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.

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.

A great source of Honeymoon Ideas can be found on a website featuring Greek Island honeymoons.  Visit the Greek Honeymoon website here.

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

Visit Here to Learn about the Greek Island Cyclades

Greece and its Greek Islands are having a tough time these days and tourism which is one of the main driving fores for Greece is in a funk.  Yes typically a big money advertising campaign can solve the problem, but Greece like many countries is out of money.  Thus the best solution is a Grass Roots Campaign via Social Media Networks to get the word out on what an amazing Travel Destination the Greek Islands are.  Time and Time again I have heard how Greece is on ones “bucket list” and that “one day” they would like to Visit Greece.  Well folks the time is now to Visit Greece.  Prices are falling for Airfare, Ferry Tickets and Hotels.  The Islanders and ready and willing to be your host, so why wait?

Basil Boziotis visiting Akrotiri Santorini

In the recent past private citizens have taken matters into their own hands when it came to getting the word out on the Greek Islands.  The Up Greek Tourism Campaign was one notable example that made a huge difference.   Below are a few recent Greek Island Blog Stories.

Up Greek Tourism Campaign Promotes Greece

Up Greek Tourism Time Squares Billboard

Greek Islands going on Sale

Contact Basil Boziotis to discuss your Greek Island Hotel or Island Business, he would like to help get the word out and help you promote Greece!  Click here to contact Basil Boziotis

Thank you,
Basil Boziotis

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

The Enamored Greek Island of Crete, a part of the world that has risen from the depths of conquest and adversity many times over, has transformed to a land of endless feasts, legends and dreams where the fine art of unpretentious hospitality is religiously practiced.

Crete has an unparalleled character and atmosphere, which cannot be compared to any other part of Greece.  A drive along one of its bountiful coasts will reveal a countryside that is constantly changing.  In one place harsh and barren, in another wooded and gentle.  Its villages perched on mountain ridges, adorned with olive trees, orange groves, vineyards and Cypress forests, while the hillsides are speckled with old stone farmhouses, and monasteries. Shores are lined with forbidding rocks at one glance, only to be transcended to beaches blessed with miles of sand or pebbles.

Overview of the Island

The island is divided into four prefectures: Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion and Lasithi.  Although the north coast is where most vacationers flock, due to the presence of larger resorts, great nightlife and a modern infrastructure, the islanders have not let this beautiful region go spoiled.  Exploring the south side of the island allows one to experience the epitome of traditional life and a far more authentic experience.

With over 1,000 Kilometers of extensive and diverse coastline it’s possible for beach goers to enjoy endless locations blessed by warm, crystal clear water.  On the north coast, west of Chania one beach in particular stands out; it stretches from the town to just outside Kolimbari.  Closer to the eastern point of the island is the famous Elounda Beach, near the town of Agios Nikolaos.  On the west coast, one has the sandy beach of Falassarna and, further south, Lafonissi.   It is best however, to rent a jeep, grab a map and explore this vast island (260 km by 60 km) as the ancient have done for thousands of years.

Crete Brief History

This largest, and most southerly of all the Greek Islands enjoys a unique blend of diverse cultural influences, separates the Libyan and Aegean Seas, and marks the boundary between Europe and Africa.  The island?s fertile soil and towering peaks witnessed the development of one of the most important civilizations on Earth, the Minoan (2800 – 1150 B.C.)    A geological catastrophe, the eruption of the volcano of Santorini in 1450 BC created a huge tidal wave that swept away most traces of civilization and halted the Minoan civilization at its height.  However, shipping and commerce with the Phoenicians, Syrians and Egyptians continued to broaden Crete?s horizons.

The Romans then occupied Crete in 67 BC, bringing Crete into the Byzantine Empire (325 AD to 824 AD) and thus the introduction of Christianity.  But many others had there eyes on the riches.  First Crete fell into the hands of the Arabs (824AD) forming the present-day capitol Heraklion, and then in 1204, the island passed to the Venetians. From this occupation appeared the cities of Chania and Rethemnon, with their fortified walls, narrow alleyways, small residential blocks, decorative piazzas, fountains, churches and palaces, remains that can still be seen today.

After the fall of Constantinople to the Turks (1453), artists and scholars from all parts of the former Byzantine Empire fled to Crete.  Arts and Sciences flourished again, with the biggest representative of this renaissance being the painter El Greco. (Domenicos Theotocopoulos)  Heraklion then falls to the Turks in 1669, with the occupation lasting until 1878, and then eventually Crete unites with Greece in 1913.

Legacy of Legends

Over the centuries Cretans have had an uncanny ability to harmoniously blend nature and myth captivating the spirit of man.  The myth of Icarus can best demonstrate this point.  Dedalus was a famous Athenian architect that Minos (king of Knossos) invited to Crete to build a Labyrinth.  When Dedalus finished, Minos jailed him in the Labyrinth.  Dedalus however, built two sets of wings using wax and feathers, one for himself and one for his son Icarus, and they flew off Crete.  During the flight to Athens Icarus, happy from flying, decided to challenge the sun.  He flew too high and the sun melted the wax that kept his wings together.  Icarus fell in the Aegean and died.

Today only the legend of Icarus remains (and the island of Icaria named after him), however there are numerous bona fide sites to be explored when visiting Crete.  The most famous archaeological site on Crete is Knossos located in Heraklion, which contains the ruins of the Minoan Palace built in 2000 BC, which were excavated in 1900 and partially reconstructed.   There is also the palatial site of Phaestos, which unlike Knossos, has not been reconstructed with the ruins uncovered and left untouched in the places they were found.

Another important site is the Arkadi Monastery located in the prefecture of Rethymno.  In this monastery, on November 18, 1866, about a thousand people preferred to die by blowing up the powder arsenal than fall into the hands of the Turks.  Its high walls are reminiscent of a fortress, and the church, which has a baroque face, is considered to be one of the most beautiful in Crete.

Freedom or Death

Cretan hospitality is truly a unique experience, allowing for one to taste such “meze” as yogurt and honey, sweet tarts (kaltzounia), pies made with wild greens flavored with Fennel, fried cheese (staka), rabbit stew, cheese pie from Hora Sfakion, cockles, and boiled goat. Along the seaside an array delicacies either fried or grilled over charcoal can be found, from calamari to octopus.

For the Cretans every day is a feast to be celebrated with gusto; Cretan wine flowing and the sound of the lyre echoing through the hillsides driving the pulsating rhythms of such local dances, as the pentozali and the sousta.   Such enchantments could not be found on the deck of a cruise ship or on the grounds of an all-inclusive resort, but over a glass of “raki” you might discover the essence of life and the sanctity of dreams.

Nikos Kazantzakis, Greece’s greatest modern writer and legend sums it up best with the epitaph on his grave located on the south wall of the city; I hope for nothing, I fear nothing, I am free.

Explore More on Greek Island of Crete Here

Copyright 2000           Delmar Enterprises Ltd.                    July 18th 2000

Written by, Basil Boziotis

According to legend Leto gave birth to Apollo on the island of Delos bringing to this world the music of light. This invisible harmony burst over the Aegean turning to stone and bringing the Cyclades to life.  Deriving their name from the word “kyklos” meaning circle they surround the uninhabited sacred island of Delos forming an island group that is known for its ability to enchant, entertain, and soothe the spirit of both man and god alike.

Brief History 

The islands were the cradle of the Cycladic civilization (3000  – 1000 BC), which developed during the Bronze Age and since then have been inspirational to artists with their marble figurines, which are the legacy of the islands.  Considered crude and ugly when first discovered, this art has brought to bear a strong influence on the 20th century artists and sculptors such as Picasso, Modigliani, Henry Moore and Constantin Brancusi.

The Minoans of Crete then colonized the islands, making Sanotrini’s Akrotiri the center of their trading activities.  Later on the Myceneans dominated making Delos their religious capital. By the 11th Century BC the Dorians invaded the islands marking the start of the Dark Ages.  Eventually the Venetians made their strong mark on the islands ruling between 1204 and 1453.  Their influence is evident even today with rich cultural and architectural legacy.

Overview of the Cyclade Greek Islands 

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.  Syros the regional and commercial capitol is one of the few islands in the group not dependent on tourism for their main source of revenue.

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. This volcanic island first erupted in 1450 BC forming Santorini’s crescent shape. The island is widely believed to be the lost city of Atlantis, and with the recent discovery of remains dating back to Neolithic times at the archaeological site of Akrotiri, this debate will surely not rest.  The ongoing excavations that are only 3% complete continuously both amaze and bewilder archaeologists from around the world, as they now realize that numerous civilizations may be buried at the site.  It is estimated that if a team of 150 Archaeologists would work 24 hours a day for 365 days a year, it would be 700 years before the site would be completely excavated.

Life on the Cyclades is centered on “chora” or town where all of life’s basic amenities could be found with great ease.  However do expect to miss such luxuries as Seven-Elevens and drive through windows.  Life on the islands has its own pace that takes a few days to assimilate into.  The enchantment of a typical Cycladic town is enough to mystify any soul.  Mykonos? chora is the epitome of this with its web of dazzling white alleys and cube shaped houses.  Built in a maze of narrow lanes to both defy wind and pirate raids, visitors will be sure to get lost at least a few times.

Eventually one is freed of time constraints and eventually even the concept of time, to instead be absorbed with visions of beaches, cafes, restaurants, fine wine, dancing and of course most importantly soul searching.

Navigating the Cyclades 

Traveling through out the Cyclades may be very difficult at times, primarily due to the lack of a consistent and centralized source of ferryboat schedules and information.  Additionally those traveling during the summer peak season of end of June to early September have also to contend with the mysterious and disrupting effects of the “Meltemia”.   These high winds although bringing with them a cooling relief to the scorching summer temperatures can cause constant and unpredictable cancellations of scheduled ferryboat and flying dolphin schedules throwing a wrench into any ones overly planned travel itinerary.

However, overall the Greek ferryboat system is the best way to travel and truly experience these islands.  The ferries usually run daily and frequently, and eventually all the islands of the Cyclades connect via this system with the centrally located island of Paros being its hub.  A little patience and an Odyssean appetite for adventure is all it takes to explore the Cyclades by sea.

Air travel between the islands although improving, is limited by the lack of direct inter-island flights and limited airports.  Mykonos and Santorini have international airports, and islands with domestic airports include Syros, Milos, Paros and Naxos.  Thus travel by air can be frustrating, and at times just as time consuming as sea travel.  In addition t is always best to allow for extra time when planning for inter island-travel, especially when trying to catch an international flight out of Greece.  A phone call to the Greek Coast Guard, Ferryboat Company or ticketing agent may save a lot of time and trouble.

Just as light is said to have given birth to the Cyclades, it was also said that Aphrodite passed by and made the people of this land dreamers, inventors, travelers and lovers of horizons, so it is only fitting to pay homage to this phenomenal luminosity when traveling the Cyclades.  For when the sun begins its graceful decent over the islands it is as if all the spirits both ancient and reborn perch themselves on some rocky peak and with time standing still the soothing moment of a simple sun setting is forever cherished.

September 12, 2000  Delmar Enterprises Ltd

Written by, Basil Boziotis

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

Most beaches on this island are windy and blanketed with fine sand and most feature well-equipped facilities for all kinds of water sports.  On this famous snow-white Cyclades island of Paros all is possible in the sea.

Beach soccer; beach volleyball; diving; pedalo riding; sailing; water slides; water skiing, underwater fishing, kayaking and surfing: these are the most popular activities that will put your stamina to the test and keep your adrenalin surge up all day long!

The island of Paros and its windy sea is widely considered to be a surfer’s paradise, a top choice for Greek and foreign athletes alike.  The wind speed and direction on the island’s southeastern side in combination with the sea waves create a worldwide known surfing area ideal for international windsurfing games. So, it is no surprise that the PWA (Professional Windsurfers Association) World Championship used to take place on the island for many years with the first surfer appearing sometime in the early 80s.  Today Paros is windsurfers mecca offering training as well as high performance gear to meet all types of surfers demands.

Chryssi Akti, named after the golden sand it is covered with, is the most popular beach for windsurfing; in this area, schools take advantage of the shallow crystal clear waters and offer even to beginners the opportunity to test their abilities safely.

Néa Chryssí Aktí beach (Tserdakia) offers countless thrills to those who are “advanced” as this area is where the winds of the greatest duration and strength are recorded. Wind direction (left side-shore) combined with the angle created by sea waves lift windsurfers up creating the ideal conditions for jumps.

Finally, the “hot spot” list for windsurfing fans would never be complete without the addition of the “sport-oriented” and noisy beaches of Santa Maria and Pounta noted for the prevailing high winds.   As a matter of fact don’t be surprised if you see “flying swimmers” as you approach the weathered Pounta bay!  These are daring kite surfers who manipulate the ropes of their kites  gliding on the waves spume with an ever growing speed until they literally take off 20 to 30 meters up in the air.

So if you think of combining your summertime holiday leisure time with practicing your favorite water sports, Paros island is definitely to be considered as an option.

article originally published on the Greek Tourism’s website http://gnto.org

Today fire rages on the island of Chios threatening the inhabitants of the island as well as the thousands of acres of Mastic Trees which produce countless products used from Ancient Greek Times to the days of Christopher Columbus.

“Chios mastic is a natural, aromatic resin in teardrop shape produced from the mastic tree only growing in the  southern part of Chios Island where weather and soil conditions allow this tree to flourish.  Mastic is first mentioned by Herodotus, who refers to its usage in embalming.   In Roman times, women used it to freshen their breath and whiten their teeth.  Christopher Columbus himself was astonished by the properties of mastic when he visited the island and he actually believed that mastic was the cure against cholera.   In Arabia, water jars were perfumed with mastic smoke, while in ancient Egypt mastic was used as an embalming agent.”

Today Mastic has been used to treat duodenal ulcers, heartburn and is believed to have anti-cancer properties, while also providing anti-aging benefits which results in reduced appearance of wrinkles and aged skin.  Commercially Mastic has many uses ranging from the medicinal to the functional, including use as a stabilizer in paints and making varnishes, especially for musical instruments.  Mastic has also been used in the production of tires, aromatic soaps, insecticides, electrical insulators, dentistry, toothpaste, chewing gum, confectionery and paints.   A Greek grape spirit, mastiha, is flavored with the resin and over the centuries Mastic is used for making breads, pastries, ice creams, sweet puddings, almond cake and the traditional Greek spoon sweets.

Special Thanks to visitgreece.gr for providing Content for this article.

Click here to see NASA Image of  Chios Fire