Popular Sights

Monday, November 30, 2009

Part of the Greek Islands in the Aegean Sea, Mykonos is a dazzling destination filled with whitewashed houses, blue-domed churches, and beautiful beaches set against an equally striking blue sky. Seen from a distance, the island chain of the Cyclades resembles a necklace on deep blue satin. Once you set foot on Mykonos, you may well determine it to be the crown jewel.

Described as a bare island bathed in sunlight, Mykonos is known for its immaculately whitewashed village sprinkled with blue and jade green.

It's also famous for its sophisticated nightlife. The most popular island in the Cyclades is bustling with activity, awash in beautiful alleyways, and home to alluring sandy beaches.

Sunday, November 22, 2009

One of the premier vacation spots in the Mediterranean, Rhodes is also one of the most interesting Greek islands.  Successive waves of history have left their vivid marks.  Gothic fortifications, built 600 years ago by the Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem, greet you at the harbor where the Colossus stood.  Visitors to the capital city of Rhodes can experience dining in old taverns and gambling. You can spend the day at Palace of Grand Masters and the Knights' Hospital which is now the Archaeological Museum.  Visit ancient Kamiros a 7th where you will see remains of a civialization nearly 3,000 years old.  To enter another era, you have only to cross the island to Lindos, where the Temple of Athens tops an acropolis above the sea.

Sunday, November 01, 2009

Few islands can compete with Crete's ancient sites, mix of Mediterranean cultures and spectacular physical beauty.  Europe's first civilization, the Minoans, evolved on Crete some 3,500 years ago, and today we see such treasures in the labyrinth-like palace at Knossos, as well as the palace at Phestos.  Both are close to the island's capital of Heraklion, still surrounded by massive walls and home to a first-rate museum.  Crete's attractions also include ruined palaces and Venetian fortresses, Byzantine monasteries and frescoed churches, museums and ancient monuments, vineyards, orchards and fishing villages.  Along the north coast are fine deluxe resorts offering privates beaches, tennis, sailing and other water sports

Friday, October 23, 2009

 Although I have yet to visit many part of the worlds, Santorini (also known as Thera,) is my favorite destination in the Mediterannean. I was speachless as we approached the island. With dramatic views of white houses clinging perilously to the side of the caldera & stunning beaches of white & red sand or black pebbles, it’s no wonder Santorini may be the most photographed scenery in the world.

Between the 21st and 16th centuries BC, the Minoans lived on the island, which was later flooded & preserved under a blanket of volcanic ash. It is believed that the effects of the volcano led indirectly to the collapse of the Minoan civilization. Another popular theory holds that the Thera eruption is the source of the legend of the Lost City of Atlantis. J

ust a short cable car ride (or a longer trip by donkey), and you are in Fera. There are loads of shops and cafes to explore. Shop for jewelry, wine, leather and handmade goods. Tours offer visits to Oia Village for amazing photo ops including the famous blue domed churches.

You can also visit the village of Pyrgos and go up to the highest peak of Santorini to Mt. Profitis Ilias for magnificent views of the entire island. Enjoy wine? Perhaps take a tour and tasting at Domaine Sigalas, the only Greek winery to be included into Wine Spectator's "Top 100 Wines of the World" list, or the Boutari Winery. Boutari was founded by Yiannis Boutari, a Greek Winemaker whose influence over the Greek wine industry has been equated by Wine Spectator as being "... on par with Robert Mondavi in the Napa Valley."

Remember, no trip to Greece is complete without trying their authentic Gyros available in lamb, beef and chicken. In the mood for Greek food no? Here is a great recipe for Tzatziki sauce to go with your gyros.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Whether you are looking for ancient wonders, just soaking up the culture or more modern pleasures such as shopping, dining, and a pulsating nightlife, Athens can deliver. The capital is a bustling and cosmopolitan city with upscale shopping and good restaurants. Both Syntagma Square and the Plaka district are must sees for cultural events and celebrations, concerts, theater, cafes, shops, markets, and nightclubs. Nearby you can see the ancient monuments such as the Acropolis and the Parthenon or climb Mount Likavitos and revel in the panoramic view of Athens and the Saronic Gulf.