by simeon | May 4, 2022 | Sights
The second biggest island of the Cyclades reasonably attracts many visitors. The divine beauty of Andros can be justified if we go back to the first resident of the island, who, according to mythology, was the grandson of Apollo and the great-grandson of Dionysus. Since the ancient years, it has been considered an important naval force and a bustling commercial station. Nowadays, it invites tourists to admire its natural wealth, the beautiful beaches, and many wonderful sights as well.
The traditional square of the Invisible Sailor
After visiting the Maritime Museum, which is located before the Riva square, have a walk there so to greet the legendary Invisible Sailor, which is the hallmark of Andros. It was constructed in honour of the dearly departed sailors and adorns the island for 6 decades. The lovers of ocean travel will not regret daydreaming by his side.
The impressive Kaireios Library
A visit is imposed to the Kaireios Library, especially for philologists and bookworms, and includes 85.000 volumes, among which it has rare editions and manuscripts, and works of art as well. There are taking place organised activities and exhibitions in the summer. Do not miss it!
The impressive Tower of Agios Petros
One thing dominates the meadow of Gavrio and this is the Tower of Agios Petros. This cylindrical building with a spiral staircase on the inside was probably built for checking the ships, hence its special location. It is well-preserved for its time, as it constitutes the basic ornament of Andros for more than 2300 years.
The wild “Foros” cave
If you desire to get some adventure during your vacations, we highly recommended you to visit the Foros cave in the village of Aladinou. Some claim, that it took its name from the Italian word “foros”, which means “opening”, while others believe that it was named after the locals who thought that every time they were losing an animal there, they paid a tax to a bad spirit. One thing is for sure, the gloomy cinematographic atmosphere inside the cave with the stalactites and stalagmites will fascinate even the most demanding explorers. Be appropriately equipped and venture into the depths of the cave.
The dynamic Pythara waterfalls
Andros is not surrounded by water only from the external but from the inner part as well. At Apikia, in the creek of Pythara, there are impetuous waterfalls, in a location that according to tradition, was inhabited by fairies. Today is inhabited by many animals and has many plants that contribute to the natural wealth. Enjoy the wild beauty in this point of Andros which seems like it came out of a fairytale, and clear your mind while listening to the gurgling water. To explore the beauty of Andros, find the most low-priced offers on our webpage: https://www.thegreeks.com/en/hotels/in/andros
by simeon | May 4, 2022 | Sights
Ios, the beautiful island of the Cyclades, is located between the islands of Naxos and Santorini. Someone might say that it is a flawless, white ornament on a rocky land whilst all the houses and the churches are painted in the classic Cycladic colour of white with blue or green doors. The island of Ios is known for having 365 churches and legend says that each of them is dedicated on one day of the year. Today, half of them are open and function normally, however, they form chaste and white ornaments of Christianism and tradition.
Panagia Gremiotissa
It was built on the hill of Chora in 1797. There, the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary (in Greek Panagia) is saved. This little church is the most known on the island, as it has a legend concerning the way that it was built. During the time of the Ottoman dominance, the Cretans threw the icon of Panagia into the sea so to save it from the Turks, until it was found by the people of Ios and they decided to build a temple in honour of Panagia next to the Metropolis. Nevertheless, the building was ruined every night and the icon was found up on the hill. There it was the position of Panagia Gremiotissa looking at Crete, the place from which it came.
The Cathedral Church of the Annunciation
You will find it in the centre of Chora. Its architectural design follows the Cycladic style, it is an impressive temple, painted in white with clear blue domes and white crosses on the top. Alongside there is a smaller church that of Saint John the Forerunner.
The church of St. Irene
This beautiful small church is located above the harbour since the 17th century. Because of its discernible location, it is the first thing that the travellers see as they arrive on the island and the last one as they depart.
Panagia Paleokastritsa
Panagia Paleokastritsa is a small, snow-white church, with trees all over and a view of Amorgos, Naxos and other Cycladic islands. Its celebration takes place every year on September 8th. It is located in the old castle of Ios between Agia Theodoti and Psathi. The castle was built in 1397 by Marco Crispo and its construction was probably based on an older Byzantine castle that existed in the area. To find low-priced packages for Ios, click here: https://www.thegreeks.com/en/hotels/in/ios
by simeon | May 4, 2022 | Sights
The biggest island of the Dodecanese is a real-life school. Rhodes has been for many years now, the homeland and the commercial centre for many people coming from different cultures. It is said that Rhodes is the most eastern island of Greece and it was the favourite island of the Sun. Eventually, it is a book of history that is constantly under construction and enrichment. However, one cannot forget the beauty of Rhodes, which is easy on the eyes. Below we will try to present to you some of the sights, which you cannot miss. Let the trip begin!
The imposing Lindos
The preserved village of Lindos, a bit far from the town of Rhodes, was one of the most important towns in the region during the ancient years, due to its strategic (and not only) location. The visitors who explore the site will be surprised while beholding the Acropolis of Lindos and the known Sanctuary of Athena of Lindos, as well as the Propylea. The most impressive of all is the relief depicting a trireme at the foothills of the rock.
The magical Rodiniou Park
Who wouldn’t visit the most ancient park in the world located close to the town of Rhodes? Among others, the peaceful lakes, the graphic trails, the deers, the peacocks and the rich flora combine the natural beauty of the park, which is an ideal location for ambulation.
The magnificent Palace of the Grand Master
We are in the 14th century. The knights decide, under the order of Saint John, to construct a luxurious Palace that will function as the residence of the Grand Master, and as the city’s headquarters. A few centuries later is partly destroyed because of an explosion under the Ottoman military occupation, but it gets reconstructed under the Italian occupation at the beginning of the previous century. You will be speechless. Today this big and historical Palace functions as a museum and note that it has hosted the summit meeting of the European Economic Community in 1988. Explore this site and get to know its history!
The dreamy Butterfly Valley
The house of the butterfly namely “Panaxia Quadripunctaria” welcomes visitors in heavenly scenery. Around the Pelekano river, apart from the butterflies, you will find cinematographic bridges, cool waters and rich vegetation. Prepare for an extreme experience in a place that will make you feel like you are a part of a fairytale. Be cautious and don’t startle the butterflies! Have fun!
The elegant Medieval Town of Rhodes
The Medieval Town of Rhodes is the sight that deserves to be mentioned the most. It is not a coincidence that people refer to Rhodes as the Island of Knights. It is a World Heritage Site of UNESCO and the point where the cardinal directions of East and West meet, where Orthodoxy and Catholicism with Islamism are found and it combines ancient and modern elements. Amble to the streets and observe the alleys, the museums, the armoury, the old hospitals, the temples’ ruins, the mosque, the library and the art gallery. Have in mind that you will need a lot of time. To find low-priced packages for the Island of the Knights, click here:https://www.thegreeks.com/en/hotels/in/rhodes
by simeon | May 3, 2022 | Uncategorized
Paris is the city of love whilst London the city of music. However, Vienna and Hanoi, -among others- are the cities that are worth a visit to taste good coffee.
The culture and the variety of coffee that a country has is a smart way for someone to get to know the country that is visiting. Coffee will be totally different to those that usually drink it in order to wake up in the morning. If you are one of those people you owe it to yourself to try an authentic viennese or at least a traditional Turkish coffee. Next we are presenting you the five cities that have the best coffee and are willing to know you..
Hanoi, Vietnam
In the capital of Vietnam, coffee is usually served along with the filter and with condensed milk. There are many available places of different and unique aesthetic for someone to enjoy a coffee. Drink your coffee cold in order to get through Vietnam’s hot climate, in alternative places or luxurious cafes of the capital.
Portland, Oregon
Each of Portland’s residents have their own favourite variety of roasted coffee and there are many places to discover yours where coffee is used in a unique way from the first stage of the product until it is served to your cup. Bear in mind that in Portland people respect coffee and its culture and do not “appreciate” those that prefer to alter it with much milk and whatever else that changes its flavour.
Vienna, Austria
While many cities offer unique experiences that are related to the consumption of coffee, Vienna is the only one in the world that brings the seal by UNESCO as well. The viennese culture of coffee that comes from the 17th century belongs to the cultural heritage of the country, while the atmosphere that every Austrian cafe provides is something unique that cannot be found elsewhere in the world.
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Ethiopia is one of the 10 largest countries in the world that produce coffee, as its tradition for coffee dates back to the 10th century. Many ceremonies for coffee are carried out until today, while in Addis Ababa you can find a western type of coffee as well, but we recommend you to try the Ethiopian traditional one.
Istanbul, Turkey
For the Turkish people coffee must be “black as hell, strong as death and sweet as love” and something like that you will drink in one of the countless coffee-houses of the city. As many of us know, Turkish coffee is another way to name the Greek coffee, it is not about a light coffee so when you visit Istanbul do not hesitate to try one and discover which one is the best, the Greek or the Turkish one?
by simeon | May 3, 2022 | Uncategorized
Are you ready for your trip but your beautiful face is looking kinda haggard from the daily use of makeup and tiredness? Don’t worry! We found the solution for you to look prettier than ever in your vacation photos!
This trick originated in India! In India, a mask from turmeric is essential for those that want to look fresh and is used by all the brides- and the grooms as well- before the wedding. It is a custom that people follow for thousands of years as turmeric has excellent properties for the skin and its conditions. It has anti-inflammatory properties and can reduce acne and inflammations of the skin.
At the same time, it has anti-aging properties that contribute to the decrease and prevention of wrinkles resulting in a more youthful looking skin. Because of the ingredients that it contains, turmeric enhances the growth of new cells and the maintenance of the skin’s elasticity.
The ingredients for this miraculous mask are the following:
1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
1 teaspoon of honey (preferably choose organic honey)
1 teaspoon of milk or yogurt
Execution method:
You mix all the ingredients in sequence as they are mentioned above until you get a thick sticky mixture that does not leak. You can also add some flour to get a more thick result. Have in mind that turmeric stains and probably you will not want it to leak from your face.
Preparation for the application:
- Clean your face and remove any make-up. Wear something that you will not mind if it gets stained.
- Apply the mask to your face and under the eyes (it will help if you have dark circles under the eyes) by using a brush.
- Let the mask dry on your face approximately for 20 to 25 minutes.
- Wash with cool water and dry gently with a towel.
