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Archive for the ‘Greece Holidays’ Category
When looking for villas to rent in Crete, access to water is often on people’s wish lists: either a nice swimming pool or a short journey to the beach, or both. The sea lures many people, for its pleasant swimming and snorkelling, and the delicious fresh fish, octopuses, and other delicacies caught each morning by local fishermen. However, few people on the northern coast of Crete would have been quite so enthusiastic about the sea back around 1600 BC. A tsunami approached from the islands we now call Santorini, heralding the destruction of many coastal settlements and possibly the downfall of the Minoan civilisation.
The Ancient Minoans
The Minoan Bronze Age civilisation arose on the island of Crete around the 27th century BC, from where it expanded to other parts of the southern Aegean – including Santorini – and developed trade links to much further afield. Evidence has been found of trade with Mycenae (and elsewhere on the mainland of what is now Greece), Cyprus, Syria, Anatolia, Egypt, the Levantine coast, Mesopotamia, and as far west as Spain. They traded in ceramics, copper and perhaps tin (the two metals, alloyed together, create bronze), limited luxury items of gold and silver, and the exquisite spice saffron. Ruins of their settlements suggest multiple power centres across Crete and a high standard of living. Even in those ancient times there were probably fine villas to rent in Crete – although they are not likely to bear any resemblance to their modern-day counterparts.
The Volcano
The archipelago of five islands known collectively as Santorini, named for its largest island (which is also known as Thera), lies about 100 kilometres north of Crete. It is a volcanic island, currently in the form of a caldera; throughout its history, it has shifted between being a single island and multiple islands surrounding the caldera of water in its centre. Four millennia ago, it was home to the Minoan settlement at Akrotiri. The remains of that settlement have had to be excavated from a thick layer of pumice. Fortunately, for these people, it seems that they evacuated in time. Only a single gold artefact has been found, a small sculpture of an ibex hidden under a floor, and not one corpse. Examination of the ash and pumice layers indicates that ash fell several months before the major eruption, perhaps serving as a warning to the people of the island that speedy relocation was a good plan. But when the volcano erupted, it caused damage further afield than just Santorini. The eruption shifted huge amounts of earth on the sea floor, creating a deadly tsunami that struck the northern coast of Crete. Some of the Minoans would probably have been quite keen to give up their villas to rent! Crete’s successful civilisation may later have declined in part because of this eruption.
Decline of the Minoans
The Minoan civilisation’s decline is dated to the 15th century BC. While precise dating of the volcanic eruption is made nearly impossible by controversy and contradictions, it is generally believed to predate the civilisation’s decline by about two centuries. That does not mean, however, that it had no impact. One theory is that the volcano and its tsunami destroyed a critical number of the Minoans’ harbours and ships, irreparably damaging their vital ability to trade and opening them up to Mycenaean influence, and eventual control. Furthermore, the general destruction wreaked upon coastal settlements would have been vast – as with the December 2004 tsunami in South-East Asia. Another theory also links the eventual demise of the Minoans with the eruption, this time with an earthquake that may have caused serious damage across Crete. Other historians, however, argue that it occurred too long before the civilisation’s decline to have had a significant impact.
The volcano has erupted since, although not with the same destructive power as the Minoan-era incident. People looking for villas to rent in Crete in the modern era are highly unlikely to find a tsunami bearing down on their holiday destination.
Paul Fogg is the Managing Director of Freelance Holidays, a premium accommodation company specialising in luxury villas to rent, Crete , as well as in other Mediterranean locations. If you are looking for luxury villas to rent, Crete, allow us to assist in your perfect choice from our hand-picked selection.
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Where else but the Greek Islands can you find such a spectacular combination of sunshine, blue skies, craggy mountains and the sea? And what more comfortable way to enjoy your stay in such idyllic surroundings than in a beautiful villa! The Greeks really know how to cater to visitors who go for the villa option. For villas with all the modern conveniences, villas with magnificent views, and of course, villas with pools, Kefalonia is a great choice for a Greek Island holiday. Kefalonia (also called Cefalonia and Kefalinia) is the largest of the Ionian Island Archipelago off the west coast of mainland Greece. It is also the most sparsely populated of this island group, and has been spared the excessive overdevelopment that has afflicted some of the neighbouring islands. This means that you can find beautiful stretches of beach, as well as lovely locations in the interior, with no crowds around.
The Joy of Island Roads
In many ways, a Greek island is a world unto itself, and Kefalonia is no exception. While visitors will certainly want to indulge in a few relaxing days in their attractive villas with pools, Kefalonia is an island that calls for exploration. The island is really a series of mountain tops rising up out of the sea, the highest one being Mount Enos in the southern part of the island. It is therefore just the place for hikers and cyclists who like both a challenge and the reward of spectacular scenery just waiting around every bend in the road.
The roads here are good, and with the exception of a few stretches in the rugged interior of the island, you are never far from the next village or town, where you can get a meal and a drink, and meet the local people who are always hospitable. Bus services on the island are basic, but they will get you around. The island’s principal town of Argostoli is the site of the main bus terminal, and it is connected to the smaller centres of Sami, Poros, Skala, Fiscardo, Katelios, and Agia Evfymia. The buses do not run on Sunday. This is an easy way to see the island, and let someone else do the driving. It also gives you a chance to mix with the local people, and get a grass roots taste of Greek Island life as the Greek islanders know it. But if you want to go it on your own, and keep your own travel schedule and itinerary, you can rent a car or a motorcycle. The rates are usually quite reasonable. However, drive carefully, because some of the seaside and mountain roads can be as terrifying as they are extraordinarily scenic.
Sailing on the Wine Dark Sea
Visitors might like to lose themselves in a book of Greek mythology or historical fiction while relaxing in their villas with pools. Kefalonia is mentioned in some of the myths, and is in the middle of what novelists who write about ancient Greece like to call “the wine dark sea.” You can enjoy ferry rides to Italy or to the Greek mainland, or just take a short ride across the Gulf of Argostoli in the western part of the island. There are also ferry connections to nearby Ithaca, the island kingdom of the Homeric hero Odysseus. The views of the islands from the water are breathtaking.
Paul Fogg is the Managing Director of Freelance Holidays, a premium accommodation company specialising in luxury villas with pools, Kefalonia, as well as other Mediterranean locations. If you are looking for luxury villas with pools, Kefalonia is ideal. Allow us to assist in your perfect choice from our hand-picked selection.
Thank you for visiting Travel Articles Directory. Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!
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Every year the beautiful Greek Islands beckon to millions of visitors who come for the fantastic scenery, the brilliant sunshine, and the gorgeous beaches. Many people are attracted to the fine resorts, but for a luxurious vacation with the added feature of extra privacy, others go for the option of villas with pools. Kefalonia, the largest of the Ionian Islands off the west coast of the Greek mainland, has the added appeal of being sparsely populated and usually free of crowds. This island is accessible by air via the modern airport near the main town of Argostoli, and by ferry from Italy and mainland Greece.
The Lovely Livatho Hills
For visitors who want to spend their Greek Island vacation in the comfort of villas with pools, Kefalonia (also called Cephallonia and Kefallinia) has plenty of excellent villa accommodations. They have all the modern conveniences, and many have terrific views. But once you have settled into your villa, you’ll want to venture out and see what the island has to offer. The lovely Livatho Hills, to the southeast of Argostoli, are the highlight of the Livatho Peninsula. This is perfect country for hikers and cyclists. Tree-shaded country roads wind through lush green rolling farmland. Some roads lead to beautiful, uncrowded beaches. There are pretty little villages, some of which are graced by the homes of wealthy islanders. In the well-preserved village of Metaxata, visitors can see mansions that survived the devastating earthquake of 1953. In the small town square there is a bust of the English poet Lord Byron, who visited here on his ill-fated quest to fight for Greek independence. One kilometre to the southwest is the village of Kourkomelata, which has some splendid scenic views. This village has an impressive church called Ayios Yerasimos, and a neoclassical cultural centre that occasionally hosts special events. Just down the road is Kaligata, where there is a Baroque Panayia church. An easy two-kilometer walk takes you to Avythos Beach, where there is good, safe swimming.
A Fortress and a Mountain
It isn’t all idyllic walks for visitors who venture out to explore from their villas with pools. Kefalonia has had a turbulent history dating back to ancient times, and has often been fought over. In spite of wars and earthquakes, the Ayios Yioryios Fortress is one of the most well preserved defensive structures in the Ionian Islands. The ruins date back to at least the 12th century, and the site has been of military importance since the latter years of the Roman Empire. The fortress has undergone major restoration, and visitors can see walls, towers, a dungeon, and a secret tunnel. Visitors will also want to see Mount Enos. It dominates the southern portion of the island, and at 1268 metres (4160 feet) it is the highest peak in western Greece. Although it has been declared a national park, a hike to the summit is a challenging trip, and hikers should be physically fit. But once you get up there, the views are among the most spectacular in the islands.
Paul Fogg is the Managing Director of Freelance Holidays, a premium accommodation company specialising in luxury villas with pools, Kefalonia, as well as other Mediterranean locations. If you are looking for luxury villas with pools, Kefalonia is ideal. Allow us to assist in your perfect choice from our hand-picked selection.
Thank you for visiting Travel Articles Directory. Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!
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The gorgeous, sun-drenched Greek Islands are a number one destination for people who like to spend their vacations in villas. First class hotels can certainly match villas for luxury, but for privacy, villas can’t be beaten; especially villas with pools. Kefalonia is the largest island in the Ionian group off the west coast of mainland Greece. Visitors here can find top class accommodation in villas located amidst some of the most spectacular scenery in the Mediterranean world. Once you are settled into an attractive villa with all the modern conveniences, and a beautiful pool right outside your door, you might well be tempted to spend your entire holiday right there in your villa. But this exotic island has plenty for you to see, particularly the main town of Argostoli.
Out of the Ruins
For those visitors who finally tear themselves away from the delicious comfort of their villas with pools, Kefalonia’s principal community is a very attractive town. Much of it was destroyed in a catastrophic earthquake in 1953, but the town’s recovery from that disaster has been amazing. Some pre-earthquake structures can still be seen. There are some great restaurants and bars that cater to both tourists and locals. The large main square, Platia Valianou, is a popular meeting place in the daytime and after dark. The waterfront is a working quayside that is used by fishermen, pleasure craft, and freighters. At night it is an illuminated promenade. You can look across the Koutavos Lagoon to the forested slopes of Mt. Evmorfia. The old Dhrepano bridge which traverses the lagoon is no longer used for vehicular traffic and is now strictly for pedestrians. Right in the middle of the quay, across from the police station, is an office of the EOT (Ellinikos Organismos Tourismo), the Greek national tourist organisation. It is one of only two in the Ionian Islands, and the staff are very friendly and helpful. The modern Kefallinia Airport is 11 km (6.8 miles) southwest of the town. There is no bus service between the town and the airport. You can take a cab, but negotiate the price first.
Former Elegance
Take a stroll down the palm-lined boulevard of Rizospaston going from the north side of Platia Valianou, and you will see some of the mansions that survived the 1953 earthquake. They will give you an idea of the former wealth and elegance of Argostoli. At the southwestern corner of the square there is a small park that serves as a good landmark. From here you can take the K. Vergoti to get to the resort of Lassi and the nearest beaches. The main retail and commercial street is Lithostroto, which has been pedestrianised. It runs parallel to the seafront. There you will find banks, shops and a post office. This part of town is often busy, but never crowded. There is a nightclub where you can spend a pleasant evening. By the time visitors return to their villas with pools, Kefalonia’s main town will have provided them with a terrific slice of Greek Island life.
Paul Fogg is the Managing Director of Freelance Holidays, a premium accommodation company specialising in luxury villas with pools, Kefalonia, as well as other Mediterranean locations. If you are looking for luxury villas with pools, Kefalonia is ideal. Allow us to assist in your perfect choice from our hand-picked selection.
Thank you for visiting Travel Articles Directory. Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!
This article was provided by LeadGenerators – the smartest SEO agency in London, and the proud host of a series of Internet Marketing training seminars and Social Media breakfasts.
For the ultimate Mediterranean vacation experience, there is simply nothing to match accommodation in a villa. Hotels and resorts certainly have their points, but for privacy and the pure joy of feeling like you’re in a place of your own, even to the extent of having a private swimming pool, a villa tops the list. And when it comes to island holidaying, the Greek Islands are second to none. Radiant sunshine, magnificent scenery, and beautiful beaches can all be found in the islands. For luxury villas, Kefalonia is the number one choice of many people looking for a first class holiday destination. It is the largest island in the Ionian Archipelago off the western coast of mainland Greece. It is also one of the least populated islands, and unlike some of its neighbours, it has not been overdeveloped. For the visitor, that means not many crowds, which is always a plus.
Historic Sami, a Book and a Movie
For visitors staying in Sami’s luxury villas, Kefalonia offers the opportunity to see the remains of the island’s oldest community. Sami is the port where most independent travellers arrive on Kefalonia. It was once the capital of the island. There are a few ruins of the old town on the hill above the modern community. Sami has a pleasant L-shaped seafront with a small harbour. A long sandy beach stretches all the way to the community of Karavomylos, and is rarely crowded. There are facilities for a variety of water sports. In 2000, Sami was a principal location for filming of the movie Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, which starred Nicholas Cage, John Hurt and Penelope Cruz, and was based on the 1993 novel of the same name by Louis de Berniere. The stunning scenery is considered to be one of the best things about the film. There are day cruises out of Sami, and they usually include a stop at the nearby island of Ithaca, which also has some great beaches, and is famous in Greek mythology as the home of the Homeric hero Odysseus.
Shrine for a God
For lovers of ancient Greek history and mythology staying in local luxury villas, Kefalonia has another connection to that long lost world. The nearby Melissani Cave was once used as a shrine to the god Pan. Ancient relics found in the cave, including a rather lusty figure of Pan, can be seen in the Archaeological Museum in Argostoli, the island’s main town. The cave itself is at least 30,000 years old, and some stalactites have been dated back about 20,000 years.
The 1953 earthquake that shook the island collapsed part of the cave’s roof. As a result, sunlight gives what was once a subterranean lake a brilliant turquoise colour. The water in the lake is seawater that comes in via an underground system from coastal sinkholes on the other side of the island. Boatmen take visitors out on the lake and point out such interesting features as the “duck’s head” stalactite, and the “diving dolphin” stalagmite. The guides speak Greek and English. The best time to see the cave is midday, when the sun is directly overhead. Nearby are the Dhrogarati Caves. This is a system of caves and tunnels, with a large, cathedral-like central cavern. The acoustics in the cave are so incredible, that it is sometimes used for musical performances. It’s chilly down there, so dress accordingly.
Paul Fogg is the Managing Director of Freelance Holidays, a premium accommodation company specialising in luxury villas, Kefalonia as well as other Mediterranean locations. If you are looking for luxury villas, Kefalonia , allow us to assist in your perfect choice from our hand-picked selection.
Thank you for visiting Travel Articles Directory. Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!
This article was provided by LeadGenerators – the smartest SEO agency in London, and the proud host of a series of Internet Marketing training seminars and Social Media breakfasts.
If you are looking for an idyllic holiday destination and accommodation to suit your needs, then you should consider a high end or luxury villa with pool on Crete. You can either choose to soak up as much sun as possible by the side of your pool, or you can relax and enjoy the villa surroundings after a day of adventuring around the fascinating ancient ruins found all over the island.
Can you picture yourself waking up to the Mediterranean breeze gently wafting through your bedroom window? Does the idea appeal of gliding along sapphire seas on a cruise, or soaking up the golden sun rays as you relax in your villa with pool? Crete is one of the most popular Greek Islands to visit because not only does it offer the Greek Island experience that you imagine of glistening waters and sunshine, but it has a fascinating history that can be unearthed too. There are many historical sites to be visited and interspersed with water sports and beach going activities for a wholly satisfying Hellenic experience.
Where Should I Stay?
If you want to splash out and experience the best that Crete has to offer, staying in a villa combines luxury with exotic surroundings. To take advantage of the beautiful Mediterranean weather, the best option is a villa with pool. Crete luxury villas are offered throughout the island and can provide you with everything you need for a relaxing and memorable holiday. Villas offer you the privacy and tranquillity that you crave in order to unwind and take advantage of your vacation time under a Cretan sky.
Step Back in Time to Become Ancient Royalty
If you can tear yourself away from your villa with pool, Crete has a plethora of fascinating sites and historical points of interest to explore. The island of Crete was the place where the Minoan civilisation sprang up and left such impressive monuments to their rich culture as Knossos and Phaistos. The Palace of Knossos dates back to 2000 B.C and it is the most famous attraction on the island. The palace was the centre of Minoan civilisation and the last word in ancient grandeur and opulence with more than 1200 rooms. Following a possible tsunami around 1450 B.C the palace was heavily damaged and deserted. Phaistos is another Minoan palace and is set upon a hill. While equally impressive, does not tend to draw the crowds of the more famous Knossos, which means you can enjoy it without having to share your experience with so many other sightseers.
Off the Beaten Track
To get some insight into the day to day lives of regular Minoans, as opposed to that of royalty at the palaces, you should visit Gournia, which has ruins that date to 1500 B.C. Here you can see houses and shops that provide an understanding of how everyday folk lived in antiquity. One of the most popular things to do on Crete is to hike along the Samaria Gorge, which is the longest in all of Europe. The walk is around 11 miles long, but well worth it, and people come for the spectacular views and scenery that is provided en route. Once you have worked your muscles along the hiking trail, you can return and relax your muscles in your villa with pool. Crete has many other ruins such as Gortys, which is the ruin of a Greco-Roman settlement. If you are looking for an easier hike than the gorge, then this is a great choice. There are gentle hills covered in ruins, including a fascinating 6th century church, and you can roam through them with only the olive groves as your companion.
Paul Fogg is the Managing Director of Freelance Holidays, a premium accommodation company specialising in holidays in a luxury villa with pool, Crete , as well as other Mediterranean locations. If you are looking for a luxury villa with pool, Crete , allow us to assist in your perfect choice from our hand-picked selection.
Thank you for visiting Travel Articles Directory. Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!
This article was provided by LeadGenerators – the smartest SEO agency in London, and the proud host of a series of Internet Marketing training seminars and Social Media breakfasts.
If you are looking for a European getaway where you can combine sun, sand and the outdoors, with interesting cultural and historical aspects as well, then Crete is your best bet. Want to shake off the stress and unwind? Then you can rent a luxury villa with pool. Crete has a wonderful selection of villas, as well as many day trip options to introduce you to the myriad aspects of the island.
Discover the Variety on Crete
Do you work hard all through the year and deserve a luxurious break to let all the stress out? One of the most relaxing and thoroughly enjoyable European holiday destinations to be found has to be Crete. It offers visitors a beautiful climate, swimming and other water sports, a chance to dive into history, natural marvels onshore and offshore, and a range of quaint Greek villages to explore. In between doing all of this, you can hang out and lap up the sun at your villa with pool. Crete has an impressive range of such villas on offer throughout the year.
From Rags to Riches
If you can squeeze some time in between shifts of sun bathing and the pursuit of ultimate relaxation at your villa with pool, Crete has a lot to see and do. Greece has more than its fair share of ancient ruins and monuments and Crete is no exception. The ancient Minoan civilisation was based on Crete and there are plenty of ruins for you to see. To get a peek into the lives of Minoan royalty, day trips to the palaces of Knossos, Phaistos and Malia are fascinating and you get to come face to face with history dating back as far as 2000 B.C. To see how the common man lived, you can venture to the ruins of Gournia and see housing and shops that formed part of everyday life thousands of years before Christ.
Visit the Locals around Town
There are many different villages scattered around the island that make great day trips. Hania, which is Crete’s second largest town, is a tourist favourite due to its sparkling harbour and quaint surrounds. The town is a wonderful place to blow your diet and sample local fare while overlooking the bustling harbour. There are also several museums, and good handicrafts shopping to be found. Iraklion is the capital of the island and there are several museums that divulge the history of Crete and some ancient churches that are interesting to visit. Once you have ventured out to shop your socks off, take in some culture and sample the local cuisine, then you can meander back to laze around your villa – with a pool, Crete villas are set up with your complete relaxation in mind.
A Further day trip can be had at Agios Nikolaos, which is considered one of the prettiest towns to be found throughout the island. The best feature of the town is its unique double harbour. This town has a great archaeological museum where you can learn about many aspects of the island’s turbulent history. The main treat however, is to just wander through the town itself and discover what is hiding around each corner in the nooks and crannies. Since Crete is the second largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, there is plenty of coast to explore. You can either explore it on foot along the sandy beaches, or venture out into seas as blue as a Ceylon sapphire on a boating day tour. By dividing your time between the many fascinating sites and your luxury villa with pool, Crete will treat you to a relaxing, memorable and enchanting holiday.
Paul Fogg is the Managing Director of Freelance Holidays, a premium accommodation company specialising in holidays in a luxury villa with pool, Crete , as well as other Mediterranean locations. If you are looking for a luxury villa with pool, Crete , allow us to assist in your perfect choice from our hand-picked selection.
Thank you for visiting Travel Articles Directory. Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!
This article was provided by LeadGenerators – the smartest SEO agency in London, and the proud host of a series of Internet Marketing training seminars and Social Media breakfasts.
Anyone with even a remote interest in history is going to be in paradise when they visit Crete. This ancient island, which boasts thousands of years of incredible history, is a treasure trove of historical sites that will keep you busy exploring for days. Crete villa rentals are the way to go when it comes to organising your holiday for maximum independence, so once you’ve booked your villa here are some of the most significant places to check out when you arrive.
Knossos
Knossos is the most famous historic site of all on Crete and, in fact, one of the most famous historical landmarks in the world. Because Crete villa rentals will allow you to stay all over the island, you could choose to stay in Heraklion which is just three miles from Knossos, which would provide you with the ideal location for visiting the palace. Knossos was the Minoan capital of Crete, and the remains of the huge palace are truly incredible in their scale. The site dates back to the Bronze Age, and it is here that, according to legend, King Minos kept the Minotaur. It was inhabited until the 9th century when the population shifted to nearby Heraklion. You can easily spend a day strolling around the grounds and enjoying the fascinating remains.
Spinalonga
Spinalonga, an island located just off the eastern corner of Crete near the town of Elounda, a popular spot for Crete villa rentals, has a long history. However, it is best known for being the base for a leper colony from 1903 until 1957. In fact, this colony was one of the last active leper colonies in the whole of Europe. The island is a massive tourist attraction, and you will be able to take a boat trip over to walk around the fortress and see how the lepers used to live their lives in exile. It is very easy to arrange a boat trip over to the island, and tourists normally stay for a few hours as you cannot stay overnight. It’s a fascinating place and one that you should definitely take the time to visit whilst in Crete.
Gournia
This ancient Minoan site dates back over 3,500 years and is another important historical landmark in Crete. Crete villa rentals are available in Agios Nikolaos, which is the nearest town about 11 miles from Gournia. This Minoan palace complex was excavated in the early 20th century, and is one of the only Minoan towns to be fully excavated. It is incredibly well preserved and lots of ancient remains were found here, including pottery and even carpentry tools, making it very important archaeologically.
Aptera
Aptera is located only two miles from Kalyves, which is an ideal place to find Crete villa rentals. Aptera dates back nearly 3,000 years and used to be one of the most important cities in Crete. It is still being excavated to this day, and there are lots of interesting structures to explore, including a Greek temple, fortified walls and Roman cisterns. It is one of the most important Minoan sites in Crete, and is situated above Souda Bay in the west of the island.
Visit Historic Crete
There are many opportunities for booking Crete villa rentals on the island, and wherever you stay you will never be too far from a historic site of great importance. If you can manage to check out at least a few of the above sites during your holiday, you will get a sense of the historical importance of the island, and they will provide you with some fascinating day trips during your stay.
Paul Fogg is the Managing Director of Freelance Holidays, a premium accommodation company specialising in luxury Crete villa rentals, as well as other Mediterranean locations. If you are looking for luxury Crete villa rentals allow us to assist in your perfect choice from our hand-picked selection.
Thank you for visiting Travel Articles Directory. Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!
This article was provided by LeadGenerators – the smartest SEO agency in London, and the proud host of a series of Internet Marketing training seminars and Social Media breakfasts.
Crete – One of the Most Spectacular Places to Go Walking in Greece
Crete, the largest and most southerly of the Greek islands, offers beautiful weather, stunning scenery, the world-famous hospitality of its local people and, quite simply, some of the most superb places to go walking in Greece.
Samaria Gorge
At around 18 kilometres in length, the Samaria Gorge is the longest in Europe and is one of the biggest tourist attractions on the island, playing host to thousands of visitors between May and October each year. Situated in the prefecture of Chania in south west Crete, the gorge runs from the Omalos Plateau in the White Mountains to the village of Agia Roumeli on the southern coast. Taking between four and seven hours to walk, the route covers some quite rough terrain but is still suitable for the inexperienced, although walkers are recommended to wear sensible walking boots. Those taking part in the guided walk during the summer months, especially during July and August, are also advised to take plenty of sun screen and drinking water along with them, although there are places en route where you can buy bottled water. With steep cliffs and forests of pine and cypress, the landscape is breathtakingly beautiful and the gorge is also home to around 450 different species of plants (all of which are protected and may not be picked or removed from the gorge). If you are lucky, you might also catch sight of one of Crete’s famous inhabitants, the increasingly rare Agrimia, or Kri-Kri goats as they are commonly known. With other endemic species in and around the gorge, this is a wonderful place to visit and it certainly represents one of the highlights for anyone walking in Greece.
Deliana Gorge
The walk along the Deliana Gorge is an unchallenging one, but one which is rewarding for those walking in Greece due to its beautiful scenery. During the cooler times of the year, a stream runs alongside the path and down the rocks, accompanying your walk with a soft tinkling sound. You are likely to see many goats during your walk, but most visitors come here to see the Griffon vultures which can be spotted throughout the year. The walk through the gorge and back again is not a long one and is only likely to take around two hours in total depending on your fitness or walking ability.
Arkoudospilios Cave
The walk to the Arkoudospilios Cave on the Akrotiri Peninsula in the municipality of Chania is about two kilometres and affords some spectacular views. Starting at the monasteries of Gouverneto and Agias Triadas and following a footpath which often features steep drops to one side, you will come to the cave where there stands a large stalagmite in the shape of a bear bowed over a cistern. Several different legends account for the significance of the animal. Some believe that it was once alive and that it used to drink the water from the cistern, leaving nothing for the local inhabitants and the monks. When one of the monks prayed to the Virgin for help, it is said that the beast was petrified and has stood in its position in the centre of the cave ever since. Others believe that the goddess Artemis, who was worshipped by the Pelasgians in the form of a bear, was worshipped here and that the stalagmite is a sacred representation of her. The footpath which continues from the cave also leads to the ruins of the Monastery Katholiko and the church of St John the Hermit. As you stand underneath the towering rock face in this extremely isolated place, it is not hard to imagine why the monks who used it many years ago sought their sanctuary here. With so much spectacular beauty along this route, walking in Greece will not only be enjoyable for the senses, but an experience which will open you up to wanting to learn more about this fascinating and stunning island.
About The Author:
Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. Operating since 1946, they now offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in more than 90 different countries. While walking in Greece with Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, you can walk the most scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices.
The online travel writing provided by Travel Content Online is free to take, providing you take the links in the text, too. Use it to add fresh online content to your website. Thank you for visiting us – hopefully our travel content will bring more visitors to your site, too.
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Why go on a walking in Greece holiday? Quite simply, it’s a chance to escape to a world that many of us thought only existed in our dreams – until we visited Greece!
Greece and the Greeks
Even people that proclaim they know nothing of even their own history probably have heard some of the echoes of Greek history ringing down through the ages. The 300 Spartans, Mount Olympus and the Gods, The Trojan War, great architecture, art, literature and science – all these often come to mind when the word ‘Greece’ is mentioned. More recently, Greece has also become associated with marvellous holiday opportunities through its beaches, crystal clear waters, marvellous historical sites, great food and fabulous people. There are so many destinations on both the mainland and islands of Greece that it’s hard to know where to start first in terms of choosing a destination. Yet one thing should be clear from the outset; while you’re in Greece you’ll want to get the most out of your experience.
Walking in Greece – getting the most out of your holiday
The majority of tourists to Greece tend to visit a relatively small number of main centres. Their holiday is usually based around a major resort, typically on a beach and there may be a few short day-trips by coach to see some sights. There’s nothing wrong with that at all but, if you’re interested in seeing a little more of the “real” Greece and a little less of the pool and beach, a walking in Greece holiday may be for you.
These holidays are taken in many parts of Greece including the Peloponnese, Samos, Crete, Rhodes and other locations. There are guided walks under the supervision of an expert and well-qualified tour leader and you’ll get the chance to see rural Greece at its best, or the wildlife of some of the more the remote parts of the countryside. You’ll come across isolated bays and inlets or mountain villages – places that most tourists will never see.
If that’s not appealing enough, then some of Greece’s best-kept historical secrets are far more easily reached on foot than by coach or car. You may even get to Delphi and ask the Oracle what the future holds for you! To see large parts of Greece, your own feet are often the very best way to get there – and you’ll see far more en-route in so doing.
Walks for all tastes
Don’t worry, unlike Pheidippides who ran 26 miles after the battle of Marathon in 490BC to bring Athens news of their great victory over the Persians, you won’t have to push yourself too hard! There are plenty of holidays to choose from and many are specifically arranged to allow a gentle pace for people to explore at leisure.
Walking in Greece holidays also cater for the modern tourist’s demands for comfort. Your guided walk accommodation and daily itineraries have been provided to ensure that you don’t get too stretched and are able to relax in civilised and pleasant surroundings at the end of the day. Your tour leader is there not only to act as an expert in helping you see all that there is to see, but also to ensure that you’re being well looked after in terms of creature comforts.
Guided walks in Greece – not just for the countryside
If you’ve ever visited a major city overseas, you may have found it a good but possibly a very tiring and even intimidating experience. That’s why there are also walking in Greece holidays that include walks around Athens and other major urban areas to admire at the art, history and architecture under the helpful eye of an experienced tour leader. You won’t get lost and you won’t miss anything important.
The walking holiday – a growing phenomenon
As people increasingly recognise the benefits of exercise, walking holidays are booming. Lying around all day eating and drinking is becoming less fashionable – and perhaps for good reason. So walking in Greece may be not only be very enjoyable, but possibly better for your health than a conventional break!
About The Author:
Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. Operating since 1946, they now offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in more than 90 different countries. While walking in Greece with Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, you can walk the most scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices.
The online travel writing provided by Travel Content Online is free to take, providing you take the links in the text, too. Use it to add fresh online content to your website. Thank you for visiting us – hopefully our travel content will bring more visitors to your site, too.
This article was provided by LeadGenerators, the smartest SEO agency in London.