Chania

The Birthplace of European Civilisation

The Prefecture of Chania is at the westernmost part of the island and occupies an area of nearly 2400 square kilometers. The terrain is mountainous and the vegetation dense with oak, pine and chestnut trees. The steep mountains, home to the famous Gorge of Samaria come down to the sea to form beautiful beaches, like Aghia Roumeli, Sfakia and Sougia. In the north of the Prefecture, protected on three sides by the White Mountains is the large plain of Chania, where olive trees, orange groves and vines grow abundant.

Location

The Prefecture of Chania is at the westernmost part of the island and occupies an area of nearly 2400 square kilometers. The terrain is mountainous and the vegetation dense with oak, pine and chestnut trees. The steep mountains, home to the famous Gorge of Samaria come down to the sea to form beautiful beaches, like Aghia Roumeli, Sfakia and Sougia. In the north of the Prefecture, protected on three sides by the White Mountains is the large plain of Chania, where olive trees, orange groves and vines grow abundant.

Transportation

From Athens there are regular flights to the airport of Souda, situated 15 km outside Chania. One can get to Hania by urban bus, taxi or the Olympic Airways bus. From Thessalonica, there is a weekly flight to the airport of Souda . There are regular boat schedules from Piraeus to Kastelli Kissamou and the port of Souda, situated 7 km southeast of Chania.

History

After the collapse of the Minoan palace culture, Chania grew into one of the island's most important cities- well enough know for its citizens to warrant a mention in Homer's Odyssey- and remained so through the classical Greek era. When Rome came in search of conquest the city mounted a stiff resistance prior to its eventual capitulation in 69 BC, after which it flourished once more. In early Christian times, Kydonia was the seat of bishop, and under the protection of Byzantium the city flourished along with the island. As the Byzantine Empire became increasingly embattled, however, so its further outposts, Kydonia (and Crete) included, suffered neglect. When the Venetians finally won it back they acted quickly to strengthen the defences, turning the city, renamed La Canea, into a formidable bulwark in the west. In 1645, after a two-month siege with terrible losses, Chania fell to Turks. It was the first major Cretan stronghold to succumb, becoming the Turkish island capital and seat of the pasha. For the rest, it is a history of struggle: for independence during the nineteenth century, then in resistance against the Germans in World War II. During World War II, Chania suffered severe bombardment, this destruction eventually compounded by a fire, which wiped out almost everything apart from the area around the harbour. In the post-war period, the town was rebuilt and sprawling, traffic-congested suburbs now encircle the ancient core. The arrival of tourism has inspired the will- if not the resources- to save and restore much of the city's crumbling architectural heritage, and Chania is currently enjoying a period of peace and prosperity unrivalled in its modern history.

Sightseeing and monuments

Chania, as any of its residents will tell you, is the spiritual capital of Crete, even if the title is officially bestowed on Heraclion. Chania, the island's second-largest city and former capital, is the site of the Minoan settlement of Kydonia, which archaeologists believe was a palace site and an important town. The lovely Venetian quarter of Chania that surrounds the Old Harbour is one of the island's best attractions. Many old buildings have been restored in recent years, with some of them having been converted into very fine accommodation, while others house chic restaurants, bars and shops. Even though the town itself is beautiful enough to keep a lot of tourists, the best attractions are around it. One of these is the famous and heavily trekked Samaria gorge. Despite the crowds, a trek through this stupendous gorge is an experience to remember. The 18km-long gorge, the longest in Europe, begins just below the Omalos plateau carved out a river. Its width varies from 3m to 150m and its vertical walls reach 500m at the highest point. The gorge has an incredible number of wildflowers and is also home to a large number of endangered species, including the Cretan wild goat, kri-kri. Others include At 1.5 km S of Chania there is Nerospilia, a cave with stalactites and stalagmites, the monasteries of Yiouvernetos and Aghia Triada at 18 km N of Chania and Frangokastello at Sfakia, 73 km SE of Chania.

Cultural events

Each church is devoted to a particular saint and that saint's name day is usually celebrated with a Panagiri (festival), and a religious service. On January 6th, Epiphany is celebrated throughout Crete when the Blessing of the Waters takes place. A cross is thrown into the sea, lakes or rivers and retrieved by swimmers who are then entitled to good luck. The event is particularly spectacular in Chania old harbor. On May 21st, in Chania and Rethymnon they celebrate the anniversary of the battle of Crete.

People and lifestyle

The permanent population - fast expanding into hills and coastal suburbs - always outnumbers the tourists and visitors. It all adds up to a city worth getting to know, where visitors almost certainly stay longer than intended, making use of plentiful accommodation, excellent markets, stores and nightlife, and most other facilities visitors could hope for. The Cretan folk tradition which is marked mainly in weaves, "tsevredes", carpets, blankets etc. and expresses the feel of beauty and artistic mood of the people of Chania. Simple village women, but also organized associations, produce weaves from silk or wool. Handicrafts from glass, wood and metal, along with pottery, woodwork and metalwork workshops. Particular is also the art of producing boots "stivania" at Skridlof road in Chania where the smell of processed leather is dominant. Also Cretan knifes are characteristic with the witty four-lined poems.

Natural Environment

The earth's topology and the climate make the area of Chania a paradise for thousands of plants and animals. The climate is relatively mild, Mediterranean. During the fall and winter months north and northwest winds dominate, while in the summer the ill winds make it enjoyable. But the divine gift of the eternal sunshine allows one to start their vacation from March and end it at the end of October. Chania has the largest amount of water in Crete (65%), and for this there is rich vegetation of plants and fruitful trees (citrus trees, olives, vines etc.) as well as semi-tropical plants. The fantastic beaches of Chania always win the "blue flags" of Europe and are accessible for all ages throughout the year.

Sports and Leisure

Chania prefecture has two outstanding beaches on the west coast, at Elafonisi in the southwest and Phalasarna in the northwest. One of the longest, uninterrupted sandy beaches is at Georgioupolis between Rethymno and Chania. The region offers an unlimited variety of sports and leisure activities, from regular excursions and sightseeing trips to adventurous trekking and mountaineering. The sharply contrasting natural beauty of the area features steep, rugged terrain, deep gorges, vast plateaux, dense oak forests, long sandy beaches and secluded coves. All this, together with clear blue skies and seemingly endless sunshine over 300 days a year, offers unique opportunities for recreation and relaxation. Athletic competitions are held at Chania during the last week of May, as part of the festivities for the anniversary of the "Battle of Crete". The competitions are organized by the Athletic Association of Chania and the Ministry of Athletics.

Nightlife and entertainment

There are all sorts of night clubs at Chania, where people dance to the sounds of the latest hits until the early morning hours . Many places offer a cozy atmosphere, where one can have a drink and listen to live music. A walk at nearby Paleohora can end with drinks at its fashionable bars. Picturesque any time and season of the year, Chania's Venetian port is attracting both visitors and locals for its beauty and variety of entertainment to suit all tastes and demands.

Gastronomy and Shopping

Already from the ancient times of the Minoan civilization, the inhabitants of Crete seem to be aware of the value of food like olive oil, olives, green vegetables, herbs and many other products that are found in the Cretan soil in great abundance. During their history of many centuries Cretans based their diet on those products, a fact evidenced by cooking recipes preserved to this day. The Municipal Market of Hania, a brilliant cross-shaped building completed in 1913, has many local products, such as chestnuts, honey, bread, bananas, "eptazyma" toasts and the famous Cretan drink of "raki" or "tsipouro". There are also shops selling ceramics, leather items, embroideries, woven-fabrics and hand-made jewellery. Top Chanas is a good place to purchase authentic Cretan blankets and woven- fabrics. At "stivanadika", one can find all sorts of leather products, belts, bags and "stivania", the peculiar Cretan boots. The cutlery shops provide a wide variety of genuine Cretan knives, an exquisite souvenir from Crete. Near the market, there are pharmacies, newspapers stores and banks, while the main streets across from the market sport modern stores, banks, car-rental places and the variety of shops usually found in cities.

Conference facilities

The area of Chania, due to its natural beauty and variety of sights attracts many tourists from all over the world. The city also accepts visitors who are interested in economical activities in the area, as well as scientists and educators, who are interested in historical files, historical monuments and museums or are interested to visit the Technical University of Crete, which is an important research center.

In addition to a number of specialised conference centres, there is an enormous variety of facilities at hotels in the main towns and resorts, fully equipped with state-of-the-art sound and lighting installations, simultaneous translation systems and other amenities. Many of the hotels also provide technical and secretarial support, plus a full range of office machines, computer and telecommunications systems.

Heraklion

The Birthplace of European Civilisation

The Prefecture of Herakleion lies between Mt Psiloritis and the Lasithiotika Mountains and it is the largest administrative division of Crete. It has an area of 2,641 square km and a population of approximately 250,000. The northern part of the prefecture includes attractive resorts, very well organised with luxurious hotel complexes and fine sandy beaches, accessible by public transportation. The bustling modern city of Herakleion, the namesake capital of the prefecture and the administrative capital of the entire island, is the offspring from the union of cultures and peoples across three continents and it lies almost in the middle of the north coast on the site of the once small harbour that was the seaport of ancient Knossos.

Location

The Prefecture of Herakleion lies between Mt Psiloritis and the Lasithiotika Mountains and it is the largest administrative division of Crete. It has an area of 2,641 square km and a population of approximately 250,000. The northern part of the prefecture includes attractive resorts, very well organised with luxurious hotel complexes and fine sandy beaches, accessible by public transportation. The bustling modern city of Herakleion, the namesake capital of the prefecture and the administrative capital of the entire island, is the offspring from the union of cultures and peoples across three continents and it lies almost in the middle of the north coast on the site of the once small harbour that was the seaport of ancient Knossos.

Transportation

The Prefecture has a complete range of transportation services The city of Herakleion is the island's main transport hub with an international airport and the fifth largest harbour in Greece. The airport serves a great number of charter flights from almost anywhere in the world, while daily domestic flights connect Herakleion to Athens, Thessaloniki, Rhodes, Mykonos, Paros and Santorini. National and international ferries depart from the harbour with daily schedules to Piraeus, while in the summer there are frequent ferries to the Cyclades. Cruise liners operating out of Venice link Herakleion to Limassol in Cyprus and Haifa in Israel. Local and regional buses run between the capital and a variety of destinations both within the prefecture and beyond.

History

The city of Herakleion, historically Candia, takes its name from the ancient Roman port of Heracleum, which likely occupied the same site. Arab Saracens who conquered Crete in 824 AD, destroyed the capital and built a new one at the location of present-day Heakleion, which took the Arabic name Khandaq (Moat), later corrupted to Candia by the Venetians to whom the island was sold in 1204. Most of the extensive system of walls built around the city by the Venetians survives to this day. In 1669, the city was ceded to the Turks after a siege that lasted more than 20 years. During the long Turkish occupation, which ended in 1897, Candia was known as Megalokastro. The Turks allowed the harbour to silt up and caused it to lose its former commercial pre-eminence. The Turkish rule ended in 1898 after the Great Independence War that began in 1821 and ended with the formation of the independent Cretan Republic. Finally, in 1913 the Union with Greece was realised. During the German invasion in 1941, the city suffered heavy damage from bombing. After WWII, it gained considerable commercial prominence, with a new harbour with moles, an airport and many hotels to serve the tourist trade.

Sightseeing and monuments

The Prefecture of Herakleion manages to combine Crete's best highlights. Both the coastal and the inland parts have been inhabited without interruption since prehistoric times, and so the area is the richest in Crete in terms of archaeological sites. At 5km east of capital Herakleion, Knossos is the most important and well known ancient site in Crete, inhabited since Neolithic times and famous for the Palace of Knossos built around 1900 BC. Phaistos, evidently the second most important palace-city of Minoan Crete, is about 65 km of Herakleion, while at 34 km east of the capital is Malia, the 3rd Minoan place found on Crete. Second to size and importance only to the National Archaeological Museum in Athens, Herakleion's outstanding Archaeological Museum is rich in exhibits, including pottery, jewellery, figurines and sarcophagi, as well as the famous frescos from Knossos. The Historical Museum of Herakleion deals with the history and folklore of Crete since about 1000 AD, housing among its collections a painting by El Greco, who was born near Herakleion. The prefecture has a number of magnificent Byzantine monasteries, the most important of which are the 15th c. Vrondissi, the abandoned monastery of Varsamoneri and the Monastery of Kardiotissa, while the countryside is strewn with small and larger churches, picturesque chapels and small temples carved inside rocks.

Cultural events

Every year the city of Herakleion, as well as numerous villages in the prefecture, organise cultural events, exhibitions, and festivals which attract a lot of people, locals and visitors alike. Participation is these events is a perfect opportunity for one to acquire a first hand experience of the jovial aspect of life on Crete. The annual Festival of Herakleion held at the Manos Hadjidakis Theatre and the Nikos Kazantzakis Garden Theatre, offers one of the largest and most varied programmes, including theatrical performances, traditional music and dance events, opera, art exhibitions, lectures and symposia.\

People and lifestyle

Setting aside the natural and historical jewels of Crete, the traveller will certainly agree that its most important asset is its people- the hospitable people of Crete, the true descendants of Xenios Zeus. The people are mainly engaged in agriculture and tourism. On Crete, tradition has found a way of appealing to modern people in forms that best serve their needs both for education and entertainment.

Natural Environment

Gods, goddesses, and heroes were incarnated elements of nature that balanced brilliantly between godhood and the human temper. Here one finds the holy mountain of Ida where each spring the father of gods, Zeus is reborn amidst aromatic herbs and wild plants that diffuse the air with their delicate aroma, particularly during the spring. On the same mountain, on the hills of Youchtas on the slopes of innumerable hill tops and valleys thrives a unique flora and fauna owing to the excellent climatic conditions that prevail all over the region. The prefecture of Iraklio has many breathtaking locations, ideal for nature lovers. Impressive caves such as Kamares in Zaros and villages with sandy beaches such as Kali Limenes present glorious images that nature and time have created. There are also many areas for climbing and hiking, as well as various summer resorts.

Sports and Leisure

Extended good weather and the combination of mountains and sea create ideal conditions for all types of sea and land sports year round. Each year, international athletic events are organised here such as the Vardinogiannian World Marathon Race, the Minoan Cup (Sailing Regatta), the World Jet Ski events and others. There is also an 18-hole golf course with a Golf Academy. Crossing the island lengthways, the European path of long distance-walking E4 starts in the prefecture of Iraklion revealing a unique, ever-changing landscape. Trekking aficionados have the opportunity to experience the undiscovered nature of the region, old village paths, traditional settlements, monasteries and high mountains. Heraklion was an Olympic city during the Athens 2004 Olympic Games and hosted a significant number of games and other related events

Nightlife and entertainment

The cultural heritage of the prefecture of Herakleion combines harmoniously with varied forms of modern entertainment. For those inclined to modern entertainment and clubbing, there are ample opportunities at the many night clubs and music halls in the capital and the surrounding summer resorts. There is no end to the number of bars and discos featuring rock-and-roll and/or Greek popular music, although they come and go from year to year to reflect the latest fads. Visitors are sure to be kept entertained until the early morning hours.

Gastronomy and Shopping

Faithful to the Cretan culinary tradition, the local cuisine is simple, genuine, natural and palatable. Tavernas, restaurants and eateries offer a great variety of local delicacies featuring the Cretan olive oil as their basic ingredient. Wild-growing vegetables, consumed either raw or boiled, rich dairy products, fresh fish and an array of tasteful combinations of vegetables with meat provide for a wholesome, healthy and uniquely tasty diet. A glass of local wine or a shot of home-made "tsikoudia" are inseparable escorts for the superb culinary creations. The market of Herakleion, the richest in Crete and one of the finest in the Mediterranean, is in the centre of the capital city with vendors selling from fresh meat, vegetables, fish and species, as well as leather goods, tourist knick-knacks and beautiful gold jewellery. A great number of shops, high-class jewellers and clothes outlets are lining the central streets of the city. Popular artists are highly productive in such areas as woodcarving, glass- making, weaving, jewellery making, pottery and hand-painted icons. The ingenuity of the finished products, the overall workmanship, is the heritage of the Minoan civilisation.

Conference facilities

The prefecture's top-calibre hotel units have been recently hosting international summits, world and European conferences, as well as medical, business, social and educational events. Highly trained staff, excellent infrastructure and tens of luxurious areas are the strongest points of the local hotels that support congress tourism

Crete Island

The Birthplace of European Civilisation

Crete is the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean, lying between the southern Aegean Sea and the northern Libyan Sea. It is 257km long and from 12 to 61km wide, crossed by imposing mountain-ranges, strewn with awe-inspiring gorges, featuring thousands of caves and above all blessed with probably the mildest climate in Europe. There are three main mountain ranges crossing the island, the White Mountains in the west, Mountain Ida in the centre and Dikti Mountains in the east. Between these mountains, the land takes different shapes, with a multitude of plains, plateaus, and small valleys.

Crete, the birthplace of Europe's first advanced civilisation, the Minoan civilisation, has retained its soul unaltered, the essence of life consistent. Evidence of the wealth and might of the Minoan civilisation that flourished on the island 4000 years ago is prominent at the archaeological and historical sites scattered throughout the island. Local museums house unique collections of Crete's glorious past.

The island's strategic position at the point where the continents of Europe, Asia and Africa meet, has always been the apple of accord for perspective conquerors. Soon after the island was occupied by the Romans in 69 BC, it was introduced to Christianity by Apostle Paul, and by 395 AD it had developed into a powerful province of the Byzantine Empire. About five centuries later, in 824 AD, it was invaded by the Saracens, who ruled it for a century. Under Venetian rule between 1204 and 1669, Crete became once again the cultural centre of Greek civilisation until it fell to the Turks who held the island captive until 1898. Nevertheless, the Cretan culture and tradition, an integral part of the legendary Cretan hospitality, has been kept alive through literature, theatre, music, dance, local festivals and other art events that take place here year-round. For travellers who wish to combine top quality services resting in a wide choice of luxury hotels with the discovery of a different experience, the opportunity for escapades presented in the varied and untamed landscape of the island, from its sandy shores to its snow-capped mountains, is unique throughout the year.

Crete has an extensive network of good roads and an excellent public transportation network, linking cities to towns and villages, offering visitors the opportunity to explore it from one end to the other. Highly specialised and fully organised travel agencies offer daily excursion packages across the island. The major towns of Chania, Rethymno, Iraklio and Aghios Nikolaos are on the northern coast, featuring large deluxe hotel complexes, modern luxury hotels, camping sites and a vast selection of seafood restaurants and taverns lining the picturesque bays and long sandy beaches. Crete has two of the most important ports of the East Mediterranean Sea, the port of Heraklion and the port of Chania (Souda).

The island is connected with mainland Greece, the Aegean islands, Europe and the rest of the world with a large number of ferries. There are two international airports, one in Heraklion and a second in Chania, with regular or charter flights connecting the island with most of the airports in Greece, Europe and Cyprus.

Today Crete is administratively divided into four prefectures: Lassithi, Iraklio, Rethymno and Chania all boasting -among other- magnificent luxury hotels for excquisite stays.

Attica-Athens

Attica-Athens-The Cradle of Civilisation

Named after Athena, goddess of wisdom and knowledge, Athens is generally considered to be the cradle of Western civilisation. While some scholars date the earliest traces of settlement found on the Acropolis as far back as 5000 BC, Athens became the strongest Greek city-state around 500 BC, entering its Golden Age after emerging victorious from the Persian Wars. The city enjoyed a cultural explosion that ended with the Peloponnesian War (431-401 BC), but Athenian achievements in philosophy, drama and art continued even after the city¢s glory faded, creating a legacy that conquered the world as Hellenistic culture.

Modern-day Athens, the home of 4,500,000, is an important political, social, cultural and economic centre in the Balkans and Southeast Europe holding a great fascination for large numbers of year-round visitors. Entertaining at any time of the year, the city is one of the most exciting art and music centres in the world, pulsing with life, famous for its annual festivals, glamorous and glitzy image, pricey boutiques and luxury hotels. One could travel to Athens a hundred times and never tire of it. From the Acropolis to its sun-soaked beaches, the city¢s antiquities merge harmoniously with the refined, cosmopolitan air of a modern resort with luxury hotels, broad tree-lined avenues and rich commercial stores.

Athens boasts over 50 museums, the most important being the recently renovated National Archaeological Museum that houses more masterpieces of ancient art than any other in the world, with exhibits spanning some 7,000 years. The Benaki Museum, the Byzantine Museum and the National Gallery are well worth a visit.

The Athens 2004 Olympics brought some welcome improvements and the ancient capital has reclaimed much of its former beauty. The hosting of the Games forced a much needed head-to-toe renovation and Athens entered a second Golden Age. The city underwent a multi-million-euro “face lift” with the expansion of parks and pedestrian zones, the restoration of historic neoclassic buildings, the construction of walkways linking its archaeological sites and the construction of many new hotels, ranging from boutique luxury to uptown chick. The capital¢s landmark hotels saw a splendid renovation, complete with sumptuous new luxuries, personal butler service and state-of-the-art convention centres clearly aiming at top-end business travellers, but nevertheless doing a good job of meeting the needs of guests after some measure of fun and sun, as well.

Athens has something for everybody and suddenly Athenians have a good reason to be proud of their city. Major infrastructure changes have transformed the city of Athens, including 120 kilometres of new, modern roads, 90 km of upgraded roads, 40 fly-over bridges, a 23.7 km Tram network, parking lots in central locations with contemporary management systems, modern train stations and a new, ultra-modern Traffic Management Centre, making the city easier to navigate and more enjoyable for even casual tourists. The new Athens state-of-the-art subway system spreads to 23 stations and serves approximately 500,000 commuters daily, with one of its striking features being the underground "station museums" displaying 5th century BC artefacts unearthed during excavations for the project. The new highways that divert traffic from the downtown have not only made the city¢s streets safer and the air cleaner, but they have made it easier to get in and out of town by car, bus or taxi. Landmark Syntagma Square is the largest and the most important square in Athens. It houses the monument of the Unknown Soldier, the Parliament and the most luxury hotels of the city. Not far from the capital there are many attractions that are ideal destinations for leisurely day trips. Choose to explore the 11th century Kaisariani Monastery, the battleground, tomb and museum at Marathon, the archaeological site of Ramnous and the splendid Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion rising over a stretch of coastline dotted with enchanting Greek luxury hotels. Or opt to indulge in the more elementary pleasures of enjoying good food and wine, updating your wardrobe, or generally pursuing la dolce vita. Nightlife in Athens does not end till the break of dawn. Spend time at one of the hip seaside clubs, pass the evening at an “ouzeri” in the old quarter of Plaka nibbling on small plates of delicacies under the Acropolis, or indulge in people watching while sipping coffee at the chic district of Kolonaki with its dozens of trendy café and boutiques. Wandering around the famous flea market of Monastiraki, an area littered with ancient ruins, will also prove absolutely delightful. South of Athens is Piraeus, the largest commercial port in Greece, with boat connections to all the Greek islands and major Mediterranean ports. Continuing along the coast from Piraeus, there are several fine marinas where the rich dock their impressive yachts, conveniently located only one hour from Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos”.

Gregarious, hospitable and relaxed, Athenians enjoy life to the full. As in any other major city, visitors will come across people from all walks of life, most of whom are very friendly and willing to offer assistance. Athens is a city of hedonists and consumers who are proud of their capacity to enjoy life. Late at night, people are out all over the city, and this is one of the first things that strike visitors. The excellent climate allows Athenians to indulge in their favourite pastime - socialising - outdoors nearly all year round. The city is replete with coffee shops and snack bars ranging from the very basic to the very chic. Athenians, like most Greeks, view dining out late in the evening as one of their main forms of entertainment. Literally thousands of traditional tavernas serving delicious, inexpensive food can be found throughout Athens and Attica. In addition, there are hundreds of restaurants serving a wide variety of international cuisine. And of course there is the ubiquitous Greek souvlaki! Visitors will be surprised and charmed by the energy with which Athenians engage in conversation about politics, football and, perhaps not unsurprisingly, philosophy. Cultural events including dance and theatre, recitals, concerts, international trade shows, conferences and symposia -many of which held in beautiful greek luxury hotels- public lectures, gallery exhibits, sports events and marathons, an integral part of life in this bustling cosmopolitan capital. Built in 161 BC, the Odeon of Herod Atticus at the foot of the Acropolis provides one of the most important open-air venues for staging the annual Athens Festival, featuring music concerts and dance troupes from around the world. Superb performances of ancient and modern drama are staged at the Herod Atticus Theatre. The National Theatre of Greece stages drama performances in modern Greek with English translations provided. Undoubtedly the pride and joy of the city's cultural life, the Athens Concert Hall comprises a modern theatre, concert and conference hall with spacious reception areas, exhibition space and a 500-seat recital hall. The Megaron Hall is a 2,000-seat auditorium hosting operatic, dance and drama performances almost daily. Perched high on its namesake hill in the centre of the city, the 4,000-seat open-air Lycabettus amphitheatre hosts a variety of concerts by contemporary jazz and pop artists, as well as chamber orchestras, mainly during the summer. In the past two decades sports in Greece went through a major revival with a large number of modern sports facilities constructed in and around the capital. For golf aficionados there is an 18-hole golf course at the affluent seaside suburb of Glyfada. The endless list of available sporting and leisure activities includes tennis, gliding, horse-riding, bird-watching, sailing, skin-diving, water-skiing, hiking, bowling.

Athens has been the choice of Professional Congress Organisers (PCO's) who have long ago been aware of the advantages involved in holding events in the Greek capital. Advanced infrastructures equipped with the latest technologies for meetings and congresses, air and land transport facilities, many greek luxury hotels --among the best in the world -- and a climate that is very attractive to congress-goers, are just a few of the factors that have made Athens a success in this area.

Pieria

Olympus Riviera
Travelling southwest on the National Highway from Thessaloniki to Athens, one will invariably cross the prefecture of Pieria. Stretching between the legendary Mt. Olympus and the Pierian Mountains in the west, and the emerald coastline of the Gulf of Thermaikos in the east, Pieria is the land of the nine Muses and the ancient Gods. During the Roman era, Pieria was a province with a limited historic role. The passing of Christianity through the region in 50-51 AD, when Apostle Paul visited on his way to Athens, was an event of great historical value.

During the early Christian years, the area experienced a significant development evidenced by the numerous Christian churches from that period, a testimonial of its transition from idolatry to Christianity.

Pieria is thickly forested with plane trees, pines, poplars and firs on Mt. Olympus. The low-lying coastal zone of the region comprises an extension of the Thessaloniki plain. Geological studies have proved that a large part of the fertile land around the Aliakmon River was once covered by sea that stretched all the way to Veria in the north.

The capital of the prefecture, Katerini, an agricultural and tobacco centre, is located between the Pieria plain and Mt. Olympus. Paralia, its port on the Gulf of Thermaikos, is one of the few landing places along a shore of dunes and saltpans, the largest ones in Greece.

Katerini is linked to Athens and other major Greek cities by railway and coach. Approximately 32 kilometres southwest of Katerini, the village of Aghios Dimitrios is built on a plateau amidst an abundance of cool springs and magnificent trees. From there, the road to "Stena tis Petras", the passage to Thessaly leading to the impressive Olympus Gorge, offers a unique experience. From the sea level to the east and towering over the plateau in the west, the peaks of Mt. Olympus rise at a height of almost 3000 metres. This sudden change in altitude has concentrated on the mountain an amazingly large variety of plants ranging from the typical Mediterranean species to the rare plants of the alpine zone.

The wildlife on Mt. Olympus includes a wide range of species, of which 32 are mammals and 108 birds. There are many mountain-climbing routes along well-marked paths throughout Mt. Olympus during the summer, while winter excursions should be organized with the assistance of local, experienced guides. In the Pierian Mountains there are two mountaineering shelters in operation, one at Ano Milia at an altitude of 1000 m and a second one in Saracatsana, Redina, at an altitude of 1650 m.

Just before the ascent to Mt. Olympus, amidst lush vegetation and merely 5 kilometres from the Pierian coastline, lie the ruins of the ancient city of Dion. The most crucial battle in antiquity between Greeks and Romans was destined to take place in Pieria, right at the city of Dion. On 22 June 168 BC, the Romans, under Consul Emilius Paulus defeated the Macedonians under King Perseus, which signalled the period of the Roman occupation in Greece.

Dion was the sacred city of the Macedonians, named after Dias (Zeus), the father of the gods of Olympus. It was here that King Phillip celebrated his victories and where Alexander the Great offered sacrifices to the gods before departing for his great expeditions.

Of its buildings, the most notable are the sanctuary of Demeter, two temples dating back to c.500 BC, the Asklepieion and the shrine dedicated to Isis with its idols still standing on their pedestals. Excavations have revealed a well-fortified city with a splendid layout; flagstone streets, public buildings, shops, workshops and houses, as well as an orchestra, stage and lower seats at Dion�s large theatre. Violent earthquakes in the 5th century AD brought a sudden end to the city�s prosperity.

Turning to the national highway from Dion and just 5 kilometres from the sea lies Litochoro, the entrance to Mt. Olympus, situated at 300m at the foot of the legendary mountain, south of the enchanting ravine of Enipeas. Its privileged location and excellent tourist infrastructure provide for unique mountain-sea vacations.

Colourful seafood taverns serve an excellent variety of fresh fish, while a large number of bars and discos playing both Greek and foreign music offer lively entertainment for the young at heart. The entire region of South Pieria is a unique combination of mountain and sea. Flat coastlines, narrowing at intervals, give the area a distinct countenance. Thick forests of chestnut trees and laurel woods reach the coast where their aroma mingles with the cool breezes from the sea. Along with nature, an abundance of hospitable taverns, hotels, campsites and rental rooms scattered through the region guarantee memorable vacations even for the most discerning traveller. Of particular interest are the communities of Leptokaria, an important trade centre, Skotina, with the beautiful Byzantine church of Aghios Athanassios, and the village of Panteleimon with its towering medieval castle, stone houses and winding cobblestone alleys. On a hill overlooking the sea is the Castle of Platamonas, one of the most impressive and important Byzantine castles in Greece. Situated in the southeast at the foot of Mt. Olympus, it dominates the road joining Macedonia with Thessalia, in commanding position over the Gulf of Thermaikos.

During the summer months, the castle is used to stage notable performances of the Festival of Olympus. The village of Platamonas is a well-known popular resort with natural cold-water springs and crystal clear sea, boasting an excellent tourist infrastructure.

A short drive away, travelling through 30 kilometres of woodland from the village of Panteleimon, begins the Valley of Tempi, an area of stunning natural beauty, where, according to a legend, pure water from the valley�s springs was made available by the Muses for the purification of Appolon after he slew the dragon Python.

Pieria is the place where the beauty of the natural landscape unites with the myths and the traditions of Greece, where the holy mountain unites with the emerald of the sea. It is the magical region at the foot of Mt. Olympus

ELATOHORI------------------- OLIMPOS

Halkidiki

The Culture and Nature Destination

A large peninsula culminating in three long slender fingers, Halkidiki boasts 550 kilometres of coastline and more Blue Flag honoured beaches than any other Greek province. The sun, vegetation and the sea reign jointly and in harmony, sharing justly their influence over this piece of land. The Aegean Sea, which laps upon the shores of all three fingers, Kassandra, Sithonia and Mount Athos, sends its spray and breeze across the geranium-filled courtyards, the stairways and wooden corridors, the streets and churches. The peninsula was inhabited approximately 700,000 years ago, as revealed by prehistoric era finds in the Petralona Cave. Neolithic settlements from the Copper Period were located in the west and central peninsula.

Halkidiki has a well-developed hotel infrastructure, with accommodation ranging from small, clean traditional lodgings to large, luxury hotel complexes. Its micro-climate with over 300 days of sunshine throughout the year offers visitors many opportunities to enjoy a favourite sport: golf, sailing, scuba diving, yachting, fishing, mountain climbing and trekking. Some of the beaches are bordered by well-organised resorts where all types of water-sports are available, while others are completely unspoilt apart from an odd, solitary taverna. The main body of Halkidiki has a ruggedly mountainous hinterland, bordering the beautiful lakes of Koronia and Volvi to the north, while its southern shores are fringed by fertile agricultural plains. Keen walkers and nature-lovers will be in their element here, for the area offers a wide range of different terrains to suit all levels of stamina and enthusiasm. Halkidiki makes an excellent base from which to visit Thessaloniki.

Located at a distance of 69 kilometres from Thessaloniki, Polygyros is the capital of Halkidiki, built amphitheatrically at the foot of Mt. Holomon. It has an archaeological museum exhibiting

sculptures and pottery from excavations in the surrounding area.

The westernmost finger of Halkidiki, the gentle Kassandra, is the most popular and populated of the three fingers. For the best part it is covered by pine forests, its plains are golden with cultivated fields, its rolling hills blessed with lush vegetation. Its white beaches and rocky, pine-studded promontories were the first to attract visitors, both Greeks and foreigners. Travellers will find here all the amenities, including hotels, traditional Greek taverns, discotheques, and facilities for water sports.

Nea Moudania is the first resort on the road from Thessaloniki to Kassandra, after entering the prefecture of Halkidiki. Hydrofoils sail from here to the Sporades islands in the summer. The next resort is Nea Potidea, where a bridge leads to its lively part with vivid beach bars and water-sport clubs. The place has a very casual ambiance, attracting mostly families and a fairly young crowd. Next on the road to the centre of Kassandra, Nea fokea is known for its Byzantine towers and the miniature underground church of St. Paul. Sani, Afitos, Kallithea and Haniotis are vacation resorts with extensive sandy beaches, hotels and tavernas. On the west coast of Kassandra facing the Aegean sea, there are a lot of beautiful deserted beaches before arriving at Kalandra and cape Possidi with its magnificent pine-lined coast.

Further to the north and turning inland is the lively village of Kassandria the capital of Kassandra with numerous tavernas, banks and taxi service. The cave at Petralona just outside Kassandra is the site where in 1960, the skull of a Paleolithic hominid was discovered. Its age was determined to be between 250,000 and 700,000 years old. It was subsequently determined as representing a missing link between Homo Erectus and Homo Sapiens.

Remains of what some scholars believe as the earliest known controlled use of fire were also found here. Adorned with stunning stalactites and stalagmites, the cave is sightseeing must. The bones of long extinct animals excavated from it are on display in the adjacent museum.

Sithonia, the middle finger of Halkidiki is lined with small, picture-perfect coves, long sandy beaches, thickly wooded stretches and tiny fishing villages. It is a symphony of green and blue. Pine forests cover many of its slopes, particularly in the south, giving way to olive groves on the coast. Sithonia boasts a wide range of accommodations, including one of the most impressive lush complexes in Halkidiki with an 18-hole golf course. Tennis courts and water sports are widely available, as well as horseback riding through its pine forests. Starting out from Nea Moudania, a paved road takes to Olynthos, an ancient Athenian colony. A little further up, Gerakini has a beautiful sandy beach, crystal clear waters and all the facilities of a modern tourist resort. A detour takes to Ormilia with its characteristic architecture and churches. Metamorfosi, ultra modern, as well as Nikitas, are the next villages with a fair number of tavernas and sandy beaches lined with pines. At 4 kilometres to the north is Aghios Nicholaos with its old houses made of wood and stone, Pirgadikia with its island look, Vourvourou and Ormos Panagias a picturesque hamlet with a tiny harbour.

The cosmopolitan Neos Marmaras on the west coast manages to successfully combine exciting nightlife with traditional beauty, contemporary pleasures and hospitality. On the southwest tip lies the mysterious enclosed harbour at Porto Koufo, called the "deaf" port because the sea is so still it makes no sound here. On the south side of Port Koufo, at the site of ancient Toroni, visitors can still see the ruins of the old fortifications dating back to antiquity and continually augmented until Byzantine times, as well as the ruins of early Christian basilicas.

Halkidiki's most spectacular landscape, however, must be Mount Athos, 2,000 metres high, the easternmost peninsula and also known as the Holy Mountain and the spiritual centre of Orthodox Christianity. The first monastic communities were established in Athos in the 9th century. Recognised by a 1926 Greek legislative decree, Agion Oros (The Holy Mountain) is a unique theocratic republic, sheltering 20 Byzantine monasteries. It is also a UNESCO monument of international cultural heritage and a real-life museum of Byzantine and post-Byzantine art. Mount Athos has its own capital, Karies; it is governed by a council of twenty monks elected every year by each of the monasteries. Its population has been strictly male since 1060 when a Byzantine edict issued by Emperor Constantinos Monomahos permanently banned females from Athos. However, the stunning scenery of Athos and the beautiful architecture of the monasteries can be admired from the sea. Regular boat trips depart throughout the summer from the harbour town of Ouranoupolis, and also from Ormos Panagias on Sithonia. Travel agents in these places also offer cruises along the coastline of the Holy Mountain so that both sexes can get a glimpse of its centuries-old monasteries.

Another popular pilgrimage on the east coast of Halkidiki is a trip to ancient Stageira, the birthplace of Aristotle. As for Olympiada, while formally an idyllic fishing village, it now attracts the tourist with its crystal clear and blue-flag awarded waters, the fresh fish served in its traditional taverns and its family style hotels.

Nea Roda at the narrowest point between Mount Athos and the main Halkidiki peninsula is also of historic interest. Here the Persian King Xerxes dug a channel to shorten the route for his fleet during his second attempt to invade Greece in 480 BC. For a change of pace, the route inland from the splendid sandy beaches of Ierissos to the traditional villages of Gomati and Megali Panagia travels through lush landscapes. The solitude found here could not be in greater contrast to the lively coastal scene.

There is frequent bus service connecting Halkidiki to Thessaloniki. Boat owners will find a very well equipped marina at Porto Carras in Sithonia, and also at Sani in Kassandra.