Greek Island Hopping

Giappy Snack bar in Lakka — Paxos

Giappy Snack bar in Lakka bay on the Island of Paxos was ‘the place’ for our morning coffee and reading of world events. A home from home, this microcosm of a typical European coffee shop, became our adopted bar during the day. Located just behind Akis bar tucked into the western edge of Lakka’s mini corner square. Giappy’s cool sheltered location was the perfect place to watch Lakka come alive. In the morning it would attract the early riser seeking a quiet spot.

Continue reading ‘Giappy Snack bar in Lakka — Paxos’

Akis Bar in Lakka Bay — Paxos

Lakka, on the northern tip of Paxos Island is described by many as the jewel in the Crown of Paxos. Lakka’s chalk white harbour turns the clearest of Mediterranean Sea into a brilliant Green. In comparison to Emerald Bay on Anti-Paxos, Lakka’s natural harbour is a haven for flotillas and visiting yachts.

Akis bar tucked into the south-western edge of Lakka Bay is open all year round according to its owner, Akis. 17 years of continual service to the flotilla affords Akis (It seams) a comfortable if modest lifestyle. “There’s no pressure to make money in the summer before closing,” says Akis. “Were open all year round and our 17 years in business means were here to stay.” Continue reading ‘Akis Bar in Lakka Bay — Paxos’

Visit the fantastic and beautiful sights of Greece

When you think you’ve had your fill of the fantastic and beautiful sights in Greece, you’ll find there’s plenty more to do.  Throughout the country, there are various sights to visit, beaches to swim, shops and museum to go to.  A sports bum or a museum enthusiast, Greece and its culture has lots to offer you.

There are a lot of things to do while you’re in Greece. Athens have some of the most famous sights like the Acropolis, the National Archaeological Museum and the Benaki Musem. You can also visit the Kallimarmaron stadium where the ancient Panathenaic Games were held.

During summer, the beaches should be on the top of the list. Beaches in Crete, Santorini and Mykonos offer the best beach parties in Greece and are one of the top places to be in Europe.

Aside from swimming and soaking during summer, there’s also the Hellenic Festival.  It celebrates the performance arts , theatre, musical and dance. Here, you get to experience the recreation of Greek tradegy in the heart of Athens. Continue reading ‘Visit the fantastic and beautiful sights of Greece’

Places to go in Igoumenitsa

Igoumenitsa ‘s New Port facilities looks more like a departure lounge than a ferry terminal. This air-conditioned building with numerous Duty free shops, represents every international ferry company that opporates between Italy and Greece. Yet if you’re looking for the best ferry deals and reasonably priced accommodation not to mention reasonably priced restaurants you need to head 1 km north along the waterfront into Igoumenitsa’s old town. 300M north towards Igoumenitsa is ‘Dolce Cafe Bar its a colourful 60’s retro style taverna that has a ‘Happy Days’ feel. It’s internet access is quite speedy with modern machines and an English opporating system. It’s one of a number of watering holes used by backpackers waiting for there ferry or bus connections. It also a sun trap and ideal for topping up your tan even though its next to the coast road. Continue reading ‘Places to go in Igoumenitsa’

Budget accommodation in Igoumenitsa

At first glance you’d quickly dismiss Igoumenitsa as a transit town with an international port, this is not exactly true. Although Igoumenitsa is not a tourist destination as such it does attract the inquisitive traveller and Greek holiday maker, as well as being a business hub for commerce between east and western Europe. Igoumenitsa the nearest Greek port that serves Italy and the rest of Europe recently completed a multi million Euro upgrade to its new port facilities and services. However this new investment has a detrimental impact on the charm of Igoumenitsa town. There is know a stark difference between the old and new this includes the cost of goods and services. In the new port area the increased price of accommodation reflects the cost of this new development. Yet by walking less than a mile into the older part of the port you’ll find the best priced Continue reading ‘Budget accommodation in Igoumenitsa’

Valtos Camping an Idyllic location in Parga

Valtos camping is set just behind Valtos beach just north of Parga town, only a couple of hours from Igoumanitsa the main port for ferries that serve Italy. German and Italian auto campers mostly frequent Valtos camping and their trailers contain all manor of watercraft. However there is a considerable portion of the camping grounds amongst the trees that are set-aside for backpackers with their tents. Continue reading ‘Valtos Camping an Idyllic location in Parga’

Café Milani on Valtos beach — Parga

Alcohol in the heat does not mix well, at least for myself. Drinking the stuff during the heat of the day makes my head spin. Returning from my warm swim in a clear Mediterranean Sea. I cool off with one of many freshwater showers that are found behind Valtos beach in Parga. I felt much better after breaking my own self imposed rule on alcohol.

Dressed for the evening we returned to our adopted beach bar ‘Café Milani’ lounging in its white armchairs with our Mythos beers we watch the sun set over Parga. Continue reading ‘Café Milani on Valtos beach — Parga’

A taste of Island life at Voutoumi Taverna, Emerald Bay — Anti Paxos

Behind the beach of Emerald Bay on Anti Paxos is Voutoumi Taverna. Only 200 yards from shore Voutoumi Taverna is hidden from view by the Islands thick green bushes and trees.

Seeking shelter from the afternoon heat we chanced upon Voutoumi Taverna by accident only a sign in the distance indicated that anything was there. Its inviting shade was are motivation to explore.

Standing at its entrance, Voutoumi Taverna has numerous terraced levels protected from the sun by a timber-framed roof covered in bamboo leaves etc’. This makes Voutoumi Taverna well camouflaged and deceptively large. Continue reading ‘A taste of Island life at Voutoumi Taverna, Emerald Bay — Anti Paxos’

Types of luxurious accommodation you can find in Greece

Greece has an ancient culture that extends along its extensive coastlines and islands.  This historic wealth and diversity comes from centuries of trading within the Mediterranean. This has resulted in very unique stylized coast line that is home to some of the most luxurious accommodation in Greece.

Starting in Athens, there are a number great places to  stay.  After a day of sightseeing and different activities, surely you would like to come home to a very homely and comfortable environment. Continue reading ‘Types of luxurious accommodation you can find in Greece’

Dinner with a Minoan Princess

I had dinner with a Minoan Princess, in Crete, one summer night a few weeks ago.  I know this, because of one of the treasures that I saw when some friends and I visited the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion. (http://www.interkriti.org/museums/hermus.htm) The treasures were from Crete’s ancient Minoan civilisation.

Something that particularly caught my eye there, was a fragment from a fresco, showing a Minoan woman with a beautifully made-up face, red-painted lips and long, wavy hair.  She is a priestess from a fresco at the Palace of Knossos, dated 15th century B.C; to me she looks like a princess.  The fresco was found when the Minoan capital of Knossos (which is a fascinating place to visit) was excavated in the early 20^th century.  She was nicknamed “La Parisienne” because of her sophisticated, chic good looks. Continue reading ‘Dinner with a Minoan Princess’