Visiting Greece

Date of departure: Sunday 26th August 2018

Date of arrival: Sunday 9th September 2018

From: Dep. Hour

To: Arr. Hour.

From: Dep. Hour

To: Arr. Hour.

Side note:

Fuel estimate:
distance to go 3500 kilometers
avg consumption 6.5l/100km
fuel price 7.67lei/liter= 1.65 Euro/liter
TOTAL: 340 Euro

Road taxes: 100 Euro

Funds per day: 20Euro/day

Total estimated budget: 550 Euro/person

Kavala
Located in the north of Greece, Kavala has a lovely historic center, some fantastic beaches and a wealth of
archaeological sites for visitors to revel in. Its picturesque setting next to pristine turquoise waters coupled with
the ancient citadel and attractive Ottoman aqueduct that runs above the roofs of the houses makes Kavala a
pleasant place to be. Most visitors use it as a gateway to the nearby Aegean Islands.

Halkidiki
Halkidiki is a trident-like peninsula near the city of Thessaloniki, sporting excellent beaches. The three
separate peninsulas can be roughly summarized as follows: Kassandra has the nightlife, Sithonia has the
beaches and Athos has the monks. Being closest to Thessaloniki, Kassandra is more built-up, while the more
quiet Sithonia has campgrounds, hidden coves and clear waters. Both are popular with Greek and Eastern
European tourists. Much of the easternmost peninsula belongs to the Mount Athos monastic community. It’s
accessible by boat and open to male pilgrims only.

Kastoria
One of the most underrated destinations in Greece is the city of Kastoria. It is located on a promontory
stretching over the beautiful Lake Orestiada, and it is surrounded by gorgeous limestone mountains. There’s
also amazing cuisine, impressive nightlife and plenty of historic Byzantine churches. Despite all of that, it is
rarely visited by international travelers. Head to Kastoria and head underground to the remarkable Cave of the
Dragon, or learn about the city’s history and culture at the Byzantine Museum of Kastoria. Don’t leave until
you’ve dined at an outdoor cafe with a view of the lake and sipped tsipouro, a local version of ouzo.

Meteora
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The Greek word meteora means “suspended in the air,” and this phrase aptly describes the spectacular cliffs
that rise more than 1,200 feet (366 meters) into the air overlooking the villages of Kalambaka and Kastraki in
the north central mainland of Greece. What makes these cliffs even more inspiring are the historic monasteries
perched along the summits. Dating back to the 14th and 16th centuries, the monasteries at Meteora were built
by monks seeking spiritual isolation and freedom from religious persecution.
Kalambaka
While this small city is primarily visited for its incredible setting beneath the astounding Meteora pinnacles,
Kalambaka itself is a pleasant if quiet place to stop by. There is a nice tenth century church to visit as well as
some good restaurants and cafes. The Meteora, however, is the main attraction and it houses twenty-four
monasteries perched atop of its rocky peaks. The scenery of the area is mesmerising and small waterfalls and
old bridges as well as caves and hiking trails dot this incredible landscape.

Larissa
Located on the banks of the Pinios River, Larissa is one of the oldest sites in Greece and has been occupied
for around eight thousand years! Consequently, it has a number of delightful archaeological sites with
Byzantine and Ottoman ruins scattered about the place. The ancient theater is impressive to behold and the
remains of a Neolithic acropolis are also worth a visit. Now a university town, it is a pleasant enough place to
spend some time without setting the world alight.

Pelion Peninsula
The Pelion Peninsula in central Greece stretches between the Aegean Sea and the Pagasetic Gulf, and it is a
place of incredible beauty that often gets overlooked by travelers. The gulf itself boasts warm water perfect for
swimming while a ski resort on Mount Pelion offers endless winter adventure. You can hike through mountain
trails in the morning and sip a cocktail on the beach at sunset while on the Pelion Peninsula. While there are
resort towns on the water, there are also smaller mountain villages like Makrinitsa and Portaria where you feel
like you’re stepping back in time and seeing a truly authentic version of Greece. he most traditional villages of
Pelion, with grey stone roofs, elegant houses and paved paths.

Delphi
Second to the Acropolis in Athens, Delphi is Greece’s most popular archaeological site. Located about two
and half hours from Athens along the slopes of the awe-inspiring Mount Parnassus, Delphi was once revered
by the ancient Greeks as the center of the earth. Dedicated to the god, Apollo, Delphi was an important oracle.
In ancient times, people would come to this sacred spot to inquire of the priestess for advice on a wide range
of topics from farming to relationships and politics. Significant ruins and structures at Delphi include the
Temple of Apollo, the Athenian Treasury, the theater and hippodrome that once hosted events of the ancient
Pythian Games.

Zagori
Zagori is a region of great natural beauty, with striking geology and two national parks, in northwestern
Greece. It’s dense forests and rugged mountains are furrowed by powerful rivers and dotted with traditional
villages, many featuring grand stone houses dating from the late eighteenth century. The best way to enjoy the
area is by hiking the numerous paths connecting the villages. The most accessible and rewarding target is the
wonderful Víkos Gorge.
Ioannina
ith its beautiful location on the shore of Lake Pamvotis, Ioannina’s setting coupled with its delightful old town
make it a great place to stop by. While much of it is indistinguishable from any other city around the world, the
old part with its minarets, fortress and ancient walls is atmospheric to wander around. It is lively to visit due to
its large student body and there are a number of great day-trips to be had in Ioannina’s surroundings. Take a
trip for instance to the monasteries on Nissi Island or the amazing caves of Perama.

Kefalonia

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The Greek Ionian Islands are among the best loved of Greece’s 6,000 islands. Kefalonia belongs to this group,
but it is not as well known as other Ionian Islands like Corfu. Kefalonia is just as beautiful, and boasts
breathtaking scenery, but it is a lot less developed and less crowded. On Kefalonia, you can head to the
brilliant Drogarati Caves, or you could join a boat tour and admire the island’s four peninsulas from the water.
The famous Myrtos Beach, on the island’s west coast, has been repeatedly voted one of the best beaches of
the world. Sami Beach is also popular, and it is easy to see why. A white pebble beach, bright blue water and
lush green mountains framing the view makes it a truly spectacular spot.
Myrthos Beach
Kefalonia’s Myrtos Beach is as surprising as it is stunning. The bright white of the pebbles jut sharply into the
deep blue of the sea. The steep mountains and tall cliffs behind Myrtos beach only add to its beauty. For all
these reasons Myrtos has previously been voted 12 times as the best beach in Greece. Those who enjoy
Myrtos Beach come for sun, sun, and more sun. There is little to no shade and the only water sport available is
swimming. However, sunbeds and umbrellas can be rented for a small fee. Most visitors suggest wearing
sandshoes to Myrtos Beach. What looks like sand is actually rock, which can be difficult on the soles until one
reaches the sandy seabed.

Zakynthos
Navagio beach
Secluded and stunning, Navagio Beach is the highlight to a vacation on Zakynthos, the third largest of the
Ionian Islands. The beach is poised between the limestone cliffs of the island and is only accessible by boat.
Once a visitor arrives, they will see the ruins of a shipwreck, perfectly clear waters, and tourists trying their
hands at BASE jumping from the cliffs above. There are no amenities on this beach, though the boats that
carry tourists to and from sometimes offer drinks or even lunch.

Peloponnese
Shaped much like a large leaf, Peloponnese was traditionally called Morea, which means mulberry leaf.
Located in the southernmost region of both Europe and Greece, Peloponnese is a wide peninsula connected
to the mainland by the Rio-Antirrio bridge. Interspersed with classical Greek temples, Venetian fortresses,
Byzantine churches and Mycenaean palaces, Peloponnese echoes the ancient cultures and events from its
extensive history. Among these ancient ruins is Olympia, where the first Olympic Games were hosted in honor
of Zeus.
Patras
One of the busiest ports in Greece, first appearances dictate that Patras is best viewed from a ferry departing
its harbor due to the grimy feel about the place. Dig a little deeper, however, and you’ll find some attractive
and lively parts to it with the impressive castle particularly worth checking out. There’s a nice old church and
cathedral to boot and one of the most amazing sights is the modern suspension bridge that stretches out
across the water. From here you can take a ferry to any of the Ionian Islands.
Elafonisos
The small island of Elafonisos hosts Simos Beach, often hailed by locals as the best beach in the country. The
combination of turquoise waters, sand dunes, and unique flora create an atmosphere that is appreciated by all.
Indeed, visitors will often find more locals than tourists at Simos Beach, which is known for its calm waters and
lively party atmosphere. The entire family can enjoy Simos Beach during the day. Children can swim and
splash in clear, shallow water with a sandy floor. In the evening, the beach comes alive with music, dancing,
and drinks thanks to the many bars in the area.

Piraeus
Lying just ten kilometers from the center of Athens, Piraeus is the ancient port of the capital although it is now
considered a separate entity. An ugly place for the most part, it is only the smaller harbors of Zea Marina
Mikrolimano which are actually worth visiting. The main reason though that people visit Piraeus is because it is
the largest port in the Mediterranean and is the gateway to Greece’s innumerable islands. In no time at all
you’ll find yourself on a beautiful Greek island, far removed from the sprawl of Piraeus.

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Skiathos
Koukounaries beach
Located on the island of Skiathos, Koukounaries is popular with travelers from home and abroad. The water is
clear, the sand is soft, and the stone pine forest creates a cozy atmosphere that is unique to this part of the
world. Tourists can be spotted swimming, boating, and skiing in the water or horseback riding on land. There
are dining options on the beach for casual meals and many resorts nearby for a more elegant approach.
Nature lovers will not want to miss a visit to the island of Skiathos in the Sporades. One of the most northern of
the Greek Islands, Skiathos features vast hills of lush pines and sandy beaches while offering plenty of wildlife
viewing and a nature conservatory. Other interesting attractions on the island include ancient monasteries,
medieval castles, Byzantine churches and fascinating museums.

Mykonos
Take a ferry from Athens to Mykonos to enjoy this wildly popular Greek island in the heart of the Aegean Sea.
Mykonos is well known for its nonstop nightlife, so plan for a few evenings of dancing, live music and plenty of
delicious cocktails. Of course, there is also plenty to do during the day. In Mykonos, you can see the charming
16th century windmills that overlook the charming Little Venice district, or you can explore the 15th century
Byzantine church called Panagia Paraportiani right in Mykonos Town. Don’t forget about the world-famous
beaches like the party beach called Paradise, the beach called Elia that boasts jet ski rentals, the secluded
Fokos beach and the family beach of Ornos.
Mykonos is famed as a cosmopolitan destination amongst the Greek islands. Mykonos Town (also known as
Chora) is a stunningly picturesque Greek town with a maze of tiny streets and whitewashed steps lanes.
Although the streets are lined with small shops, boutiques, art galleries, cafes, bars and restaurants, Mykonos
Town has not completely lost its identity. Thanks to Mykonos’s strict building regulations its traditional Cycladic
architectural style and character has remained firmly intact.
Delos
While you’re in Mykonos, spend half a day exploring the nearby island of Delos. The island is completely
uninhabited, but you can still visit thanks to boats that depart daily from Agios Nikolaos in the morning and
return in the afternoon. In Delos, you will be delighted to find an enormous collection of archeological sites and
ruins. Some of the most notable landmarks on the island include the ruins of three temples dedicated to
Apollo, the detailed mosaics in the House of Dionysos, a building called Cleopatra’s House thanks to busts of
the iconic woman found within and what remains of a large marble theater.
Paradise beach
The island of Mykonos is truly home to Paradise. This is particularly true for those tourists wishing to party the
night away near the sand and the sea. Paradise Beach is open to partiers, naturists, and anyone wanting an
exciting beach experience from dusk through dawn. Even if a visitor is not interested in the party, the water is
warm and the beach is sandy and soft. Plenty of food and drink options round out the trip to Paradise, just be
sure to leave the kids at home.

Paros
Another of the Cyclades Islands is Paros, which is a quieter island where travelers of all ages come to relax on
the beach, explore historic sites and dine on the local cuisine. A highlight of any stay in Paros is a visit to the
Panagia Ekatontapiliani, a church that was originally built 1,6000 years ago and then rebuilt in the late 18th
century. You’ll also be able to make a splash at the Aqua Park, a water-based theme park, tour the rustic
taverns and fishing spots in the village of Naousa and dance the night away at the bars on Lower Market
Street. Don’t leave without tasting the local seafood doused in vinegar, a true island delicacy.
aros is one of the most picturesque of the Greek isles with its charming old towns of cobblestone streets,
whitewashed buildings and vibrant vines of bougainvilleas. Because of its many convenient ferry connections,
Paros makes a great base if you want to visit other islands in the Cyclades. If you are looking for an attractive
nightlife scene, you will be spoiled for choice on this Greek island as it offers many towns that feature a wide
range of restaurants, bars and nightclubs. The beaches on Paros are plentiful as well, ranging from the quiet
and remote to the more crowded where windsurfing competitions are frequently hosted.
Antiparos
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On one of your days in Paros, set aside some time to visit the island of Antiparos. More than 1,000 people live
on the island, and it is accessible by ferry several times a day from the ports of Parikia and Pounta on Paros.
Antiparos is best known for its incredible cave, a grotto that you reach by walking more than 300 steps
underground into an atmosphere that feels out of this world. Antiparos is also home to the gorgeous Sostis
Bay, a popular beach spot for visitors, and several traditional wooden boats that provide short tours around the
island.

Naxos
The largest of the Cyclades, Naxos offers more variety than many of the other islands, with picturesque towns,
high mountains, lush green valleys and attractive beaches. You can still see what remains of the Castro, or
walled city, that is located just above the island’s main harbor. Other top things to do in Naxos include
swimming at the Agios Prokopios Beach, seeing Dionysus’ Temple in the village of Glinado and dining at one
of the taverns at the harbor of Lionas.

Folegandros
Folegandros, also known as Pholegandros, is one of the small islands found in the Cyclades chain. The
landscape on the island is varied, and includes tall cliffs and a large cave. The capital of the island is built on
the edge of a 200 meter (650 feet) high cliff. The biggest reason to visit Folegandros is to enjoy some of the
best beaches in Greece, many of which will be secluded or at least not very busy. You can hike around
Katergo Beach, and you’ll be stunned by the crystal clear water of Galifos Beach. Angali Beach is the most
popular on the island, and it can get busy during the summer months. Tavernas are steps away from Angali
Beach, which means that you can enjoy amazing seafood and local wine with a view of the water.

Samos
Considered one of the sunniest destinations in all of Europe, Samos is where you will discover stunning
pebble beaches and crystal clear waters, which are ideal for scuba diving and snorkeling. Never tried these
fun water activities? Don’t worry, the island of Samos offers you plenty of classes and instructors to provide
you with a wonderful experience. Significant sites to see on Samos include the ruins of the Temple of Hera as
well as the Eupalinian aqueduct, which is regarded as an ancient engineering marvel.

Santorini
Perhaps the best-known of all the Greek islands is Santorini, and for good reason. Santorini is a picturesque
spot and a place where you can enjoy dramatic views and some of the best sunsets on the planet. The town of
Fira is often featured in photographs, thanks to its unusual perch right on the edge of a cliff leading down to
the sea. From Fira, you can walk right along the perimeter of a volcanic caldera to the town of Oia. Other spots
you don’t want to miss in Santorini are the lighthouse of Faros, the pebbled coastline of Black Beach and the
town of Akrotiri, which is more than 3,5000 years old and was covered in volcanic ash just like Pompeii in Italy.
Part of the Cyclades group of the Greek islands, Santorini is famous for its dramatic views, stunning sunsets,
the white-washed houses, and its very own active volcano. Fira, the capital of Santorini, is a marriage of
Venetian and Cycladic architecture, whose white cobblestone streets bustle with shops, tavernas, hotels and
cafes, while clinging on the edge of a high cliff. If you arrive by sea you can take a cable car up from the port
or alternatively take a trip on a mule up the 588 zigzagging steps.

Milos
Although the island of Milos has a winning combination of dozens of gorgeous beaches and lots of historic
statues, it is off the radar for many travelers. For the intrepid visitor, this only makes Milos that much more
appealing. Some of the ways you can pass the time in Milos include watching the sunset from the perfectly-
positioned village of Plaka, seeing the village of Tripiti, where the iconic Venus de Milo statue was found, trying
horseback riding right on the beach or exploring Sikia cave on a guided tour.

Crete

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The largest of the Greek islands, Crete is a spacious land of pleasing contrasts where landscapes range from
stunning coastline to rugged mountains and rolling countryside dotted with olive trees. Bustling metropolitan
cities spread beyond to quiet villages centered around outdoor coffee shops. Steeped in history, Crete still
bears archaeological traces of the many civilizations that inhabited it down through the centuries.
As the largest of the Greek islands, Crete is also the most populated. Crete is where you will find the most
variety in hotel accommodation, restaurants, shops and nightclubs. Because this island features beautiful
beaches, scenic mountains and gorges, you can enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities here like hiking,
mountain climbing, horse riding, gorge trekking, swimming and more. History lovers will want to explore the
many historic and archaeological sites that dot the island such as Knossos Palace, which dates back to the
Minoan civilization.
Heraklion
The capital city of Crete is a bustling slightly chaotic place, full of life that will slowly grow on you if you give it
the chance. The main body of attractions lie in the walled-part of the city and the old town is lovely to explore.
With a great fortress jutting out into the harbor and a lively waterfront, Heraklion is the perfect place from which
to visit the rest of Crete. The Palace of Knossos is also worth stopping by and there are lots of interesting
museums that will catch your attention. While the modern part of the city is quite unattractive and hectic, there
is some nice shopping and restaurants to be found.
Chania
Located on the coastline of Crete, Chania is a picturesque and charming place to visit and you’ll immediately
fall in love with the feel of it. Its quaint old town is dripping with charisma as Turkish and Venetian architecture
lines its twisting narrow streets and tiny cafes pop up here and there. A short walk away you will find the old
port with its distinctive lighthouse that only adds to the beauty of Chania. It’s an authentic place that highlights
the real Cretan way of life. From here you can explore nearby parts of the island with Samaria Gorge being a
particularly great day-trip.
Rethymno
With the beautiful blue waters that line the waterfront and its fine beaches, Rethymno is one of the best places
to visit in Crete. Its combination of Venetian, Roman and Ottoman architecture is intoxicating and is what
makes wandering around the old town so magical. With a healthy student population, it’s a surprisingly lively
town with a lot of decent restaurants. The highlight of Rethymno is the Venetian fortress that looks out over the
town from the west.
Balos Lagoon
One of Crete’s most beautiful beaches, Balos Lagoon is located near the town of Kissamos. Sandwiched
between the small island of Imeri Gramvousa and Crete itself, the beach is accessible by boat or car. At Balos
Lagoon, visitors are greeted with a stunning vista created by an outcropping of rock that is surrounded by pink
sand and blue and turquoise water. This is arguably the most photographed natural wonder in all of Greece,
which causes tourists to visit in massive numbers. The months of July and August are the busiest. When
arriving at Balos Lagoon, it is important for visitors to bring their own refreshments. A small cafe is available on
the beach, but the selections can be limited.
Elafonisi beach
The beach of Elafonisi is truly outstanding. Located on the island of Elafonsi in southwest Crete. The exotic,
pink and white sand gives way to azure water that is perfect for swimmers of all ages. Lifeguards make sure
everyone stays safe, and umbrella rentals keep all tourists cool even in the hot Grecian summers. For a break
from the beach, visitors can easily tour the nearby Chrysoskalitissa monastery or the Agia Irini lighthouse.

Kos
Characterized by long strips of clean, white beaches and rolling farmland rich in grapes, figs, olives, corn and
wheat, the island of Kos offers beautiful landscapes, historic sites and great beaches all in a relaxed
atmosphere. You can explore attractions like the ruins of an ancient marketplace and the 14th century fortress
built by The Knights of Saint John of Rhodes. In the charming city center of whitewashed buildings in Kos
Town, you will find an abundant selection of hotels, restaurants, bars and nightclubs.

Rhodes
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Rhodes Town
The capital city of the island, Rhodes Town dates back to the fifth century BC and as such has a plethora of
historical sites to visit, all hidden away amidst the labyrinth of alleys that make up the Old Town. Ringed in by
the ancient walls, this part of Rhodes Town is simply heavenly to explore and at night it is beautifully
illuminated. A world away from here is the new part of town which has shops, bars and restaurants as well as
the best beach in the vicinity. Once the site of the Colossus – one of the ancient wonders of the world –
Rhodes can get very busy but it is definitely worth visiting.
If you love history, you don’t want to miss out on a visit to Rhodes. Located near the coast of Turkey in the
Dodecanese, this beautiful island packs many historic treasures such as its medieval Old Town, the Temple of
Apollo, the Acropolis of Lindos, the Governor’s Palace, Rhodes Footbridge and more. This island of exotic,
Turkish influences also features popular beach resorts and charming villages with friendly locals.
Lindos beach
Rhodes is home to Lindos Beach, also referred to as Pallas Beach, which is an area that marries the sea with
the history of the Greek islands. Travelers can relax on the beach while gazing at a 4th century temple, which
is only a short hike away. Visitors can also relax in the water, renting a canoe or paddle boat for a lazy
afternoon in the calm of the sea. The nearby village of Lindos, a beautiful hillside settlement made up of
whitewashed houses and cobbled streets, is a must visit. Taste the local cuisine and buy souvenirs in safety
as the streets are made for pedestrians.

Symi
Symi is a small island that is part of the Dodecanese group in the Aegean Sea. In centuries past, Symi was the
heart of the sponge trade, and you’ll still see plenty of sea sponges for sale in local souvenir shops. Today,
however, Symi is a wonderful travel destination for those who want history as well as modern amenities. Be
sure to check out the harbor, which is still largely the heart of the island. You can also drive or take a taxi to
Panormitis, a monastery located in the south of Symi. One of the most popular pastimes on Symi is coastal
walking, and there are miles of easy-to-navigate trails throughout the island.

Lesvos Island

Chios
Chios is one of the North Aegean Islands, and it is located just four miles off the coast of Turkey. Famed for its
olives, figs and wine, the island is also a major destination for foodies. Nea Moni of Chios, an 11th century
monastery, is a must-see attraction. The interior is beautifully decorated, and its mosaics are considered to be
the ultimate examples of Macedonian Renaissance art. Chios is also a popular spot for day trips to Turkey,
which can be easily arranged via the local ferry service. Head to the town of Mesta for souvenir shopping and
dining at fantastic restaurants.

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