Greece ‘All Over’ Finland with ‘Ellada Pantou’ Fest

The 1st “Ellada Pantou” Festival, to take place in Helsinki, Finland, on October 23-24, aims to bring together diaspora Greeks through cooperative initiatives in efforts to better promote the country and its products abroad.
Held under the auspices of the culture ministry, the Embassy of Greece in Finland, and the General Secretariat for Greeks Abroad, the “Ellada Pantou” (which translates into “Greece All Over”) festival will further enhance ties between the two countries, promote Greek products, services and culture, and pave the way for social entrepreneurship initiatives and collaborative projects in a social economy. In this direction, a workshop has been organized for October 23 at the European Commission’s Eurooppasali.
Parallel events include an art exhibit, a networking event for Greek food and trade professionals, a sampling event featuring Greek food and products, as well as a workshop focusing on the promotion of Greece as a tourist destination.
On October 24, Helsinki’s “Kaisaniemi” restaurant will host a song and dance event as part of celebrations for the 35-year anniversary of the Federation of Finnish-Greek Societies.
The 1st “Ellada Pantou” Festival will be aired live on public broadcaster ERT3 on the “Diaspora” program.
(source:gtp)

Photo of the day: Yes! the weather is wonderful, time for swim...

October.. at Plakias beach!

New Review on Tripadvisor: “Merveilleux souvenirs ...” 5 of 5 stars

Plakias is a very nice village in the southwest of Crete. Nearby, you can discover wonderful coves with fabulous underwater. Plakias Suites is located in the far east of the opposite station to a beautiful beach. Eleni & Giorge do everything to make the stay as pleasant as possible. Rentals are pleasant and we enjoyed the many services (free chairs and umbrellas on the beach, daily cleaning of the apartment, provision of towels, and the specialties offered on arrival). Rarely, we experienced a stay as perfect. These holidays leave us a lasting memory. Thank you Eleni and Giorge.

(see here: http://bit.ly/1Z4WK4Q)

Plakiassuites: Ranked #1 of 46 Speciality Lodging in Plakias 88 Reviews

Certificate of Excellence

Greek Tourism. An eternal journey: Awards for the new film of the Greek tourism

"Greek Tourism. An eternal journey" is the new film of the Greek Tourism Organization that has already won three awards in international touristic festivals.

The Greek video, produced by the Greek Tourism Organization and directed by Antonis Theocharis Kioukas, participated recently at the International Festival of Tourism and Ecological films SILAFEST 2015, held in Veliko Gradište, Servia, where it won the “Blue Danube” award for the best cultural tourism film.

The video has also won the first price at the “Country” category at the Festival of Berlin in the international tourism exhibition ITB, and also was the main winner at the “US International Fim and Video Festival”.

Enjoy...

Tourism sector group: 2015 will be record-breaking year for Greece

The Association of Greek Tourism Enterprises (SETE) announced that 2015 expected to witness the arrivals of roughly 26 million tourists and related tourism revenue worth more than 14.5 billion euros, both record-breaking figures.
If the numbers prove true, it would mean that the Greek tourism sector persevered in the face of continued political instability in the country, ominous capital controls and de facto “open borders” in the eastern Aegean for refugees and undocumented migrants sailing over from Turkey.
International tourist arrivals at the country’s main airports increased 4.6 percent compared to the corresponding period of 2014, exceeding three million.
According to SETE’s figures, in the first eight months of the year tourist arrivals increased 6.3 percent to 11.7 million.

Beautiful cafés in Greece..

Cafés in Greece is not just an entertainment place, it is a meeting point, a place where you discuss with friends your problems and current affairs and plays a big role in Greek culture.
For years the Greek traditional café, called kafenion, was a place were mainly men used to gather to drink Greek coffee, ouzo and tsipouro, play cards or backgammon (tavli) while discussing politics.
 
Today, things are quite changed; women have taken their place there, too. But, the idea remains the same. You will see cafés in every corner of Greece, from the busiest spot of the town till the most secluded village in the mountains.
Greeks are really enjoying their coffee time, spending hours with their friends. An average coffee meeting in a cafeteria for a Greek is about 1 and half hour.
 (source:protothema)

Mediterranean cooking: Crispy pittas served with a dip made of feta cheese and ouzo!

An ideal summer appetizer to share with family or friends. This recipe is easy to prepare and you don’t even have to turn on the oven.
 
Ingredients
6 Arabian pittas (flatbread)
250g. Feta cheese
½ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons ouzo
1 teaspoon fennel seeds
1 green onion, finely chopped
4-5 sprigs parsley, finely chopped
Pepper
For the accompanying salad
1 tomato diced
1 bell pepper diced
1 cucumber diced
Fresh basil, finely chopped
Olive oil
A few drops of lemon
Salt
Preparation method
Step 1
Drain the tomatoes, put them in a bowl with the rest of the salad ingredients and mix well.
Step 2
Crush the fennel seeds using a mortar. Mix in a blender the feta, the ouzo and the crushed fennel seeds and then gradually add the remaining ingredients until you get a smooth mixture.
Step 3
Heat the pittas in a toaster and then cover them with the dip and the salad.
Tip
Instead of Arabian pittas you can use Greek pittas for souvlaki.
Chef: Eleni Psihouli
Photos-Food Styling: Antonia Kati
Source: www.olivemagazine.gr

Photo of the day. Autumn sunset!

Plakias is 35 kilometres south of Rethymno, on the southern coast of Crete on the Libyan Sea and is a popular tourist resort well-known for its award-winning Blue Flag sandy beach stretching for 1400 metres.

It combines everything as it offers visitors many facilities: surgery, pharmacy, all kinds of shops, car hire, post office, ATM, many tavernas, exciting nightlife, organized beaches (Souda, Damnoni, Ammoudi, Schinaria), diving centre, free-riding centre, and an extensive marina where even large yachts can berth.

Guardian: “No fear, the real Greece is still here” (beautiful pics)

 Greece is still an attraction

In beautiful piece of what it means to vacation in Greece, and contrary to fear surrounding the country’s future in the Eurozone, the Guardian explains why it is still the right choice visit Greece during summer. The generous and friendly people, the fresh foods and the sense of warmth one feels there. Here is an excerpt of the article by Kevin Rushby:

Whatever happens, I’m heading for Greece this summer. Once upon a time that would not have sounded like a political statement, but it does today. And yet I am only going to Greece for the same old reasons I ever did: warm breezes off the sea well into October, traces of ancient heritage, the elemental, straightforward lifestyle, and to try, once again, to convince myself that retsina tastes good. And what could be more straightforward than putting your money, and your faith, in a place that you know and love?
 
Three years ago – when Greece was in one of its frequent “this is the end of everything” moments – I was sitting at a dining table on a beach in the Peloponnese. The restaurateur had moved it there – “Because you will like it!” – and then he sat down and started sloshing wine into glasses. There were Greek friends with me. I hadn’t known any of them for more than 24 hours. The table seemed to exert a gravitational pull, gathering people to it, all talking of whether tourists would come, of whether livelihoods would survive. But before too long, laughter broke out and somehow the financial crisis evaporated … and no one mentioned it again.
 
A fisherman’s catch was examined and a ridiculous quantity dispatched to the grill. More wine arrived; another table was added. The party got bigger. For people anxious about their financial future, I thought they showed a remarkable ability for wild feasting. Perhaps it was pagan superstition to fool the gods of bleak austerity. I liked that. I didn’t want the evening to end.
 (source:protothema, Guardian)

#SeeYouInGreece: Hollywood Celebs in Hashtag Campaign to Support Greece

 News website Greek Reporter recently launched a hashtag campaign to support Greece that includes a video of supportive statements on the country, made by some of the biggest names in Hollywood.

 The video includes statements on Greece made in the recent past to the Greek Reporter by Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Steven Spielberg, Gerard Butler, Jodie Foster, Sofia Vergara, George Clooney, Ethan Hawke, Michael Douglas and Robert Redford.

 The best way to help Greece and get a dream vacation bargain, is to visit the country NOW! Cause despite the debt problem, the sun is still shining, the culture is stronger than ever, and prices have hit an all-time low! If not now, then when?!

World's Best Places to Visit: Crete, the famous Greek island found on 22nd place!!

'Even after you've conducted plenty of research, choosing the perfect vacation spot can present a challenge. That's why U.S. News compiled a list of destinations using opinions and recommendations from travel experts and users to help you narrow down your options. The top spots range from big cities, such as Paris and New York, to coastal getaways, like Maui and Puerto Rico.'

 The Greek island, Crete is found on 22nd place.
If there was one word to describe the Greek island of Crete, it would be "diverse." Sandy beaches hide amongst soaring mountains, palm-tree forests grow in the middle of sprawling plains, bustling modern cities share coastline with ancient ruins.

 Read the whole list:
 1. London
 2. Bora Bora
 3. Barcelona
 4. Paris
 5. Sydney
 6. New York City
 7. Maui
 8. Rio de Janeiro
 9. Cape Town
 10. San Francisco
 11. Maldives
 12. Prague
 13. Yellowstone
 14. Bahamas
 15. Vancouver
 16. Washington D.C.
 17. U.S. Virgin Islands
 18. Zurich
 19. Budapest
 20. Las Vegas
 21. Hong Kong
 22. Crete

Photo of the day!

In Greece there are chairs enough to accommodate everyone. Come and relax with us. Eat. Enjoy a bottle of wine and become friends.

Balos: The jewel of Crete, prior to this year’s high season

Pink sands, blue turquoise seas..

Paradise-like waters, deep blue or turquoise, pink sand, and a backdrop of a wild bushy nature. This is Balos, a beach in southwestern Crete which has become the talk of the proverbial town amongst tourists and international media. Business Insider recently praised the beach as one of the world’s hidden jewels. Conde Nast Traveller included it in its favorite spots in Greece...
 

Since we’re on our way to the summer high season and Balos will be brimming with tourists, Sooc offers you a series of pictures that bring out its beauty, as it is naturally.

 

Acropolis Ranked Among Top Landmarks in Europe!

Travellers across the globe have ranked the Acropolis in Athens among the top landmarks in Europe for 2015, a leading travel website said on Tuesday.
According to TripAdvisor’s 2015 Travellers Choice Attractions Awards, the Acropolis was ranked 21st in the list of top landmarks in Europe.
The annual awards are based on the millions of valuable reviews and opinions from TripAdvisor travellers from all over the world.
Basilica of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain, topped the Europe list, followed by Italy’s St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City and the Milan Cathedral (Duomo) in Milan.
Award winners were determined using an algorithm that took into account the quantity and quality of reviews for landmarks worldwide, gathered over a 12-month period.
Tripadvisor also released the Top 10 Landmarks in Greece as voted for by TripAdvisor travellers.

Archaeological Site of Delphi. Photo © Shutterstock

1. Acropolis
2. Parthenon
3. Meteora
4. Delphi Ruins
5. Temple of Hephaestus
6. Monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa (Grace of Panagia -Virgin Mary)
7. Acropolis of Lindos
8. Spinalonga (Kalydon)
9. Epidaurus Theater
10. Hermes by Praxiteles
(source:gtp)

Greece Slips to Third in the World on ‘Blue Flag’ Beaches List.

 The Blue Flag Program has awarded its prestigious “Blue Flag” recognition to 395 of Greece’s best beaches, the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature announced on Wednesday.
According to the announcement, Greece this year slipped one place to third spot on the Blue Flag quality award list, this year among 50 countries. Greece came third after Spain topped the list with 578 beaches, followed by Turkey with 436 beaches awarded the blue flag.
In total, 395 beaches and 9 marinas in Greece have been recognized for their excellent seawater quality, litter management, organization of the swimming area, safety procedures for bathers and protection of the environment, among other factors.
The Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature said that an effort is being made to increase the number of Greek awarded beaches and marinas.
Last year, 408 beaches and 10 marinas were honored with the quality “Blue Flag” award in Greece.
The “Blue Flag” is a voluntary eco-label awarded to the cleanest and best managed beaches across the world and is run by the independent, non-profit organization Foundation for Environmental Education (based in Copenhagen). The Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature is the program’s coordinator for Greece.
(Source:gtp)

British Airways returned to Heraklion, Crete, after thirty years!

British Airways announced new direct flights to Heraklion, Crete.
The decision marks BA’s return to Crete after 30 years.

British Airways flights are expected to transport around 30,000 tourists to the island by the end of the summer season with four flights per week and extra flights expected in July and August.

 
With the addition of the new flights, BA is offering flights from London to Greek destinations until the end of the tourist season. Specifically from London to Heraklion: Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Monday.

Noteworthy is the fact that Lufthansa will also start flights to the Nikos Kazantzakis airport on May 23 after a 20-year absence.

Galaktoboureko with kataifi

 Different dough gives the traditional Greek sweet a different texture

Serves: 1 full dish of 36 cm in diameter Preparation time: 20m Cooking time: 55m Ready in: 1h 15m
An alternative to the classic recipe using different filo pastry. Kataifi dough gives the sweet a different texture.
Ingredients
500 gr of kataifi dough (filo)
250 gr of melted butter
For the cream:
860 ml of full cream milk
150 grams of sugar
100 grams of finely ground semolina (simigdali)
35 gr of butter
3 egg yokes
1/2 vanilla scent
For the syrup: 
320 gr sugar
130 gr water
70 gr glucose
1 cinnamon stick
1 lemon skin
Preparation method
Step 1
Preheat the oven at 180 degrees and comb out the kataifi dough so that there are no tangles.
Step 2
In a round tin of 40 cm in diameter spread out 400 gr of the dough. Press it down with your hands so that it is firm and lightly butter the surface.
Step 3
Butter a round dish of 26 cm diameter and turn over the buttered pastry so that it sits steadily in the smaller dish.
Step 4
Prepare the cream. Heat the milk at medium temperature in a pan. Just add the sugar, the ground semolina (simigdali), the egg yok and mix together with care so that it doesn’t stick. Take away from fire once its starts to boil and add butter and vanilla until it is a unified mixture.
Step 5
Empty the cream on the dish with the dough. Cover the dough and then add the rest of the dough to cover the surface. Butter the surface of the dough. Bake for 40-45 minutes until it has a golden color.
Step 6
Prepare the syrup. Place water, glucose, lemon and cinnamon in a pan and add the sugar once it is heated. let it bubble for a minute before leaving it to cool. Once the syrup is ready pour over the galaktoboureko (milk cake)
(from: Mediterranean cooking)

Plan your trip: Top 10 Destinations for Greece - TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Awards - Rethymno ranked 7th.

Rethymnon is one of the most well-preserved Venetian old towns on the island of Crete.
Its 16th-century buildings are stunning examples of ancient architecture, and the monolithic Fortezza reflects both European and Moorish influences.
Explore the magical waterfalls, rock formations, and ‘"cave church" of Saint Anthony Gorge before taking a pleasant evening stroll along the colorful Venetian Harbor. Relax in a taverna over a plate of Cretan meze, like fresh feta drizzled with local olive oil.

Three more towns of Crete are among the top 10!!
See the full article: TripAdvisor


 

National Geographic calls UK travelers to “Return to Greece”

The UK issue of National Geographic Traveler gives travelers around the world 11 reasons to visit Greece in its May issue whose cover story is titled “Return to Greece”.

The article admits that Greece has experienced a “tumultuous few years” but it is still worth visiting due to the increasing number of flight connections, alternative hospitality options beyond the usual draw cards such as sea and sun.

It's Island Time: TripAdvisor Names the Europe's Top 10 Islands in 2015 Travelers' Choice Awards. Crete ranked 3th

The island of Crete is a Greek jewel floating in a sea of melted turquoise.
 The beaches are godly stretches of pillowy sand and smooth pebbles.
 Its historical and mythological significance can not be ignored: Crete is said to have been to be the birthplace of Zeus, the king of the Gods, and was the site of Europe's first modern civilization. 
 Archaeological and historical sites abound and make an awe-inspiring break from a sun-soaked day at the beach.
 
Two more Greek islands are among the top 10!!
Best islands in Europe: 
1. Santorini, Greece
2. Madeira, Portugal
3. Crete, Greece
4. Zakynthos, Greece
5. Fuerteventura, Spain
6. Jersey, Channel Islands
7. Mallorca, Spain
8. Capri, Italy
9. Tenerife, Spain
10. Corsica, France

Crete Governor Calls on Tourism Professionals to Put Best Face Forward

Attracting quality tourism by putting on its best face is the Region of Crete’s motto ahead of the summer tourist season set to kick off this month.
Speaking recently at a Crete taxi union meeting, Regional Governor Stavros Arnaoutakis stressed the need to work together in a coordinated manner in order to upgrade the quality of services offered.
Mr Arnaoutakis reached out to all tourism sector professionals and invited them to do their best in ensuring that the professional side of Crete comes forth.
With regard to taxi services offered, Mr Arnaoutakis and union representatives addressed recent complaints by drivers concerning lost fares and discussed issues of proper operation as well as the need for regular checks.
“We will do our best to ensure a productive cooperation with all parties involved. We must show another side to Crete. We need to invest in quality tourism, and all drivers must display professionalism,” Mr Arnaoutakis said.
Meanwhile, Crete taxi union representative Lefteris Petrakis demanded the enforcement of the law with regard to private means of transport on the island.
(source:gtp)

Grandma’s meatballs with a twist

Tradition meets… something new

Serves: 5 Preparation time: 35m Cooking time: 25m Ready in: 60m


Ingredients
For the meatballs
200g. sausage (pork)
500g. minced beef
1 onion, finely chopped
1½ cup parsley, chopped
80g. Greek graviera cheese from Crete, grated
200g. fresh bread crumbs, ground in a blender
1 egg
salt, freshly ground pepper
For the tomato sauce
1 small cup of olive oil
2 cloves garlic, crushed
2 cans chopped tomatoes or 900g. fresh tomatoes, grated on grater
1 tsp. tablespoons tomato paste
75ml red wine
1 tsp. tablespoons sugar
1 cup chopped parsley
1 handful fresh basil leaves

Preparation method
step 1
Making the meatballs: Open the casing from sausage and remove the flesh into a large bowl.
step 2
Add the minced meat, onion, parsley, cheese, bread crumbs, egg and plenty of spice. Knead with your hands until you get a homogeneous mixture.
step 3
Preheat the oven to 200 degrees in the air. Shape the minced meat mixture into about 25 balls and bake in oven for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
step 4
Making the sauce: Heat the olive oil in a saucepan and sauté the garlic for 1 minute. Add the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, wine, sugar, parsley and spice. Simmer the sauce for 20 minutes or until thickened. Then add a few leaves of basil, add the already cooked meatballs and stir gently. Serve the meatballs with pasta of your choice sprinkled with Greek graviera cheese from Crete.
Instead of pasta you can use rice or fried or boiled  potatoes etc.

Source: Olive Magazine
Chef: Ioanna Stamoulou

Plakias Suites: #1 of 45 Specialty Lodging in Plakias, Rethymno Crete!!

Plakias Suites (5.0 of 5 stars) Ranked 1 of 45 Specialty Lodging in Plakias according the popular travel site TripAdvisor 

Having already received the prize Certificate of Excellence with 84 Reviews!!

Two Greek beaches, Elafonisi and Balos in Crete, among the best in the world!!

 Summer is just around the corner and travelers from all over the world have already started to daydream about beautiful beaches, golden sands and azure waters.
In response to the growing demand for content that highlights amazing summer destinations, the travel website travelversed.com recently presented the top 20 most beautiful beaches in the world.
Two Greek beaches, namely Elafonisi and Balos in Crete, have made the top ten of the popular website. See below the full list:

1. Phra Nang Beach, Thailand
 
2. Elafonisi Beach, Greece
 
3. White Beach, Boracay, Philippines
 
4. Saline Beach, St. Bart’s
 
5. Mudhdhoo Island, the Maldives
 
6. Black Sand Beach, Maui, Hawaii
 
7. Rabbit Beach, Lampedusa, Italy
 
8. Wineglass Bay, Tasmania
 
9. Balos Beach, Greece
 
10. Cavendish Beach, Prince Edward Island, Canada
 

Greece Wins Triple for Cultural Heritage at 2015 EU/Europa Nostra Awards

2015 EU Prize for Cultural Heritage/Europa Nostra Awards for Greece

Greece is one of the 28 award winners of the 2015 European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage/Europa Nostra Awards. 

The winners of the award, considered Europe’s most prestigious prize in the heritage field, were announced on Tuesday by the European Commission and Europa Nostra.
The 28 award winners, selected from 263 applications submitted by organizations and individuals from 29 countries, are honored for outstanding achievements in four categories: 1) Conservation, 2) Research and Digitization, 3) Dedicated Service to Heritage, and 4) Education, Training and Awareness-raising.

Greece scored three awards in the categories of “Conservation” and “Research and Digitization”.
“This year’s winners are powerful examples of creativity and innovation at work for Europe’s cultural heritage”, said Plácido Domingo, President of Europa Nostra.
“They also demonstrate that heritage matters to Europe and its citizens. We trust that, under the leadership of President Juncker and Commissioner Navracsics, the European Union’s strategy for an integrated approach to cultural heritage will be further developed and implemented.”
(source:gtp)

Rethymno, 3th most beautiful town in Greece, where you want to stay for a lifetime!!

The Spanish magazine Hola,makes a tribute to Greece and selects the 10 most beautiful villages and islands located in the country and are able to enchant the visitor and make him want to stay there forever.

See below the list of the top 10 most beautiful villages in Greece, according to Hola magazine.
1. Oia, Santorini
2. Chora, Mykonos
3. Rethymno, Crete
4. Hydra in the Saronic Gulf
5. Parga, Preveza
6. Thira or Fira, Santorini.7. Rhodes
8. Parikia, Paros
9. Spetses, Saronic Gulf10. Firostefani, Santorini
source: The Spanish magazine Hola

Eggplant balls (Melitzanokeftedes)

 These crunchy eggplant balls can be served as an appetizer, in a sandwich or even as a main meal with yoghurt and salad...

Serves: 4 Preparation time: 15 mins Cooking time: 10 mins  Ready in: 25 mins

Ingredients
4 large eggplants
2 slices of old bread
1 finely chopped onion
1 finely chopped garlic clove
1 egg
1 finely chopped parsley
1 tsp dried oregano
5 spns of grated parmesan cheese
olive oil for frying
salt, pepper
Preparation method
Step 1
Cut the eggplant into cubes, salt the cubes, spread with olive oil and bake in oven at 180°C for 30 mins.
Step 2
Knead together the eggplant cubes with the bread after it has been soaked in water and fully drained. Add the finely chopped onion, garlic cloves, egg, cheese, salt, pepper, oregano and parsley. Leave in the fridge for half an hour.
Step 3
Shape round balls. Once these are molded, add beaten egg and then cover in breadcrumbs before frying in hot oil. Drain on kitchen paper and serve.
Tip
Serve with tomato salad or yoghurt flavored with mint. They go well with a yoghurt dip to which melted garlic, salt, olive oil and finely chopped mint have been added.
OPTIONAL ALTERNATIVE: You can boil the eggplants and drain these or cook them with the skin on a gas stove or in the oven and then drain them of their juices.
Source: Olive Magazine
Chef: Eleni Psychouli

Visitors to museums and archaeological sites up in 2014.

Visitors to Greek museums in December 2014 increased by 19.3%, and revenues from entrance tickets rose by 30.2% compared to the same month last year.

According to an announcement released by the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) on Thursday, visitors to Greek museums in December 2014 increased by 19.3%, and revenues from entrance tickets rose by 30.2% compared to the same month last year.
ELSTAT also said today that in the period January-December 2014, there were 22.5% more visitors in museums and revenues rose by 27.9%, compared to the same period last year.
Specifically with regard to archaeological sites, ELSTAT said that the number of visitors rose by 33.8% in December 2014 while revenues increased by 35% in comparison with the same month last year.
In the period of January-December 2014, the number of visitors in archaeological sites rose by 21.9% and revenues increased by 13.5%.
(source:protothema)

Liam Neeson wants Parthenon Sculptures to go back to Greece!

The famous actor wants Greece to get back the stolen Parthenon Marbles. Period. 

Irish actor Liam Neeson has added his voice to those of other celebrities calling for the UK to return the Parthenon Marbles to Greece.

Speaking to private STAR TV to promote his new action movie, “Run all Night” he was asked about Greece’s efforts to have the marbles returned. “(The UK) should give them back. Period,” he said. “Give them back to where they were stolen from. They should be given back. Absolutely.”


Last year, George Clooney and Bill Murray both said they believed the UK should return the Parthenon Marbles to Greece.

At the time, Maria Pullinger Koutsikou, campaign manager for Marbles Reunited, told the British press that it is always positive when public figures speak in favor of reunification of the Parthenon Marbles as it helps raise awareness.

Looking for a budget Easter holiday break? Greece is expecting you!

Are you looking for the ideal Easter holiday break destination that combines great springtime weather, amazing beaches, traditional charm and low prices? Well, your search is... Crete!

People who think about visiting Crete often ask: When is the best time to visit Crete?
   

There are many answers to this question, but for people who want a unique experience of the real life in Crete and Greece, I would suggest them to choose the week of the Greek Orthodox Easter.... 

Season 2015

Non-refundable Rates for Low Season (25/03/2015 - 30/04/2015)
 
Two – roomed Suite (2 persons) 65€
Three– roomed Suite (4-5persons) 95€

 Free sun beds loungers and umbrellas on the beach.

We have obtained for our clients a 12% discount (www.alianthos-group.com) and you can pick up your car directly from the airport .

 (Note, Orthodox Easter this year falls on April 12, a week after Catholic Easter.)

http://www.plakiassuites.com

Greece Tourism Gets Off on the Right Foot, Despite Challenges

Despite the recent political changes in the country, incoming tourism to Greece seems to have taken off with an increased number of arrivals from abroad.

The travel surplus increased by 50 percent due to a significant rise in non-residents’ arrivals in January, even though the corresponding receipts rose by just 9 percent.

According to provisional data from the Bank of Greece, incoming traffic in January came to 606,000 passengers, up 49.9 percent year-on-year, leading to a 9.1 percent rise in travel receipts at 14 million euros, with the average spending per trip dropping by 27 percent.
( full article:gtp)

Tourism Professionals Decide to Fight Illegal Accommodation in Greece

The Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE), has decided to fight back against illegal tourism accommodation in Greece.
Speaking at the annual general assembly of the Confederation of Greek Enterprises for Rented Villas & Apartments (SEEDDE), SETE’s president Andreas Andreadis announced that a specialized company will be assigned to carry out electronic checks to tourism accommodation that is illegally rented out for the short-term.
The data collected will be delivered to the country’s tourism and tax authorities for penalties to be imposed.
Mr. Andreadis said that illegal tourism accommodation is a “huge wound” to the industry as some 40 percent of Greece’s total overnights per year are booked in such establishments.
Data from the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels  reveal that the annual lost revenue resulting from illegal leasing practices adds up to some two billion euros.
According to reports, recent Greek legislation requires for a special sticker to be present in all rooms of tourism accommodation enterprises as proof of legitimate operation. Otherwise, owners will face a fine of 1,000 euros. The penalty can reach 50,000 euros if it is discovered that the accommodation enterprise is not even operating under the state’s special operational seal.
(source: gtp)

More than 100,000 visitors tour ‘The Greeks’ exhibition in Montreal

Since its opening last December 12

Pointe-à-Callière, Montréal’s Archaeology and History Complex, has welcomed some 100,000 visitors since the opening of the exhibition “The Greeks – Agamemnon to Alexander the Great” last December, an indication of the enthusiasm this fascinating and never-before-seen exhibition has generated.
There are less than four weeks left to see the exhibition in Montréal before it continues its North American odyssey, travelling to the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, the Field Museum in Chicago and, finally, to the National Geographic Museum in Washington.
An enormously popular success
Making its world premiere at Pointe-à-Callière, the exhibition has met with great interest among visitors, as evidenced by the record-breaking winter attendance figures at the museum. The program of lectures held to coincide with the exhibition has sold out, both at the Museum and at the Université de Montréal. The various books on the exhibition have also enjoyed great sales. The Greeks also drew many visitors during the school break, another indicator of the popularity of this exhibition covering over 5,000 years of Hellenic history and culture, taking visitors on an exceptional and fascinating journey back to the origins of the cradle of Western civilization and its heritage.
 
A fascinating period and treasures of humanity
Greek Antiquity is a rich and captivating period, a time populated by mythical heroes and historical figures, under the watchful gaze of the gods on Mount Olympus. The exhibition is divided into six zones that introduce us to this great civilization and showcase rare and priceless artefacts. Visitors will meet many famous characters from Greek history, including Homer, Aristotle, Plato, King Philip II of Macedon, and King Leonidas of Sparta. The heritage of ancient Greece, which we can still see all around us today in various aspects of our daily lives-such as politics and philosophy, arts and literature, mathematics, architecture, medicine, and sports-is clearly illustrated in the exhibition. Among the many highlights of the exhibition are a number of artefacts that are true treasures of humanity never before displayed outside Greece.
A hands-on experience
The exhibition offers visitors a range of interactive elements and items they can actually touch. Visitors are notably invited to handle a Cycladic female figurine, a block of marble, a reproduction of a warrior’s helmet, and a sword. There are also over twenty videos shown in the various exhibition zones, most of them produced by the National Geographic Society, the Acropolis Museum, the Museum of Cycladic Art in Athens, and the Canadian Museum of History.
Last chance to see the exhibition
The exhibition, which brings together over 550 valuable artefacts from 21 Greek museums under the aegis of the Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports, runs until April 26. Remember that the Museum is open every day except Monday, and is also open on Wednesday evenings until 9 pm (only for visits of The Greeks exhibition). The Museum will exceptionally be open on Easter Monday, April 6, from 10 am to 5 pm.
(source: protothema)

Homemade jam with nuts and dried figs

Jam with a unique taste to enjoy with yogurt, creams, ice-cream, cakes, bread or with whatever you fancy…

 
Ingredients
6 dried figs
375gr. walnuts
1.5lt water
½ vanilla
450g. granulated sugar
1.5lt water for soaking
Preparation method
Step 1
Leave walnuts in cold water to soak for a day. Also, place dried figs to water for 4 hours before using.
Step 2
Cut the vanilla in half and then scrape it with a sharp knife, then put the seeds in a small bowl.
Step 3
Produce syrup with water, vanilla (seeds) and sugar. Drain the nut flesh and pour into the syrup. Simmer on low heat for about 1½ to 2 hours until softened.
Step 4
Remove from the heat and strain. Remove the vanilla pod.
Step 5
Puree the nuts with figs and ¼ of syrup in a blender. If necessary add a little more syrup until to achieve the jam texture.

Source: Olive Magazine
Chef: Dimitris Chronopoulos