 GREECE & GREEK ISLANDS - TRAVEL AND DESTINATION INFORMATION |
Greece has more than 15,000 kilometres of coastline and a land boundary of 1,160 kilometres.
The main destinations in Greece include but are not limited to Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, Kos, Kefalonia and several others in the Cyclades, Dodecanese, Ionian Islands and Sporades islands.
About Greece & The Greek Islands
The country consists of a large mainland at the southern end of the Balkans, the Peloponnesus peninsula (separated from the mainland by the canal of the Isthmus of Corinth), and numerous islands (around 3,000), including Crete, Rhodes, Kos, Euboea and the Dodecanese and Cycladic groups of the Aegean Sea as well as the Ionian sea islands.
Map of GreeceAbout 80% of Greece consists of mountains or hills, thus making Greece one of the most montainous countries of Europe. Western Greece contains lakes and wetlands. Pindus, the central mountain range, has a maximum elevation of 2,636 m. The Pindus can be considered as a prolongation of the Dinaric Alps. The range continues by means of the Peloponnese, the islands of Kythera and Antikythera to find its final point in the island of Crete. (Actually the islands of the Aegean are peaks of underwater mountains that once consisted an extension of the mainland).
Greece from orbitThe Central and Western Greece area contains high, steep peaks dissected by many canyons and other karstic landscapes, including the Meteora and the Vikos gorge the later being the second largest one on earth after the Grand Canyon in the US.
Mount Olympus forms the highest point in Greece at 2,919 m above sea level. Also northern Greece presents another high range, the Rhodope, located in Eastern Macedonia and Thrace; this area is covered with vast and thick century old forests like the famous Dadia.
Plains are mainly found in Eastern Thessaly, Central Macedonia and Thrace. Volos and Larissa are the two largest cities in the area of Thessaly.
Greece's climate is divided into three well defined classes the Mediterranean, Alpine and Temperate, the first one features mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. Temperatures rarely reach extremes, although snowfalls do occur occasionally even in Cyclades or Crete during the winter. Alpine is found primarily in Western Greece (Epirus, Central Greece, Thessaly, Western Macedonia as well as central parts of Peloponessus like Achaea, Arkadia and parts of Lakonia where the Alpine range pass by). Finally the temperate climate is found in Central and Eastern Macedonia as well as in Thrace at places like Komotini, Xanthi and northern Evros; with cold, damp winters and hot, dry summers. It's worth to mention that Athens is located in a transition area between the Mediterranean and Alpine climate, thus finding that in its southern suburbs weather is of Mediterranean type while in the Northern suburbs of the Alpine type.
About 50% of Greek land is covered by forests with a rich varied vegetation which spans from Alpine coniferous to mediterranean type vegetation.
Seals, sea turtles and other rare marine life live in the seas around Greece, while Greece's forests provide a home to Western Europe's last brown bears and lynx as well as other species like Wolf, Roe Deer, Wild Goat, Fox and Wild Boar among others.
When Best To Visit Greece
Greece has a warm Mediterranean climate. In summer, dry hot days are often relieved by stiff breezes, especially in the north and coastal areas. Athens can be stiflingly hot, so visitors should allow time to acclimatise. The evenings are cool. Winters are mild in the south but much colder in the north. November to March is the rainy season.
Greece City Tours & Activities
Ferryto.co.uk have partnered the biggest online city tour and activity agency on the Internet, Viator, to offer you access to exciting tours and activities in all major destinations around Greece and the the Greek Islands.
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Duration
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| Athens Sightseeing |
4 hours |
Starting from GBP £33.00 per person |
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See the best places in Athens! Spend your morning visiting famous places such as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Royal Palace, Panathenian Stadium, The Temple of Olympian Zeus, The Acropolis, Thesseum Greek Orthodox Cathedral and much, much more! |
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| Athens by Night |
3 1/2 hours |
Starting from GBP £38.00 per person |
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Experience Athens by night! Drive through the city and up to the Pnyx Hill and be mesmerized by the Sound & Light spectacle before you. For dinner, visit a typical Greek Tavern in the Plaka district and enjoy the traditional meal. The floor show you will experience is a bonus on this fabulous night out in Athens! |
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| Delphi - Full Day Tour |
10 hours |
Starting from GBP £56.00 per person |
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A day in Delphi! Drive through Levadia and Arachova, famous for its bright multi colored carpets, onto Delphi - the ancient sanctuary of Apollo. Visit the Museum where one can see among other archaeological treasures, the unique bronze Charioteer, then proceed through the sacred way to the Athenian treasury. Visit the Temple of Apollo, the Castalia Spring and much more! |
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| Meteora |
2 days / 1 night |
Starting from GBP £85.00 per person, twin share |
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Drive through Levadia and Arachova en-route to Delphi. You will drive through central towns of Greece like Amphissa, Lamia and Trikala, crossing the Thessalian plain. Visit the breathtaking Meteora and its monasteries built on the top of rock towers. This tour is a must whilst in Greece.. |
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| Cape Sounion Half Day Tour |
4 hours |
Starting from GBP £23.00 per person |
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Nature and views at it's best is what you will experience on this tour. Meander along the coastal road past the wonderful beaches of Glyfada, Vouliagmeni, Varkiza and countless caves. Experience one of the most spectacular views of the Saronic Gulf - a feature of the tour Cape Sounion, dominated by the spectacular Temple of Posseidon overlooking the Aegean sea. |
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| Ancient Corinth |
4 hours |
Starting from GBP £37.00 per person |
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This tour offers a memorable opportunity to visit the ancient city of Corinth where St. Paul lived and preached for two years. Back in ancient times Corinth was amongst the richest cities and this is quite evident by its remains, including the huge agora and Apollo's Temple. Come and explore Corinth - book today!
This tour is seasonal and only operates from April through to October, 2006 |
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| Delphi - Two Day Tour |
2 days / 1 night |
Starting from GBP £76.00 per person, twin share |
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Spend a day of complete relaxation in Delphi where the wild beauty and grandeur of the landscape are awesome and inspiring. The time is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Visit ancient ruins and historical landmarks, or simply relax in the splendor that is the landscape of Delphi.
This tour is seasonal and only operates from April through to October, 2006 |
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| Delphi and Meteora - Three Day Tour |
3 days / 2 nights |
Starting from GBP £175.00 per person, twin share |
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Venture to the ancient site of the panhellenic sanctuary of Delphi, explore the complex of buildings, which includes the Temple of Apollo, The sacred Corycian Cave, and the Castalian Spring. Visit of Meteora - the thing that makes Meteora so special is the monasteries on the top of the rock towers. Be sure not to miss this tour!
This package is seasonal and only operates from April through to November, 2006 |
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| Northern Greece - Three Day Tour |
3 days / 2 nights |
Starting from GBP £289.00 per person, twin share |
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There is no better way to explore Northern Greece! Experience Thessaloniki, the second largest city in Greece. Learn about Alexander the Great in his capital Pella. Relive the ancient battle that took place in Thermopylae on your return to Athens.
This tour is seasonal and only operates from May through to October, 2006 |
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| Three Day Classical Tour |
3 days / 2 nights |
Starting from GBP £175.00 per person, twin share |
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This extended tour takes you to the archaeological site at Mycenae and then on to visit Nauplia. Drive to Epidaurus where you will visit the archaeological site and the Theatre, famous for its remarkable acoustics. See the archaeological sites and museum in Olympia and Delphi.
This tour is seasonal and only operates from April through to October, 2006 |
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Tourism And Greece
Greece is a country of a rich cultural heritage. Democracy was invented in Athens, Greek culture is the mother of Roman culture and has very much influenced other civilisations. Famous places to visit include the coast of the Aegean Sea, the Peloponnesus with antique Olympia, the host of the 2004 Olympic Games (Athens) with its Parthenon on the Acropolis, or Thessaloniki in the north. The main destinations in Greece include but are not limited to Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, Kos, Kefalonia and several others in the Cyclades, Dodecanese, Ionian Islands and Sporades islands.
Tourism makes a significant contribution to the nation's income and therefore the tourist infrastucture is quite advanced. There are hotels for every taste and pocket, adventure activities, extended nightlife in all major cities and towns and of course the many museums and archaeological sites this country is world famous for.
In the year of 2004, Greece ranked 12th in terms of international tourist arrivals world wide with a figure of 14.180 Million visitors, some of which came for the 2004 Olympic Games.
Since the promotion of Greece from the Olympic Games, the Government expected significant growth in the years to come. In the year 2005, tourism increased by approximately 14 percent, official figures show, and Greece was ranked as the most popular destination amongst Americans in the United States. In 2003, tourists spent an estimated 11 billion Euros, contributing 8% to Greece's GDP.
Tourism in Greece has multiplied 50 times in the past 40 years and is expected to only get bigger in the next 10 years.
The main problem for Greece and its tourism industry is that many people are now going to places such as Croatia or Turkey where they can get a similar summer holiday for a lot cheaper. Unfortunately, the Government did not spend much on promoting tourism in Greece until the Olympic Games. But, the new Government spent 10 times more money since then and also they have now hired Greek singer, Elena Paparizou, as their official Ambassador as well as having released a new campaign with promising results. One suggestion is to focus now on the Winter side of Greece as Greece's tourism industry is really only a 6 month tourism season. If promoted correctly, Greece could almost double its tourist statistics since most of the 14 million tourists are accounted for in only 6 months of the year.
In 2006, over 30 Billion Dollars will be spent on Tourism by the government compared to 7 Billion in 2002 in order to remain competative with Turkey and Spain. Greece was also named the favourite place to visit in 2005 by Chinese voters in a Chinese survey. It is believed that with the recent outbreak of the Bird Flu in Turkey, people will divert to Greece for there summer holidays of 2006 which means a small boost in Tourism for Greece.
More About Greece
The following Greek cities, towns and islands are able to accessed via ferry services bookable online at ferryto.co.uk:-
The prefecture of Chania (Hania) is one of the four prefectures of Crete and it covers the west part of the island. It has an area of 2,376 km and approximately 134,000 residents. It is mainly a mountainous region but it is also characterized by velvet beaches, particularly on its south part, where it meets the Libyan Sea. The prefecture of Chania constitutes a special place, which offers amazing natural beauties and also various comforts, without spoiling its physiognomy.
The capital of the prefecture is the romantic, hospitable and very beautiful town of Chania. It is a town built on the sea, which combines in a particularly picturesque way old with modern architecture. In the town of Chania you can visit the archaeological and naval museums, the old town, the folklore museum, the national garden etc.
During your touring of the prefecture of Chania, we suggest that you visit Akrotiri, which is only 15 km from the town of Chania. From there you can enjoy a spectacular sunset as well as a panoramic view of the town of Chania. Other interesting spots in the prefecture are the ancient town Aptera and the traditional villages Vamos, Gavalohori and Kefala. Also, don't forget to visit Paleohora, a place that will offer you many historic information as well as a wonderful tour through green landscapes and picturesque little villages.
In this beautiful place you will have the opportunity to enjoy the longest and most impressive gorge in Europe, the famous Samaria gorge. It is 18 km long and its passing is possible only during the summer months. The Samaria gorge is a wonderful route, where you have the chance to be in the heart of nature and to admire the wild vegetation, beautiful settlements and wonderful churches. In Frangocastello stands a venetian castle, while in Sfakia you can learn about the glorious local traditions. Lissos is famous for its therapeutic mineral water spa and Souyia for its long history. Finally, Platanias, Agia Marina, Kasteli Kissamou and others are particularly developed in tourism and amazingly beautiful regions.
The prefecture of Corfu (Kerkyra) is situated in the Ionion Sea at 19`22E and 20`06E lat. and 39`96N and 39`54N long. It includes the island of Corfu, the islands of Paxos, Antipaxos and their smaller islets Discalia, Panayia and Exolithro all of which are found to the south of Corfu whilst the outlying islands, Othoni, Ericousa and Mathraki are situated to the northwest. The west coast of Othoni is also the westernmost point in the State of Greece.
The prefecture of Corfu covers an area of 634 sq. km. and has a population of 107592 (1981) , equivalent to 167,9 residents per sq. km.Corfu is the seventh largest Greek island, and the second largest after Cephallonia of the Ionion islands.It is found in the north of the Ionion Sea, opposite the coastline of both Greece and Albania, separated by the Corfu Channel. Corfu itself has an area of 592,1 sq. km. and a coastline of217 sq. km.
The terrain is varied. In the north Mount Pantocrator rises to 906m., in the centre smaller hills rise to 576m., while in the south a series of hills ,not rising to more than 250m., stretch down the island ending at the headland of Asprokavos (south) and Lefkimis (southeast).In no particular arrangement, large valleys dot the landscape , characteristically like the one around lake Korission situated close to the southwest coast.
The island enjoys a mediterranean climate with mild winters and refreshing summers.However humidity is high owing to warm southwesterly winds (especially in the winter when winds can reach 8 Beaufort) and northwesterly winds (like the `maistro` of summer reaching force 4 Beaufort) causing heavy rainfall from time to time apart from the mid-summer months. The annual rainfall for Corfu (1,183mm) is the highest in Greece.
The relaxing but rich coutryside, the glorious beaches and many other wonderful sights have made Corfu one of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean and one of the most often-visited places in Greece.
The economy of the island is mostly based on agriculture and tourism (the last few years have seen a reversal of this situation), and there has been a reduction in the development of industry, manufacturing, pastoral farming, trade, merchandise and fishing.Mineral wealth, on the other hand, is non-existant.
Two- thirds of farmers are involved in olive cultivation, which stems from the time of the Venetian occupation.Olive groves cover one- third of the area of the island.
Corfu is well-known for its dairy products such as butter and graviera cheese.However few people earn their income this way as in past times families did not have access to grazing land for cattle and sheep.
During the 60`s efforts were made to develop industry chiefly in the agricultural sector with the creation of olive-mills, soap factory ,a rope manufacturer, paper mill and various outlets selling dairy products.Today many of the above have diminished.
The development of tourism has led Corfu to hold the second place, after the Dodecanese, for the number of visitors.The income earned through tourism represents a significant part of the income for the residents and takes second place only to revenue from agriculture.
A small town of 5.000 people including the villages around. It is considered as the central spot of Lakonia and therefore can be used as the starting point for excursions, fishing and hunting.
On either side of the town and for a few kilometres there are nice beaches with small taverns.
It was inhabited since the early historic times, serving as a trading station to the Phoenicians. During the Peloponnesian War, it was a Spartan naval base, destroyed by Athenians in 455 BC. Later it was fortified becoming such a powerful port that when seized in 195 BC it possessed the entire necessary infrastructure for use as an important export harbour.
The modern town has an island touch with its neo classical buildings. To the north of its entrance lies the ancient city with ruins of its acropolis on an adjacent hill and the theatre of the Roman era.
Exactly opposite Gythion is Marathonisi also called Kranae, which today is linked with the land across. According to the popular belief it is the island where Paris and beautiful Helen of Sparta are said to have spent a night. The castle of the Tzanetakis family stands in the heart of Marathonisi.
The Town Hall houses Gythion’s archaeological and Byzantine collection. There is also a theatre built during the first years AC.
At a distance of 10 km from Gythion on the road to Areopolis stands the Fort of Passavas, which is a Frank Fort, built in 1254 with its castles still standing.
The city of Heraklion still enjoys its reputation as one of the most attractive Mediterranean capitals. It has enough to offer that the cultural tastes and shopping needs of both the visitors and the residents are fully catered for. It is no accident that it has always been the business and social center of Crete throughout the ages and that status is maintained today. It plays host to many interests and activities as well as providing a very pleasant way of life.
For those who wish to learn a little bit about the history, Heraklion is home to ancient monuments and examples of major Western civilization. The region of Heraklion is famous for Zeus, the Greek god of hospitality, who met and fell in love with a Princess of unsurpassed beauty, named Europa. She gave birth to the race of Minoan Kings and sages, the founders of the earliest civilized nation in Europe.
There are many medieval monuments that indicate the prosperity of the era, situated in the center of the city. If you continue onwards from the port to the city centre, the first significant landmark you can see is 'Lotzia'. Nowadays this houses the City Council and part of the Municipality of Heraklion services departments. 'Lotzia' used to be the society for the Duke and Officers of Crete, and is decorated with uniquely sculptured coats of arms, trophies, and metopes. For centuries the noblemen of Crete gathered here to rest, to be entertained, or to practice their formal rituals. Its passageways (stoas) have their roots in the 14th century, but 'Lotzia' took its final architecture from the early part of the 17th century. It is located in the PIAZZA DEI SIGNORI (Square of the Administrative Authorities). It is considered to be the finest Venetian monument in the city, and was awarded the EUROPA NOSTRA first prize in 1987, for best renovated and preserved European monument of the year.
The majestic fortress, 'Koules', stands by the port. It had been used for centuries not only for the protection of the city but as a prison too, with its huge dark hallways and cells.
In the southern part of the city the palace of Knossos is situated, which was built in preclassical times, when Crete was still under reign and consisted of a hundred cities. In the center of Heraklion, at the North-east corner of 'Liberty Square' (Platia Eleftherias) is the Archeological Museum of Crete. Every year thousands of visitors come to admire fabulous treasures from the Minoan, historic, classical, Hellenistic and Roman times.
West of Heraklion, there is the Cretan History Museum, where the riches of the Christian, Byzantine, Medieval and earlier times are preserved for all to see. There are also many objets d'art, examples of Cretan popular culture through the ages. These include pieces of work by the great painter EL GRECO, who was born and studied painting in Heraklion itself. In the same Museum we can also find hagiographies from the famous Cretan School of Hagiography. In addition, visitors have the chance to see a typical Cretan house as well as memorabilia of the great author, Nikos Kazantzakis.
Just a few meters from the Church there is an elaborate fountain, called 'Liontaria' (lions). It is exquisitely sculpted and decorated with images inspired by the sea and the animal kingdom. It was constructed during the first decades of the 17th century by Franzisco Morozini, not only to decorate the square but also to provide the city with water.
South of the 'Lotzia' is the Basilica of Saint Marcus which was built in 1239 in the PIAZZA DELLE BIADE (Square of Blades) and used to be the Cathedral of Crete. The Basilica belonged to the reigning Duke and it was used as the Dukes' burial place. Nowadays it houses the Municipal Art Gallery.
Heraklion is surrounded by an enormous medieval wall, which used to protect it from enemies and gave the city its reputation as the best-fortified state in the Mediterranean basin. It stood up to a siege by the Turks for 25 years but the city was finally seized after its betrayal by a Venetian Engineer who led the invaders through a secret passageway into the city.
The Medieval monastery of Saint Catherine stands in the southwest corner of Lion Square. This building used to be the Cretan University during the Middle ages, through which many European artists, philosophers, church fathers, poets and authors rose to prominence. Nowadays the church of Saint Catherine houses a priceless collection of Cretan hagiographies.
A few meters from the church, you will find the Cathedral of Saint Minas, who is the patron saint of the city. Saint Minas rescued the Christians from slaughter when the Turks had tried to annihilate them in the early 19th century. The church took thirty years to construct and was inaugurated in 1896 with lavish celebrations. Next to it we can find the older, smaller church of Saint Minas, embellished with magnificent hagiographies and icons created by great hagiographers.
The central market and the shops in Heraklion are among the most diverse in Crete. Visitors can easily find souvenirs, jewellery, furs, food, and clothes for any price. Famous Cretan products such as oil, wine, raki(spirit), honey and herbs are really worth tasting and buying. The 'Martinengo' battlements rise from the south part of the wall, where the celebrated Nikos Kazantzakis, author of Zorbas and the Odyssey, was buried. South of here is the Old Gate called 'Hanioporta'. Lots of old churches and battlements still decorate Heraklion, which in addition to having a rich cultural heritage is very lively during the day and night.
Every evening during the summer, the Municipality of Heraklion organizes several arts events in its charming open-air theatres. The Festival has been honored by the presence of the Bolsoi Ballet, Kirof, the Opera di Vienna, Joan Baez, Theodorakis, Hatzidakis, Markopoulos, Brubek, Moustaki, Roussos, Halloway and Alvinand Berzam. The Festival begins in June and finishes in September, but during the rest of the year, art exhibitions, shows, recitals and concerts take place. At Christmas, Easter and in May there are celebrations for Holy Days and also for the Battle of Crete in 1941.
In Heraklion there are many nightclubs as well as tavernas/restaurants with Cretan and other folk music with dancing.
There is a great number of restaurants and tavernas, which offer traditional Cretan food as well as international cuisine. Local 'raki', 'ouzo'(spirits and fish-taverns are well known for their local delicacies, traditional drinks and low prices.
The Heraklion airport is named after Nikos Kazantzakis and is very busy, being the link between Crete and everywhere else in Greece and Europe. In addition, Heraklion port is the link to Piraeus, Thessaloniki and the Aegean islands.
Capital and chief port of the prefecture of Messinia, built in the heart of the Messinian Gulf.
Near the ancient city of Farai mentioned by Homer, 238 km from Athens, the land of Kalamatianos dance and the silk kerchief.
The 13th century castle above it built by Geoffrey Villehardouin dominates the town. On the north side of the citadel there is a small Byzantine church dedicated to the Virgin of Kalomata (of good eye), from which the town may have acquired its name.
From the castle you can survey the expanse of sea below with its sandy and pebbly shores or turn your gaze upon the deep green plain, the "happy land" of the ancients.
The old city is spread out underneath the castle. This is where the Byzantine church of the Virgin Ypapanti and the convent of the Kalograies built in 18th century, where the nuns weave the famous Kalamata silk, are situated.
In 1209 it was proclaimed seat of a barony and held by the Franks up to 1381, when it had been taken over by Navarrese and later liberated by the Paleologues. Turkish rule followed, except for an interval between 1685 and 1715, when it belonged to the Venetians.
There are many churches in town, the oldest being the historic church of Agii Apostoli (13th c.) where the Greek War of Independence against the Turks was formally declared on March 23, 1821.
Kalamata has an archaeological museum, which is housed at the Benaki Mansion, and a folklore museum noteworthy for its numerous relics of the War of Independence of 1821, a fine arts museum filled with works by Greek artists and a library containing 60.000 volumes.
Every summer cultural events like concerts and plays put on by the Kalamata theatre are held in the amphitheatre of the castle. In the evening, the town comes alive, especially along the water front which is lined with taverns, sea food restaurants and rotisseries serving local dishes and drinks, fresh fish, roast suckling pig and chicken, sausages, cheese, olives, retsina and raki.
Kastelli (or Kissamos) is a small provincial town located in the beautiful golf of Kissamos. There isn't much to see but the town has kept its Cretan character making ithe ideal destination for the purist traveller who wants to experience Greece as it really is.
This is the capital of the region or prefecture. It owes the name to Patreas, chief of the Achaians.
It is the largest town in Peloponnese and a major centre of transportation, linking the country with Italy and Peloponnese with the Ionian Islands.
The city extends from the shore up to the Castle. It is divided in two parts, the upper and the lower, whose layout, parks and plazas give it a definite distinction.
The old city, at the foot of the castle, still has a number of attractive neo classical houses, while the lower city has many mansions, such as those housing the Municipal Theatre and the Odeon.
The Cathedral of Saint Andrew, the city's patron, rises above the lower city. Patras possesses a fine archaeological museum, an art gallery and a printing museum.
Patras' famous carnival attracts thousands of visitors every year.
Paxi is the smallest of the six main Ionian islands. When you step ashore at Gaios, the island’s little port, you'll find an exquisite miniature world just waiting to be discovered. One of the attractions of this island is its size; it is so tiny (10 km. long and 4 km. wide) that you can easily walk from one side to the other. At the same time, it is so thick with grapevines and olive trees that the whole place is like one big garden. Along its eastern coast, just a stone’s throwaway, are the smaller islands of Panagia, Aghios Nikolaos, Mongonissi and Kaltsonissi.
During your stay on Paxi, you will find wonderful beaches and translucent waters, perfect for swimminig, snorkeling and fishing.
You should not miss taking a trip around the island in a motor launch, for a look at its spectacular white cliffs, punctuated by delightful coves and intriguing grottoes.
On the east side of the island sits Gaios, its capital and biggest village. Its charming 19th century houses, threaded by narrow lanes, lie at the end of a closed “fjord”, surrounded by trees and shrubs. At the entrance to this picturesque harbour you can make out the islets of Panagia and Aghios Nikolaos with its Venetian castle and windmill.
Laka is a little seaside settlement with a tiny harbour, built on a sheltered bay whose coasts are covered with olives and pines. Its low houses are particulary distinctive, painted in interesting shades of brown and indigo.
The grotto of Ypapanti is only 2 nautical miles from Laka by motorboat.
If you should happen to be in Paxi on the 15th of August, you’ll want to follow the faithful who gather at the Monastery of Panaghia (Moni Panaghias). The festivities last all day and all night, winding up in Gaios with dancing in the main square.
Pleasant excursions may be made to Panaghia, Aghios Nikolaos, Mongonissi and Kaltsionissi. From Paxi it is also possible to visit Parga on the mainland, a small town with a Venetian fortress and a wonderful beach, and Andipaxi, a tiny island 3 nautical miles (30 minutes away) from Gaios.
About 120 people live on Andipaxi. Its slopes are practically covered with grapevines and its beaches are superb. Totally unspoilt, quiet Andipaxi serves as a refuge for those seeking solitude, simplicity and serenity.
Piraeus is the port of Athens and one of the best-known sea hubs of the Mediterranean. Piraeus has been a lively and hospitable port for millennia. It was one of the most important ports of the ancient world, falling into decline after the Peloponnesian war near the end of the 5th century B.C. That was when the Long Walls were destroyed along with the port’s coastal fortifications. Those interested in Piraeus’s history can visit the Piraeus Archaeological Museum and admire the many fine exhibits from the Hellenistic and Roman periods. Of special interest are the copper statues of Athena of Piraeus, Artemis, and Apollo, as well as the Kallithea monument and the marble status of Hermes of Kifissia.
Today Piraeus is famed for its intense night life, its pretty and picturesque tavernas, its cultural events, its museums, and naturally its attractive and modern market where the visitor can find good bargains, reasonable prices and quality in whatever he or she may wish to purchase.
Piraeus also hosts the headquarters of many shipping companies. Commercial traffic is heavy and regular passenger lines link Piraeus with the Greek islands and foreign ports throughout the year.
We suggest that any visitor to Piraeus should visit the Panos Aravantinos Museum, the Archaeological Museum, or possibly the open air Veakeio theatres noted for its dance performances.
Rethymnon is a little smaller than Chania but is also growing quickly into a sprawling, rather ugly urban centre. However its old town and narrow alleys along the water front compete with Chania for the title of "Most beautiful city of Crete".
There are more Turkish houses and minarets remaining here than in Chania, although most houses are of Venetian origin. Rethymnon also has a long sandy beach which starts practically in the centre of the town and stretches eastward. Needless to say, this beach is lined with hotels, restaurants, cafes and all the other accompanying touristic "symptoms".
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