The main village in the municipality of Armeni, Kalives is a large village in the Greek island of Crete. Located at the entrance of the Souda bay, Kalives lies about 20 kilometers from the old Cretan capital of Chania. Kalives is one of the few villages in Crete that still has the Cretan tradition in all aspects. Kalives which is more of a town than a village is bordered by the sea on one side and by low hills on the other.
The town is known for a number of festivals like the Saint’s day and the Carnival day. The church located in the town square is a place worth visiting. During the Byzantine times, Kalives was considered to be the site of one of the two harbors of the ancient city of Aptera. Do not forget to check out the fort of Castello Apicorono on Kastelli hill and last but not the least the lovely sandy beaches!
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Located in the Greek island of Santorini, Akrotiri is a Bronze Age settlement that throws light on the Minoan civilization. The name also stands for a small Greek village located near the excavation site. No one knows as to how the place got its name but it is well known for its frescoes and other artifacts. The site was actually a place of a volcanic eruption in 2000 B.C and hence, remains from the Minoan civilization are remarkably well preserved.
The historic site ran into some problems with the roof structure in early 2005 and has been closed off to public from then. However, it will be reopening for the public in 2010 and tourists will get to have a glimpse at some of the ancient ruins. A number of artifacts and other historic pieces of art that were unearthed here now rests at the Museum of Prehistoric Thera. Tourists visiting Akrotiri should not miss out on the stunning views of the volcanic caldera and the volcano itself. Photography enthusiasts will definitely have a great time here.
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A typical fishing village in the Northeaster side of Corfu is the pristine village of San Stefanos. San Stefanos is ideally located between the resort towns of Kerasia and Kassiopi. Located about 35 kilometers from the town of Corfu and 3 kilometers from the resort town of Kassiopi, San Stefanos can be easily accessed by road. San Stefanos is mostly referred to as San Stefanos Sinion to avoid confusion with another village of San Stefanos that is located on the other side of the island of Corfu.
With some of the finest hotels and resorts available in San Stefanos, finding accommodation in here is not a problem. San Stefanos has clean pebbly beaches and has a good number of bars and other shops like most summer resorts. You are sure to have a great experience like in any Corfiot village. The lush scenery around this place is another added attraction.
One of the most ancient cities in Greece and the capital of the Aegean Island of Rhodes, the city of Rhodes has been synonymous with the Colossus of Rhodes which was one of the Seven wonders of the Ancient world. The city of Rhodes located at the North Eastern tip of the island of Rhodes is an important tourist destination and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Since the city is at the crossroads of Europe, Africa and the Middle East, a number of cultures have flourished here and the city is believed to have been inhabited by humans from the 4000 B.C.
The Diagoras International Airport operates a number of flights to several European cities and serves both the city and the island of Rhodes. Owing to its rich history from the Middle Ages, Rhodes is a place that is not to be missed by someone who has a flair for ancient architecture and culture. Among the several places to visit in Rhodes, some of the most important landmarks here are the Grand Masters Palace, The Acropolis of Rhodes and the recently unearthed Byzantine harbor that has a number of unique shipwrecks that occurred in the medieval times.
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A small and serene coastal village in the island of Corfu is Kontokali. This resort like Barbati is not much exploited by the tourist activity and hence still remains an ideal place for family tourists and people who looking for a place with the likes of a popular tourist resort but without the noisy environment. Pretty close near the resort town of Gouvia, Kontokali is connected to it by a coastal road. Roads also connect the main city of Corfu to Kontokali and it is a real experience riding in the race-track like road.
Kontokali is particularly noted for its beach and a few historic monuments. The Kontokali beach is one of the most child friendly beaches in Corfu and is shallow. So, if you are someone who wants some watersports, then Kontokali is not the place for you. The beach is also a blue flagged beach and is particularly noted for its cleanliness. Head into the village and you’ll find a small old church what is considered to be oldest church in the island of Corfu. You’ll also find the remains of a castle which people believe is where the Venetian Knight Kontokali spent his early days.
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An idyllic little village situated in the northeastern coast of Crete, Agia Marina is considered to be a jewel of Crete. The presence of sandy beaches with crystal clear waters makes Agia Marina as one of the most sought for resort by young, family and old tourists likewise. Located just about nine kilometers from Chania, the old capital of Crete, Agia Marina can be easily accessed by road. The beach offers some of the adrenaline pumping sports like jet skiing and parasailing. Alternately you could also take a boat ride or swim and get tanned in the sands of the beaches.
If you are a hiking enthusiast and a nature lover, then Agia Marina is just the place for you. You can hike your way through the Lefka Ora Mountains and explore some of the caves. You could also walk through the olive groves and spot the various flora and fauna of the region. The Therissos Gorge, Samaria Gorge and Topolia are some places that offers stunning views.
(Image courtesy of Maleme Chania Crete Greece)
A Greek island located to the South of Chios in the North Aegean Sea is Samos. Samos is located near the Turkish mainland and is an important stop of tourists travelling between Izimir and Athens. Samos can be reached both by air and ferries and the latter one is the most preferred way by tourists to get into the island and a number of ferries operate from the Turkish town of Kusadasi. Samos was the birthplace of many great Greek minds including that of the ancient mathematician, Pythagoras.
Samos is known for its places of great natural beauty and the ancient monuments. The island’s name is said to have come from the Phoenician word of Samos which means “rise by the shore”. Other than places of historic importance like the Tunnel of Eupalinos and the Temple of Hera, Samos is also known for its sandy beaches with crystal clear waters that are ideal for sunbathing.
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Literally a jewel of Corfu, Barbati is a peaceful seaside village in the island of Corfu. Just about a twenty minute walk from the resort town of Ipsos, Barbati is a quite getaway from other noisy resorts that are crowded with tourists. Though not as lively as other resorts, the serenity and the peace of Barbati is definitely magical and is an ideal destination for family tourists. The long shingled beach is Barbati’s asset and is just the place you would want to be when in Barbati.
A few shops and a few taverns are all that you’ll find along the beach. The beach offers some stunning views of the coast on a clear day as you can see the Albanian coast joining the Greek coast from here. The beaches are blue flagged are clean and safe for children too. You could also rent a sun bed or an umbrella and sunbath in the sand of the lovely beach. Other places to visit other than the beach includes the quaint little traditional houses in the village and the St Nikolas church along the beach.
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Paxi, the smallest group of island in the Ionian islands consists of two large islands called Paxos and AntiPaxos. Greek mythology has it that the island was created by Poseidon himself from the island of Corfu. The island is believed to have got its name from the Phoenician word for slate and was inhabited by Phoenicians for a long time. The island was then ruled by Roman from the 2nd century BC after which the Byzantines and the Venetians ruled it in the Middle Ages.
The island can be accessed by hydrofoils from the island of Corfu and also from Bari and Brindisi. The western side of the island is of exquisite beauty with a number of rocky cliffs and a number of caves cut out from the coastline. These blue caves are a special attraction of the island as the sea water inside the cave is lit up by sunlight and the water appears sparkling blue. If you really love spending time with nature, then Paxos is just the place for you.
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A small picturesque village in the Northern coast of the Greek island of Corfu is Kalami. Though it’s not a much frequented tourist resort, Kalami has been a well preserved peaceful village that can be a good holidaying place for people who’re looking for some relaxing holidays. Just about 7 kilometers from the popular resort town of Kassiopi and 30 kilometers from the city of Corfu, Kalami is a horse-shoe shaped bay and is considered one of the most beautiful spots in Corfu.
If you are person who loves hiking, then Kalami has a number of places for you to explore. Walk to the beautiful little harbor of Kouloura which is considered to be one of the most picturesque places in Northern Corfu. Do not forget to walk to the unexploited virgin beaches of Yaliskari where the water is crystal clear and green in color. The Kalami beach is yet another attraction to this tranquil little village. When you come to Corfu, make sure you do not miss out to visit this beautiful village.
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