events happening on the Dionyssiou Areopagitou Street. There are theatre presented by Berliner Ensemble, Stockholm Royal Dramatic Theatre, the Propeller Theatre Company featuring distinguished Greek directors such as Michael Marmarinos and Dimitris Lignadis. In Epidaurus, see the Oedipus the King directed by Cezaris Gruzinis. Dimitris Bitos promising you surprises in the Little Epidaurus.

Dances at the Hellenic Festival

Odeon of Herodes Atticus

This 38 days event is where you can see plays, at various venues such as the Athens Concert Hall, the Onassis Cultural Centre, and in one of the Herod Atticus that was built in memory of Regilla. If you like dance performances, the Sasah Waltz, Alain Buffard, Ali Thabet and Hedi Thabet will be making an amazing dance performance entitled Rayahzone. Ali and Hedi from Tunisia jointly choreographed the dance with an immersion in Sufi music. Fluid or violent movements for this ‘rayah’ which literally means ‘journey’. The Mariinsky Theatre Ballet will be there and Don Quixote is known to be one of the most popular Russian ballets (Swan Lake). This comeback to the Odeon of Herodes Atticus will be a wonderful addition. Julie Nioche shall also be introducing herself in ‘Nos solitudes’. See her being suspended above and without magic, watch how her body balance against the gravity-defying dance. Tout va bien by Alain Buffard is an aesthetic ‘disobedient’ dance with emancipation and forms of repression.

GGreek Food

eek Spanaki

Some Greek food had different philosophical and religious meanings. The main Greek food are barley, wheat bread, olive oil, wine, apples, figs, cheese, lentils, salt, fish, lamb and pork. To be honest, the Greek never eat meat unless it had been sacrificed to the god. And the other time when they will eat the meat is when it had been hunted in the wild. The main belief is that it is wrong to kill. And must less to eat a domesticated animal that is tamed, thus it has to be sacrificed to the gods first. For vegetables, there are some that are believed to be cleaner. The Greeks believed that the Pythagoreans would not eat beans. The correlation between wine is to the God Dionysos, while bread is to Persephone and Demeter.

Mediterranean Triad

The Mediterranean triad refers to barley, millet which are wheat, olive oil and wine. The second is the vegetables such as legumes which they grow themselves, peas, chickpeas, beans and lentils. More fish is eaten than meat due to their emotions about sacrificing meat. From the way food is eaten, you can tell a Greek from a foreigner. Greeks eating habits are different, they value simplicity. “The best meal was a free one” quoted by Chrysippus. Chrysippus of Soli is a Stoic philosopher, native to Cilicia and was the pupil of Cleanthes. Stoicism is about the Hellenistic philosophy mainly the teachings on destructive emotions resulting from errors in judgment. It also believes that a person of moral and intellectual perfection or even a sage will not suffer such emotions.

Culinary and Gastronomy

Greek Food

Greeks takes pleasure in describing the table of the Achaemenid Great King and his court. Clearchus of Soli, Ctesias, Herodotus and Strabo were unaminous when describing this. The 4^th-3^rd century BCE’s Clearchus of Soli wrote a lot on eastern cultures, India to Persia. For Ctesias of Cnidus, he was a historian and Greek physician. The other ancient Greek historian born in Caria was Herodotus, ‘Father of History’ was what he was known as. And finally, the fourth, Strabo was a geographer, philosopher other than a Greek historian as well. His mother was Georgian and Strabo had travel extensively from Egypt to Kush, Tuscany, Asia minor, Rome and even Ethiopia. He also was at Corinth, island of Gyaros in the Aegean Sea, sailing up the Nile and to Philae. He is pro-Roman politically, but he culturally, he is reserved to Greece.

Lichnos Beach

The small town on Ionian coast called Parga in Greece is a nice relaxation destination. It is between Preveza and Igoumenitsa which lies in the region of Epirus. This is central and northern Greece and the historical castle is a draw. Other than the Krioneri beach, there is the Valtos beach, and the Lichnos beach. The scenic beauty of Parga is well-known, this is where the friendly people are around and you get to see a real Greek town. Local tourism is common in Parga too, most of the fellow Greeks visit this place frequently. The peak period of Parga for tourists is July and August. You can go to Parga by boat or by bus from Igoumenitsa or from Preveza with the daily connections. Otherwise from Corfu, there are boats or those coming by air to Preveza may take the charter tourists buses as well. If you are brave to explore the town with a scooter, you can rent one and explore the area and surroundings. Along your way, you must see the Ali Pasha castle which is right on the west of Valtos beach. The other attraction is the old 14^th century Greek Fortress. This fortress is on a headland that is separating the Valtos beach and the town centre of Parga. Nature lovers who enjoy walking will love the views that are ever so breathtaking. Just be aware that there are steep drops into the sea and there are no barriers or cordons to forewarn you while you are wandering. Within the greens maybe snakes, just keep on track on the pathways will help you avoid them. Some other tip include buying a map and carry the local Parga map along. You may take a bus to Anthousa and alight at Ali pasha. The way to make you you get off at the correct place is telling the driver the name of this place, then walk to the top of the hill. Take some refreshments like an ice-cream.

Anthousa

Anthousa

This suburb of Athens in Attica is part of the municipality Pallini. At the south of Penteli Mountain, Anthousa is well-known for the exhibition center. Trees and lots of green is what this place is about, it is a quiet place with just a few people living in the area. There are shops and suburban housing. This village is in Epirus which is a mountainous area with land of the ancient Thesprotians and Molossians.

Fira Santorini Greece

Sightseeing is a must in Greece, need to say more? Well, eating and drinking is the other. The Greek Culture has a lot of explorations for a newbie, whether you are from Europe or from Asia, this place has one of the most beautiful beaches around. Active tourists will also like the sports and recreational activities available. However, be aware of the special events in Greece though, you don’t want your holidays to be held back by the locals who are preparing to go home for the Holy Week. In Greece, one must not miss the Greek Archeology and the historic sites.

Sights to be Seen in Greece

The top attractions in Greece is mostly in Athens, there are also marvelous neighborhoods in Athens that are delightful. Join the Athens tourist bus or tours, for example, tours of Crete are worth it. Do explore also the Northern parts of Greece. The other interesting way is to try island hopping by hydrofoil if you have not experience this mode of transportation yet. Finally, when in Greece, sightsee Santorini is one way to have a good feel of what Greece is really like.

What to Eat and What to Drink?

Greece is a place with a lot of great treats to offer, it is not just fun to eat out, it is great to try the wineries and go on and have yourself a wonderful time doing just winetastings. Dining is an important event for the Greeks, so you will probably be expose to eating a Greek Snail, something exotic they say. The Greeks enjoy wines and it is really a wine country, so there are a lot of viticulture, Retsina, Pine Wine and Ouzo. Ouzo is like a Greek philosophy, it is a powerful fragrant drink. Other than this, there is the Greek beer, the Greek yoghurt, Greek Olives, Greek Olive oils for those who loves culinary. Explore one of the top restaurants in Athens, you will surely not regret this trip.

Culture Shock vs Culture Delight

Greek Wine

A rich past is what Greek is made of, and today, you can explore these be it in the hot summer or a glass of rustic wine. If you go to Greece in the time when the festivals will be all around, you can find lots of concerts, events which brings lots of live to your vacation as well. Greek Folk Arts, Easter, Christmas, New Year, even the exotic Greek language is a great way to learn more about the Greek culture.

Artemis

The is so much history of the Ancient Greece, and from 499 BC to 488 BC, there was the Greco-Persian between the Great empire of Persia and the Coalition of Greek city-states. Greece today that had went through Ionian Revolt, the first major Persian War, we learnt about Cyrus the Great as well as how there was the First Persian War. Greece really gone through a lot, from the Pelopponnesian War to the Archidamian War, then to the Sicilian war and later on the Ioninan or Decelean War. The remains of the historical ruins today, are still beautiful in some areas. For example the sculpted female figure in the column, it has an entablature on her head. This architectural support that works like a pillar in Peloponnese is quite popular. There is a famous temple in Karyai. It is dedicated to Artemis who used to rejoice in the dances of the nut-tree village. They carry live reeds as if they were dancing plants and they danced the ecstatic round-dance.

Artemis Agrotera, Potnia Theron

This means “Artemis of the wildland, Mistress of Animals”. In Greek mythology, she is described as Leto and Zeus’s daughter. She is also the twin of Apollo. As she is the Hellenic goddess, she was was usually noted as a huntress, so you see her with arrows and a bow. Virginity, wilderness, young girls, childbirth is what she is usually depicted with. Artemis’s heart was won over by Orion who was her hunting companion. It was not clear who killed him accidentally in the mythology, the speculation was Gaia or Artemis herself.

Troy and Trojan War

In western Anatolia in the olden times, Apollo who was Artemis’s brother was a patron god while she was well worshipped there. Artemis other than being supporter of Troy, she took side of Trojans and also believed the oracle who said the sacrifice of Iphigenia (who was Agamemnon’s daughter) would win the goddess heart.

Goddess of Hills and Forests

Delos

Throughout ancient Greece, Artemis was rather worshipped and best known for the island of Delos. Delos is her birthplace, it was in Sparta. If you ever seen her in a painting, she is mostly in a forest setting and standing next to a deer. Before any new military campaign, the ancient Spartans would sacrifice to her. In Sparta, they also observe the festival of Artemis Orthia, other include Mounikhia, Brauronia, Elaphebolia and Kharisteria

Saint Basil

Vassilio’s or Vasillis originated from Basil, in medieval context it is Basileios which directly came from ‘Kingdom’. In the tradition, gifts were brought to children on the first of January. This day is St Basil’s Day when traditionally, serving of vasilopita is a practice. Vasilopita is a kind of rich bread that is baked with a coin in it. Part of the custom is to sing New Year’s carols and an extra place at the table is set for the Saint Basil where he is like the eastern Santa Claus who is associated with Nicholas in the western parts.

Great Feasts of the Orthodox Church

On the 6^th of January, the Orthodox Greek also celebrates the Feast of Epiphany: The Baptism of Jesus Christ. This will be followed by the Feast of the Presentation of Christ in the Temple on the 2^nd of February. In March on the 25^th, the next is the Feast of the Annunciation of Our Most Holy Lady, the Theotokos and Ever Virgin Mary. Theotokos is the Greek title of the mother of Jesus also in the Oriental Orthodox, Eastern Catholic Churches. Its literal translation is ‘God-bearer’

Sunday Before Pascha

The Palm Sunday is the Feast of the Entrance of Our Lord Jesus Christ into Jerusalem. The Ascension of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is 40 days after Pascha. 50 days after Pascha, it is the Feast of Holy Pentecost. The Cenancle on Mount Zion had claimed to be the location of the Pentecost and the Last Supper. The word Pentecost is a Greek word and it signifies ‘fifty’ and its literal meaning is ‘fifty-count’. In Greece, the day it was counted was from the morrow after the Sabbath which is Saturday in today’s context.

Two Feastings in August, and Two Feastings in September

Dormition of the Holy Theotokos

On the 6^th of August, it is the Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ. Then on the 15^th, the Feast of The Dormition of Our Most Holy Lady, The Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary. In the month of September, again there are two other feasts. One is happening on the 8^th where the Feast of the Nativity of Our Most Holy Lady, The Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary is held. The other is happening on the 14^th where the Feast of the Universal Exaltation of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross is held. In October there is none. However, the last two feasts in the end of the year are on the 21^st of November for the Feast of the Entrance into the Temple of Our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and the 25^th of December for the Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Greek Wines

6500 years ago marked the first and earliest evidence of Greek wine. Wines exported from Crete and Monemvasia in the medieval times fetched great prices in the northern parts of Europe. The various wine regions in Greece other than Crete are: the Aegean Islands, Central Greece, Epirus, Ionian Islands, Macedonia and Peloponnese. There are several interesting red wine grape varieties: Agiorghitiko, Xinomavro, Mandilaria, Mavrodaphne and Kotsifali. Agiorgitiko has an interesting name, it is a heat-resistant Greek wine-making grape that is red and traditionally grown in Nemea region of Peloponnese.

Red Greek Wine Grape Varieties

From soft to very tannic, all depends on the processes and the factors in the growing. For example, the grape is planted in infertile and dry soil. In this way, fewer and concentrated grapes can be produced and they ripen after the mid of September. The wine is made in a varietal style, this means it is blended with Cabernet Sauvignon near to Metsovo. The special thing about wine made in this region of Nemea is that it is often made into roses of oak-aged red wines. Characteristically, you will get a spicy wine with notes of plum that is of low acidity. Great for those who likes good coloring and fruitiness of the red wine. Metsovo is just a town in Epirus. It is on the mountains of Pindus, somewhere between Meteora and Ioannina. This place is also famous for its local Metsovone cheeses other than the winmaking industries. You are recommended to visit Averoff Gallery dedicated to Georgios Averoff. In winter, it is a popular ski resort. Sour black or Xinomavro is cultivated in Northern Greece mainly the prefecture of Imathia and Amyntaion areas. It is commonly been compared to Barolo, Burgundy and Bordeaux.

Mandilaria

Mandilaria Grapes

Mandilaria is also a red wine grape that is great as a blending component and it is a variety which is mostly grown in Greek Isles. The wine produced from this grape is light bodied but having a deep color. As for Mavrodafni, it is a black wine grape mainly produced in the Northern Peloponnese and the Achaia region. It tastes sweet and you can get fortified wine from it. The matured wine has its fermentation stopped by the addition of distillate of the older vintages. It has residual sugar and later completing its maturation in the underground cellars. They made best dessert wine, usually opaque, dark purple to dark color. Unique flavours lke raisins, chocolate and coffee or even caramel can be found.

Greek Salad ©sweetvalleyherbs

Romaine lettuce is one of the key ingredients in the Greek salad. Ripe tomatoes cut in wedges, cucumber, red onions, pitted Kalamata olives, crumbled Feta cheese, chopped fresh parsley, olive oil, red wine vinegar, sugar, minced garlic, ground pepper, pinch of salt, and one whole lemon freshly squeezed juice. This lovely summer salad dish when added with the berries of capers from the Dodecanese islands makes it such a wonder. Some people also add the rocket leaves, green bell peppers for an authentic taste. Hand-tossed Greek salads are great combinations with grilled chicken. The Greeks way of eating and lifestyle such as the 2pm to 5 pm siesta is one of its unique culture. They never rush when eating, so expect to see them eating for two to three hours.

Eating in the Greek Home

Home food includes an omelette, steamed or baked vegetables, tzatziki salad and some crusty bread. Some people may go for a Greek Galactoboureko dessert, other will go for Zacharoplasteion. Those who does not will gladly for just for a Greek yoghurt, toppings pistachios and honey. Galactoboureko is a custard pie, it is made with creamy custard sandwiched betweet crisp filo pastry sheets. It is usually topped or rather soaked in an aromatic syrup. In part of the making, fine semolina, eggs, sugar, lemon zest and vanilla essence are use. The syrup is full of sugar and some brandy added to it. This is quite a ‘sinful’ dessert as the butter is quite generously added for achieving its great taste. The other Zacharoplasterion is a sweet, honey drenched yet crispy delight, even the name tells it all – ‘sugar shop’ is the literal meaning. Layers of filo pastry, chopped walnuts, pistachios cinnamon syrup are key ingredients. The Greeks also eat Baklava, Kataifi, Karythopita and Melomakarona. Cookie or biscuit, sponge cakes, spoon sweets like the Klyka Koutaliou (fruit preserved in a syrup) are also hot favourites.

Walnut Cake, Karidopita

Karidopita

Not just for the old ladies from the high Athens society. The Greek walnut cake is made with a light sponge and nutty texture of walnuts in it. In tea or coffee houses, eating this rich walnut cake topped with whipped cream is simply an indulgence. Sweet aromatic syrup is dripping in it and it is always a classic trademark of the Greek desserts. This great walnut cake is ideal for winter especially. The main ingredients are caster sugar, brandy or cognac, ground cinnamon, roughly chopped walnuts.