Pelion

Pelion is a peninsula that juts out from mainland of Greece which until recently was the destination of choice for Greeks looking for a great holiday in their homeland. Now, others are starting to discover how good holidays can be in this traditional and laid-back region where the scenery and beaches rival the Greek Islands.

Pelion has some magnificent mountains, with fantastic views, small villages and a suprising amount of green forests, fields and flowers.

Pelion's West coast of Pelion is the best for beach holidays. The blue waters in the Gulf of Pagasitikos are perfect for snorkelling and great for watersport lovers. There are pebbly beaches on the East coast of Pelion where the sea is the Aegean, and more serious watersports officionados gravitate.

Pelion retains a delightful traditional feel with lots of churches, quiet beaches, and some exquisite restaurants offering genuine home-cooked Greek food. The bars of Pelion are a relaxing place to drink, not a lager lout mecca and peace and tranquillity are high on the menu.

Sounds good? Try these links to find out more:

Pelion.co.uk
Greeka.com - Pelion
Around Pelion

Romance in Greece - Poros

One of the Saronic Islands and a lot less cosmopolitan than it's neighbour Hydra, Poros is great romantic getaway, honeymoon or lovers holiday of a lifetime ! There are loads of fabulous beaches, peaceful places, smoochy places, glorious views and walks. There are also all the more energetic water sport and other activity type things to keep your adrenalin buzzing and the seratonin and endorphine levels soaring.
Poros is a suprisingly green island full of beautiful sights, scenes and awe inspiring landscapes. Poros remains relatively unspoiled and has an authentic feel, ideal for romance. The capital of this Greek island is Poros Town, a real beauty, with fine neoclassical and Venetian buildings.

Give Poros a second look and maybe you can kindle the candle of romance in this beautiful Greek Island.

AllCorfu.com - some interesting reading

If you want to read more in depth about the wonderful historic, artistic and beautiful island of Corfu tehn a great site for you is AllCorfu.com. In particular their large collection of writings that can give you the atmosphere and the detail that will definitely inspire and tempt you ! The articles range from a detailed tour of Corfu Town, Corfu Walks, a winter in Corfu and more. The site is full of the kind of information we are looking for to make informed decisions about our so important holiday getaways - have a look ....

Greek Island Postcards

If you want to learn a bit more about the different Greek Island holiday destinations then a good place to start is Greek Island Postcards. This handy site categorises the islands into four main headings - Popular, Peaceful, Sleepy and Offbeat and then when you have chosen the island you want to read more about you are presented with a well written summary of the main features of the island followed by sections on the main towns, resorts and beaches. For example if you choose Corfu, afer the main summary there is a description of Corfu Town followed by write ups of a vast ( approximately 50 !) array of Beaches, Lakes, Coves and Resorts etc. There are also Highlights, Weather, Key Facts, Getting There, Photos and Links sections, making this a very handy comprehensive information site that we here at Mirandasbeach heartily recommend.

Olympic Holidays

Olympic are always worth checking out when considering a trip to Greece (they do much more than Greek Holidays so you might see something else that catches your eye !). They are Greece specialists and have a good set of pages full of information on holidaying in this beautiful country at:
www.olympicholidays.com/Worldwide/Greece/

Greece by Jove ! what a Fantastic Idea !

Greece always conjures a sparkle in my mind's eye, a sparkle upon an emerald sea with the sound of Zorba the Greek and the smashing of plates drifting across golden sands. Bright white houses and old church bells, donkeys and the beautiful flowers in spring are all part of the magnificent Greek kaleidoscope of sensual beauty that awaits you in this most special land. Of course the islands are a favorite, but the mainland holds many treasures and it is worth browsing the internet to get to grips with the choices available. And what better way to start the online trip but to begin at Holidays in Greece - the home of variety and independent choice, inspiration and value for the last five years - happy browsing - I hope you find the holiday of your dreams !

Focus on Lesbos

The island of Lesbos, home to Sappho (born somewhere between 630 and 612 BC) is the third largest Greek Island and seventh largest Mediterranean island. It is also known as Lesvos - the Emerald Island - and is located between the islands of Chios and Limnos, near the coastline of Turkey, and is verdant with varied flowers and fauna. It has a mild and healthy climate with warm winters and year round sunshine.

It is in the northeastern Aegean Sea, 180 miles from the Greek capital, Athens and has a population of around 110,000, of which nearly a third live in the capital Mytilini down in the South East of the island. Mytilini is a lovely friendly place, has lots of interesting Art Galleries and Museums, more than its fair share of impressive churches, picturesque neighbourhoods and historical mansions and houses.

The other main towns on Lesbos Island are Plomari, Kalloni, Agiassos, Molyvos and Eressos.

The island has the Gulf of Geras and the Gulf of Kallonis which both penetrate so far into the interior of the island that you are never more than a few miles from the sea.

There are a huge amount of trees on the island, in fact around 60% of the island is covered in Pine, Olive, Oak and various fruit trees. There are rocky mountain ranges, with a couple of peaks over 3000 feet. There are also hot springs, a result of the volcanic activity that originally spawned the island. These springs are used for many therapeutic treatments including treatments for rheumatism, arthritis and sciatica.

The locals make their money mainly from agriculture, with 11 million olive trees producing very high quality olive oil, dairy products such as cheese, fishing and ouzo production. Of course tourism is a big money earner also.

There are many fine beaches on the island, some are busy and have all your favorite activities and watersports, from jet-skis to windsurfing, while others remain quiet, even in July and August. Many reckon that Skala Erressos is the best beach, especially when you have children, you can read up on this beach at www.lesvos.com/erressos.html

www.lesvos.com also has a lot of other good info on the island.

All in all, the island has a lot to offer - beaches, monasataries, pretty towns and a great little capital city and I think its worth considering Lesbos for your next Greek Island getaway.

Greece is the Word !

To help you choose a Holiday in Greece this year the Mirandasbeach Holidays in Greece Directory has found a plethora of ideas to keep you happily occupied into the wee small hours. The site has the following sections:

Golf Holidays in Greece

Luxury Holidays in Greece

Wildlife Holidays in Greece

Painting Holidays Greece

Holidays in Crete

Greek Cruise Holidays

Greek Island Holidays

Spa & Therapy in Greece

Villas with Pools in Greece

Cooking Holidays Greece

So: happy hunting - and I hope you find a truly great holiday in Greece.

Will 2008 be your Greek Year ?

Greece is a very varied holiday destination and it can reward you with the most wonderful experiences. Here at Holidays in Greece we have a rich and varied selection of ideas for you to browse through at your leisure. We recommend you bookmark this site so that you can return with ease.

While working on our Greek Wildlife Holiday and Greek Islands sections, one Greek island that caught my eye recently is Amorgos, one of the most remote, yet most beautiful, of all Greek islands. I found this description at www.amorgos.dial.pipex.com :

"The remote location, excellent walking, the opportunity of peaceful activities and this comfortable charming hotel with its own unique taverna make these programmes an ideal holiday for those who enjoy the outdoor life. Enjoy the mountains and valleys whether it be for walking, photography, botany, painting or ornithology and discover Greece of old but at the same time enjoy the comforts of life. The variety of sites and experiences are endless.

Very few visitors to Amorgos get to see the most remarkable sights here, as they have to be visited by donkey or on foot. It is quite extraordinary walking terrain but a local guide is essential. Some routes are not too difficult to find but often interesting and fascinating historical sites dating back to 5BC, of which people are unaware, lurk just around the corners . We take you where only the goat herds tread, and beyond!"

Sunvil organise holidays in Amorgos - if you are looking for something off the beaten track this may be for you.

Olympic Holidays - Greece Specialists

Olympic are always worth checking out when considering a trip to Greece (they do much more than Greek Holidays so you might see something else that catches your eye !). They are Greece specialists and have a good set of pages full of information on holidaying in this beautiful country at:
www.olympicholidays.com/Worldwide/Greece/

Yes Please ! A Villa with a pool will do nicely

Sometimes you know that what you want is simple and straightforward. A villa in Greece with a pool - sounds uncomplicated ? Well, there are many villas with pools in Greece and the islands and you should take a browse through our Greek Villas with Pools section here at holidays in Greece to give you a kick start. It will increase your chances of finding the simple, straightforward dream that will make your year !

Crete

If you eat the Cretan diet they say you'll live to be a hundred, but it may be more to do with the lovely climate and the feel of this, the largest of the Greek Islands, than the quaffing of the Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

Crete is 8,336 km² (3,219 square miles) and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean. It was the centre of the Minoan civilization around 2600–1400 BC), and was the oldest civilization in Europe.

The island lies approximately 160 km south of the Greek mainland and is extremely mountainous, has many beautiful beaches and delightful villages.

During summer, average temperatures are in the high 20's-low 30's (degrees Centigrade), with maximum in the upper 30's to mid 40's.

The south coast is hotter. This includes the Messara plain and Asterousia mountains which fall in the North African climatic zone and therefore enjoy significantly more sunny days and high temperatures throughout the year. In southern Crete date palms bear fruit and the swallows stay year-long, instead of migrating to Africa.Crete features in Greek mythology with King Minos, the mythical king of the island. He was the son of Zeus and Europa. After his death, Minos became a judge of the dead in Hades, nice job.

Its bountiful variety of features includes mountain villages, long sandy beaches, rocky bays, beach bar dancing and nightlife. There are magnificent mountain ranges, water-sports, tranquil locations and clean swimmable seas. Bathed in clear sunlight much of the year, the climate is one of the best in Europe. The largest island in Greece, it is understandably a most popular travel and vacation destination.

Main Towns in Crete:
Heraklion has the big archaeological museum for you historians to mull away a pleasant few hours. There are smart and trendy cafes and shops and it has a busy, lively feel.

Chania has a rich Venetian history, with plenty still to see from that era. There are luxurious Venetian Villas converted to hotels, the delightful Venetian Harbour. Also the narrow shop and restaurant lined pedestrian streets make going to spend some cash a most pleasant experience. Small hotels contained in buildings that once were home to expatriate Venetian merchants are common.

Rethymno has an historical old section with a castle. A big sandy beach, and all the cafes and restaurants you need.

Sitia is the more placid of the bunch, but still worth a visit. There is Fortezza, beach, unique cafes and many hotels..

Mirandasbeach top 4 Beaches on Crete (there are many other wonderful beaches on this island – these are our favorites)

1. Falassarna beach, West Crete. A long sandy beach with wonderful sunsets. It was voted Best Beach of Greece in 2002. There are several beaches in the Falassarna bay area. There are some great small sandy beaches close to the ancient Falassarna town (north), but it is the Long Beach (Pachia Ammos), which is the stunning long and wide sandy beach of Falassarna.

2. Agia Pelagia beach, North Coast – Heraklion. Located sixteen kilometers west of Heraklion. This beach is close to the bars, restaurants and cafes of Agia Pelagia town. The bay of Agia Pelagia is nicely protected from north winds which leaves the sea often like a mill pond..

3. Vai beach, East Crete. An area of outstanding natural beauty with a palm tree forest. The beach at Vai is sandy and often crowed with plenty of watersports available. It is a beautiful beach with normally mild winds.

4. Xerokampos, East Crete. Many sandy coves to explore and classicly emerald waters. Xerokampos is a magnificent place when there is no wind. It is a quiet, sleepy resort far away from the madding crowd.

5. Elafonissi Lagoon, West Crete. Very pretty beach with famos pink sands. The water is very shallow. It can get very crowded till about 4pm when the tourists leave, but after that is the time to enjoy the place. Sunset here is a great sight.

For lots of holiday ideas go to our Holidays in Crete section

Focus on Naxos

Naxos is the biggest island in the group of islands known as the Cyclades and is known in mythology as the island where Theseus abandoned Ariadne, after slaying the Minotaur - and as the island where Ariadne met Dionysus, god of wine and protector of Naxos. But why do so many people go here in the summer months ? It is of course the really wonderful beaches ! There are beaches for all tastes. White sandy beaches, stony sand beaches as well as beaches perfect for sports like windsurfing, beach volley and the like.

Best Beaches on Naxos:

Agia Anna Fine, golden sandy beach
Agios Georgios Fine gold sand - in Hora
Agios Prokopios Fine gold sand
Agiassos Long bay with golden sand
Apollon Wide pebble beach, plus a small sandy bay in the village
Kalandos Beautiful sandy beach, accessed by boat or 4x4
Lionas Pebble beach bay
Mikri Vigla Fine white sand, very long
Moutsouna Beautiful, fine sand coves
Orkos Fine sand, just next to Plake
Plaka Fine golden sandy beach, the longest in Naxos - 4 kilometers long
Pyrgaki Excellent, fine golden sandy beach

Festivals on Naxos:

Easter Sunday - Panagia Argokiliotissa

5 May - Kinidaros

7 July - Potamia

8 July - Agios Prokopios

17 July - Koronos

26 July - Kinidaros

14-16 August - Filoti

29 August - Apollon

8 September - Koronida (Komiaki)

8 September - Moni

14 September - Tripodes (Vivlos)

Naxos Holiday specialists:
Sunvil
PackYourBags.com
cyclades-orbit
CyberCityGuides (good hotel list)
Naxos-Greece.net
Greeka
NaxosIsland.com

Cooking at Sea

You’ll find the enormous gulet, nearly 100ft long, built from teak and pine, with ornate railings in the Turkish style, in a bay on the Datça peninsula, south of Bodrum. You are welcomed on shore by a line of burning torches illuminating a beach furnished with cushions and tables from the boat. A barbecue is set up, and the aroma of oregano-flavoured lamb will entice you in for a picnic on shore.
The ship's captain, Tunçay Kormaz, and his crew serve a feast of Greek and Turkish specialities: börek (filo parcels of feta and dill); bean, bulgar wheat and beetroot salads; little fried red mullet.
Ten hours earlier, Greek chef Theodore Kyriakou, best known for launching the Livebait and Real Greek restaurants, had been hosting the morning's cookery workshop. It is part of a week long cookery course in which you are taught the joys of Greek and Turkish foods whilst sailing on board the Randa at 11 knots,
holding on to your cubed lamb!
The bulk of the week is spent aboard ship, learning the mysteries of the vine leaf and the filo. (In Greek Orthodox tradition, there should be 33 layers of the pastry in a baklava to match the age of Jesus when he died.)
Several nights are spent in anchorages, where late in the evening one takes a glass of raki listening to the lapping of the water and the crickets on shore. In the morning dive into the shallows off the Turquoise Coast or snorkel in search of sea urchins.
The volcanic island of Nissyros is the first port of call. After a hike across the sulphurous crater, climb up to Nikeia, a pretty, whitewashed village with rain butts built into every house - their only source of fresh water.
Symi is a very different. Take a walk up whitewashed steps past the church bell cast from an unexploded German bomb, past windmills, goats, chickens and a tortoise to a headland from where you can see half the island and the Aegean stretching all around.
Getting there:
Tussock Cruising (020-8510 9292, tussockcruising.com) offers a week's culinary gulet cruise with Theodore Kyriakou, departing June 30 for £659pp, including food, drink and excursions to Tilos and Symi, excluding flights. Thomson (thomsonfly.co.uk) flies to Bodrum from nine UK airports for £159 rtn inc tax.
Further information
Turkish tourist board: 020-7839 7778, gototurkey.co.uk.
Country code: 00 90.
Flight time: Gatwick-Bodrum, 4hrs. £1= 2.57 new Turkish lira.

Inter Rail To Greece and Beyond !

Back twenty or more years ago, if you asked any long or short haired student what they were going to do in their summer holidays then “InterRail around Europe" was the standard reply even from the skint ones. Not much could better the joy of owning that railpass that was going to give you unlimited train travel all over Europe. It was cheap and run jointly by all the national railways. It was started in 1973 and was the “cosmic pass” that opened the doors of Europe to young people eager to make the grand European tour by train, with the freedom to go where they liked and exactly when they wanted. Of course InterRail soon became a cult of huge proportions and young adults were InterRailing all over the continent creating there own adventures as the mood took them North to Scandinavia or through Germany down to the beaches of the Mediterranean.

Budget airlines have cast a shadow over InterRail in recent years, but now that the carbon footprint of air travel is a consideration and environmental awareness is increasing all over, it’s an interesting time for InterRail to offer a completely new range of passes on sale from April 1 this year, and it looks like InterRail is positioned for a powerful return to prominence. The new ticket range offers loads of options and good value, but importantly for anyone over 26 years old InterRail is no longer just for backpacker youth either. There are passes for those of us over 26 and our kids, in both first and second class.Gone is the annoying zone system introduced in the 1990s, and once again all InterRail global passes now give unlimited train travel across the whole of Europe, from Portugal in the West to Poland in the East, Helsinki in the North to Istanbul in the South. There are two options for those not expecting to travel all the time, either five days unlimited travel in any 10-day period or 10 days unlimited travel in any 22-day period (what days you travel is up to you at the time). There are also two continuous options for those expecting to zip here and there most of the time and they are either 22 days or one month.

The 10 days in 22 days pass allows you to go there and back by train for £175 (under 26) or £263 (over 26). It gives plenty of time for stopovers in Paris, Vienna, Budapest, Bucharest or even Transylvania, and of course you can go out on one route and come back on another.

Travel on comfortable (some of the time !) daytime trains or make good use of the overnight sleepers to save on hotel bills and cover big distances. You can get into the thrill and pace of the long train journey – something I enjoy so much more than air travel. It’s not all about getting there as quick as possible, it’s about the journey, the scenery, the people you can meet and the freedom you can feel. And it is that freedom that InterRail gives you that you don't get with the strict itinerary of pre-booked non-changeable air fares. If the mood takes you, you can stay longer; if you are not keen to stay, you can move on to somewhere new. With InterRail and the European train network, you can really go where the fancy takes you.
· For more information on InterRail passes, see raileurope.co.uk, interrailnet.com or seat61.com/Railpass.htm.

The Gentilini Retreat

'space, tranquillity & nature'
The Gentilini Retreat is set in idyllic walled grounds of approximately 20 acres, covered in cypress and olive trees, some of which are over 500 years old. It offers a rural yet quietly sophisticated setting, with just six individually decorated and furnished rooms.
It is the perfect place in which to unwind, read, converse, take a dip in the swimming pool, meditate – or, because of the estate’s central location, explore the stunning beauty of the island in easy stages.A breakfast buffet is served daily and picnic baskets can be ordered to be enjoyed in exploration of the grounds or indeed the island. The local taverna is only a short distance away – and other tavernas are easily accessible by car or taxi.

Mykonos - Windmills and Satin Seas

A sure way to find a good Greek taverna is to follow the locals. Many Athenians make the trip to the island of Mykonos and head for Sea Satin which cooks fish second to none and has a great quirky atmosphere:

"The great Christos with the far-out look left Ai-Yanni and moved to the corner of the Old Venice, beneath the wind mills. He will serve you fresh fish and, if he's in the right mood, will be making some sculpture right next to you"

It is set below the famous Mykonos Windmills (see picture) , beyond a small beach next to the Little Venice area of Hora and is apart from the noise of the town in one of the quietest spots in the vicinity. You really get a taste here of what a summer night on a Greek Island should be like with the cotrast between frenetic but cheerful kitchen activity on view at the front with the stillness and beauty of the view. The food is superb - but you may have to be ready to down an extra bottle or two because service can be on the slow side. Relax - make a night of it ! the food really is worth it !

For trips to Mykonos go to http://www.easycruise.com/ - from summer 2007 long weekend cruises go from Athens every Thursday.

Spring Flowers in Greece

The spring flowers in the Alpine valleys of Cyprus make it one of the best times to visit.
Two of the very best walking regions in Cyprus have to be the rugged, pine-clad Troodos Mountains with their rocky, terraced slopes, and the more Mediterranean landscapes of the Akamas Peninsula.
Also for walkers there is the island of Crete which offers quite magnificent coastal, gorge and mountain routes, some of the very best that can be experienced.
Why not try Samos the Aegean island for a superb show of orchids in the spring.

Walking Holidays in Crete 2007:
purecrete.com/walking.php
http://www.purecrete.com/our-service.php

North Cyprus in springtime is an absolute delight, when many kinds of wild flowers can be seen in the mountains, valleys, along the coast roads, around the reservoirs and castles:
http://www.fezbus.co.uk/Spring_Walking_North_Cyprus

Istanbul, Greek Islands & Jewels of the Black Sea Cruise
08 Mar 2007
25 days from £999
http://www.cheshirereadertravel.co.uk/holidays.asp?CatID=1


Crete's archaeology and history - 8 days from £599pp
http://travel.guardian.co.uk/article/2006/oct/18/greece.greece
17, 24 April; 1, 8, 15 May; 2, 9 Oct 2007
From London Gatwick to Heraklion
Highlights of the tour include a fascinating walking tour of Rethymnon itself, a charming town with narrow cobbled streets full of restaurants, bars and shops, a glorious harbour and beautifully-preserved Turkish and Venetian architecture.

Christmas in Greece

Christmas in Greece - that means it's kourabiedes time again, and the mellow aroma of melomacarona cookies will soon be filling Greek kitchens worldwide.
Santa does exist..and he's a Greek. His alternative name, St. Nicholas, reflects his true identity. From gift-giving to red clothes, Nikolaos of Myra was a model for the modern Santa Claus.

In general, don't expect as many Christmas displays, lights, or other Western decorations, except of course in the windows of expatriates and the increasing number of Greeks who have adopted Western customs.
Retsina, Like most Greek beverages, such as ouzo, is undeniably at its best when combined with Greek foods, especially the savory mezedes served as appetizers.
There are two distinct Greek peculiarities which impact the national Christmas festivities. On the one hand, December in these southern latitudes is a relatively mild season and it comes as no surprise that the celebrations held in the sun-drenched streets filled with people take on a totally different character compared to those held in the empty northern isolation of ice and snow.

Traditional Greek Christmas:
www.gogreece.com/learn/christmas.htm
A book called Christmas in Greece might help you choose your destination:
www.amazon.com/Christmas-Greece-Around-World/dp/0716608596

Go for Greek winter getaways:

www.selfcateringhols.com/country-i300

Travel Guardian has some readers offers;
travel.guardian.co.uk/readeroffers/greece
here is an overview:
travel.guardian.co.uk/countries/indiv/0,,413365,00.html

The Greek Islands - Hop Until You Drop !

The Greek Islands have a well-deserved reputation for their beauty, history, myths, beaches and architecture.

There are more than 1,400 Greek islands and they are split into several groups - Cyclades, Dodecanese, North-Eastern Aegean, Sporades, Ionians - and you can spend a fortnight hopping around these little worlds, but that is for the energetic with some cash !
It is all here, from soaking up the sun (they have 300 days' guaranteed sunshine a year) and wine, beer and ouzo , to exploring the remains of some of Europe's oldest ancient civilizations. There is also a the hottest party scene on the Mediterranean - but also classic family holiday paradises. Stay on one island for two weeks or hop around to your heart's content.

You can Fly to Athens and then take ferries. With well over a hundred inhabited islands and a territory that stretches from the south Aegean to the Balkan countries, Greece offers enough to fill months of travel. The historic sites span four thousan years, covering both the legendary and the obscure, where a visit can still seem like a personal discovery. Beaches are parcelled out along a convoluted coastline equal to France's in length, and islands range from backwaters where the boat calls twice a week to resorts as cosmopolitan as any in the Mediterranean. We will be exploring Greece here to bring you all the best Greek Holiday Ideas.