Greece
An early heat wave that hit Greece last June has claimed five lives, including the famous British journalist Michael Mosley, and with another three people missing the death toll may rise. Sadly, it is not the first time that tourists have lost their lives due to hyperthermia, one of the most tragic being the death…
Known by everyone and roamed by few, the legendary Mt. Olympus may not be a popular destination, but it is one of the few big mountains in Europe where, at least on weekdays, one can still hike in peace and quiet, away from the big crowds. The mythical mountain and alleged home of the Greek…
After a very long absence, I returned to the Greek islands and specifically to Syros, in the heart of Cyclades—a group of islands three hours from Athens, mostly known for the Cycladic civilization and the cosmopolitan islands of Santorini and Mykonos. Like every island in the Aegean Sea, Syros has a defining characteristic—its Latin influence.…
Deep in the heart of Greece, at the north western edge of the fertile Thessalian plain, is a place of mystical awe and medieval mystery. Meteora is the plural of a Greek adjective meaning “hovering above ground.” This word perfectly describes a number of monasteries that are built on the top of monumental monoliths made…
The Return Day 7 Last day of hiking and our luck had eventually run out. Outside it was pouring and the gloomy horizon wasn’t showing any sign of improvement. Originally, we had planned to hike back to Monodentri through Vitsa but even though we could still go—rain or not, we just preferred to take it…
The Break Day 6 Even though today would be something like a day off. We still agreed to walk for a couple of hours, so that our legs wouldn’t get stiff. The guys from Hikes4all had arranged a small route to Dilofo village just to stretch a bit. After having lunch there, a car would…
The Viewpoint Day 5 Our fifth day in Zagori started with a hearty rural breakfast. It was splendid with five types of homemade jam and cheese produced by the owners among other things. You just can’t beat top ingredients no matter what you cook out of them. The day’s hike was simple and fairly…
The Descent Day 4 It was pitch–dark and I could only hear the intense activity that took place in the refuge. Time was half past six and most people were already up, getting dressed and fixing their equipment. Me and Veronika were the last ones as usual. The majority would cross Mt. Tymfi and get…
The Ascent Day 3 I waited five minutes for the alarm to ring, then I quietly got dressed and went out. Darkness was still covering Mikro Papingo as I was navigating through its narrow alleys. Outside the gate, Astraka towers looked imposing above the tiny village. Rogovo As I was walking the only road leaving…
The River. Day 2. After a good night’s sleep, we woke up in high spirits. The euphoria of the previous day was still on and we couldn’t wait to start our second day in Zagori. The day’s march would take us back to Voidomatis river and the infamous Kleidonia bridge. From there, we would be…
The Gorge. Day 1. Hiking Vikos gorge under rain is treacherous because of the rock falls. So naturally the first thing I did when I woke up was to open the door and get on the small balcony. To my relief there were only a few small clouds here and there. “Good start”. The plan…
On the craziest feast in Greece! Mad max filming or an apocalypse scene? Just the Flour-war carnival of Galaxidi! “Didn’t you get dirty yet?” A sweet girl asked me. Her features were barely distinguishable beneath the mix of color and flour, which covered her face and body. Then, full of vividness, she stained my face with the…
Zagori Hike : The Beginning Having left behind Ioannina—the capital of Epirus. We took the old road to Zagorochoria—as all forty six villages of Zagori are collectively named. We hadn’t seen a car or people for the last twenty minutes and I could feel the isolation of the place as our small Fiat 500x…
Zagori : The Kingdom of Infinite Country Epirus—rightfully called “the infinite country” since ancient times, got this epithet from its mountains which row after row dominate the horizon, making the region to appear endless. Zagori, one of the most astounding places you’ll ever see, is hidden in the heart of this isolated region of northwestern…
Acropolis Museum Sanctuary of the Marbles For many years, the possibility of building an adequate museum that would house the Parthenon marbles and all the artifacts of Acropolis and the surrounding slopes remained distant as a dream. Every plan made by the Greek state, was coming to a dead end. Eventually it took a…
National Archaeological Museum of Athens The national archaeological museum of Athens is the biggest in Greece and one of the most significant in the world. Over 11.000 artifacts belong to its five major exhibitions which stretch from the Prehistoric era until the Roman period. Located in an exquisite neoclassical building on “28th October” Avenue which…
Attica Zoological Park Athens Zoo For decades the only zoo in Athens was a small one inside the National Garden behind the Greek parliament. I have memories of my parents taking me there on Sundays. I can’t remember the animals clearly—due to my young age, but I still remember my enthusiasm when I was there.…
Athens : A Walk Around the Historical Center Writing an article about Athens feels strange to me. After all, it is my hometown and looking at it as a travel destination doesn’t come natural. I have to admit that the Greek capital doesn’t look attractive on first sight. When the rest of Europe was going…
Athens : Ten Images in B&W These are ten images I took in Athens during my last trip. The capital of Greece can be very atmospheric so I chose black and white. The old Gasworks also known as Gazi are a live neighborhood in the heart of the city. The old facilities have been transformed…
The Oak Woodland of Xeromero In the western part of the prefecture of Aetoloakarnania in Xeromero province, just 30 km from Agrinio, the largest city of the county, is the only Oak Woodland in Greece and one of the largest in Europe. Location Based in Agrinio, a city that would ensure plenty of accommodation and…
Patsos gorge is also known as Agios Antonios because of the little church in the cave near the entrance of the gorge. It is located 30km from the city of Rethymno at 490m altitude. In the shadow of Samaria gorge which is also in Crete, Patsos is a smaller and less crowded choice. The whole…
Samaria gorge, the second biggest gorge in Europe is located in the White mountains south of Chania.It belongs to the greater area of Samaria National park and its flora and fauna are protected by law. It begins at the plateau of Omalos (1200m) and ends up in Agia Roumeli village after 16km. The entrance is called…
Heraklion Heraklion is the biggest city in the island of Crete which in turn is the biggest island in Greece and also one of the places I originate from, consequently I’ve spent many of my childhood holidays here. It’s a vivid university city which serves as a transportation node to the millions of tourists who…
Agia Pelagia Agia Pelagia bay A small fishing village which is 25 minutes from Heraklion. Agia Pelagia is the place to be if quietness is what you are looking for. Built in an amphitheatrical way it has a small beach with six or seven restaurants, two or three bars and as many souvenir shops. Hasn’t…