Greece - Korina Miller [4]
Scaling steep rock pinnacles Click here
Walking scenic cobblestoned mule pathways Click here
Hiking into the depths of a volcanic crater Click here
Walking in wildflower meadows Click here
Hiking the pristine Pindos Mountains through the stone-and-slate villages of the magical Zagorohoria region Click here
Swimming at the semitropical pink-sand beach of Elafonisi
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TRAVEL LITERATURE
Travel writers can be a great source of inspiration for those planning to follow in their footsteps.
92 Acharnon Street (John Lucas; 2007) A view into contemporary Greece from the perspective of a visiting English professor at the University of Athens. It reflects the changes that took place during the ‘80s and covers politics to poetry.
Eurydice Street: A Place In Athens (Sofka Zinovieff; 2004) An engaging tale of an expat in Athens. The book takes in customs, etiquette, culture and modern history. Recommended by Greeks for its accuracy of modern Greek culture.
Falling for Icarus: A Journey Among the Cretans (Rory MacLean; 2004) The author journeys to Crete to live out his dream of constructing and flying his own plane and entwines his tale with history, myths and portrayals of village life.
It’s All Greek to Me! (John Mole; 2004) The humorous and much-acclaimed account of an English family converting a stone ruin into a home on Evia, including their outlandish attempts to ‘fit in’.
My Family and Other Animals (Gerald Durrell; 1977) The classic, witty story of a childhood spent on Corfu, told by a now-famous naturalist and conservationist. Not surprisingly, flora and fauna find their way into the pages.
The Colossus of Marousi (Henry Miller; 1975) Few writers have matched the enthusiasm expressed in this classic tale. Miller’s fervour never flags as he leaps from one adventure to the next.
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INTERNET RESOURCES
There is a huge number of websites providing information about Greece.
EOT (Greek National Tourist Organisation; www.gnto.gr) For concise tourist information.
Greece Online (www.greece-on-line.gr) An interactive map that lets you pinpoint things like beaches, museums, ski resorts or airports.
Greek Travel Pages (www.gtp.gr) One-stop site with access to ferry schedules, accommodation listings and destination details.
Lonely Planet (www.lonelyplanet.com) Get the latest updates and ask questions before you go or dispense advice when you get back.
Ministry of Culture (www.culture.gr) Details of events, sights, galleries, monuments and museums.
Travel Guide to Greece (www.greektravel.com) Matt Barrett’s comprehensive site to travelling in Greece.
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Events Calendar
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JANUARY
FEBRUARY
MARCH
APRIL
MAY
JUNE
JULY
AUGUST
SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER–NOVEMBER
DECEMBER
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Attending a Greek festival or event can easily be a highlight of your trip. Atmospheric and jubilant, they’re often seen as an excuse for a good party. Below are some of the main events; there are also countless religious festivals that towns and entire islands celebrate with great gusto. Ask locally, and see also the destination chapters.
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JANUARY
FEAST OF AGIOS VASILIOS (ST BASIL) 1 Jan
A church ceremony followed by the exchanging of gifts, singing, dancing and feasting; the vasilopita (golden glazed cake for New Year’s Eve) is cut and the person who gets the slice containing a coin will supposedly have a lucky year.
EPIPHANY (BLESSING OF THE WATERS) 6 Jan
The day of Christ’s baptism by St John is celebrated throughout Greece. Seas, lakes and rivers are blessed; with the largest ceremony held at Piraeus.
GYNAIKOKRATIA 8 Jan
The villages of the prefectures of Rodopi, Kilkis and Seres in northern Greece hold a day of role reversal. Women spend the day in kafeneia (coffee houses) while the men stay at home to do the housework.
PATRAS CARNIVAL mid-Jan–early Mar
This Peloponnesian festival in Patra features a host of minor events leading up to a wild weekend