Someone recently asked me what does happiness mean to me? I thought for a while and came up with many potential answers, but in the final analysis I responded, “taking a Greek Island Trip”. The Greek Islands are magical and most dream about getting there when it is time to retire. But why wait until then? What if retirement never comes? The Greek Islands are waiting for you today and what makes it even more tempting is that the prices are right, the weather is getting better by the day and before you know it it will be April and time to swim!
The Greek Islands are diverse, from the dry and baron like Folegandros to the green and lush like Skiathos. Or if you prefer a different pace try the Ionian Sea which lies in between Greece and Italy, and explore the magical island of Zakinthos, pictured here. Another favorite island of mine is Corfu with its deep and rich history featuring a tremendous Venetian influence offering a culinary delight at every turn. In addition Corfu offers spectacular beaches, a vibrant town and a vibe to rival any of the other Greek Islands.
Can you think of a better place to honeymoon than the Greek Islands? Perfect Climate with no rain in the summer, no humidity and barely a cloud to see. The rates have gotten cheaper, the US dollar has gotten Stronger and the folks on the Greek Island await to give you the best service of your life.
There are dozens of Greek Islands to choose from ranging from the Cosmopolitan Mykonos with great nightlife and beaches, to the fast moving Rhodes with tons of things to do including a world class casino. The Greek Islands are easy to reach by either a quick domestic flight or high speed luxury ferry boat service.
One of my favorite places to visit is the city of Chania on the Greek Island of Crete. Chania with over 350km of coastline and more than 80 beaches – most of which awarded with a blue flag, hosts some of the most beautiful exotic beaches in all of Greece. A great day trip while in Chania is Elafoniss which is only 80km southwest of the city. Elafoniss appears to be an Island but is an oblong peninsula which is connected to the mainland of Crete, featuring a shallow underwater passage where the surrounded lagoon is no deeper than 1m.
The Cyclades are best known for their beaches and whitewashed towns. The most famous of all is the cliff top town of Fira on Santorini. There are 56 islands in the group with only 24 inhabited some tiny and docile like Folegandros, and others like Mykonos, Paros and Ios pulsate with nightlife till dawn. Most of the islands are arid and rocky, with the exception of wooded Andros, Kea and Naxos. So how to visit more than just a few Greek Islands, during your Greek Island Hop? The most efficient and economic solution is to sail the Greek Islands. If you do not have access to a sail boat do not fret since the Greek Island Ferry Boat System is a great alternative.
Visit Greece, just published an article on sailing the Greek Islands of the Cyclades and here are some tips:
Greek Island Sailing Tips:
-The lunar landscape at Sarakiniko on Milos Island
-The leeward harbor of Faros on Sifnos Island
-Windsurfing and waterskiing at Pounda beach on Paros Island
-The crazy nightlife of Mykonos Island
-The safest dock of Syros Island is Foinikas
-The “Old Lady’s Leap”beach on Andros Island
-The monastery of “Panagia Chozoviotissa” on Amorgos Island, visible only by the sea
-The traditional pigeon-houses on Tinos Island
-The relaxed atmosphere of Antiparos Island
-The golden beaches and the crystal blue waters of Ios Island
-The small scenic harbors and coves accessible by boat only on Kimolos
-The golden cave on Folegandros Island
The Greek Islands remain a premier destination of choice for Luxury Travelers.
The Greek Tourism Industry is expected to suffer a blow this year with less visitors expected this season as compared to last year. The luxury side of the market is however doing quite well thus far this season and is expected to surpass last years numbers. One of the reasons is the fact that better pricing is being offered by Hotel Owners on all major Greek Islands. According to a post in the Travel News Website, Greek Luxury Villa Rentals remain strong this season. The average price of a Luxury Retreats booking in Greece has decreased by 37 percent as compared to last year.
Dr. Andreas Andreadis, the president of the Association of Greek Tourism Enterprises (SETE), said, ‘We want to encourage international tourism and assure potential tourists that there has never been a better time to come to our country. We are trying to change the way our country and its economy is run, however, this is not going to affect the quality of a holiday.’
With Hoteliers and Villa owners being more aggressive with the pricing it will only be a matter of time before business resumes to normal levels on the Greek Islands, so take advantage of the Greek Island deals now.
Ancient Corinth is inhabited since the Neolithic Ages from as early 5000 B.C., and historically one of greatest cities of Greece. The City has played a key role through out the History of Greece from the Peloponnesian War thru the time of Julius Ceasar’s rule when it was known as the province of Achaia. During medieval times impressive fortress were built, and later in 1858 a devastating earthquake destroyed the city. Corinth was rebuilt and today it is an important metropolis located only 84 kilometers west of Athens.
A great article was just published in the Telegraph Newspaper in England. The article points out to how Greece was historically a vacation destination for the rich and not until the 1990′s did mass tourism arrives to the shores of the Greek Islands. The Telegraph article also goes on to highlight some of Greece’s Chicest Greek Islands such as Mykonos; definitely worth the read.
“We may think of Greece as cheap, cheerful and, in recent months, broke, but it’s easy to forget that, until mass tourism really took off in the early 1990s, it was as much a rich man’s paradise as a hippie haven. In the 1960s, opulent enclaves such as Rhodes and Mykonos attracted visiting royalty, wealthy socialites and glitterati from the worlds of film, music, art and fashion, from Pablo Picasso, John Lennon and Henry Miller to Jackie Onassis and Brigitte Bardot.”
Woody Allen reported to be scouting the Greek Islands of Skiathos and Skopellos for an upcoming Film production
According to a story in the Greek Reporter earlier this week, Woody Allen is planning to visit the Sporades islands, of Skiathos and Skopelos, soon to explore potential locations for a new movie he intends to film on one of these Greek islands in the near future.
The story went on to say, how Woody Allen, prefers Europe for shooting films, and now everybody on the Greek Islands of Skiathos and Skopellos are thrilled about his upcoming visit. In the recent past Woody Allen filmed a wonderful movie in Barcelona by the name of “Vicky Cristina Barcelona”
Residents of the Sporades islands have been accustomed to increased publicity due to the recent hit of “Mamma Mia,” which featured the natural beauty of Skiathos island.
Mykonos, one of the most popular Greek Islands is a magnet for tourists from around the world. The cosmopolitan Island of Mykonos is known for its vibrant nightlife, amazing beaches and beautiful people. However, the town of Mykonos is not to be overlooked and is an attraction in itself. It is a magical Cycladic town with a maze of tiny streets and whitewashed houses and churches. The town is gathered around its harbor and the streets are lined with little shops, boutiques, art galleries, cafes, bars and a bountiful amount of restaurants.
It is best spend at least a few days on Mykonos, but for those that may be visiting from a cruise ship or coming in from Athens a Tour may be the most cost efficient way to visit this glamorous Island. Take a look at some Mykonos Sightseeing Tours
The gossip channels and media are in a frenzy and the rumors buzzing that Jennifer Aniston is planning to marry her boyfriend Justin Theroux in the Greek Islands later this year. The former Friends star is said to have been scouting for suitable locations, including the the Greek Island of Crete during a recent visit.
The Elounda Beach Hotel, was among the venues she visited, according to TMZ.
Jennifer Aniston, has strong links to Greece – it’s where her father Yannis Anastasakis was born, better known as John Aniston. Ms. Aniston lived in Greece for a year with her family during her childhood.
Athens By Night Sightseeing Tour is a Great way to take in the Ancient City with little fuss. This Tour of Athens will bring you a spectacular view of the Ancient Acropolis illuminated in a way that even the Ancient Gods would have approved.
This fantastic Sightseeing trip of Athens will also offer a a visit to the Museum of Ancient Greek Musical Instruments. As an added bonus you will experience a traditional Greek dinner in the heart of Athens and a folklore show with live music and ballet with dancers in traditional costumes.
So when in Athens don’t skip the opportunity to explore this magnificent city in only 4 hours. To make matters even easier you will be picked up from your hotel and have an English speaking guide the whole time.
Someone recently asked me what does happiness mean to me? I thought for a while and came up with many potential answers, but in the final analysis I responded, “taking a Greek Island Trip”. The Greek Islands are magical and most dream about getting there when it is time to retire. But why wait until then? What if retirement never comes? The Greek Islands are waiting for you today and what makes it even more tempting is that the prices are right, the weather is getting better by the day and before you know it it will be April and time to swim!
