Construction of the longest highway in Europe is underway in Crete

 The first phase of the environmental approval was signed 

 

The modern highway of Crete, which will connect the island from Kissamos to Sitia, and will be the longest highway to be built in Europe on its completion in the upcoming years, is on track after the Ministry of Environment and Energy approved the environmental conditions for the first section of the Northern Road Axis of Crete (VOAK) from Hersonissos to Neapolis, 22.5 km long.

It is one of the largest infrastructure investments that will be implemented in the country in the coming years.

The Decision for the Approval of Environmental Terms (AEPO) was signed by the competent General Directorate of Environmental Policy and is the first step for the implementation of the emblematic project.

This is the first AEPO issued for the “largest new highway to be built in Europe”, as described by the Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, while already the Ministry of Environment and Energy, with a view to environmental protection and its smooth implementation project, is preparing the environmental licensing of the next section of BOAK, from Chania to Heraklion.

(source:proto thema)

Greece set to pay its final debt to the IMF

 The IMF welcomed the development 

Greece is set to pay off its final debt to the IMF in January 2022, after the approval of the Eurogroup.

In March 2022, the Greek state will make an early repayment of part of the bilateral loans of the first memorandum, with countries of the European Union.

The development was welcomed on Monday by the IMF Director-General Kristalina Georgieva, noting it was “a great achievement”.

“Regarding Greece, I am excited that the country is doing so well. It is a great achievement for the country. 

The repayment of the Fund brings a symbolic closing of a difficult period for the Greek people and for the economy of Greece. 

Our role will continue to include monitoring and providing policy advice, we will continue to provide services to Greece if the country considers them useful,” said the head of the IMF.

(source:proto thema)

What were the names of the months in Ancient Greece?

Each region had its own calendar  

Many ancient civilisations had their own calendrical systems. Of these, the Greek calendar is most likely the most confusing. The Greek Calendar is much like ancient Greece itself. It shared a certain basic similarity from region to region, but each city-state kept its own version. 

All the Greek calendars were lunisolar (based on the sun and moon) and shared the same basic features of the other lunisolar calendars: twelve months, with a periodic intercalation of a thirteenth.

The Athenian calendar is the best known and most intensively studied. The Athenian months were named Hekatombion, Metageitnion, Boedromion, Pyanepsion, Maimakterion, Poseidon, Gamelion, Anthesterion, Elaphebolion, Munychion, Thargelion, and Skirophorion. 

The intercalary month usually came after Poseidon and was called the second Poseidon. Hekatombion, and hence the beginning of the year, fell in the summer. Other Greek regions started their year at different times (e.g., Sparta, Macedonia in fall, Delos in winter).

For the historian inclined towards tidy orderliness, the regrettable fact is that the Athenians were simply unwilling to stick to a completely regular calendar, which makes reconstruction difficult. 

Their irregularity was not from a lack of astronomical knowledge. In 432 BCE, the Athenian astronomer Meton instituted his 19-year cycle, fixing regular intercalations (whether Meton got this cycle from Babylonia or discovered it himself is not known). 

From that point, a small group of Greek astronomers used the Metonic cycle in their calculations, but this should be regarded as an astronomer’s ideal calendar. 

Abundant epigraphical evidence demonstrates that in the civil calendar, while the archons inserted approximately the correct number of intercalary months over the long term, the specific corrections were somewhat arbitrary, as the archons saw fit. This irregularity doesn’t really affect the long-term workings of the calendar, but it does make things very confusing when trying to establish a precise date for an event.

(source polysyllabic.com)

The magical Balos Beach in Crete (video)

Crystal clear water, the lagoon, rocky steep mountains, a beach bar and a pirate island are located at the same region

Balos Beach, the incredible lagoon with the turquoise exotic and tropical water of the Mediterranean sea is located in the Chania region in Crete Island. 

Balos is one of the most visited beaches in Crete and a popular destination for visitors who flock from around the world to experience truly exotic scenery in Europe.

Crystal clear water, the lagoon, rocky steep mountains, a beach bar providing umbrellas and shadow with beverages and a pirate island are located at the same region that is accessible by a 20 min trek or boat.

Greece tried to boost its tourism and gave privileges to vaccinated against the Covid-19 Coronavirus pandemic to international tourists and locals, as the country is heavily dependent on the tourism industry.

(source:proto thema)

Two Greek bars in World’s 50 Best Bars (top 15 list)

 The Clumsies came in 4th 

 Famous Athenian bar The Clumsies made in the top 5 list of this year’s World’s 50 Best Bars taking 4th place. The list of the best bars in the world was announced and it seems Europe, as well as specific states of North America, managed to largely displace the dominant USA.

With London holding top honours, as the British capital not only holds top but also the second spot,  New York barely scraped into 10th place, with Katana Kitten, creating space for some of the top bars in Asia, Barcelona and New Mexico. In 4th place, on the other hand, the favourite, very famous, now, Athenian The Clumsies, proved once again that it is worth and with the above its excellent reputation among the bars that are responsible for creating some of the most interesting and special flavoured cocktails on the planet.

However, The Clumsies is not the only bar in Athens that has earned a spot on the list. At number 14 we have another well-known bar, Baba au Rum, which managed to leave the famous Zuma in Dubai far behind.

 

See in detail the top 15 Bars on the list:

(1) Connaught Bar (London)

(2) Tayēr + Elementary (London)

(3) Paradiso (Barcelona)

(4) The Clumsies (Athens)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(5) Best Florería Atlántico (Buenos Aires) Best Bar in South America

(6) Licorería Limantour (Mexico City) The best bar in North America

(7) Coa (Hong Kong) The best bar in Asia

(8) El Copitas (St. Petersburg)

(9) Jigger & Pony (Singapore)

(10) Katana Kitten (New York)

(11) Two Schmucks (Barcelona)

(12) Hanky Panky (Mexico City)

(13) Insider Bar (Moscow)

(14) Baba au Rum (Athens)

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

(15) Manhattan (Singapore)

 

(source:proto thema)

The Oldest Olive Tree in the World in Greece

 

The ancient Olive Tree of Vouves located in the island of Crete and is believed to be the oldest olive tree in the world, which still produces olives!

It’s only one of seven olive trees in the Mediterranean, which are believed to be over 2,000 years old. Although its exact age cannot be verified, scientists from the University of Crete have estimated it to be 4,000 years old.With a trunk circumference of 12.50 metres and a diameter of 4.60 metres, to this day, its olives are highly prized. 

 The Olive Tree Museum of Vouves is ideally located next to this special Olive Tree of Vouves, which is visited by over 20,000 people each year from around the world.

The monumental tree has been declared a “natural heritage monument” by the Secretary General of the Region of Crete, due to its ecological and historical importance.

You may visit the olive tree by car, heading west from Chania, take the exit to “Tavronitis” and then follow the signs towards “Ano Vouves.”

(Source: Best of Greece)

Greece Named Best Tourism Destination at US Tested Reader Survey Awards 2021

 

Greece has been announced Best Tourism Destination for 2021 at the Tested Reader Survey Awards, organized for the 18th year by Global Traveler, a leading US monthly travel magazine.

According to an announcement by the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO), this is the first time that Greece receives the award.

Other “Best Tourism Destination” winners are Italy in second place; Spain and Ireland in third and fourth position, and South Africa in fifth.

The winners were selected by the readers of Global Traveler in 80 categories related to travel including destinations, airlines, airports, hotels, travel and tourism services providers etc.

This year’s survey was conducted between December 14, 2020 – September 30 2021 among over 22,000 readers.

The award ceremony will take place in Beverly Hills on December 14. Greece will be represented by Greek National Tourism Organization Head in the US & Canada Konstantinos Charokopos.

Global Traveler picks Greece for holidays

 

Following the announcement of the Tested Reader Survey Awards winners, Global Traveler included Greece among its “must-see” destinations for future holidays.

“All the stakeholders of the travel tourism industry have gone beyond their limits to keep the world ‘open’ for as long as possible, and it is our honor to reward them,” the magazine’s editors said.

“Whether this is your first or 20th visit to the country, make sure that Greece is on the list of destinations that you will soon visit ,” they added.

According to the GNTO, Global Traveler has an average circulation of 550,000 issues. Fifty percent of its readers are business owners or executives that fly frequently within the US and abroad.

 (source: gtp)

Poll: Greece Among Top 10 European Destinations for Source Markets

Greece is in the top 10 European destinations of choice for travelers coming from key source markets, according to the latest study released this week by INSETE, the research department of the Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE).

More specifically, according to the “Trends and Preferences for International Travel Among Greek Markets in Europe and the US” conducted by Censuswide on behalf of INSETE, Greece is the second-favorite destination in the Italian market, third in the UK, Germany, and France, and fifth in the Austrian market.

The survey was carried out on 7,100 people aged over 17 in the last two weeks of September from eight of Greece’s key source markets for incoming tourism, namely Germany, UK, France, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands and the US, and focuses on city break travel and sea & sun holidays.

Key takeaways according to INSETE:

– sea & sun is still the main reason for travel followed by city break holidays

– final cost is a key factor affecting decision to travel as well as safety in Covid times

– travelers opt to book three to seven overnight stays with those from France, Germany and the Netherlands preferring holidays that last for at least 10 days

– German, French, Italian, Austrian, Swiss and Dutch travelers are looking to travel in the summer months in 2022, while British and American tourists  want to travel until March

– top accommodation choices for the majority of markets – with the exception of the US and UK – are 4- or 5-star hotels. In the case of city break visits, short-term rentals are a preferred choice

 

– besides sea & sun, travelers are interested in parallel activities including cultural happenings and city visits

– tourists from the UK, France and the US plan to visit a city in the next six months to February, while the majority of Germans, Italians, Austrians, Swiss and Dutch choose to visit from March onwards

– travelers opting to visit cities are also seeking a mix of experiences including shopping, dining, day excursions and sports. 

(source: gtp)

Plakias Suites: #1 of 59 Specialty Lodging in Plakias, Rethymno Crete/Greece

 Plakias Suites (5.0 of 5 stars) Ranked 1 of 59 Specialty Lodging in Plakias according the popular travel site TripAdvisor 

"Plakias Suites is a family complex of 6 apartments that fits perfectly into the natural Cretan surroundings in one of the most attractive locations in southern Crete, the bay of Plakias.

 Having already received the prize Certificate of Excellence with 128 Reviews!!"

 

 Enjoy your Breakfast next to the sea !

In a unique place, fully harmonized with the natural environment, where everything is carefully tailored to the smallest detail, you can enjoy a rich breakfast with delicious flavors. 

The comfortable seating, the unique tastes and the view of the deep blue sea, will give you the most fresh and dynamic start for a day of outdoors in Plakias!

The Beach House is an all-day bar mix, we start the day with fresh orange juice, coffee and delicious brunch and continue with cold and hot snacks, fresh organic Greek salad at the end of the day we offer first class alcohol cocktails.

Do you prefer breakfast in the privacy of your luxury suite? Just let us know. 

Book a table Beach House

Greece No.1 sustainable food destination in the world: Lonely Planet

In Lonely Planet’s ‘Best in Travel 2021’ list

 Greece was included in Lonely Planet’s ‘Best in Travel 2021’ list. “Nothing is more genuine than the massive serving of filoxenia (hospitality) extended to anyone and everyone; it’s a way of life for the Greeks. It’s embedded in their DNA, and throughout the country.”

“We decided to make this year’s Best in Travel different by recognising places and people demonstrating a genuine commitment to sustainability, community and diversity. And that’s only the beginning. We salute all the winners!” President and CEO, Luis Cabrera said.

Highlights in the Sustainability category include Greece as the number one food destination and Palau as the top island chain.

Sustainable Food Destination – Greece

With its organic produce markets and island seafood, Greece finds itself an unintentional leader of the world’s most sustainable food.

Lonely Planet notes: “Greece may not be known worldwide for implementing formal initiatives surrounding sustainable practices, but informally, Greeks have been green for centuries.”

“The age-old habit of growing vegetables, harvesting olives and preparing silky oil, and cooking up a storm with tomatoes, fresh fish and wild greens is the norm for most folk whether they live on an island or the mainland.”

But nothing is more genuine, as Lonely Planet reports, than filoxenia. “It’s a way of life for the Greeks. It’s embedded in their DNA, and throughout the country, generous and passionate locals share their knowledge with travellers, coupling fantastic fresh cooking with back-to-nature activities such as trekking through diverse landscapes.”

Analysing the nutritional peculiarities geographically, the magazine advises: Hikers can wander the mountains of Kalymnos with Kalymnos Experiences and learn about the intricacies of fragrant herbs. Or take a seat by a historic windmill at Mylos Fish Restaurant, Leros, and nibble on octopus carpaccio (sourced that morning from the fisher’s docks). And don’t miss the tasty, organic cuisine of Crete.”

(more at greekcitytimes.com)

TUI extends program to Greece until November and sees strong demand for 2021

 

The tour operator’s leadership believes that Greece handled the pandemic exceptionally

 TUI is extending its program in Greece until November, in spite of the global effects of the Covid-19 pandemic “betting” on the extension of the season.

“By the end of November we can reach the target of 1 million travelers that TUI will bring to Greece, of which 20% is estimated in the autumn period until November,” Sebastian Ebel, member of the executive board of TUI, responsible for the sectors of Hotels, Cruise and Group Activities said yesterday in an online update on the group’s plans in Greece.

Thomas Ellerbeck, a member of the Executive Committee of TUI, pointed out that Greece is “this year the number 1 destination for the group, a fact which is due to both the TUI team itself and the attitude of the Greek government and the Greek hoteliers in the part of dealing with the pandemic, for which it could be a model for other destinations in Europe “.

Ebel announced that TUI is extending the season until November for the first time and “this year especially the weather is very good. To turn Greece from a destination of six months into one of 9 months is very important and we believe that at the moment there is an opportunity here. Customers who visited Greece this year, came back very satisfied and this is the best marketing campaign that there can be, especially in a season as special as this year. This fact vindicates our group for the “investment” in the country in the fall both with the addition of air connections and with partnerships with hoteliers who are keeping their units open for this period.”

(source: tornos)