Photo of the day: Are you ready for swim?

Today in Plakias, Crete: 26 degrees Celsius!!

Amphipolis: Skeleton found, mystery remains (photos + 3D interactive tour)

A skeleton has been found in the monument for the mortal who was probably worshipped by his society at the time

Archaeologists in northern Greece announced on Wednesday that they found a skeleton belonging to a distinguished ancient celebrity from the time of Alexander the Great in the ancient tomb at Amphipolis. Chief archaeologist Katerina Peristeri speculated that “the tomb in all probability belongs to a male and a general.”

The skeleton found is housed in a wooden coffin once held together by iron and bronze nails and studded with bone and glass decorations. Though the coffin has disintegrated over time, the skeletal remains are intact and were found both inside and outside the floor of the tomb, possibly as a result of the looting during ancient times.

Archaeologists estimate that the person whose remains were found was 1.8 meters tall, however there will need to be complex lab work and an analysis of organic residue that could take months to complete before having a clearer picture of the occupant of the tomb. The analysis will allow archaeologists to restrict the number of potential candidates that the tomb belongs to rather than point to a single person with certainty, possibly Nearchos or Hephaistion, or even Alexander the Great, event though finding the latter is unlikely if historical sources are taken into account.

An analysis of the bone structure will give a clearer idea of the occupant’s build, health and injuries they may have had during their lives that could give scientists more clues when pinpointing the identity of the occupant of the tomb.

The announcement of the discovery of the skeleton overshadowed any other discussion on the monument and a number of serious questions remain unanswered. For instance, the question as to why the monument was sealed even though it had been looted. Furthermore, there is a strong contrast between the pre-chambers and size of the monument compared to the no-frills decor in the main burial chamber and the frugal space in the underground cist grave where the skeleton was found.

Take the tour...

Amphipolis Tomb by Greektoys.org (new update #3)
by Greektoys.org
on Sketchfab

The excitement of finding the skeleton dominated the discussion, however noteworth is the fact that over 500 pieces of the surrounding wall were found near the place where the Lion of Amphipolis sits. More than 100 stones were discovered just a couple of days ago in Lake Kerkini where the pieces were transferred in 1936 by the company Ulen who were responsible for the construction of the Dam at Kerkini.
(Source:prototema, Greektoys, sketchfab)

The simple is beautiful... Thank you Paolo!

     When the art meets the perfect places...                                            

"You don't take a photograph, you make it"
                 Ansel Adams
                                        http://www.paolosarti.ch/

Photo of the day: November in Plakias!!

And the winners of the 32nd Athens Marathon are… Kenyan! (photos + video)!!

The race brought people from 120 countries to run the ancient route!!
Kenyan long-distance runner Felix Kandie is the winner of the 32^nd Athens Classic Marathon with a record win after he covered the 42km-course in 2:10:36. With this result he broke the previous record set by Italian Stephano Baldini at 2:10:55.

“This is my first time in Athens and I am happy,” he said. “I desired to be in the top three and manage to do my best time. The people here were very good and the atmosphere was welcoming. Running at the historic Panathinaic stadium made me happy. I had heard about this stadium in Kenya and I am very happy.”

Raymond Bett, also from Kenya, came second. This was his fourth time at the Athens Marathon and he had reserved optimism despite being last year’s winner and receiving first place in the Marathon twice and second place twice in previous years. He was pleased with his time.

The best Greek winner was Christoforos Meroussis from the isle of Chios with 2 hours and 25 minutes.

(source:protothema)

"Crete the island inside you" - Crete Daydreaming

The Region of Crete continues to promote the island..
Amazing work with new video!!

Mediterranean cooking: Octopus stew with eggplants and potatoes!

A traditional recipe that brings out the flavor and the aroma of the fresh octopus.

Serves: 6 Preparation time: 30m Cooking time: 60m Ready in: 1h 30m
A traditional recipe that brings out the flavor and the aroma of the fresh octopus.
Ingredients
An octopus weighing approximately 1½-2 kg, cleaned and washed
6 small striped eggplants cut in large cubes
6-8 small potatoes, halved or 4 medium potatoes, diced
1 large onion, finely chopped
5-6 ripe tomatoes, peeled and grated
1 bunch of parsley, finely chopped
2-3 bay leaves
2/3 cup olive oil
Salt and pepper
Preparation method
Step 1
Cut the octopus into large pieces and place them in a saucepan. Over medium heat, let the octopus boil in its own juices until tender.
Step 2
Sauté the eggplant cubes in half the oil until golden brown. Sauté the potatoes for a few seconds and place them with the eggplant cubes.
Step 3
Heat the remaining oil and sauté the onion until wilted. Add the octopus and sauté for 1-2 minutes. Add the tomato, the parsley, the bay leaves and the pepper. Do not add salt because the octopus itself is salty. Simmer for 2 minutes.
Step 4
Place over the octopus the eggplants and potatoes. Cover the saucepan and let it the ingredients simmer until the octopus is tender and the sauce thickens. If needed, add a little water occasionally. Taste for salt at the end and season if necessary.
Source: Olive magazine
Chef: Georgia Kofina
Photo: Vangelis Paterakis
Food Styling: Antonia Kati

Πλακιάς: Ανάσα στην τοπική οικονομία από την τουριστική κίνηση

Αυξημένη κίνηση και έσοδα σχετικά περιορισμένα. Αυτά είναι τα δύο βασικά χαρακτηριστικά που συνέθεσαν το καλοκαίρι την τουριστική εικόνα στον Πλακιά Αγίου Βασιλείου, που είναι ένας από τους δημοφιλέστερους προορισμούς της νότιας Κρήτης.

Παρόλα αυτά, οι επαγγελματίες του τουρισμού μιλούν για μία από τις καλύτερες τουριστικές χρονιές των τελευταίων ετών, επισημαίνοντας πως έχουν ήδη καταγραφεί οι πρώτες κρατήσεις και για την επόμενη τουριστική σεζόν!

Μπορεί η τουριστική περίοδος που ρίχνει αυτές τις ημέρες την αυλαία της να κύλησε με αρκετές δυσκολίες, εντούτοις χαρακτηρίζεται ως μία από τις καλύτερες τουριστικές χρονιές των τελευταίων ετών για ξενοδόχους και επαγγελματίες των νότιων περιοχών του Ρεθύμνου.

Καθ' όλη τη διάρκεια του καλοκαιριού η τουριστική περιοχή του Πλακιά "πλημμύρισε" από χιλιάδες επισκέπτες που επέλεξαν αυτό τον προορισμό στα νότια της Κρήτης για να απολαύσουν τις διακοπές τους και τις ομορφιές της φύσης.

Στη παρούσα χρονική στιγμή κάποια ξενοδοχειακά καταλύματα παραμένουν ακόμα ανοικτά προκειμένου να παρέχουν του υψηλού επιπέδου τις υπηρεσίες τους στους εναπομείναντες επισκέπτες της περιοχής.

Επαγγελματίες από το χώρο της εστίασης μιλούν για την παντελή έλλειψη ελλήνων παραθεριστών στην περιοχή τους, ενώ δεν κρύβουν την ανησυχία τους για τους μήνες του χειμώνα, οι οποίοι όπως μας λένε θα κυλήσουν δύσκολα, αφού το «πικ» της τουριστικής σεζόν κυμάνθηκε μεταξύ Ιουλίου Σεπτεμβρίου.

Οι ίδιοι πάντως ατενίζουν με αισιοδοξία το μέλλον, καθώς είναι πλέον πραγματικότητα οι πρώτες κρατήσεις για την επόμενη τουριστική σεζόν.

Και παρά το ότι ο Πλακιάς είναι ένας από τους δημοφιλέστερους προορισμούς πολλών ευρωπαίων επισκεπτών, δυστυχώς, ακόμα "αιμορραγεί" λόγω έλλειψης βασικών υποδομών. Το θέμα αυτό βρίσκεται ψηλά στην ατζέντα της νέας δημοτικής αρχής, που δηλώνει αποφασισμένη να μην αφήσει καμία χρηματοδοτική ευκαιρία να πάει χαμένη.

(Στέλλα Μαθιουδάκη - neatv.gr)        

The Holocaust of the Monastery of Arkadi (Rethymno Crete)

Arkadi Monastery is located near the village Amnatos, 23km east of Rethymno. It is built at an altitude of 500m, on a fertile plateau with olive groves, vineyards, pine, cypress and oak trees. Around the monastery there are several picturesque chapels and from there starts the beautiful Arkadi gorge.

The exact date of the foundation of the monastery is not known, but it is believed that it was actually founded by Byzantine Emperor Arkadios in the 12th century. According to another version, the name is taken after a monk called Arkadios, who first founded the monastery. Moreover, the monastery was called Tsanli Manastir by the Turks (i.e. beneficiary bell), as the Arkadi monastery was the only Cretan monastery that had the right to ring its bells.

The initial church of the monastery was dedicated to Saint Constantine and some ruins of it are preserved in the northwestern part of the monastery enclosure. Arkadi is surrounded by massif walls that made it impregnable from the enemies and its rich fortification attracted the rebellious Cretans. Many Turkish and Greek documents are referring to the life and the adventures of the monastery, that provided educational, national, ethical and monetary  support for the locals.

Arkadi is certainly the most historic monastery of Crete and has become the most sacred symbol of the Struggle of the Cretans for Freedom. It is the theater of the tragic battle of 1866, which opened the way for the liberation of the island in 1898. Indeed, UNESCO has designated Arkadi as a European Freedom Monument.

The Battle of Arkadi

During the Turkish occupation of Crete, the Cretans made many revolutionary movements, such as the Revolution of Daskalogiannis in 1770, of the Janissaries in 1821, against the Egyptians in 1822, of Gramvousa in 1828, of Chairetis in 1811. They all failed but strengthened Cretan morale and hatred against the Turks. The Revolution that opened the way for the Liberation of Crete was the Revolution of 1866, which, combined with the revolutions of 1878 and 1895, put an end to the Turkish Occupation in 1898.

The Cretan Revolution of 1866 brought a blow against the Turkish Empire, caused significant economic damage and stultified its military prestige. The Monastery of Arkadi from the first moment of the Revolution was the center of the Cretan struggle. On May 1, 1866, 1500 Cretan rebels gathered under the leadership of Hadji Michalis Giannaris and elected representatives of the various provinces of Crete. As president of the Rethymno Commission, was elected the abbot of Arkadi Monastery, Gabriel Marinakis.

When Ismail Pasha was informed of these events he demanded that the abbot had to expel the Revolutionary Committee from the monastery, otherwise he would destroy it. The abbot refused and in July Ishmael Pasha sent his troops. However, the Commission had abandoned Arkadi and the Turks only destroyed the icons and sacred vessels of the temple. The committee returned in Arkadi and, in September, Pasha reasked the abandonment of the monastery, otherwise he would destroy it completely!

The message of Ishmael was rejected and the rebels immediately started organizing their defense. On September 24, Panos Koroneos arrived in Bali and visited Arkadi with his soldiers, where he was announced as the General Chief of Rethymnon. He organized the military defense and pointed out that Arkadi is not suitable for defense. The abbot and monks had the opposite opinion, so Koroneos set John Dimakopoulos as commander and left Arkadi. The monastery was a refuge for many women and children from the nearby villages. So, on November 7, in the monastery there were 964 people. 325 of them were men of whom 259 were armed.

On the evening of November 7, an army consisting of 6000 soldiers, 200 horsemen, 1200 Albanians and 30 cannons departed from Rethymnon city. In the morning of November 8, 1866 all that army, led by the groom of Mustafa Pasha, Suleiman Veis, was standing in front of the monastery. The dawn of the same day found the Cretans in the Divine Liturgy (in church). When the abbot Gabriel learned that the Turks were established on the hills around the monastery, he blessed all the rebels and everyone took up battle positions.

Soon, Suleiman Veis asked from the Cretan warriors to surrender. The answer was given by the shooting guns and the raised emblem - flag depicting the Transfiguration of Christ (and now kept at the Museum of the Monastery). The battle started.

Women helped by carrying ammunition and water for the warriors, while the Turks were trying in vain to approach and destroy the West Gate. The battle continued all day with many casualties of the Turks. In the windmill outside of the gate (where the ossuary is currently set) seven Cretans were hidden, who caused the greatest damage to the Turks, but by the evening they were all killed.

At the night, the Turks brought two heavier cannons from Rethymnon. One was the famous bombard koutsahila, famous throughout Crete for its devastating effectiveness. The desperate besieged managed to send secretly the priest Kraniotis and Adam Papadakis to ask for help from Koroneos and the other chieftains of Amari province. The two men managed to escape Arkadi and reach the other rebels, but they could not help. It is worth mentioning that the heroic Adam Papadakis decided to return the monastery, where he knew that he would certainly die.

In the evening of November 8, the bell rang for last time. Warriors, old men, women and children came to the Holy Communion (Blessed Sacrament). Even children had understood that they lived the last moments of their lives.

When November 9 dawned the battle began. The new canons destroyed the western gate. The abbot ordered whoever would manage to be alive when the Turks would enter the yard, to give fire to the gunpowder storage room.

The battle continued relentlessly. The Turks managed to enter the gate of the monastery and the battle was bounded inside the monastery. Those warriors that had run out of ammunition came to the courtyard and fought with their swords. Many girls and women ran to the storey with the powder kegs, as they preferred to surrender their bodies to the flames rather than the atrocities of the Turks. When most of the Turks entered the monastery, Dimakopoulos and other warriors, rushed with swords and killed many Turks from those who were in the yard. After a while their swords were broken and the Turks continued to come from everywhere after the resistance had fallen from all sides.

It was now dark and most women had gathered in the powder room. Kostas Giamboudakis then raised his pistol and ordered anyone who wanted to leave the storey, as he would explode the gunpowder. Hundreds of Turks were trying to break the door to slaughter the Christians. Giamboudakis waited to attract as many Turks as possible outside the door. Then he shot the powder kegs and a huge explosion was heard. Stones, bodies, heads, ruins, soils were all mixed and the souls of the Cretans passed into history forever.

After the explosion of gunpowder, John Dimakopoulos and a few survivors continued to fight against the Turks and the Albanians in the courtyard of the monastery. He decided to surrender when he was guaranteed that the last alive defenders would be left free. However, on the next day, they were all beheaded. Even today you can see the marks of the swords on the dining tables. The result of the holocaust of Arkadi, as this drama has prevailed in Greek History, was: 114 men and women prisoners, 864 dead Cretans and about 1500 dead Turks.

In the cypress of the monastery there are still bullets of that battle. Pasha believed that his victory would stop rebels in Crete. However, this battle was learned in Europe and opened the closed doors of European diplomacy, changed the mindset and tactics of the Great Powers towards Crete and led to its liberation in 1898.
http://www.arkadimonastery.gr/

(source:cretanbeaches)

Photo of the day!

Plakias sunset... Crete.
http://www.plakiassuites.com/

Plakias - Crete from above !

Come and... fly with us over Plakias in the South of Crete!!

Bravo to youtube's user:Interlaced Light
http://www.plakiassuites.com/ 

Greek traditional Pastitsio.

Can’t get any more Greek than that… 3 main steps to a delicious pastitsio

Serves:  a medium oven tray Preparation time: 40m Cooking time: 40m Ready in: 1h 25m

Ingredients
For pastitsio
500g. thick macaroni
3 tsp. tablespoons olive oil
3 egg yolks
1 tsp. tablespoons of butter
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 1/2 cup cheese, and / or Parmesan, grated
¼ tsp. fresh grated nutmeg
salt
     For the meat sauce
750g. minced beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
1 ½ cup tomato juice concentrate
1/3 cup red wine
1/3 cup olive oil
1 cinnamon stick
salt and pepper
   For the sauce
8 tsp. tablespoons butter
8 tsp. flour for all uses
1½ liter of milk, warm
3 egg yolks
½ cup grated cheese
Salt and white pepper
Preparation method
Prepare the meat
step 1
Put the mince  in medium pot over medium heat and with a wooden spoon  “crush” to let the fluids  stand completely. Stir with the mince the onion and garlic, and again stirl and add the olive oil.
step 2
Saute until the mixture begins to stick to the bottom of the pan and finish with the wine. Add the tomato juice, cinnamon, salt and pepper and let the sauce simmer for 30-35 minutes until it thickens.
Prepare spaghetti
step 1
Boil in a saucepan 1 1/2 liter of water and add 1 tsp. teaspoon salt. Put the pasta in the pot and cook for 6-7 minutes. Drain and toss with olive oil until well smeared and dont stick together. Beat the egg whites, add the pasta and stir in well.
Prepare the sauce
step 1
In a medium saucepan melt the butter and add the flour. Stir constantly with a whisk until the flour gets a little color and remove from fire. Keep 2-3 tablespoons of lukewarm milk, to mix with the egg yolks and add the rest to the saucepan, stirring constantly with wire, to prevent clotting.
step 2
Put the pan back on low heat and let simmer, stirring constantly until thickened. Turn off the heat and allow to cool. Mix the egg yolks with 2-3 tablespoons of  the milk that you keep cool and just a little cream, add them. Season to taste and stir well to unite the egg cream. Finally add the grated cheese and stir well.
Prepare pastitsio
step 1
Preheat oven to 180 degrees. Butter a medium oven tray and sprinkle with breadcrumbs. Lay in the tray half of the pasta, sprinkle with 5-6 tsp. grated cheese and pure all the sauce over the meat. Sprinkle with some cheese again and pure evenly over the remaining macaroni.
step 2
Spread over the spaghetti sauce and sprinkle with nutmeg. Bake the pastitsio for 40-45 minutes, until it gets golden.

Source: Olive magazine
Chef: Georgia Kofina
Photo: Vangelis Paterakis
Food Styling: Antonia Kati

A underwater wedding in the Cretan sea!!

Two years ago Zahara from South Africa met the woman of his dreams, Renata, from Hungary. Their love of diving brought them closer so they decided to get married under the Cretan sea at Kalypso Cretan village on the southwest of Crete, in the area of Plakias!!

(Source:Cretapost)

Athens Marathon 2014: Call For Volunteer Music Bands, Musicians To Support Runners

The organizing committee of the “Athens Marathon. The Authentic” has put out a call for volunteer music bands and individual musicians to give rhythm and support to the runners of the 32nd marathon event.
On 9 November 2014, all eyes will be on Athens and the 32rd Athens Marathon, on the original course of 42,195m from Marathonas to the Panathinaikon Stadium. The participating runners from all over the world are asked to try their best, reaching in many cases the ultimate of their human will and resources.
Bands and musicians are invited to offer their volunteer support and be present somewhere along the Marathon course or in Athens center and create a festive mood for participants and spectators of the event.
“Besides the purely sport aspect of the Athens Marathon event, this is a city celebration in which everyone plays his part encouraging the runners, applauding, cheering, dancing and singing,” the organizing committee said.
The call is open for amateur music bands, school music groups, municipal philharmonic groups, individual musicians, dancing groups and others.
Those interested can contact Dimitris Kondylis (Athens Marathon Music Project Manger, +30 210 9657947, +30 6973 032425) to learn how and where they may participate in the initiative.
GTP is the main tourism communication sponsor for the Athens Marathon. Τhe Authentic.
(Source:gtp)

UK Travel Agents Have Faith In Greece As A Destination

Greece’s significant tourism growth was discussed in a meeting in London on Friday 31 October between Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni and the chairman of the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA), Noel Josephides.

GNTO General Secretary Panos Livadas, Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni and ABTA Chairman Noel Josephides. Photo source: Greek Tourism Ministry

Mrs. Kefalogianni is currently on an official visit to the United Kingdom to attend the World Travel Market (WTM) 2014 that will open on 3 November at ExCeL London.
During the meeting it was underlined that Greece has managed to become a priority destination for British tourism professionals.
Both sides agreed that attractive travel packages to Greece can be offered to British travelers, considering the variety of tourism forms the country has developed. Key factors also include the improvements made to Greece’s infrastructure and to the quality of offered services to tourists.
On his part, ABTA’s chairman informed Mrs. Kefalogianni that British travel agents realized Greece’s tourism upgrade and for this reason selected the country to host the ABTA 2015 Travel Convention.
The fact that the convention will be held in Greece is considered a vote of confidence to Greece from the UK tourism market, an announcement by the Greek Tourism Ministry read.
The ABTA Travel Convention is considered a top tourism event and is expected to attract over 600 British travel agents/ABTA members and representatives of Internet companies Google, Yahoo, Tripadvisor and travel writers of leading British publications. The convention will take place at Costa Navarino, a luxury coastal resort complex in Messinia (Peloponnese), from 12-14 October.
According to Mr. Josephides, Greece has attracted the interest of the British travel agents, something that is expected to show during next year’s tourism season.
(Source:GTP)

Greece’s weirdest superstitions!

Many of the superstitions that were passed on to modern Greeks by the previous generations became part of the country’s folklor...
 
Superstitions are a fascinating part of a country’s culture, as they reveal many things about its past and the experiences of its people.
The belief in supernatural causality has a long history in Greece. Greek polytheists in antiquity, who modeled their relations with the gods on political and social terms, scorned those men who constantly trembled with fear at the thought of the gods, as the slaves fear their master.
However, in recent years, many of the superstitions that were passed on to modern Greeks by the previous generations became part of the country’s folklore and it is not uncommon to find superstitious Greeks even among the most educated parts of the population.
This is a list of the weirdest – for foreigners that is – Greek superstitions that you may find interesting.
Evil Eye
Known as “mati” in Greek, the evil eye is a curse believed to be cast by a malevolent glare, given to a person when they are unaware. Belief in the evil eye dates back to Classical antiquity.

Spitting
Strangely enough, some Greeks value their spittle as a charm against all evil. So if someone spits on you in Greece don’t be offended! Good luck is ensured!
The itchy hand
This superstition is common in a number of cultures. In Greece, if your right hand is itchy it indicates that you will receive money. If you’re left hand is itchy it indicates that you will give money.


The itchy nose
Another superstition about an itchy body part. Some Greeks believe that if you have an itchy nose, there’s a good chance you’ll get beaten.
The gift of perfume
In Greece it is customary that when you give someone a perfume as a gift, they must give you a coin in return. If they don’t do that your relationship may be at risk.
Knives
If you are invited to dinner by Greeks, never hand someone a knife. Set it down at the table and let them pick it up, or else you will get into a fight with that person.

Priests
Orthodox priests are revered in Greece. However, some people believe it a bad omen to see one walking in the street.

Salt
The Greeks have a secret weapon for getting rid of unwanted guests in their homes. They just sprinkle salt behind them and, a few minutes later, they are gone.
(Source:protothema)

“Visiting Crete in autumn can turn into a special holiday experience”

“Crete in autumn offers many other opportunities as well, not just at its beaches and sights, but also inland, at the forests and mountains. And that’s because the weather might be nice, but there’s definitely no heat wave, which means that it is easier to explore its exquisite nature, to hike, for example, at Psiloritis or the Samaria Gorge. Autumn in Crete does not fall short in comparison to summer. So, don’t hesitate to visit the island even this time of year!” - Visit Greece

Visit Greece, the official tourism web site for Greece, informs travelers through its #fallforcrete campaign.

Amphipolis Burial Site Excavation Video Released

Footage from the excavation of the large burial mound in Amphipolis, northern Greece, which until now has unearthed Caryatid statues, sphinxes and an impressive mosaic floor, has been released online.
The short video, released by the Greek Culture Ministry, specifically shows the moment the mosaic floor was revealed in its entirety, showing a depiction of the Abduction of Persephone by Pluto.
Other recent finds from the excavation include fragments of the wings of the Sphinxes, part of the neck of the second Sphinx and pieces that match the missing section of the mosaic floor.
In addition, the culture ministry released the following photos of the fragments of the wings of the Sphinxes.

According to an announcement, the fragments of the wings allow full restoration. The culture ministry has released the following drawing of proposed restoration by architect, M. Lefantzis.
(source: gtp)

Crete, Greece, Signs Tourism Cooperation Protocol With Hainan Province, China

A cooperation protocol to develop tourism, trade and culture between Crete in Greece and China’s Hainan province was recently signed between the island’s regional governor, Stavros Arnaoutakis, and the chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Hainan Provincial Committee, Yu Xun. The signing took place within the framework of Mr. Xun’s official visit to the Region with a five-member delegation. Hainan Province is located southeast of China and has nine million inhabitants.
During the signing that took place at the regional governor’s office, Mr. Arnaoutakis referred to the comparative advantages of Crete in the sectors of culture and quality tourism. He spoke highly of the Cretan diet and noted that partnerships can be developed to export quality products from Crete to China and also strengthen tourist arrivals from China to the Greek island.
On his part, Mr. Yu Xun said he was impressed by the Greek-Cretan hospitality. “We are confident that we will pass the message that will strengthen tourist arrivals from Hainan to Crete,” he said.
(source: gtp)

Photo of the day!!

Crete: The island lies in the subtropical part of the Mediterranean and it offers mild winters with specially along the coast line many sunny days with pleasant temperatures. On the south coast you may find your self maybe a day on the beach and swimming in the cleanest seas of Europe.
http://www.plakiassuites.com/

Autumn in Crete

Plakias is a small fishing village on the Southwest of Crete when the summer going on until late October!!
Travel Greece, Visit Crete...
http://www.plakiassuites.com/

Greece: Visitor Arrivals Reach Record High In August

The number of foreign tourist arrivals to Greece in August this year reached 4.88 million people, rising by 25 percent compared to the same month in 2013, Bank of Greece data revealed on 22 October.
According to the data, the number of tourists visiting Greece from January to August 2014 surpassed 15.3 million people, an increase of 22.1 percent.
Of these visitors, some nine million tourists came from European Union countries (14.6 percent increase), while the remaining are arrivals from countries outside the EU-28 (33.1 percent increase).
During the first eight months of the year, Greece saw a major increase in arrivals from the United States (24.8 percent), France (20.7 percent) and the United Kingdom (15.6 percent).
The increase in tourist arrivals had beneficial effects on revenues, which grew by 11.1 percent compared to the same period of 2013 and amounted to 9.37 billion euros.
(source: Bank of Greece, GTP )

Lost treasures reclaimed from 2,000-year-old Antikythera shipwreck

World's first computer found at wreck

In 1900, sponge divers from the Greek island of Symi anchored along the eastern coastline of the island while waiting for a ferocious storm to pass. What they would stumble upon would stun the world.

Underneath the crystalline waters, lay the incredible wreck undiscovered for thousands of years. And as the site was explored over the next year, they would uncover life-size bronze statues and remarkable artifacts. But it was the 1902 recovery of a clump of calcified stone with mysterious inscriptions that would push the wreck into archaeological lore.

The heavily corroded bronze fragments would turn out to be what has been described as the world's earliest known "computer," designed in the first century BC -- the Antikythera Mechanism. Built to track the astronomical calendar and lunar movements, later radiographic image analysis of the mechanism revealed 30 intricate gear wheels.

"We hate to speak of treasure but in this case, it's actually a treasure ship and there are just no two ways about it.
Brendan Foley, archaeologist from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute

Famed underwater explorer Jacques Cousteau visited the site in 1976 to film a documentary and returned from below the surface with treasures galore. Since then, the site had remained dormant under the aegis of the Hellenic Ministry of Culture for almost 40 years.

"The Antikythera shipwreck is maybe the most important, most famous shipwreck from antiquity," Brendan Foley, an archaeologist from WHOI and co-director of the expedition told CNN before the dive began in September. "We are hardcore scientists and archaeologists. We hate to speak of treasure but in this case, it's actually a treasure ship and there are just no two ways about it."

(continue here:cnn)

Lighthouses of Greece.

The Greek lighthouses network is considered the largest and densest.
The spread of Greek coast has a length of 15,000 km. and is equivalent to 6/10 the coast of Africa!!!

Greece Talks About Developing Special Interest Tourism On Crete...

“Tourism in Crete is a key area of wealth,” Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni said while speaking at a conference in Heraklion, Crete.
The conference took place on 17 October and explored possibilities of developing special interest tourism types (agritourism, wine tourism and pilgrimage/religious tourism) to create a development strategy for South and inland Crete.
“The biggest challenge is to balance development between the southern part of the island and the inland… But Crete can utilize the many unique elements and proceed towards a balanced development,” Mrs. Kefalogianni said.
The tourism minister underlined that all stakeholders must join forces to support tourism on Crete.
More into her speech, she spoke in regards to the initiatives of the Tourism Ministry for the further development of special interest tourism.
More specifically, Mrs. Kefalogianni highlighted amendments made to a bill for tourism that set the standards for the development of agritourism and wine tourism in Greece. The amendments defined agritourism-related activities and the types of businesses and accommodation units that can practice the alternative form of tourism and receive the special agritourism seal or wine tourism seal. “For the first time, minimum requirements for the activity of agritourism and wine tourism businesses were set,” she said.
On pilgrimage/religious tourism, she highlighted the cooperation protocols signed between the ministry and the Church of Greece that see to the promotion of Greece’s unique religious monuments to visitors.
Mrs. Kefalogianni added that the implementation of the national plan for tourism resulted to the industry developing into a “catalyst” for economic growth. In 2014, revenues and arrivals increased by 13.4 percent and 15.6 percent, respectively, according to data from the Bank of Greece.
Source: gtp

Sifis, the elusive Cretan Croc, resurfaces in new video.

Watch the new video that was released yesterday, showing the famous croc basking in the sunshine on the edge of the lake.

 Sifis, the elusive crocodile that has become something of an attraction since he was first spotted in July at the area of the Rivers’ Dam near Rethimno, Crete, continues to roam the Cretan countryside, successfully avoiding every single trap set to capture him.
Not even Olivier Behra, one of the world’s finest erpetologists, could capture Crete’s famous crocodile when he visited the Greek island in August, although he intends to return to Crete for a second attempt next week, as was revealed yesterday by local media.
However, despite his amazing talent in eluding his captors, Sifis didn’t manage to escape the scourge of all celebrities, the paparazzis with their cameras!
This is the new video that was released yesterday, showing the famous croc basking in the sunshine on the edge of the lake.

Mediterranean cooking: Yemista!!

Tomatoes and peppers stuffed with a mixture of rice, ground beef, herbs and chopped vegetables for extra flavor.


Serves: 6 Preparation time: 30m Baking time: 1h 50m Ready in: 2h 20m

Tomatoes and peppers stuffed with a mixture of rice, ground beef, herbs and chopped vegetables for extra flavor.
Ingredients
6 ripe tomatoes, medium
6 green peppers suitable for stuffing
2 onions, chopped
1 horn pepper, cubed
1 small zucchini, grated
250g. ground beef
1 carrot, grated
1½ cup long grain white rice
1 cup chopped parsley
4 tablespoons chopped mint
3 large potatoes, peeled, quartered
1 cup olive oil
5-6 tablespoons breadcrumbs
Sugar
Salt and pepper
Preparation method
Step 1
Preheat oven to 180 ° C. Wash the tomatoes and slice the tops off, setting them aside. Using a spoon, scoop out the tomato flesh. Dice half the quantity and process the rest in a food processor until you have a chucky liquid.
Step 2
Cut the tops off the peppers and set aside. Carefully remove and discard the seeds. Place the peppers for 2 minutes in boiling water to soften them and drain well.
Step 3
Heat half the oil in a large deep skillet and sauté the onions along with the carrot, the pepper and the zucchini. Add the ground beef and, after mixing with the rest of the ingredients add the rice, the parsley, the mint, the salt and the pepper. Add the diced tomatoes, a little extra sugar and some more salt and pepper. Allow the stuffing to reach a boil and remove the skillet from heat.
Step 4
Place the tomatoes and peppers in a baking dish and sprinkle the inside with a little salt and a little sugar. Fill them with the stuffing you just prepared about 3/4 full and replace their “caps”.
Step 5
Salt and pepper the potatoes and place them between the tomatoes and peppers. Mix the pureed tomatoes with the remaining olive oil, salt, pepper and pour over the stuffed vegetables. Add water as necessary so that the fluid level reaches the two centimeters.
Step 6
Sprinkle the yemista with breadcrumbs, cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1½ hour, until the rice is cooked.
The uncover the dish and bake for a little longer, until the top is crisp.
Source: Olive magazine
Chef: Ioanna Stamoulou

Revenues for the Greek tourism to amount to 14 billion euros, SETE head says!!

Tourism contribution to the Greek GDP has increased as a result of the performance of the tourism sector this year, the head of the Association of Greek Tourism Enterprises (SETE) Andreas Andreadis said in his address at 13th SETE conference.
According to Mr. Andreadis, the direct and indirect contribution of tourism to the real economy stands at 20.5% of GDP or 37.6 billion euros, based on a 2.2 multiplier that IOBE research institute estimated in 2012.
Andreadis stressed that in 2014 direct and indirect revenues for the Greek tourism, including revenues from air and maritime transport and internal tourism, will amount to 14 billion euros and to 17 billion euros.
He stressed that if the multipliers of KEPE institute on the allocation of tourism spending are adopted, then the relevant contribution rises to 45.3 billion euros or 24.7% of GDP.
However, he mentioned that tourism sector has still a long way to go adding that “we should establish international standards of skills and services, highlight and show off our cultural wealth, help SMEs and invest supporting the prospects of the sector,”.
Source: protothema

The Acropolis Museum is among the best museums in the world.

The rankings are based on millions of reviews and opinions from TripAdvisor travellers
TripAdvisor has released a list with the best 25 museums in the world.
So, if you are packing your things for your autumn holiday or your want to plan your next summer vacation, make sure to check this list before you take off.
The Acropolis Museum located in Athens, Greece is ranked 8th in the world attracting many tourists every year.

It covers a total area of 25,000 square meters and its exhibition space exceeds 14,000 square meters. The museum hosts houses finds from the sanctuaries that were established on the slopes of the Acropolis, as well as objects that Athenians used in everyday life from all historic periods.

Visitors have also the chance to admire magnificent sculptures that used to grace the first temples on the Acropolis, as well as relief sculptures of the Parthenon frieze depicting the Panathenaic procession.

The rankings are based on millions of reviews and opinions from TripAdvisor travellers worldwide, whereas award winners were determined using an algorithm that took into account the quantity and quality of reviews for museums worldwide, gathered over a 12-month period.
See the best 10 museums in the world
1. Art Institute of Chicago
Chicago, Illinois

2. National Museum of Anthropology (Museo Nacional de Antropologia)
Mexico City, Mexico

3. State Hermitage Museum and Winter Palace
St. Petersburg, Russia

4.The Getty Center
Los Angeles, California

5. Galleria dell’Accademia/Statue of David
Florence, Italy

6. Musee d’Orsay
Paris, France

7.The Metropolitan Museum of Art
New York City, New York

8.The Acropolis Museum
Athens, Greece

9. Prado Museum
Madrid, Spain

10. Yad Vashem Holocaust Memoria
Jerusalem, Israel

 
source: protothema