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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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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Lichadonisia are located between Maliakos and the Northern Evian Gulf and is a complex of 7 small islands with the popular island of Manolia.

They are accessible by boat from either Kamena Vourla or Kavos at the northeastern point of Evia, which is approximately 45 minutes drive from the city of Edipsos.

Routes run daily from morning until afternoon and the ticket is economical.

Nowadays, the Lichadonisia are uninhabited, nevertheless until the 1970s three families lived in Manolia. There are no hotel facilities and the visitors can spend the night in the nearby beautiful settlement of Agios Georgios, which is located almost 3 km from Kavos of Lichada, across Manolia.

In Manolia, there is the picturesque church of Agios Georgios. You can walk until there from Manolia beach, an organized beach with umbrellas, loungers and bar.

The sea is blue, like a pool and the beach is sandy.

Tips: Due to the increased tourist traffic, it is advisable to avoid going there in weekends in order to enjoy the authenticity of the landscape and not to get tired of looking for shade and umbrella, unless you are equipped with all the necessities.

It is worth a boat tour around Lichadonisia, where you can see the wreck of 1944, the family of seals brought from nearby island of Alonissos, the great variety of birds and the mysterious phenomenon of Euripus’ tide.

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Shocking is the 163 or Amalfitana road with the spectacular view that leads to it and covers the entire length of the coast.

Since the 1960s, and alongside the nearby and most popular Capri, the Amalfi coast has evolved into one of Italy’s top tourist destinations but also a favorite place for both jet setters and couples looking for romance. Fortunately, because of the geomorphology of the area, tourist development was at a slow pace.

Therefore, it is still an earthly paradise that combines tranquility with cosmopolitan reputation: you will find quiet fishing villages next to cosmopolitan towns and secluded beaches next to lively and organized beaches.

In Sorrento, where Kazanova and Goethe were taking part, you will be impressed with the old villas on the hill slopes overlooking the emerald waters, Mediterranean gardens with olives and citrus, the lively cosmopolitan harbor where they breed expensive vessels and life in Coffee of Piazza Tasso, which was loved by both Nietzsche and Ipsen.

Positano is the most expensive and scenic area, a city with countless stairs and narrow streets, a settlement-terrace in the endless blue. Amalfi is the most popular proposal for a day trip from there and Ravello stands high up on the hill as if to watch what’s happening … Even Salerno, however, which plays the role of the transport hub, has a beautiful Old Town With narrow alleys.

Where to eat

In Positano, at Don Alfonso 1890 (Corso S Agata 11, tel .: +39 081 8780026) the organic materials come from the owner’s farm while the most famous dish is pasta with sardines, green peppers and oregano. (http://www.donalfonso.com/home.asp?lingua=ing)

In Amalfi, Caravella (Via Matteo Camera 12, tel .: +39 089871029) serves homemade pesto with anchovies, capers and lemon (http://www.ristorantelacaravella.it/?lang=en).

In Ravello, exciting dishes will be served at Rosselini, such as lemon sardines (Via San Giovanni del Toro 28, tel .: +39 089 818181) (http://www.palazzoavino.com/en/Dining/Rossellinis).

Where to stay

One relatively cheap and good option is to stay at the hotel: La Casetta Nel Bosco. Hotel Doria Amalfi is also a very nice 3 star hotel with a magnificent view (http://www.hoteldoriamalfi.it/en/). If you afford something more expensive we would recommend: Hotel Aurora (http://www.aurora-hotel.it/) and Hotel Luna Convento (http://www.lunahotel.it/)

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Halkidiki has a unique nature, with secluded coves, clean sea, beautiful islands and villages with remarkable traditional architecture. It combines mountain and sea, serenity and intense nightlife, ancient history and modern life. Each city has its own history and its own ancestral glory.

The level of tourism quality in Chalkidiki is at a high point, with luxurious hotels, beautiful apartments and rooms, camping, country cottages and a lot of fun. Despite the large number of tourists, the visitor can enjoy all kinds of tourism. Cosmic beaches and beaches waiting to be discovered. The sun, the sea and natural beauties harmoniously blend in the peninsula of Halkidiki in the southeast of Thessaloniki.

Magnificent beaches, expanded general organization, archaeological treasures and historical monuments, all these make Halkidiki an ideal choice for your vacation.

Beaches

Kalithea

A crowded beach with white sand and crystal clear waters, while a verdant hill is in the background. It features bars, restaurants and water sports facilities. From here starts Toronaios Crossing, the well-known bathing games.

Nea Fokea

The beach, in front of the settlement, is sandy and idyllic. It has restaurants and taverns. The picturesque harbor of Nea Fokea while imposing stands on the hill by the Byzantine tower of St. Paul, built in 1407.

Kryopigi

The beach in front of the village, also called Pigadakia, has fine sand and crystal clear waters. There is a refreshment room and water sports facilities.

Fourka

Large sandy beach stretching in front of the cosmopolitan village. The Scala of Fourkas during the summer months is full of life! The beach is sandy, fully organized, which hosts some of the most in beach bar of Halkidiki. And when the decibels rise, the joy takes off!

Siviri

Huge beach with sand in the homonymous picturesque settlement. You will find crystal clear water that smooths up.

Huge beach, one of the most beautiful in Kassandra, with fine sand and gravel. At the end of it there is a lagoon. The beach has a refreshment room.

Pefkohori

Large, sandy and fully organized beach, in front of the homonymous village. During the summer it gathers a host of visitors. It has all kinds of restaurants, bars and facilities for all water sports.

Kavourotripes

Perhaps the most exotic coast of the second leg, with white sand that is in complete contrast to the turquoise sea. Her trademark is a huge mermaid that an anonymous artist has cast out on the rock.

Kalamitsi

Lovely sandy creek, in front of the seaside settlement, with a few sunbeds and umbrellas, two three bars, taverns, mini markets, rooms to let, camping and a few hotels. At the end of the beach, if you pass the rocks, you reach another cove, which is preferred by nudists.

Sarti

Beach in the settlement, with sand, organized and clean waters, beach bars, taverns, parks, sea shops etc. At 4.2 km from Sarti dirt road leads to a picturesque bay with a wonderful view of Mount Athos. There is a beach bar club.

Hotels in Halkidiki

There are plenty of options for your accommodation. One relatively cheap choice is Heraion Hotel in Nea Kalikratia. (http://www.heraionhotel.gr/en/index.htm)

If you wish a 4 star, luxurious hotel, you can choose Mendi Hotel in Kalandra (https://www.mendi-hotel.gr/) or Alexander the Great Beach Hotel in Kriopigi (https://alexanderthegreat.reserve-online.net/about).

Enjoy your time in Halkidiki,

TouristSpot team.

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Unique experiences await you on our exclusive private beach. All you need to do, is relax and enjoy the calm blue waters of the Mediterranean, and soak in the uncompromised luxury of Monaco. Experience total disconnection at Le Méridien Beach Plaza, for a new perspective of Monaco, where your wellbeing, is the only thing that matters.

Le Méridien Monte Carlo is the only beach resort in Monte Carlo with its own private beach directly connected to the hotel, so guests can easily access their very own private piece of heaven without having to think about transportation.

Discover all the amenities of a luxury beach resort with a breathtaking panorama looking out towards a unique horizon. The services of the private beach at Le Méridien Beach Plaza are fully dedicated for the enjoyment and relaxation of the mind and body during the entirety of the stay.

In addition, Le Méridien Beach Plaza is the only hotel in Monaco that offers a private beach and a full list of sports activites such as: jet ski, fly fish ride, banana ride, boat rental with captain.

You can find more information and check availability here:

http://www.lemeridienmontecarlo.com/

Photos from the hotel’s facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/lemeridienmontecarlo/

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Beautiful beaches, imposing green mountains and unique ecosystems “endow” the land of Skopelos with impressive landscapes that, combined with the mild climate, make the island an ideal holiday destination.

With thick forests covering almost 80% of its area, it is considered to be the greenest island of the Aegean, with good tourist infrastructure, but also with its traditional character. It is located in the Northern Sporades, northwest Aegean, north of Evia and east of Pelion.

The town of Skopelos, on the north side of the island, is a traditional island town with typical architecture and beautiful cobblestone streets, which has been declared a traditional settlement. Chora and the whole island are full of old traditional churches, chapels and monasteries. Climb to Panagitsa of Pyrgos, at the edge of the harbor in the castle and admire the wonderful churches, the picturesque streets, the steep cliffs and the view of the vast Aegean Sea.

Glossa is one of the three villages on the island, with the largest population, also known as the “tall village”. It is built amphitheatrically on a hill with houses of Macedonian architecture and magnificent sea views. It is of great archaeological interest since in many places there are ancient towers and buildings from antiquity.

Finally, the picturesque Agnontas in the south of the island, Panormos, Stafylos and Loutraki, the second largest port of Skopelos, with great tourist development, are the most crowded resorts on the island.

BEACHES

What characterizes the famous coasts of Skopelos is their unique diversity (long beaches, small bays and coves, sandy or pebble beaches, coastal caves with steep rocks, coastal wetlands), their purity and the clarity of the waters, which have made them world-famous and therefore extremely popular and beloved.

The small beach of Limnonari with its crystal clear waters and white sand, the beautiful, small pebbled beach of Agnontas, 7 km from the town of Skopelos, the secluded beach of Panormos, as well as Milia, Kastani and Stafylos in the south And the impressive Hovolos with the green-blue waters, are just some of the choices you have.

WHERE YOU CAN STAY IN THE ISLAND

We recommend: Adrina Resort & Spa (http://www.adrinaresort.com), for guests with high demands, “Selinounda” (http://www.hotelselenunda.com), in Loutraki, Skopelos Village (http: /www.skopelosvillagehotel.com). Milia Appartments and Panormos beach hotel, in Panormos, (http://www.panormos-beach.com/) are also good choices.

The post Traveling to Skopelos, in The Aegean Sea appeared first on TouristSpot .

The attraction of so many visitors from all over the world is not accidental, as Chania combines incredible natural beauty with rich history and an important cultural tradition with excellent tourist infrastructure.

Chania is the capital of the prefecture of Chania and is located in northwestern Crete. It has an area of about 11 square kilometers and a population of 53,910 inhabitants (2011 census) in the city (the second largest city in Crete after Heraklion), 108,642 inhabitants in the Municipality of Chania and 156,585 inhabitants in the prefecture of Chania.

Main sights of Chania: the entire Old Town and the Venetian Harbor, the Naval Museum, the Archaeological Museum, the Eleftherios Venizelos house, the Venizelos tombs, the War Museum and many other monuments of Byzantine, Venetian, Ottoman and modern times Period.

The climate in the region is mild Mediterranean with normal temperatures throughout the year.

The prefecture of Chania has excellent beaches that will satisfy all visitors. The beaches can be categorized into three categories depending on the place that they are located. The northern beaches are generally more crowded, more elevated, with warmer waters and most of them are caught by the meltemia. Southern beaches, on the contrary, are generally more deserted, deepen more abruptly and their waters are colder. Finally, the western beaches are among the best in Greece and their morphology resembles the northern ones.

Among the top beaches are: Elafonisi, Balos, Falassarna, Holy Apostles Beach, Kalives.

In Chania, there are traditional Cretan nightclubs, with musicians playing lyre and lute or violin many times. There are plenty of cafes and bars, as well as clubs where harmonious music and jazz, pop and Greek music harmoniously coexist.

All in all, Chania is a great choice for the travelers offering excellent beaches and amazing nightlife. It also has many cultural places to visit such as the Old Town, that really astonishing.

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Riomaggiore is one of the five villages of The Cinque Terre province in Liguria and is perched on the cliff overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

Its insurmountable natural beauty is reflected in the fishing boats that rest in its calm blue waters, in its narrow alleys that reflect the midday sun and in the colors of the sunset.

Dating back to the 13th century and beyond, its impressive tower houses, it is known for the wine it produces. It is built between two steep cliffs and the Colombo village’s main street is located in its shops, cafés and restaurants.

The famous Street of Love (Via dell’ Amore) joins the five seaside villages and starts from Riomaggiore and you can discover it by walking through a picturesque path.

The multicolored mosaics are scattered in the village, while near the station and the walls of the town hall you will see the frescoes of the artist Silvio Benedetto.

It is worth visiting the Gothic church of San Giovanni Battista dated back to 1340 and the medieval castle built in the 13th century, today used for cultural events.

Castle of Riomaggiore: you can reach the fortification from the town, climbing the steep road from the railway station. It began to be built in 1260 by the Marquis Turcotti, lord of Ripalta and feudal vassal of this part of the coast, who gave up all these properties to Nicolò Fieschi who, after some years, transferred them to the Republic of Genoa, which completed the defensive system of Riomaggiore. The castle has a square base with the longest sides overlooking the sea. The boundary wall has two circular towers. The entrance is located between the towers, and a narrow external stair leads to the tower controlling the town, where a big clock is built. Not far from it there is the oratory of San Rocco, built in remembrance of a plague which stroke the community in 1480. During the times the castle suffered not only the usual wear of atmospherical agents but also a modification which changed the original setting up. In fact, until few years ago, the internal part of the fortress housed the town cemetery.

Food and Wine

Among the typical products we find several choices of dry white wine and of course the wine specialty of the Cinque Terre, the “Sciacchetrà”. This wine is famous all over the world and it is made by grapevines from “Bosco”, “Fermentino” and “Albarola” grapes. The Sciacchetrà is a suave wine of which we find two selections: Sweet and Strong Sweet.

You can easily recognize the wine by its golden-yellow colour with amber reflections and the scent of apricot and acacia-honey.

With info from http://www.cinqueterreriomaggiore.com/en/

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The traditional houses painted in pastel colors, the picturesque paved streets and the emerald shores fascinate the visitor.

The city is known for the peculiar festival it organizes every year since 1896, starring the fragrant lemons grown there. They are the symbol of Menton and every February the streets are filled with gigantic citrus-like structures in various shapes, attracting thousands of visitors.

It is worth visiting the Jean Cocteau Museum, in honor of the French art artist, poet and writer who hosts more than nine hundred works.

In the Botanical Garden you will enjoy a colorful feast in an oasis of tranquility with fountains and artificial lakes.

The exceptionally sunny climate and intense Renaissance atmosphere impress, while the city is suitable for lovers of French cuisine as it is a famous culinary destination. Do not forget to buy essential oils as they are rare and with a special smell.

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