Lesvos: A 3-dimensional trip with Alternative Sailing

Are you tired of the trodden paths and feel that you want this year’s vacation to be special, unique and unforgettable? You can find all these in one of the most beautiful island in the Aegean Archipelago. Its name is Lesvos. You don’t need to say much concerning this island. It’s so big and offers such a variety of activities, that you can never get bored. It’s cosmopolitan for those who want an active night life and wish to be out till the early morning hours but it’s also quiet for those who wish to “hide” away in a small bay. A lush natural environment, exceptional architecture, centuries of history, unique places of worship, a rich cultural life and an amazing local cuisine.

The beaches of Lesvos carry their own colour. Crystal clear waters with seven Blue Flags in well-known island beaches await you. But the most amazing, magic beaches are hidden inside small bays that are often not accessible by the road. In order to swim into these, you need a vessel. A complicated network of wetlands spreads along the two gulfs on the island but also inland where you will be able to meet a plethora of local and rare species of flora and fauna. Apart from the natural beauty the visitor can admire the well-kept villages, the traditional settlements and the castles dominating the hills above them. You can follow the island’s history when you visit the archaeological and folk museums. The island is additionally well-known for its monasteries which attract thousands of pilgrims who come to pay their respects. For the fans of good cuisine the island offers a variety of dishes , “mezes” and rich food accompanied by the famous “ouzo” , a drink producer in a big number of small or bigger local distilleries.

You can enjoy all these sailing and combining them with activities like scuba – diving, cycling, hiking or simply watching wild nature. Alternative Sailing is a company based in Lesvos but expanding its activities all over the Northern or Southern Aegean. With its brand-new sailboats and safety offered by its experienced skippers you can travel carefree in dreamlike places with your family or/and friends. Choose one of the proposed trips or contact us so we can plan one that fits your wishes together.

For those who haven’t seen its beauties but also for those who keep coming back, Lesvos has always something new to offer. This year Lesvos and Alternative Sailing offer a 3-dimensional trip!!! Sail around the island, go scuba – diving under its waters and explore some of the shipwrecks, cycle among the olive groves, walk through the wetlands and climb its pine forested mountains. Using the sailboat as your base, we offer you the chance to explore Mytilini (the capital), Molyvos, Plomari, Sigri (with its petrified forest), and the two unique Gulfs of Kalloni and Gera as well as the nearby islands. On land and at sea Alternative Sailing is your choice! Come today and get the experience of a lifetime

Text provided by Alternative Sailing
Website: http://www.alternativesailing.gr/
e-mail: info@alternativesailing.gr
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Alternative-Sailing-Lesvos-island-Aegean-sea-Greece/489804597722168

It’s no surprise that Pythagorion is the most popular tourist spot on the island. Amongst the typical souvenir shops and mock pillars are the gorgeous things that happen naturally in Greece – the sky white and blue houses, the bougainvillea tumbling down walls and the scruffy picture postcard worthy cats. For us the real appeal of Pythagorion lies in its (small) size and layout making it a great place for young children. Here are 5 reasons we like it so much:

Very little traffic
Coming from London it’s not often that you feel that you can let your kids run free. Cars and bikes do drive along the sea front but they are few and importantly they drive slowly. You see lots of local kids cycling and you can hire a 3-seater bike with a canopy and join in the fun. There’s a smallish playground at the end of the beach which is visible both from the beach and harbour.

Safe beaches
The beach isn’t huge and it’s mostly stony but there’s enough to require sun beds (free in low season) and to keep the kids happy. The water is clear so you can easily see underfoot, however, it’s best to wear sea shoes as there are some sea urchins and to keep an eye out for jelly fish.

Plenty to do
If you’re not a beach bum there’s plenty else to do. There is a museum (4 EURO for adults) full of archaeological finds dating back to the Neolithic Period (5th/4th millennium BC). Our kids found it fascinating to watch the archaeologists at work. There are plenty of other sites of archaeological interest and the Monastery of Panagia Spiliani and the Tunnel of Eupalinos (a 4000ft long Aquaduct Tunnel).

Easy access to the rest of the island
There’s a bus service to Samos Town – a large working Port. You can take the same bus to supermarket Lidl to stock up on supplies.

Places to eat and drink on your doorstep
If you’re moored at the harbour the choice of restaurants and bars is abundant. We enjoyed a meal at Ambrosia. The Veal in Red Wine was tasty. Pizza was large enough for the kids to share and we enjoyed the local wine. A meal for 5 (3 adults and 2 kids) was around 50 EURO. The only downside to being so close to the action is that the action doesn’t stop when you do. Make sure you remember to pack some earplugs!

Michelle Hannell is currently sailing with her family on their yacht Jade. She also blogs at www.mummyratesit.co.uk

Kefalonia, the largest island of the Ionian Sea, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Greece. The island is characterized by picturesque villages, unique landscapes, breathtaking beaches and rich cultural heritage. During its long history, Kefalonia was marked by the Venetian Rule from the 13th to the late 18th century.

The two largest monuments of this period that have survived until today is the castle of Asos and the castle of Agios Georgios.

The castle of Asos dominates the homonym peninsula in the northern part of Kefalonia. The protection offered by the steep cliffs of the peninsula led the Venetians to build an imposing fortress. The castle was built in the 16th century and was the seat of the Venetian nobleman. Main object of the castle was the influx of population to Asos and the creation of a new civic center. The plan was never materialized because of the long distance of the castle from the settlements of the period. At the same time, the castle lost its great geostrategic position when Lefkada was occupied by the Venetians so gradually it was decayed and abandoned.
Although the signs of aging are prominent, today are rescued the imposing fortification of over 2 kilometers in length, the residence of the Venetian ruler, the arched gateway and the church of Agios Markos. The stunning view to the eastern coast of Kefalonia, Ionian Sea and the picturesque fishing village of Asos located at the neck of the peninsula is breathtaking.

The Castle of Agios Georgios stands in a hilly rise of 300 meters at the southeastern part of the island. The castle is located 7 km southwest of Argostoli, over the village Peratata. The construction of the castle was started by the Byzantines in the 12th century. The current appearance of the castle with its elaborate fortifications is due to additional works of the Venetians that occurred at the early of the 16th century. Upon completion of work, the castle was turned into economic, cultural and administrative center of the region until the late 18th century when the capital was transferred to Argostoli. The two devastating earthquakes of the 17th century and the earthquake of 1953 caused extensive damage to the surrounding wall of the castle.
The castle occupies an area of ??over 18,000 m2 and it is consisted of the fortifications, the inner enclosure and the top where stand still the ruins of the old guard. In the suburb area of ??the castle are located the Holy Annunciation Church and the Monastery St. Andrew Milapidia. The panoramic view of the bay of Argostoli and the east coast is breathtaking.

http://www.kefalonia-tours.gr/en/

Heraklion is the capital of Crete. By being the 4th most crowded city in Greece, it is obvious to mention that the night-life in Heraklion is a thing not to miss.
During the summer the all night-life moves at the clubs and restaurants (tavernas) with the view to the Aegean Sea (North coast). On the other hand, in winter time the locals stick to the city downtown within the venetian castle.

To start with our list
50-50 (Peninta-Peninta)
Its name may not ring a bell to you. But in Greek 50-50 means that we split it half. Food and Dancing with Greek music (bouzouki style). Best time to visit is after 22:00 and it goes all night long. The location is really unique, exactly at the central shopping market at the center of Heraklion.
After having a dinner with a traditional Greek wine, you will see everybody near you standing and dancing with Greek music. The kind of music that most Greeks party and dance all night long.

Address: 20, Street 1866, Heraklion
Phone: 0030 2810 286220
No reservation is required
website/facebook: https://www.facebook.com/penhntapenhnta

Agora (Agora 1866)
It is located exactly opposite of 50-50. Same style of entertainment but with a more traditional approach of the plates served. Agora doesn’t stay open until so long as 50-50. Quite good food at reasonable pricing.

Address: 23, Street 1866, Heraklion
Phone: 0030 2810 223848
No reservation is required
website/facebook: https://www.agora1866.gr

Best Bistro Cafe
On the ground floor you will find a nice cafe which during the night is transforming to a bar with wines and spirits and a little louder music. On the top floor, a gourmet restaurant is available with a mix of European and traditional Cretan cuisine.

Address: 23, Street 1866, Heraklion
Phone: 0030 2810 223848
No reservation is required
website/facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/BEST-cafe-bistro/168439453300582

258 lounge bar & friends
Great selection of spirits and cocktails with a summer attitude all year long. Magnificent view facing the old venetian harbor of Heraklion, known as Koule Fortress. During the night, everybody is there. Music on the decks playing until late, the most popular pop and mainstream hits of the year. Usually the night start from here. In addition, your morning coffee is will give you a wonderful start of the day by enjoying this spectacular view.

Address: 4, 25th August Street, Heraklion
Phone: 0030 2810 333267
No reservation is required
website/facebook: https://www.facebook.com/258LoungeBar/

Veneto Restaurant Cafe
Veneto Cafe Restaurant has been running since 1996 located at a neoclassical building in Epimenidou Street. Cozy environment to enjoy a drink or have a dinner. The view is unique looking the Koules fortress and the Cretan Sea. A really warm and friendly place to enjoy a romantic dinner with your better half. The food is a mix of Mediterranean flavors with a diversity of the Greek and Cretan culture.

Address: 9, Epimenidou Street, Heraklion
Phone: 0030 2810 223686
No reservation is required
website/facebook: http://www.venetocafe.gr/index_en.html

About the Author:
Rental Center Crete is car rental Company offering services in Crete Island, since 1975. They offer free delivery and collection service all over Crete. They also provide benefits such as all risk insurance without self risk, unlimited kilometres, theft insurance and more.

Santorini is one of the most famous tourist destinations in the world. The unique morphology of the archipelago is consisted of steep cliffs, colorful rock formations and the spectacular caldera that impresses the visitor from the first moment that the Hellenic Seaways ship is approaching the harbor.The volcanic activity within the last two million years formed and continues to form until today the morphology of the island. Santorini is a worldwide geosite with great scientific and tourist interest. The time evolution of the volcano can be divided into Pre Minoan and Post Minoan phase. The total eruptions of the Pre Minoan phase formed a conical island called by the ancient Greeks Strogili. Strogili flourished during the Bronze Age as evidenced by the ancient settlement of Akrotiri on the southern coast of the island. The Minoan eruption (1614 BC) differentiates the landscape by breaking Strogili into the islands of Santorini, Thirassia and Aspronisi. In the central part was created a large caldera. The violent eruption of the time resulted in the abandonment of the settlements of the island while earthquakes and tsunamis influenced even Knossos in Crete. Further eruptions followed in historical times with lava flows and volcanic material extrusion that formed the islands Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni in the center of the caldera. The last eruption occurred only 60 years ago resulting in the expansion of Nea Kameni.
In modern history, the inhabitants of Oia and Fira dug into the walls of the caldera creating the impressive cave houses. The soil composition of the island, influenced by the volcanic materials, was crucial for creating one of the oldest vineyards in the world which offers up to today unique varieties of wines.

The volcanic activity of the island is reflected in the intense relief, the volcanic veins at the walls of the caldera, the colored beaches developed in the inner part of the caldera, the lunar landscapes of Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni and the hot springs behind Palea Kameni where gush steam and sulfur.

www.santorini-travel.gr/en/

Many pages of history have been written for this place. Nobody knows for sure who created the caves but it seems likely that it was built during the Roman era or by the early Christians as Christian tombs. Some of the caves, however, contain carved beds and windows, as well as porches, revealing a different purpose: historians believe that some of them were also used as homes long ago – and also more recently, when the “Flower Children” came to Matala.
The hippies came from the four corners of the earth to Matala, where they found ready-made homes in the caves. The Greek film “My Aunt the Hippie”, starring Rena Vlachopoulou, was also set here.
There are other ancient buildings on the eastern side of the village, and even in the sea where the clear waters of the bay will help you distinguish them.

During summer months , there are several tourists who camp in Matala’s beach and there are also quite a few organized camping locations for those who prefer camping outdoors.
Visiting the caves of Matala is free. The caves have been fenced off and are protected by the Archaeological Service, while nobody is allowed to live or spend the night in them.
Although it has become a pretty popular destination, it still retains the charm and character of the quiet village of fishermen, as it began in the early 20th century, and the relaxed lifestyle of the hippies of the 60s and 70s. The feeling of freedom, the beautiful beach, the welcoming bay and the azure waters form the ideal scene for relaxing vacation.

Text provided by Jessica Erin

Chania, located on the northern coast of west Crete, is the second largest city in the Island of Crete. Its location provides a perfect Mediterranean climatic condition making it an ideal tourist spot. Chania is known for the golden sandy beaches, shopping markets, museums, beautiful monasteries and churches. It is a city with rich culture and historical background, a place worth visiting by tourist around the world. In order to discover this wonderful place, one needs to make a proper itinerary and take guidance from the tourism companies.
Best sightseeing places in Chania: -

* Beaches: – Many wet sandy beaches and bays in Chania are sure to take your breath away. Some famous beaches in Chania include the Elafonisi (small islet that can be reached by boat), Balos, Falassarna, Platanias, Drapanias (the pebble beach) and the Agioi Apostoloi.

* Churches, chapels and monasteries: – There are around 300 churches in Crete of which many churches and monasteries of historic significance in Chania. The must visit places include the Cathedral church, Agioi Anargyroi church, the monastery of Saint John the Hermit of the stranger, Chryssopigi, Tsagarolon and some other famous monasteries and churches.
* Museums: – The museums of Chania are known all over the world. The archaeological museum (has a collection of weapons, vessels, potteries, etc. from the Neolithic and Minoan periods), Typography museum, Nautical museum and many more are located in the heart of the city.
* Villages: – Many villages have retained the rich culture and heritage of Greece. They conduct many cultural events that consist of exhibitions, concerts and contemporary plays that attract a great deal of tourism to the Crete every year.

In order to discover the beaches in Chania one can hire a ferry boat that will cover the most famous beaches in the vicinity. One can hire a car or a van to travel across Chania with utmost comfort and without being dependent on other modes of public transport. Many car rental companies in Chania offer this economic and cozy mode of transportation with commendable service all over the Cretan island. You can drive these cars on your own or hire a drive who can guide you to some of the best places in Chania that are worth visiting.

About the Author:

Rental Center Crete is car rental Company offering services in Crete Island, since 1975. They offer free delivery and collection service all over Crete. They also provide benefits such as all risk insurance without self risk, unlimited kilometres, theft insurance and more.

Rental Center Crete also offers car hire at Chania airport which deliver and collect vehicles at Chania airport without any hassle.
Article 3 – Rentalcentercrete.com

Come and explore Evia Island, the northern part.
Rovies is a small village by the sea in unspoiled surroundings. Our guest house “Eleonas” is surrounded by green hills which are perfect for trekking or bird watching.
We offer a warm welcome to guests who are looking for a quiet and luxurious holiday. For us luxurious means hassle-free, pampered and dependable holidays.

We offer comfortable accommodation with ten twin/double-bed rooms overlooking a silvery-leaved olive grove and the clear blue sea of Evoikos Bay. Our rooms are tastefully but simply decorated. We believe that simplicity makes people feel confident that they made the “right choice” because we simplify experience by foreseeing and anticipating your needs.
The moment you arrive as a guest at Eleonas guest house you will notice the personalized and intimate atmosphere, reflected by the numerous thoughtful amenities and detail.
With orthopedic mattresses, complimentary internet access, breathtaking view, delicious home made breakfast, every step is sure to be enjoyable and peaceful.

Our guests are welcome to use our lounge with its wood-burning fireplace for chilly spring evenings. In the summer they can relax in the shade of the olive trees on our terrace and enjoy the view which is particularly beautiful at sunset. For the energetic, we have our own outdoor exercise equipment and a specially designed mini-trail through our woods.
Our restaurant offers home cooked Greek food using our own olives and olive oil. Guests can enjoy breakfast with olives, home made bread, jams, honey, pastry and Greek coffee or other beverages.

Our guests are also welcome to follow the everyday work of the olive grove, organically cultivated, which has been run by the family for over 100 years. They can also swim from the nearby secluded beach, learn to weave and to marvel at the night sky through our own telescope.

www.eleonashotel.com

e – mail: info@eleonashotel.com

Litochoro – Mitikas – Litochoro

We begin our trek from ‘Diastavrosi’- exactly 13.5 kms from Litochoro on the Litochoro-Prionia road. A small road branches up and to the left, which takes us to a clearing from which the trail begins. Beginning rather steeply and traversing a very beautiful forest, an hour’s walk along the well-marked trail brings us to ‘Barba’ at an elevation of 1450m where there is a clearing with benches. Then the trail ascends a little and then descends until the junction for Itanos spring, which doesn’t always have water. A steep ascent brings us to the area known as “pangakia”. Here we are provided with a nice view of the Enipeas valley, the Monastery of St. Dionissios, and Kalogeros summit.  Keeping within the woods, the trail continues to ascend until “Strangos” where there is a water tank (which doesn’t always contain water). From here a trail branches to the left towards the Mousson plain via “Anathema”, which as its name suggests in Greek, is extremely steep and not recommended. We continue straight ahead and to the right. The forest begins to thin and the beech-trees aree replaced by pines. Soon we reach “Petrostrunga” at about 1950m Here among the pines which are hundreds of years old we find several sheepfolds. Up to here we average about 1:45hrs from “Barba”. The trail winds mildly through huge trees that slowly thin; a sign that we are approaching the alpine zone. And sure enough, soon we come out on arid ground. The well-trodden path and the intense markings make sure we don’t get lost. Now we see a bare incline which the trail slowly ascends. To our righright we see magnificent valleys and cliffs descending from the Mousson plain. Spectacular peaks, that grow in even the steepest of places: a medley of valleys and ridges provide a picture of the remote grandness of Olympus. We reach the foot of “Skourta” peak (2485m) where we find a sign. We proceed to make a quick ascent of it. Time from Petrostrunga is 1:15hrs. Here we are provided with our first view of the peaks of Olympus as well as the Mousson plain. Unfolding in front of us is the only passage toward the plain; the Skourta neck (“lemos”) and “Yiosso’s” pass. We descend a little until the lowest point of “lemos” and then the trail takes us to the base of the plain (the steel cables are for winter ascents). The base of the plain is at 2600 2600m. From here we can follow the right row of poles to the SEO refuge at 2710m or the left row to the EOOA refuge at 2650m. Both are built across from Stefani. Time from “Skourta” to here is 1:15hrs for a total of 5:30hrs from “diastavrosi”. If you have enough time, we strongly recommend that you climb the peak of Profitis Ilias, which will reward you with a spectacular view. To continue for the summits, we take the trail from SEO refuge, which traverses the base of Stefani. This almost level path takes us to a ridge where we see the “Zonaria” (“bands”), “Mavrolongos” and the Enipeas valley. We can also make out the refuge of Spilios Agapitos. Five minutes from here brings us to the markings that will guide us through the Stefani gully to the secondary peak of Stefani. From this point to the main peak we need to traverse a very exposed pass. Some basic mountaineering experience is required. If we return to the trail to a point a little lower than the Stefani gully, we find other markings -red again- which lead us through the Mitikas gully to the peak of Mt. Olympus. Scrambling is also required here. However the markings, almost at every meter, make our life easier. From the peak we have an endless view of half of Greece and of the rest of Olympus. This, providing that the peaks are not surrounded in one of the usual fogs of the mountain. From the refuge to here is about 1:15hrs. Notice that we are on the summit and we do not toss rocks since there may be people below us who are climbing or walking. We descend the same route to meet the “Zonaria” trail. The path descends mildly until it intersects the trail that ascends from Spilios Agapitos refuge to Skolio. We follow it and gradually enter the pine forest. The trail descends rather steeply only on a ridge and we reach Spilios Agapitos refuge rather quickly. The entire trail from the Skolio intersection until Litochoro is part of the E4, the international trail that crisscrosses Greece. From the refuge the trail descends steeply. Above and below it are hundreds of tree trunks from avalanches that melt in the spring and flow off the Zonaria bands just above. We re-enter a dense forest which gradually becomes beech-tree magnificent forest of silence-until we come out at the waterfall of Prionia. This point is accessed by a road from Litochoro. There is a refreshment store and of course a lot of noise. We fill our water bottles and quickly enter the E4 trail which follows the Enipeas river. The route from the base of Mitika to Prionia takes about 3:30 to 4 hours. From here on, after crossing to the left bank (north) of the river, and passing through romantic clearings to the deserted Monastery of St. Dionissios at an elevation of 820m.  After the Monastery we descend until the river, cross it until we come out at the cave of St. Dionissios where there is a spring. From here the trail ascends and descends to the left and to the right of the river (the crossing in early summer requires a jump in the cold water) passing pools ideal for bathing. After the last crossing of the river (five in all from Prionia), the trail starts ascending the right (south) side of the valley across from the Zilnia rock face. After gaining elevation (luckily the path winds through a dense forest so the sun doesn’t bother us) we finally view Litochoros at the end of a plain. In a while the trail at last starts to descend until it reaches the outlying houses of Litochoro(4 hours).

INFO Elevation 2,917 m (9,570 ft) Prominence 2,355 m (7,726 ft) Location Greece Range Macedonia and Thessaly, near the Gulf of Salonika Coordinates 40°05’08’N 22°21’31’E

GPS ROUTES LINKS TO DOWNLOAD

TREKKING | Litochoro – Enipeas – Prionia Olympus http://www.anevenontas.gr/en/routes/?tid=1330854611

TRAIL RUNNING | Olympus Marathon http://www.anevenontas.gr/en/routes/?tid=1310739303

TREKKING | Ourlias – Koromilia / Olympus http://www.anevenontas.gr/en/routes/?tid=1314606209

HIKING | Gortsos – Anathema – Mitikas – Kakalas http://www.anevenontas.gr/en/routes/?tid=1314691683

HIKING | Prionia – Livadaki – Golna – Litohoro http://www.anevenontas.gr/en/routes/?tid=1315208490

HIKING | Plateau of the Muses (Seo refuge) http://www.anevenontas.gr/en/routes/?tid=1315208490

Submitted by Miltos Zervas: Reach me at info@anevenontas.gr http://www.anevenontas.gr