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.

What ever your Island of choice you will not be disappointed with the infamous Greek Filoxenia which will greet you in all corners of Greece. Life is short and the time is now to live.  A good resource to begin planning your Greek Island Trip can be found here.

Greek Island Hopping is fun and exciting once the trip is planned and you are in a plane about to take off, but it can not be so fun when it comes to planning your trip. It is always recommended to consult with a travel professional with a vast expertise of the Greek Islands. Most travel agents do not have the knowledge or the resources to properly plan your Greek Island Hop so do your homework before starting to do business with one.

Yes it can be exciting to play travel agent but when things go wrong who do you turn to?  In addition travel sites such a Orbitz or Expedia can seem like they are offering a great deal, but good old fashioned one on one human interaction goes a long way should problems arise.    A good starting point can be The Greek Tourism Board for a Greek Travel Agent.   I have added a page of links that can get you pointed in the right direction. Basil Boziotis Greek Island Travel Tools

Another great resource can be found on Delos Vacations Greece page.   if you have a Greek Island Travel Resource that you like to use, please feel free to send to me so that I can post on my Greek Island Blog.

In Dario Ciriello’s ‘Aegean Dream’ Dario and his wife Linda gamble everything on their dream—a new life on the tiny Greek island of Skópelos. They’ve studied Greek, done their research, and have a simple goal: to set up a small business and live happily ever after. But the Greek Gods have other ideas, and before long the couple find themselves snarled in a web of corruption and incompetence, their dream slipping hopelessly out of reach.

In Greece, connections are everything. But will the efforts of their friends—be enough to help them overcome their difficulties before they’re forced to abandon their dream?  Comic and tragic by turns, Aegean Dream is a compelling tale of love, resilience, and the power of friendship. A charming window on the daily life of a Greek island and the spirit of its people, this book also provides hard and timely insights into the broken institutions that would soon shake the entire global economy.

- What’s it really like to live on a tiny Greek island?
– Why is the Greek economy so messed up?
– What IS ‘The Secret’?
…and what do mysterious skulls, Russian prostitutes, President Bush the elder, and Pierce Brosnan have to do with it all?

About the Author

To Purchase the Aegean Dream

Information on Skopelos Greek Island

In Greek mythology Mykonos was the location of the battle between Zeus  and the Titans , and the island was named in honor of Apollo’s grandson Mykons.  Today Mykonos is one of the most popular islands in Greece, mostly known for its beaches and intense nightlife. Tourism’s seeds were planted shortly after World War I and by the mid 1950s this little island spot was transformed into a cosmopolitan and artistic center.  Aristotle Onassis and the jet set crowd brought glamour to Mykonos in the 1960s, when a burgeoning gay scene had given the island a hedonistic reputation.   The party in Mykonos can go from Sunset to Sunrise whether you are on the beach or in Mykonos Town, however this island paradise offers much more than dancing on the bar.  Mykonos is definitely a must for the both the young and the young at heart.

DJ Angela Pandelis

  DJ Angela Pandelis

Mykonos Beaches

Mykonos beaches cover the entire spectrum from sleepy coves with small fish taverns to those that look more like a cover of a fashion magazine featuring a nightclub environment with house music & drinks flowing under the Aegean Sun.  If you are looking for solitude and not too many people try Fokos Mersini Beach and for the trendier crowd go to Elia beach.  If however, you are looking for the premier party spot then do not look further than Super Paradise Beach.

Mykonos Night Life Listings

·  El Puerto

·  Agyra Bar Mykonos Town

·  Aroma Cafe Mykonos

·  ASTRA Bar Mykonos

·  Bolero Music bar Mykonos

·  Brethel Ball Room Bar Mykonos

·  Caprice Bar Mykonos – Caprice of Mykonos

·  Cavo Paradiso Club

·  Celebrities Bar – Destijl bar Mykonos

·  Cosi bar cafe Mykonos

·  Diva Bar Mykonos Little Venice

·  Down Under Bar Mykonos

·  Katerinas Bar Mykonos

·  Live Music Club La Notte Mykonos

·  Mykonos Bar

·  Semeli Bar Club Mykonos

·  Skandinavian bar Mykonos Island

·  Space Dance Madness Mykonos

·  Thalami Bar Mykonos Island Greece

·  Tropicana Beach Bar Restaurant – Paradise Mykonos

·  White Bar Mykonos town

For a full description of each venue and Mykonos House Music Visit the Mykonos Experience Website

MYKONOS PHOTOS and Video

Delphi, Knossos, the Acropolis of Athens and Olympia are among the archeological sites that left the most lasting impression on those who visited them according the Greek National Tourism Office in Fall of 2010.

Delphi

Is one of the most impressive archeological sites anywhere, and the ancient Greeks believed that it was the center of the world. Whoever visits Delphi is bewitched by its mysterious sacred character and feels the resonating presence of the ancient oracle.   Visitors should bear in mind that Delphi was the most important oracle in the classical Greek world. Kings and ordinary citizens, generals and politicians came to consult the oracle during the nine warmest months of each year.

The grandest building at the site of the oracle is the Temple of Apollo, destroyed in 373 BC by an earthquake. The sacred precinct was arranged around the temple on different levels; the Sacred Way, a wide steep path, passes in front of the votive offerings (treasuries, statues and altars) dedicated to Apollo. The most prominent among these are the Treasury of the Siphnians and the re-constructed Treasury of the Athenians.

Take the path that leads to the Stadium in the highest part of the ancient site – the view is stunning. It is here that the Pythian Games were held every four years. The visit continues on to the Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia, where the enigmatic Tholos stood, a fine marble rotunda whose purpose remains unknown. A short distance away is the celebrated Castalian Fountain; in this spring, Pythia (the priestess) and all who arrived in Delphi for an oracle had to bathe in order to purify themselves.

The end of the visit to Delphi is best topped off by a visit to the Archeological Museum, which displays some masterpieces of the art world. Especially rich in Classical sculpture, the museum contains the famous charioteer bearing on his head the victor’s fillet (ribbon).

Knossos

In the suburbs of Iráklio, Crete (6 km SE) the most famous archaeological site of the Minoan civilisation has been brought to light, thanks to the massive excavations carried out by Sir Arthur Evans.  The palace of Knossos was not just a royal residence but also the political and ceremonial centre of Minoan culture. It covered nearly 22,000 sq. m. and contained storage rooms, living quarters, religious areas, and banquet rooms. Its mazelike structure brings to mind the legendary Labyrinth that held the Minotaur.

A visit to the palace starts from the entrance of the west wing, which led to the throne room in the central court. It was here that the almighty prince of Knossos received visitors from all over the world, or his counselors and courtiers in order to decide on state affairs.  You can see the extensive storerooms (also called magazines) with the large pithoi (clay vases) that once held the famous Cretan olive oil. Next to the storerooms, in the north wing, is the “Customs House” and further to the east the workshops of the skilled Minoan craftsmen. In the east wing you can appreciate the splendor of the royal apartments: the Queen’s megaron with an example of the first flushing toilet system adjoining the bathroom and the Shrine of the double axes.  To the south the palace enjoys a superb view of Mount Júktas, which was sacred to the Minoans. The great South Propylon (monumental gateway) faces a fertile plain with orchards and olive groves.

Acropolis

Climbing up to the rock of the Acropolis, visitors are overwhelmed with awe and admiration for the architectural masterpieces built on this eminent archaeological site. The visionary building program of a charismatic politician, Pericles, was superbly carried out thanks to the incomparable skills of a great artist, Phidias. The whole project led to the creation of an invaluable art treasure, making Athens a universal benefactor of mankind.

South of the entrance to the Acropolis stands the charming temple of Athena Nike in the Ionic order; it was built in commemoration of the victory of the Greeks against the Persians. There is a superb view as you pass through the exquisite but unfinished Propylaea of Mnesicles: the Parthenon, the most splendid architectural achievement of classical Greece. The architects of this unique temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, patron of the city of Athens, were Ictinus and Callicrates, while Phidias acted as supervisor for all the architectural and artistic works for the Acropolis in Athens.

Opposite the Parthenon is the Erechtheion, with the renowned Caryatid Porch at its south end. Descend the south slope of the Acropolis to continue your visit.  To your right is the most ancient theatre in the world, the Theatre of Dionysus. Above the theatre is the Stoa of Eumenes, which provided shelter to theatregoers in the event of bad weather. Next to the Stoa lies the once roofed Odeion, built by the wealthy Herodes Atticus in memory of his wife Rigilla. Nowadays it is a venue for Athens Festival events.

There is access to the Acropolis for the disabled on the North Slope; platforms, gently inclined ramps and a special lift provide access to the archaeological site. At the top of the Acropolis, specially surfaced paths have been laid to assist those touring the monuments. Just 800 feet from the Acropolis, the New Acropolis Museum brings together all of the surviving artefacts ever found on the site.   Replicating the natural light and atmospheric conditions found on the Acropolis, the Museum’s architecture allows you to view simultaneously the exhibits and the place from where they originated.

Olympia

At the confluence of the Rivers Alpheios and Kladeos, next to the conical Kronios hill, is ancient Olympia, the shrine of Zeus, in whose honour the Olympic Games were held every four years. Specially renowned in antiquity, Olympia still fascinates thousands of travelers each year that are lucky enough to visit the archaeological site.
The temple of Zeus (5th c. BC) rises prominently above the ancient site; it used to house the chryselephantine statue of Zeus, a masterpiece of Phidias and one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. Nearby stands the temple of Hera (Heraion-7th c. BC), one of the oldest peripteral temples in ancient Greece.
Next to Heraion the remains of the Philippeion, an impressive circular monument built by the king Philip II of Macedon, are still visible. Around the two temples the public buildings and accommodation for the Olympic Games were erected. Starting from the south of the temple of Zeus, you can see the Bouleuterion (Council House) where the athletes took the oath, the Leonidaion, a hostel for distinguished visitors, the Palaistra (“the wrestling school”), the Gymnasion, built for athletes of various sports to practise and the Prytaneion, where the ten hellanodikai (umpires) sat.
To the east there is an imposing Stadium that could accommodate 45,000 spectators. It is clear that the shrine of Zeus was designed especially with the Panhellenic festival of the Olympic Games in mind.
Next to the Stadium you can stroll along the line of treasuries built by other Greek cities to contain their offerings. You should not miss the Archaeological Museum of Olympia, one of the greatest museums in Greece. It boasts spectacular masterpieces of ancient Greek art. Among its exhibits on display you can admire the pediments of the temple of Zeus, the famous Hermes bearing the infant Dionysus by Praxiteles, the Nike of Paionius and its unparalleled collection of bronzes.
Finally, stop off at the Museum of the Olympic Games, which features a collection of artefacts from the modern Olympics, plus plenty of photos and documents from the revival period and a nice summary of each host city for all summer games.

 Brought to you by DelosVacations.com  Information Courtesy of the GNTO.GR

To Book a Sightseeing Trip in Greece, visit Greece Sightseeing

Delos Vacations 800.766.DELOS

The Greek seas are recorded as the cleanest in the Mediterranean. Any discovery of an ancient object in the course of scuba diving must be immediately reported to the nearest Port Authorities. It is prohibited to bring to the surface or to move objects of archaeological or other significance, located in the deep. Underwater photography or cinematography requires the permission of the local Port Authorities, which is granted after the concurrence of the competent Underwater Archaeological Findings Inspection dept. of the Ministry for Culture & Tourism.

Discover a Volcano’s underwater beauty in Santorini.

The Aegean Sea is a very popular destination for divers, with magical waters that offer a wonderful selection of beautiful dive spots, colorful sea life, shipwrecks, caves, and many other unique underwater settings. Seize the opportunity to explore them and discover Greece’s many hidden sides!
Santorini, with its volcanic past, truly stunning landscape of steep mountains, black sand beaches, and pure blue waters is a very popular dive site for divers from all over the world. The waters around Santorini offer a wealth of underwater charm and beauty, including craters and shipwrecks.

Unveil the mysteries of Kalymnos, “The Sponge Diver’s Island”

One of the most popular dive spots of the Greek Islands is Kalymnos.  Sponge fishery, processing and trading were the main professions on Kalymnos Island for hundreds of years. In fact, the use of sponges was described by Aristotle and mentioned in both Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey.

In Kalymnos, there are a number of professional diving centers, offering you training facilities and the opportunity to be certified in scuba diving. Many of these centers organize excursions.

Υou can obtain more info about scuba diving as well as the areas which have received clearance by contacting:

Greek Federation of Submarine Activity – Sports Fishing and Technical Swimming

16604 West Airport Mail Office
Tel: +30 210 9819961
Fax: +30 210 9817558

Padi Greek Island Dive Information

Who says it takes a lot of Euros to explore Athens.  Once upon a time Greece was marketed as a cheap holiday with many guide books touting “Athens for $5.00 a day”.  Those days are long gone, but thankfully there are still some things that you can do for free when visiting the capital of democracy.  Below you will find our top free Athens sight seeing suggestions.  If you are looking for other Athens Sight Seeing options visit our Greece Journeys Page where you can book your Greek Journey on line.

Climb Lycabettus hill
Legend has it that the hill was created from a rock dropped by the goddess Athena who wanted to build a temple as close as she could to the heavens. The walk will take around 20 minutes, with rewards of panoramic views across to the Acropolis and the sea beyond.

Watch the changing of the guard
In Syntagma Square. The Evzone guards, who wear pleated skirts, long socks and bobbles on their shoes, goose-step past each other in a 15-minute changing of the guard ceremony that takes place in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier outside the parliament building.

Wander the bazaar in Monastiraki
The 19th-century covered market houses regiments of butchers’ counters and marble shelves of ice-coated fish, while outside, alleys reminiscent of an oriental souk are stacked with highly-specialised stalls selling anything from pistachios to buckets of olives and slabs of cheese.

Acropolis views at Thissio
Sit, relax and enjoy one of the best views of the Acropolis from the large pedestrianised square on the corner of Apostolou Pavlou, in Thissio. The rock of the Acropolis rises above the trees, crowned by the Parthenon, and looks at its best in the golden, late-afternoon light.

The national gardens
Take refuge in the shade of the 15-hectare national gardens, once the private gardens of the presidential palace, and stocked with plants from all over the world. Rest and picnic on one of the numerous benches or stroll past tall date palms and ponds filled with ducks and terrapins.

Cruising the Greek Islands on a luxury cruise ship such as those operated by Celebrity Cruise Lines is a great way to explore the islands from the comfort of a floating hotel.  We have featured a cruise package below touching on some of the most famous of Greek Islands including Santorini and Mykonos.

This package includes shipboard accommodations, ocean transportation, Las vegas style entertainment and daily activities, on-board meals and some beverages, port charges and too much more to list here.  Shore excursions, personal expenses, gratuities, or alcoholic beverages are not included but when you do the math it is an amazing deal.

If you are looking for more Mediterranean Cruise Deals for the fall Visit Here

Fall Cruise Greek Island Cruise Deal		Departs Civitavecchia (Rome)aboard                                                                   Celebrity Cruises – Celebrity Equinox
		Sailing Date(s):  November 16, 2012

For those travelers that are willing to travel in what is referred as the “shoulder season” for the Greek Islands, there is a great package called the Mykonos Experience that offers great value.  The package features a stay at the Deluxe San Marco Hotel located on Mykonos for 5 nights and a choice of either the Golden Age Hotel or Inter Continental Hotel in Athens for an additional 2 nights.   There are also rates offered for this 7 night package during the High Season of July and August at a slight premium.

Rates start at only $899.00 USD per person and include Transportation to and from the island of Mykonos, Ground Transfers at all destinations, Hotel taxes and customer support while in Greece 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  This package offers the best value on the market to experience Mykonos.  For more information and to reserve your spot on the Mykonos Experience visit here