Ios: Sightseeing

Ios: Sightseeing

by | Mar 21, 2022 | Sights

SUNSET AT PANAGIA GKREMIOTISSA

Ios is one of the most famous destinations for summer vacations when it comes to entertainment. The island that never sleeps, with endless parties and fast-living nightlife, is the scene-stealer in this domain. However, Ios has many other aspects such as those of tradition, history, art, and natural beauty. The island hides many monuments and sightseeings that deserve your attention. The proudest religious monument that dominates the hill of Chora is Panagia Gkremmiotisa.

Ios’ churches

Many of the churches that Ios has have been characterized as historical landmark designation monuments of the post-Byzantine period, since they are considered as typical evidence of the Cycladic island architecture.

  • According to the local tradition, the number of churches rises to three hundred sixty five, as many as the days of a year. Nonetheless, in the late 1960s this number declined as many of those were dilapidated or their tracks were lost.
  • In their majority, churches were connected with a family, they were made of stone and clay scattered throughout the island, and they were destined, via the namesake saint of the church, to protect every family’s animals and property from malice.
  • In Ios’ churches, your attention will be caught by precious graven images and famous painters’ artwork, those of Michail Damaskinos and Ioannis Skordilis, who found refuge in Aegean’s islands in the 17th century in their attempt to survive from the Turks. The sanctuary of small churches is used as an ossuary.
  • Some of the churches that were located in the countryside were considered as parts of the monasteries, such as Agios Ioannis in Pyrgos and Panagia in Paleokastro. In the borders of the residential area, there are until today twenty-two churches and the known Panagia Gremmiotisa built in a prominent spot on the hill of Chora while being visible from all compass points. Travelers can have a look at Sikinos from that point, a small island located on the opposite of Ios.

The legend of Panagia

Panagia Gremmiotisa church is designed according to the Byzantine architecture type and is dedicated to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. According to the legend, the graven image, that is located in the chapel, traveled on a raft with a lighted vigil lamp on it, that the waves nor the wind managed to turn off while guiding the worshippers away from the Turkish-held Crete to the coast of Ios. Other local tradition claims that the graven image of mother Mary and Christ was found inside the rocks of Mylopotas bay, lighted from a vigil lamp, and transferred by the residents in the temple of True Cross. Miraculously though, the graven image was transferred in the night at the point that stands today, therefore the new church was built there in honor of Holy Mary. As ascending uphill to the Gkremmiotisa yard, the three small churches that stand there (Agios Nikolaos, Agios Ioannis, Agios Eleftherios) justify the reason why the people of Ios feel that they live under the protection of Holy Mary. Another reason to visit this beautiful church, especially for those that feel romantic, is the view of the endless blue of Aegean and the sunset, which can be as spectacular as Santorini’s famous sunset.

Finally, if you get the chance to visit the island in mid-August, you will experience unforgettable moments in the traditional celebration feast of Panagia Gkremmiotisa that spreads joy to all visitors!

Paros: The best destination to go onholidays with your friends

Paros: The best destination to go onholidays with your friends

by | Mar 1, 2022 | Sights

An amble is never enough to see and afore the beauties of Paros. It is an island of natural and unsurpassed beauty and remarkable artworks! Beaches that look like terrestrial paradise, traditional settlements in blue and white, eating nibbles under the sun and of course endless and wild nights are some of the things that someone will face on this island.

Meet Paros …

Paros has many things to do and for all the preferences. Do you prefer diversion until the morning? Beaches and beach bars like Crryssi Akti, Punda, Drios, Logaras, Molos, etc promise diversion until the early morning hours. Loud music, nonstop dancing, plenty of alcohol, and a lot of people are some of the things that will accompany you to this choice of yours!! Are you interested in adventurous moments? If yes, then come with your friends to the ideal place because in Paros you can do activities such as Kite Surfing, Windsurfing, Scuba diving, Water skiing, horse riding and many others!!! The adrenaline is rushing and the sure thing is that you’ll never get tired of exploring this island. Paros provides you with a plethora of choices for your activities that will remain unforgettable. It’s time to talk about the beaches… Whatever I try to see is not enough… Blue, vast seas with endless sand. The hot sun heats your body and the famous northern wind messes up your hair. Tall trees, scalped rocks, sandhills and the scenery that relaxes you, refresh you and drifts you away to an endless trip!!! One of them is Livadia beach. It is a famous beach, located in the north part of Parikia. It has an extended sand beach with clear waters and is touristically organized. Alongside, we meet every type of shop from which you can buy traditional sweets and souvenirs. At night, you can have a walk at the famous alleys of Paros and be enchanted by its magical view. Then, you can also get to know the island by trying the local cuisine. The cuisine of Paros is based mainly on the products of the sea and earth. It is rich in seafood, which is cooked in different ways, with vegetables, potherb and legumes. Kakavia, salatouri which is a salad with ray, greek tomato fritters, chickpeas in the oven, string bean and zucchini blossoms are included in the best dishes of Paros. Do not forget to accompany your ouzo or wine with stuffed squid with groat or rice, as it is a delicious nibble. Nava Lounge Restaurant is a suggestion to taste Paros’ original dishes. It is a famous beach restaurant. It is located exactly in front of the sea, it is cosmopolitan and in an island-style with the greek Mediterranean cuisine with which you’ll fell in love! Do not forget to ask for the dishes of the day!!! The nightlife in Paros is the reason why the island is the first destination choice for many visitors. The diversion never stops and covers every demand! From relaxing bars with a view towards the sea to bars filled with people and loud music. Along the coastal road of Parikia, during the summer functions as a pedestrian zone, you will find atmospheric bars that are even built at the edge of the cliff. Enjoy your drink while listening to relaxing music and viewing the beautiful Aegean Sea. Down the street, at the “river” of Parikia, appear the capital’s clubs. Every kind of blasting music, drinks and diversion to the fullest. At Naoussa, the night diversion of Paros beats loudly. Countless small bars in white, paved alleys and the cove, which once were the fishermen’s storage. There is no way someone leaving this island dissatisfied. Techno, house, RnB, lounge, mainstream and greek music is heard from the bars that cater for all music tastes. So get your friends and reserve the best holiday package now on http://www.18-24.gr/destination/34 and get ready for your trip to the ultimate summer destination!!!

Ios-Sunset in Panagia Gkremiotisa

Ios-Sunset in Panagia Gkremiotisa

by | Feb 28, 2022 | Travel Experience

When it comes to entertainment Ios is the most known destination to visit for summer vacations. It’s the island that never sleeps, with endless parties and a furious nightlife that steals the show. However, Ios also has other aspects. Those of tradition, history, art, and natural beauty. You cannot miss some remarkable monuments and sightseeings. The most admirable religious monument that dominates the hill of Chora is Panagia Gremmiotisa.

The churches of Ios

Many of the churches that Ios has have been characterized as listed buildings as they are considered to be historical monuments coming from the post-Byzantine era and they constitute original evidence of the Cycladic church architecture. According to the tradition of the island, the number of churches rose to 365 as the days of the year, however, until the late ‘60s, this number decreased as many of the churches were dilapidated or missed. In their majority churches were scattered and destined for each family, they were made of stone and clay, and by the namesake saint of the church, they were protecting each family’s dwelling and land from other’s malice. In these churches, you will find precious graven images, artworks by the famous painters, Michail Damaskinos and Ioannis Skordilis, who in the 17th century resorted to Aegean’s islands to survive from the Turks. The sanctuary of small churches is used as an ossuary. Some of the churches that were located in the countryside were considered as parts of the monasteries, such as Agios Ioannis in Pyrgos and Panagia in Paleokastro. In the borders of the residential area, there are until today 22 churches and the known Panagia Gremiotisa is built in a prominent spot on the hill of Chora while being visible from all compass points. Travelers can have a look at Sikinos from that point, a small island located on the opposite of Ios.

The legend of Panagia

Panagia Gremmiotisa church is designed according to the Byzantine architecture type and is dedicated to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. According to the legend, the graven image, that is located in the chapel, traveled on a raft with a lighted vigil lamp on it that the waves nor the wind managed to turn off while guiding the worshippers away from the Turkish-held Crete to the coast of Ios. Other local tradition claims that the graven image of mother Mary and Christ was found inside the rocks of Mylopotas bay, lighted from a vigil lamp, and transferred by the residents in the temple of True Cross. Miraculously though, the graven image was transferred in the night at the point that stands today, therefore the new church was built there in honor of Holy Mary. As ascending uphill to the Gkremmiotisa yard, the three small churches that stand there (Agios Nikolaos, Agios Ioannis, Agios Eleftherios) justify the reason why the people of Ios feel that they live under the protection of Holy Mary. Another reason to visit this beautiful church, especially for those that feel romantic, is the view of the endless blue of Aegean and the sunset, which can be as spectacular as Santorini’s famous sunset. Finally, if you get the chance to visit the island in mid-August, you will experience unforgettable moments in the traditional celebration feast of Panagia Gkremmiotisa that spreads joy to all visitors!

Tips for your trip!

Tips for your trip!

by | Feb 28, 2022 | Sights

Ios is otherwise named Nios by the locals who call themselves ‘Niótes’. It is a small but also beautiful Cycladic island. This island has managed to combine its cosmopolitan and traditional life remarkably. Its characteristics? The colors of the sky! The white houses, the blue churches, the deep blue seas! And last but not least the graphic alleys for endless walks!

What to eat in Ios!

Ios is known for its cheese production. It possesses a creamery and produces many types of cheeses like ‘skotyri’ which has a spicy flavor and a savory scent, ‘xinotyri’ which is a creamed one, ‘kefalotyri’ or ‘gruyere’ cheese as well as ‘mizithra’ cheese! Beyond cheeses, you cannot omit the traditional Greek fava, ‘tsimetia’ which are consisted of stuffed zucchini blossoms stuffed with rice, the traditional type of pasta namely ‘chylopita’ or ‘matsi’, and the handmade whole-wheat orzo which is named ‘mermitzeli’! Everything is traditionally made with passion by the locals in a way that only they have knowledge of!

Where to swim!

Ios has beautiful beaches for every kind of preference! Let’s introduce you to some of them…Mylopotas beach may be one of the most known on the island! It has been nominated with a blue flag for its crystal clear waters and thin sand! Taking into account the fact that it is such a famous beach it is also organized with sunbeds, bars and water sports for everyone even the most….extreme! Kalamos, Magkanari, Hamoulades, Kubaras (recommended for watersports) are some of the other impressive beaches of Ios! Finally, if you are interested in a nudist beach Kolitsani is the ideal choice for you.

And because Ios has many aspects…

Ios has as many bars as churches too! It is an island for the youth and this is reasonable enough as it has many places for someone to drink alcohol and have fun. That makes it one of the must-to-go destinations for visitors not only coming from Greece, but from abroad as well! However, the island has many other aspects too…its gastronomy that offers a vast variety of cheese, its cultural character, and the museums, like Gaitis Museum, it is the appropriate choice for those that want to get lost in the alleys and prefer to relax during their vacations! At Ios, you can take your vacations however you desire as it is an island that combines different aspects!

Nightlife

Undoubtedly, Mykonos island is the winner when it comes to nightlife and parties, however, Ios comes in second place as it is preferred by many people every summer! The parties start early at the beach bars with people relaxing and drinking and continue to the nightclubs until the morning! If you want this summer to be wild for you and party all night long then Ios is a must-destination for you that will be difficult to let go of! There are numerous places, and the choice is yours!

In general..!

If Ios is your destination for this summer we provide you with some information! If you want crowds you should visit the island from 1st to 15th of August otherwise you’ll get to pass your time on the island more peacefully! Ios has a harbor and an airport which are both approachable… When you get there you can use the public transportation which can transfer you from Chora to the harbor and the Mylopotas beach! The bus routes are frequent. Have fun!!!
London: Visiting its parks!

London: Visiting its parks!

by | Feb 21, 2022 | Travel Experience

London has in its downtown as well as in its suburbs large “Green” areas that were never built, either because these areas belonged to particular holders and shepherds, or because they were royal property for private hunting, or because they were the gardens of a mansion. However, the remmodelation to parks has started relatively recently. The British generally love forests and gardens, something that has created and maintained the abundance of these lush and functional parks.

The parks!

The British in general love forests and parks, that is why there have been a considerable amount of lush parks created. Divided into categories like the geometric shapes, which are distinguished for a peculiar schematic layout, as well as for a set of elements in their interior, as besided of trees and green areas they have flowers, animals and services for fans of sports such as rowing and tennis, are an integral part of the Londoners’ lives. They prefer them for rest and relaxation, while it is not uncommon to organize concerts at many of those parks during summer. Examples, of the most popular and biggest parks/gardens are the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew on the western suburbs of the city, the romantic Holland Park in Kensington, the Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park in South Kensington, Regent’s Park in Marylebone, Hampstead Heath in north London, Battersea Park south of the Thames below Chelsea, Green Park in Mayfair, St James’ Park in Piccadilly and finally Greenwich Park east of London.