If you want to travel around the many islands of Saronic and Aegean, the port of Piraeus is your first stop. You can go there by using the Metro line 1 (Kifisia – Piraeus), by bus lines (040, 859, Χ96), or by taxi.

Piraeus is a city with lots of beautiful places to visit. Some of them are listed bellow.

1. The city of Piraeus is marked by the diversity of culture among its neighbourhoods. The hill of Kastella is one of the most prosperous and attractive neighbourhoods of the city, with a panoramic view over Athens and the Saronic Gulf. Its elegance comes from its numerous neo-classical mansions, while the Veakeio Theater and a church dedicated to the Prophet Elijah are the most popular buildings.

2. The coastal area of Neo Faliro has been upgraded and is also prominent, with the Peace and Friendship Stadium and the Karaiskakis Stadium, an indoor arena and a football ground respectively lying opposite one another, predominating.

3. Mikrolimano and Bay of Zea, the smaller harbours of the city, attract large numbers of visitors with their picturesque vistas and vigorous nightlife, hosting fishing boats as well as yachts and cruise ships.

4. Kaminia, by contrast, is a working-class neighbourhood which still preserves the traditional look of an earlier period.

5. The Municipal Theater in downtown Piraeus was built in 1885 and remains an impressive neo-classical building. Located across from the Neo-Byzantine Piraeus Cathedral, it forms one of the most renowned landmarks of the city and a popular meeting place.

Read more here.

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Raise your hand if you haven’t already visited Rome…. If we believe the motto that says: “All the roads lead to Rome”, there will be a time that the road will lead you to the magnificent city of Rome.

I had my chance in Christmas and I’ve make a list of things to do, see and try in Rome.

1. Vatican City

Vatican City is a walled enclave within the city of Rome. With an area of approximately 44 hectares, and a population of 842 persons, it is the smallest sovereign state in the world by both area and population. It is an ecclesiastical or sacerdotal-monarchical state (a type of theocracy) ruled by the Bishop of Rome – the Pope.

Why to visit Vatican City?

The Vatican Museums, the St. Peter’s square, the Basilica di San Pietro are pure art! The sure thing is that you will never see again so many artifacts gathered in one place. The ticket for the Vatican Museums costs 16€ and if you book online you must pay 4€ more. The extra charge allows you to enter quicker and save time waiting rather than standing on the other queue.

2. Colosseum – Roman Forum – Palatine Hill

These two places require at least half of your day. Colosseum is a great arena but it is not so special from the inside. However, you are in Rome and it would be a great miss out if you don’t enter. That place hosted battles, duels and beast fights.

The Roman Forum is a rectangular forum surrounded by the ruins of several important ancient government buildings at the center of the city of Rome. Citizens of the ancient city referred to this space, originally a marketplace, as the Forum Magnum, or simply the Forum.

The Palatine Hill is the centermost of the Seven Hills of Rome and is one of the most ancient parts of the city. It stands 40 meters above the Roman Forum, looking down upon it on one side, and upon the Circus Maximus on the other. The city’s view is Spectacular!

These three sightseeing share the same tickets that costs 12€.

3. Pantheon

This temple was originally dedicated to all gods of the ancient Rome. Now, it is a Christian Church. The most characteristic feature of this temple is its dome that is open to the weather conditions. It’s fascinating that despite the eons and the damages that Pantheon suffered, it still stands!

4. Fontana Di Trevi

A visit to the most popular fountain of the world is necessary! Don’t forget to throw a coin into the fountain! This action, according to locals, guarantee your return to Rome.

5. Piazza Di Spagna

After the most popular fountain, we visit the most famous stairs! These steps connect Piazza di Spagna and Trinità dei Monti church. Climb the steps and the view will reward you!

6. Piazza Del Popolo – Piazza Venezia – Piazza Navona

Each square has its own unique story to tell. I choose 3 squares that I really enjoyed and admired. Photograph the city’s view from the top of Piazza Del Popolo, take a break in Bernini’s fountain in Piazza Navona and pay your respects to the unknown soldier in Piazza Venezia.

7. Tiber River

Tiber runs the old city. Don’t miss the chance to walk by the river and visit the only island in Tiber, Tiberina.

8. Castel and Ponte Sant’Angelo

The Mausoleum of Hadrian, usually known as Castel Sant’Angelo is a towering cylindrical building in Parco Adriano, Rome, Italy. It was initially commissioned by the Roman Emperor Hadrian as a mausoleum for himself and his family. The building was later used by the popes as a fortress and castle, and is now a museum. This Castle was once the tallest building in Rome.

Ponte Sant’Angelo is a bridge located in front of Castel Sant’ Angelo. It completed in 134 AD by Roman Emperor Hadrian, to span the Tiber, from the city center to his newly constructed mausoleum. The bridge is solely pedestrian, and provides a photogenic vista of the Castel Sant’Angelo. Spent some time observing the “angels” on the bridge.

9. Villa Borghese Gardens

These gardens are perfect for relaxation. Walk or take a bike and ride through the park. If you have time visit the Galleria Borghese, the zoo and the beautiful lake.

10. Shopping in Via Del Corso

Shopping time and there’s no other place like Via Del Corso! There you can find well-known brands and normal priced items. On the other hand, if you are into expensive brands such as Prada, Gucci, Armani etc, prefer the Via Condotti.

11. Eat traditional Italian food

Pizza, Spaghetti, Panini, Focaccia, Τiramisu, are some of the MUST EAT foods in Rome!

12. Drink the original Cappuccino and taste the authentic hot Italian chocolate.

There is always time for a traditional cappuccino made by the experts! Also, try the authentic hot chocolate! It is thicker than the ones you are used to and certainly tastier!

By Danai Aimatidou

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Are you ready??? 

1. Athens is one of the oldest capitals in the world.

2. 40% of Greece’s population resides in Athens.

3. Greece is one of the sunniest countries in the world with 250/365 days of sun.

4. Greece is considered to be the most sexually active country in the world.

5. Every year 17 million tourists visit Greece.

7. Greek language is one of the oldest languages in the world and it’s spoken for over 3000 years.

8. In Greece we have more than 2000 islands! But only 170 of them are populated.

9. Greece is the world’s third leading producer of olive oil.

10. Greece has one of the largest varieties of wildlife in all of Europe.

11. Greece is the country where philosophy, democracy and other principles were thrived.

12. The actual name of the country is Hellas or Ellada.

Read more here

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The majestic city of Poland is an open-air museum, with palaces, cathedrals and historic homes.

Krakow has been the capital of the country for more than 500 years and was a cradle of medieval commerce and a great center of arts and sciences in the 16th century.

The gem of Poland with its inexhaustible history is a dynamic European metropolis with youthful culture and passion for the arts.

According to the legend, the first inhabitants of the city lived in the cave of a dragon that killed the mythical King Krak.

The myths around the city do not stop there, as it is said that once, the Hindu god, Shiva, threw seven magic stones in seven different parts of the world. And since then, every place where a stone fell is considered to have a separate energy. Krakow was one of these places.

The Old Town is a true architectural masterpiece of great historical monuments and has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The Basilica of Virgin Mary is built in the 13th century and overlooks its twin bell towers on the central square of the Agora.

The rocky Wawel hill rises 20 meters above the center of the city and has been for centuries the seat of the Polish kings. The visitor will see the homonymous 16th-century castle and a national identity for the Poles. Next to the castle dominates the Royal Cathedral, with a history of 900 years.

Kazimierz Jewish Quarter experienced the devastating consequences of the Second World War and became known to the general public through the Sidler List.

The traveler will find today the most bohemian neighborhood of the city with stone paved alleys and numerous old synagogues, and hosts the Jewish Museum of Galicia dedicated to the Holocaust and the Jews of Central Europe.

It is worth visiting the historic Schidler’s Factory Museum, which is housed in the old enamel factory of the legendary Oscar Sindler and the Manggha Museum of Japanese Art and Technology, on the banks of the Vistula River.

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(* The island is called Lesvos and its capital is Mytilene. The capital is so imposing and unique that it has managed to “name” the entire island).

The rich history of the island, combined with its modern use, keeps the interest of visitors alive. Being the third largest island in Greece, it is easy to see how it can offer a wide variety of different scenes and activities.

But why should a visitor make so many miles to reach the northeastern Aegean Sea? What does Mytilene have that makes it special?

The first and main are the beautiful villages, with the picturesque streets, the impressive mansions, the three well-preserved castles in Mytilene, Molyvos and Sigri and the benches with the traditional handmade objects.

Mytiline has been given the status of “Archontissa” and not unfairly! The city is made up of elaborate mansions, while its beautiful waterfront, its smells and colors, magnify the eyes of every visitor! The imposing church of Agios Therapontas that dominates, the imposing castle, the statue of freedom that welcomes you to the port, makes the city an idyllic place for exploration!

Ouzo, whichever brand you choose, will introduce you to the culture of the locals.

The process of drinking ouzo requires a specific ritual. Never to drink ouzo without its so-called meze. It needs salad, sardines, beans, greed, pickles and various other appetizers. Trust the local cooks and indulge in the magic of ouzo. In the famous Plomari you can visit the Ouzo Museum and learn the secrets of its production:

http://www.theworldofouzo.gr/en/ouzo-plomari/ouzo-museum.php

Moving from the capital of the island to the center of the island, you will notice that the scenery is green and full of beautiful trees, something that changes radically from Kalloni and beyond. If half the island is dressed in green, the rest is like a lunar landscape and this combination gives also a unique characther to the island.

The volcanoes that existed thousands of years ago in the area, exploded and the volcanic material produced in combination with the weather conditions followed, favored the creation of a unique phenomenon, the fossilization of the forest that lay in the area.

In the Sigri Natural History Museum, you can learn more about tree fossilization and see radically systems, trunks and seeds.

http://www.lesvosmuseum.gr/site/home/ws/primary+menu/the+forest.csp

Lesvos is still famous for its many miraculous performances. Numerous seekers arrive on the island each year to visit the Taxiarches, Saint Raphael and the Virgin Mary of Agiasos. These monasteries offer an unrealistic tranquility to those who visit them.

Next stop, beaches! The island has many beaches to choose from. The most popular are in Vatera, Skala Eresos, Tsonia, Agios Isidoros and Tarti. The blue waters of the Aegean and the endless blue give peace, tranquility and a sense of freedom. Caution! The waters of the island tend to be frozen than those you may have used to swim. Do not be fooled! Arm yourself with courage and dive!

Other places that deserve your attention are Skala Skoukanias with Panagia Gorgona, Petra with its own distinct Virgin Mary perched on the rock, Karini, which houses Theofilos tree and the thermal springs of the island in the village called Polichnitos.

Give your love to Lesvos and it will give it to you back double and triple. Open your heart, leave your senses and be swept away by the beauties of this place.

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Tinos is famous for its Church Panagia Evangelistria that attract visitors from all over Greece. In the island coexist both Greek Orthodox and Roman Catholic populations, giving to the island a unique character.

Apart from the religious tourism, Tinos is also a top summer attraction both for Greeks but also for tourists that visit the island from anywhere in the world.

Tinos combines beautiful mountain villages together with golden beaches.

The most popular beach of Tinos is located in the north of the island and it is called Kolimpithra. Actually we are talking about two beaches different from each other. The smallest one is more cosmopolitan with sun beds, umbrellas and restaurants whereas the larger one is exposed to the north winds and it is ideal for surfers.

Other popular beaches in the island are: Kionia, Agios Romanos, Kalivia, Ormos Kardianis which are all in the south.

If you ever visit the island you certainly have to go to Ysternia, a picturesque village on the slope of the mountain “Meroviglia’’. Here you can walk through marble paved streets, traditional houses and enjoy a magnificent view over the sea.

Another beautiful village is Dyo Choria (meaning two villages) located 20 minutes from Chora. This village has an altitude of 450 meters above the sea level and has many traditional small streets, plane trees and springs.

Pyrgos village is also worth visiting. It is the largest village of Tinos island after Chora. While walking through its streets you can admire the marble decorations at the windows and walls of the houses. Before leaving get some rest at the village square where you can enjoy a ‘’greek coffee’’ and ‘’galaktompoureko’’, a traditional greek desert.

Where to eat

In Tinos, one thing is certain: you will enjoy its traditional food. There are many taverns everywhere in the island that offer good quality food and in reasonable prices. We would recommend you to visit the tavern ‘’Drosia’’ in Ktikados village. Mr Vasilis, the owner and the staff are very polite and they will help you to choose what you like from the menu. Tip: definitely try the meatballs, the lamp and the artichoke pie.

If you would like sea food, a nice option is to go Ntinos restaurant in Exomvourgo. It has the most delicious shrimp spaghetti we have ever tasted.

When visiting the island one thing is certain: The enchanting hospitality, the traditional villages, the trekking paths and the beautiful beaches will impress you.

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With an area of ​​3,640 sq. Km., it is the largest island of the complex – its name derives from the Latin island of Major.

Since the 1960s and flagged the triptych of “Sun, Sea, Fun” has begun to attract a significant number of visitors and has quickly become a synonym for mass tourism.

The marvelous, mainly architectural attractions, the endless miles of exotic beaches with palm trees, picturesque villages, windmill plains, impressive mountains, and the wild nights with the cosmopolitan parties promise the visitor everything he would like from the summer holidays.

Palma de Mallorca

The capital, Palma de Mallorca, is essentially the only town on the island. Stylish and vibrant, it combines exceptional cultural heritage with a cosmopolitan air, enchanting visitors.

The port of Palma is dominated by the La Seu Cathedral, one of the largest in Europe. It is an impressive 14th-century building, with towers, obelisks, columns, which seem to be lost in the sky, and window frames that shine in the sun.

The pulse of Palma hits the historic center, the “Old Town”, which starts from the port and extends to the north. It is an attractive blend of lavender and paved narrow gothic churches and baroque palaces that create the impression that in some corner a melancholy tower will comb her hair on the balcony waiting for her knight to appear.

The city has many bars and restaurants full of tourists. Palma de Mallorca is also very popular of its parties that attract so many visitors.

The eastern side of the island is an impressive area, consisting of hundreds of small bays extending from Cap de Ferruxt, near Cala Ratjada in the north, to Punta Negra, the westernmost tip of the island.

During your stay here, you should definitely visit Porto Cristo, a beautiful seaside town that hosts the famous Dragon Cave, with stalagmites and stalactites in unique shapes.

Find out more here

To the south, from Port d’Alcudia to Ca’n Picafort dominate the enchanting beaches that made it famous all over Europe …

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Corfu is a genuine Ionian princess, located at the northwest of Greece. When you visit it and discover its beauties – from the old town to the picturesque villages and the amazing beaches – you will understand why it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Greece.

Old Town

Corfu’s Old Town is definitely one of the most beautiful – if not the prettiest – of the Greek islands. UNESCO has declared it as a World Heritage Site. Sprawling colorful bougades, mansions, impressive arches and labyrinthine alleys hide within them the soul of this place. Your first stop will be in Liston to enjoy a coffee with the locals under the stone arches with the Venetian lanterns. Continue your walk to the largest square in the country, Spianada.

The forts of the city

Take time and see the two imposing fortresses of the city, the Old and the New, which are preserved in a very good condition. The Old Fort dominates the eastern side of the city, a fortified fortress, which on Venetian rule (15th century) was transformed for defense reasons from a peninsula to an islet with the construction of a moat. You will find it at the edge of Spianada, a few minutes from Liston.

Pontikonisi

It is undoubtedly one of the most famous sights of Corfu. The Greeks spontaneously think of the song “Corfu, Corfu with the Pontikonisi…”, and foreigners definitely have heard or seen it in various pictures. To reach it, you have to head to Garitsa and after a scenic route you will reach Kanoni. This is exactly where Pontikonisi is located, the small green islet in front of Corfu airport by the waterway, in the bay of Halkiopoulos.

Achilleion

Just outside the city of Corfu, in the village of Gastouri, time seems to have stopped. Specifically, at a distance of 10 km southwest of the city, you will see a prestigious prestigious palace, which continues to unabashedly admire the visitor. Achilles was a resort of two forms of European history, the only public among them was their worship to Corfu, Greece and its culture.

Paleokastritsa

Impressive landscape and one of the most popular beaches of the island, in the northwest part of Corfu, 23 km from the city center. Famous for its very cold and crystal clear waters, the wider area includes 6 bays and beaches. The most famous is the one below the monastery of Paleokastritsa and it gathers most of the tourist infrastructure with hotels and restaurants. The rest will only arrive by sea.

Hope you will enjoy your stay in Corfu island!

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The ‘Pink city’ of France is the fourth largest city in the country, after Paris, Marseille and Lyon.

Toulouse was named by the locals because of the pink bricks of the houses stretched out on the banks of the River Garonne. Built like a medieval fairy tale, it is adorned with emblematic monuments that impress the visitor.

The idyllic state in the heart of the historic area of ​​Languedoc offers idyllic holiday moments and special tastes. Local specialties include local sausages, cassoulet and beef pork.

It is worth visiting the Capitol on the central square, which is also the trademark of the city. It is located in the central square of Toulouse and is built in a neoclassical style with its characteristic pink brick.

Château d’Eau is also close to the Pont Neuf Bridge, Saint-Etienne Cathedral and Cité de l’espace, an astronautic exploration park.

The city hosts the Airbus facilities where you can see how to make the most modern aircraft in the world.

Toulouse has also many students, nearly 100.000, the third student city in France with regards to population, after Paris and Lyon.

Last but not least, Toulouse has two Unesco Word Heritage Sites, the Canal du Midi (designated in 1996) and the Basilica of St. Serning (desginated in 1998).

More information here.

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It is built on the stunning bay of Boca Kotorska and stands out for its lacy shores and imposing medieval walls.

Traditional cobbled streets, Venetian palaces and fairy-tale atmosphere make up the old town, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Surrounded by labyrinthine walls and has three entrances, the Central Port of the Sea, the North Gate of the River and the South Gate Gurdic.

To admire the view from the castle you will have to climb 1,350 steps and be at a height of 280 meters. The Portal of the Sea has been protecting the San Marco lion for centuries.

Below it is the relief of Virgin Mary with the Infant being surrounded by Saint Tryphon, the patron saint of the city and St. Bernard. The tower of the clock has been standing since 1602 and will be in front of you as you pass the Gate.

At Arms Square, the largest in the city, you can start exploring the cliff-top of the cliffs.

Many of the buildings have a variety of architectural features such as the Roman baroque in the arches due to the different influences from the Venetians and the Byzantines.

At the Drago Palace, the Gothic Window of the 15th Century houses the Institute for Conservation of Cultural Monuments, while the Gurgurin Palace dating back to the 17th century today houses the Maritime Museum.

Renaissance and baroque elements make up the Bizanti Palace and Pima Palace. It is worth visiting the most important cathedral of the city which is dedicated to Saint Tryphon and dates back to 1166.

All in all, a place that you certainly have to visit!

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