What To See Do Attractions
The Archaeological Museum This is the world's premier collection of art and artifacts from the Minoan civilization. Although many of its most spectacular objects are from Knossos, it does have finds from other sites. The variety of objects, styles, techniques, and materials will amaze all who have not previously focused on the Minoans. Among the most prized objects are the snake goddesses from Knossos, the Phaestos Disc with its still undeciphered inscription , the bee pendant from Mallia, the...
Side Trips From Corinth Isthmia
Isthmia was one of the four places in Greece where Panhellenic Games were held the others being Delphi, Olympia, and Nemea . According to legend, the games here were founded in 582 B.C. in honor of a certain Meliertes, whose body was carried ashore by a dolphin at the very moment that the Delphic Oracle had revealed that a harsh famine would end only when the Corinthians honored someone who had died at sea. The Isthmian Games took place every 2 years at the Sanctuary of Poseidon, of which...
WHERE TO STAY Yjl
Epikourias Apollon Hotel Frequent travelers to Andritsena rejoiced when this 5-room hotel on the main plateia opened in 2001. The rooms are simple, spotless, and have pleasant views over the town. Kuria Maria, who is in charge here, could not be more helpful. Since there are only 5 rooms, you probably should make a reservation, lest you be forced back on the Theoxenia, or find yourself driving on to Olympia, the nearest place with a good number of hotels. Plateia, 27061 Andritsena, Eleia. amp...
WHERE TO DINE Jcg
As is the case with most of Greece's overdeveloped tourist resorts, there's a plethora of cafes, fast-food stands, and overpriced restaurants, but there are also plenty of good and even excellent eateries in Skiathos town. Some of the more well-regarded restaurants are above the west end of the harbor, approaching and beyond Trion Ierarchon church. Asprolithos tf GREEK INTERNATIONAL An elegant ambience and friendly, attentive service combined with superb meals of light, updated taverna fare...
RESTAURANTS TAVERNAS Expensive
Aigli rfp GREEK CONTINENTAL Established in 1992 in an exquisitely restored Turkish hamam bathhouse , this is certainly the most beautiful restaurant in Thessaloniki. Indoors, one dines beneath the high double domes of the former bathhouse outdoors, in the gardened grounds of an old, open-air cinema that sometimes shows films in summer at 9 and 11pm. The Aigli used to boast the best haute cuisine in Thessaloniki, but the management has recently decided to shift its emphasis from cooking to...
Parks Gardens
In addition to the parks and gardens listed here, see Especially for Kids, below. The National Garden, between Leoforos Amalias and Irodou Attikou, south of Vas. Sofias, was once the royal family's palace garden. Now a public park, the area combines a park, a garden, and a small, rather sad zoo with shady trees, benches, and small lakes and ponds with ducks, swans, and a few peacocks. There are several cafes tucked away in the garden, and you can also picnic here. In summer 2000, the elegant...
Finds National Marine Park
One of the more unusual attractions of a stay on Skopelos could be a day's excursion to the National Marine Park off the adjacent island of Alonissos where you are guaranteed to see some of the many dolphins that frequent this protected area. The trip also includes a stop at the islet of Psathoura, with a chance to dive into a sunken city, and a visit into the Blue Grotto of Alonissos. Any travel agency in Skopelos will be able to arrange for such an excursion on one of several licensed ships....
WHERE TO STAY Vathi
Hotel Paradise Despite a central location just off the paralia and a block away from the bus station, the walled garden and pool terrace here seem a world away from the traffic and dust of Vathi. Drinks and simple Greek food are served all day at the poolside bar the pool invites lingering, with lounge chairs and umbrellas for sunning and shaded tables for a meal or drinks. All guest rooms have balconies, although the views aren't great bathrooms are small, but they do have full tubs. You...
WHERE TO DINE Oyu
The harborside eateries are predictably expensive and not very good, although the view is so nice that you may not care. There are also a number of cafes along the waterfront, including To Roloi The Clock , by the clock tower. Just off the harbor, the Ambrosia Cafe serves vegetarian fare and good breakfasts. It's a good idea to keep in mind that fish is priced by the kilo at most restaurants the price varies from catch to catch, so it's a good idea to check the price before you order. Bratsera...
Three Hill Towns On The Rugged North Coast
Amidst the densely wooded valleys, cascading streams, and terraced slopes of Samos's Platanakia Region, many hidden villages were settled as an attempt to evade the pirates who repeatedly ravaged all settlements visible from the sea. Three of the most picturesque of the surviving hill towns in this region are Manolates Vourliotes, about 20km 12 2 miles west of Vathi and Stavrinides not far from Manolates . Manolates is a 4km 2 2-mile drive uphill from the coast road. The village was until...
WHAT TO SEE DO Toy
The focal point in town is the harbor and the small pool, formally called Lake Voulismeni, just inside the harbor you can sit on the edge of it while enjoying a meal or drink. Inevitably, it has given rise to all sorts of tales that it's bottomless it's known to be about 65m 213 ft. deep that it's connected to Santorini, the island some 104km 65 miles to the north and that it was the bath of Athena. Originally it was a freshwater pool, probably fed by some subterranean river draining water from...
WHERE TO DINE Grh
For traditional home cooking and a respite from the crowds, you might try the tiny Family Taverna Meraklis, hidden on a back lane behind the Alpha Credit Bank and the National Bank amp 22410 71-003 . Hellenikon The Wine Restaurant of Simi GREEK MEDITERRANEAN If you have the impression that the Greek culinary imagination spins on a predictable wheel, you need a night at the Hellenikon. In addition to spectacular fare, this diminutive open-air restaurant on the Yialos town square often provides,...
A Day Trip To The Mastic Villages Piryi Mesta Olimbi
The most interesting day trip on Hios is the excursion to the mastic villages in the southern part of the island, which offer one of the best examples of medieval town architecture in all of Greece. Mastic is a gum derived from the resin of the mastic tree, used in candies, paints, perfumes, and medicines. It was a source of great wealth for these towns in the Middle Ages, and is still produced in small quantities. All the towns were originally fortified, with an outer wall formed by an...
WHERE TO DINE Duj
For standard but tasty Greek foods, you might consider the Mezedopolio Taverna, Plateia Plastira amp 28310 53-598 , behind the far western end of old harbor or the Ovelistirion, Arambatzoglou, on the square overlooking the Church of the Annunciation. Cava d'Oro GREEK SEAFOOD In recent years, this has emerged as the Venetian harbor restaurant with the reputation for the most pleasant ambience and with food at least as good as any other's. But part of that appeal is based on its air-conditioned...
Where To Dine In Rhodes City In The Old Town
The Old Town is thick with tavernas, restaurants, and fast-food nooks, all doing their best to lure you into their lair, which in some cases is just where you want to be. The more brazen their overtures, the bolder you must be in holding to your course. Don't imagine, however, that all Old Town restaurants are tourist traps. Many Rhodians consider this area to have some of the best food on the island, particularly for fish. And by the way, don't even think of trying to drive to these places...
What To See Do Shopping
There's no shop on the rock that's truly outstanding, but those along Ritsos have thus far avoided the infestation of T-shirts and cheap museum reproductions so common elsewhere. Shops most with nice pottery, glass, and jewelry seem to come and go here with some alacrity, but one that's been here a long time is just inside Monemvassia's gate Costas Lekakis has a good selection of books in English, including R. Klaus and U. Steinmuller's excellent guide Monemvassia 6 . Ioanna Angelatou's shop,...
Skiathos After Dark
The Aegean Festival presents nightly performances of ancient Greek tragedies and comedies, traditional music and dance, modern dance and theater, and visiting international troupes. Festival events take place from late June to early October in the outdoor theater at the Bourtzi Cultural Center, on the promontory on the harbor. The center itself, open daily from 10am to 2pm and 5 30 to 10pm, hosts art exhibits in its interior. Performances begin at 9 30pm and usually cost 15 call amp 24270...
Where To Dine Hios Town
Hios Marine Club GREEK This good, simple taverna serves the usual Greek dishes, pasta, grilled meats, and fish. Don't be put off by the ugly yellow-and-white concrete facade the sign in front reads simply RESTAURANT-FRESCA PSARIA. It's on the bay at the edge of town, just south of the port, 50m 164 ft. beyond the Hotel Chandris. 1 Nenitousi. amp 22710 23-184. Main courses 3.50 -13 . MC,V. Daily noon-2am. Hotzas Taverna GREEK Hotzas is a small taverna that offers simple, well-prepared food. It's...
Where To Dine In Skala Hora
The culinary scene in Skala and Hora is at present surprisingly unpredictable. There are no true standout restaurants in Skala and Hora, though there are many that will not disappoint. In Hora, on the path to the Monastery of St. John, you'll find the Pirgos the Balcony View facing Skala Harbor the Patmian House and following signs from the monastery Vagelis in Plateia Theofakosta Central Square . Vagelis enjoys lovely views of the south island. In Skala, you will want to browse for yourself,...
WHERE TO DINE Dtt
The food in Skyros town is generally pretty good and reasonably priced. Anemos, on the main drag amp 22220 92-155 , is a good place for breakfast, with filtered coffee, omelets, and freshly squeezed juice. The nearby Skyros Pizza Restaurant amp 22220 91-684 serves tasty pies as well as other Greek specialties. For dessert, there's the Zaccharoplasteio, the Greek name for sweet shop bakery, in the center of town. In Linaria, there are three decent tavernas to choose from Almyria, Filip-peos, and...
Menu Terms
arn avgol mono arn so vlas arn yiouv tsi astak s ladol mono bakali ro skordali barbo nia sk ras bri m briz la chirin briz la moschar sia chori tiki sal ta ch rta dolm des dom tes yemist s m r zi eks hiko gar des village salad Greek salad to Americans salad of minced caper leaves and onion pretzel-like roll covered with sesame seeds spiced sausages round donut center like pastries that are deep-fried, then drenched with honey and topped with powdered sugar and cinnamon eggplant salad...
Active Travelers
Increasing numbers of travelers of all ages are seeking more active ways to experience Greece. This is to be encouraged, but we advise everyone to investigate closely just what is involved the level of difficulty, that is. BICYCLING Increasing numbers of foreigners are choosing to travel in Greece by bicycle, and those interested in the possibility can get more information from the Greek Cycling Federation, the National Velodrome, Marousi 210 689-3403 . Trekking Hellas, 7 Filellinon, 10557...
ESSENTIALS Jyk
GETTING THERE By Plane Olympic Airways provides at least three flights daily from and to Athens and three flights weekly from and to Thessaloniki. One-way fare for each route is about 135 . The Olympic Airways office in Corfu town amp 26610 38-694 is at 11 Polila, down from the Ionian Islands Tourism Office, but many agents all over town sell tickets. Aegean Airlines also offers occasional but slightly cheaper flights in Athens, call amp 210 998-8422 in Corfu, call amp 26610 27-070. Corfu...
Chania After Dark
Chania's nightlife need not be limited to heading for a club bar disco packed with young people or walking around the harbor and Old Town the ritual known in Greece as the volta. Instead, wander into the back alleys and see both the old Venetian and Turkish remains and the modern tourist enterprises. Sit in a quayside cafe and enjoy a coffee or drink, or treat yourself to a ride in a horse-drawn carriage down at the harbor. Or at the other extreme, stroll through the new town and be surprised...
Tips For the Insider
From mid-July through the end of August, boats leaving Piraeus for the islands are heavily booked, and often overbooked. It is sometimes possible to get deck passage without a reservation, but even that can be difficult when as many as 100,000 passengers are leaving Piraeus on a summer weekend as was common in July and 2002 . Most ships will not allow passengers to board without a ticket. If possible, purchase your tickets in advance. And since schedules depend on the weather, and sailings are...
Useful Words Phrases
When you're asking for or about something and have to rely on single words or short phrases, it's an excellent idea to use sas parakalo to introduce or conclude almost anything you say. Aerothromio Aftokinito Leoforos Kakos, -ki, -ko Trapeza I'm sorry, but I don't speak Greek well . I don't understand, please repeat it. Masculine ending -os, feminine ending -a or -i, neuter ending -o. Remember, ch should be pronounced as in Scottish loch or German ich, not as in the word church.
Walk Priona To Litochoro
GETTING THERE By Bus Four buses that stop at the Litochoro station amp 23520 81-271 run daily from Athens to Katerini seven buses per day run from Athens to Larissa, from which there is frequent service to Litochoro. All buses leave Athens from the station at 260 Liossion amp 210 831-7059 . There are at least eight buses a day from Thessaloniki to Litochoro. By Train There are frequent daily trains from Athens to Larissa, and from Thessaloniki to Larissa from Larissa, you can continue to...
Climbing Mount Olympus
If you plan to climb Olympus , you will want to check with the EOS see above and probably get a copy of Marc Dubin's Trekking in Greece and the excellent Road Edition map of Olympus no. 31 6 . You should not attempt the climb alone weather here can change in an instant from pleasant to life-threatening. In July and August of 1998, high winds whipped the flames of a serious fire that burnt portions of Olympus's magnificent forests. Purists will want to begin the ascent at the rapidly developing...
WHERE TO DINE Fau
There are numerous excellent tavernas in and around Ermoupolis. The Boubas Ouzeri and the Yacht Club of Siros are both excellent for ouzo and mezedes. In addition to the tavernas mentioned below, try the excellent Petrino Taverna amp 22810 84-427 , around the corner from To Arhontariki and Fragosiriani amp 22810 84-888 , with a great view from its high terrace in Ano Siros just down the street from Taverna Lilis . Taverna Lilis tft GREEK SEAFOOD Lilis is one of the best of the tavernas in Ano...
WHERE TO DINE IN TOWN Expensive
If you're in a celebratory mood, you might also consider Chambor, 71 Guilford amp 26610 39-031 certainly a cut above your average Greek restaurant but much of what you pay goes for the elaborate settings and presentation. Venetian Well MIDDLE EASTERN INTERNATIONAL GREEK This remains our top pick in Corfu town. Diners sit at a candlelit table in a rather austere little square with a Venetian wellhead 1699 and a church opposite. When the weather changes, guests sit in a stately room with a mural....
Quick Bites in Syntagma
In general, Syntagma Square is not known for good food, but there are a number of places in the area to get a snack. The Apollonion Bakery, 10 Nikis, and the Elleniki Gonia, 10 Karayioryi Servias, make sandwiches to order and sell croissants, both stuffed and plain. Ariston is a small chain of zaharoplastia confectioners with a branch at the corner of Karayioryi Servias and Voulis just off Syntagma Square selling snacks as well as pastries. Floca is another excellent pastry-shop chain look in...
Nightlife
There are a number of nightclubs and discos around Nea Chios on the coast road from Nafplion to Muloi all are serious clip-joints, charging as much as 100 for a bottle of scotch. These places are popular with the sailors who turn up in Nafplion, with area twenty and thirty somethings who come here for a night on the town, and the scene is anything but sedate unfortunately, all are serious clip-joints. Some of the better known places with combo tacky garish decor that has to be seen to be...
WHERE TO STAY Kya
In recent years, the trend of mass tourism on Crete has moved toward beach hotels, but there is still a good selection of accommodations in Iraklion and you may still need reservations in high season. Iraklion lies annoyingly close to the flight patterns of commercial airliners and occasional jet fighters of the Greek Air Force. Not to deny the nuisance element, but the total time of the overhead noise adds up to probably less than 40 minutes every 24 hours and the sound of scooters and...
Insider Tip
If you do any window-shopping in Athens, you ll soon see how expensive most things are, except during the January and August sales. Not surprisingly, Athens s poshest clothing stores are in Kolonaki. Much of what you ll see is American or European and carries a hefty import duty most of the rest is Greek designer wear. Good streets to browse include Voukourestiou, Kanari, Milioni, Tsakalof, Patriarchou Ioakim, and perhaps the most expensive street in town, Anagnostopoulou where Versace, Ferre,...
Numbers
636 APPENDIX A THE GREEK LANGUAGE