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Hunt Valley Mediterranean Greek Festival, June 22-24, St. Mary’s Church, 909 W. Shawan Road.

Featuring Middle Eastern and Greek food and desserts, Greek wines, folk dancing, ethnic groceries and more. June 22, 5-11 p.m., June 23, 11 a.m.-11 p.m., June 24, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

For more info call Michael Tsakalos, 443-695-2636.

Pano Lahania is quite simply a ‘one-off’ development on the Greek Island of Rhodes.

It has been designed and is being built in the traditional Greek style, with dense walls, beamed ceilings, arches and painted in the familiar colours that symbolise the Greek’s ‘joie de vive’. There is no other development of this nature being constructed on the island, aptly given by Zeus to Helios, the Sun God.

Being constructed by Cybarco Real Estate Development S.A, one of the major construction companies of Cyprus and with local offices in Greece, Pano Lahania has been designed to form an inseparable part of the old village, with the purpose of combining the traditional element with the conveniences of modern buildings. The town-plan, along with the streets’ layout corresponds to that of an old Rhodian village.

The 54 residences, apartments, maisonettes and villas, are scattered around a public square, thus creating a focus for village living. In addition, a centrally located convenience store will cater for the residents’ everyday needs. The architectural features were drawn from the beautiful neighbouring, properties of old Lahania, which has inspired numerous European writers and artists to take up residence. Each of the 54 properties is autonomous and has a unique design, whilst following the highest aesthetic standards.

The new residences couldn’t have been designed without the famous ‘votsalota’, the pebble stoned decorations of pavements that adorn both interior and exterior spaces of most old Rhodian homes. The high walls, elaborate chimneys, imposing gates and external stairways stress the houses’ traditional character, creating a stunning aesthetic whole.

Each villa has a large, private swimming pool and an extensive outside area, literally a pre-requisite of Mediterranean outdoor living. Covered parking is also inclusive. Respecting the environment, the region’s architectural tradition and the needs of modern man, Pano Lahania suggests an alternative proposal for those wishing to follow a traditional way of living in the environment of an Aegean village with all the amenities that a modern residence has to offer. Phase one of the development: Twelve, 2 and 3 bed properties are currently under construction, at the price range €167,000 – 286,000.

Lahania, a traditional settlement in south-eastern Rhodes, is an hour’s drive from the airport and 5 minutes from some of the island’s most beautiful beaches. The southern part of the island has remained untouched by the effects of tourist development. It is the most sparsely populated area of Rhodes and is covered by grasslands and woods. Idyllic beaches with crystal clear waters and scattered traditional villages make up the area’s unique character.

Of note are the neighbouring areas of Plimmiri and Prasonisi. Plimmiri beach, 4.5km, is arguably one of the best on the island. A natural bay and an area of ecological importance, Plimmiri is re-knowned as one of the breeding grounds of the marine turtle Caretta-Caretta. Prasonisi on the other hand is quite simply surfers’ paradise, ideal for enthusiasts as well as anyone with even a limited interest in water-sports. Both areas offer a full range of facilities. The nearby Apolakia Dam is an area of outstanding beauty and a wildlife haven.

For further information visit > www.cybarco.com

Gyros and more await celebrants this weekend at Greek Festival hosted by St. Nectarios Greek Orthodox Church at Palatine and Roselle roads in Palatine.

Amid the Greek dancing and music you’ll find beef and chicken souvlakia (kebabs) loukaniko (sausage), pastitsio (a lasagna-like dish), tiropita and spanakopita (cheese and spinach-stuffed phyllo), saganaki (flaming cheese), and all sorts of pastries, like baklava and loukoumades (deep fried and drizzled with honey). I’m getting dizzy just thinking about it all.

The festival, open 4 p.m. to midnight Friday and 3 p.m. to midnight Saturday and Sunday, will also serve Greek beer and wine at the taverna. Admission is $2; free parking and shuttle from Harper College (Roselle and Algonquin roads) and Marion Jordan School (Palatine Road and Harrison Avenue).

Those just wanting the taste of Greece without the crowds can opt for drive-though service at the Roselle Road entrance. Organizers say it takes about 5 minutes to place and collect an order.

Cyprus is a dreamed holiday for everyone! > Plan your holidays in Cyprus and enjoy an island in the east of the Mediterranean Sea that offers a holiday experience not to be forgotten!

With a dry sunny climate and surrounded by clear blue water, it is easy to see why Cyprus holidays have become so popular with tourists. The impressive modern hotels of the coastal resorts take nothing from the beauty of the Arcadian ruins and historic monasteries and castles that lie beyond them, just waiting to be explored.

Legend has it that Cyprus was where the Greek goddess of love Aphrodite rose from the sea, a romantic notion not lost on the many honeymooning couples that visit this enchanting place each year. Families and groups of friends enjoy holidays to Cyprus in equal measure. Holidays to Paphos and Limassol are perfect for families and couples alike, whilst Ayia Napa holidays attract a big party crowd.

The costal regions are where most people spend their time in Cyprus, and little wonder with the glorious beaches and fantastic Cyprus weather coupled with the amenities of the resort hotels. But further inland a holiday to Cyprus has just as much to offer. In the capital Nicosia, also called Lefkosia, you can capture an authentic taste of Cyprus and mingle with the friendly Cypriot locals. Visit the old wine producing villages and traverse the cosy winding streets or explore the Greek Orthodox churches nestled in the hills, with impressive Byzantine frescoes on their grand walls.

Cyprus is a truly remarkable island and a Cyprus holiday is diverse enough to cater for anyone seeking relaxing beaches and cultural excursions, especially in popular towns such as Paphos and Limassol. Cyprus holidays can also promise lively bars and vibrant nightlife in the clubbing Mecca of Ayia Napa.

The warm seas and excellent beaches around Ayia Napa are a big attraction of many Cyprus holidays and you can find elements of the island’s history and culture in the area. However, most Ayia Napa holidays are aimed at enjoying the lively party atmosphere of the numerous bars and clubs that are scattered throughout the town. Thousands of revellers descend upon Ayia Napa every year for the sun, sea, sand and nightlife.

Another attraction of Ayia Napa is the fantastic opportunities for shopping at discount prices for designer clothes and jewellery, electrical goods and local handicrafts. From the numerous blue flag beaches there’s ample opportunity to enjoy the warmth of the Mediterranean Sea with waterskiing, diving, snorkelling, windsurfing and more, all available to help you make the most of your Cyprus holiday. Cyprus is the perfect place for your holiday!

The resort of Ayia Napa is in the southeast of Cyprus, the third largest island in the Mediterranean. Ayia Napa holidays are known to have one of the most vibrant party atmospheres in the Med, thanks to a fantastic array of nightlife, with nightclubs attracting top international DJ’s and a seemingly endless choice of venues. But there is much more to holidays in Ayia Napa than bars, discos and busy nightclubs.

The soft golden sand of Ayia Napa’s main beach, known as Grecian Bay, is washed by warm turquoise water and there are plenty of water sports available if you prefer to keep busy rather than simply stretch out on the sand. In addition to the beach at Ayia Napa there are numerous other beaches to choose from along the coast including some nice secluded coves.

The attractive old quarter of Ayia Napa town features narrow cobbled streets and little shops where you can pick up a few souvenirs such as traditional leather goods, pottery or lace. Much like the bar scene, Ayia Napa give you plenty of restaurants to choose from, serving all kinds of tasty dishes. In addition to the Greek cuisine you will find a whole host of international food on offer.

Although Ayia Napa holidays have a reputation for attracting younger crowds, there is plenty of choice for everyone. Couples and families can also enjoy quieter areas of Ayia Napa such as Nissi beach and there are all kinds of things to keep everyone entertained including a golf driving range, bowling, karting, mini-golf and a water park.

Paphos is a city on the southwest coast of Cyprus. The origins of Paphos date back well over 3000 years and the town is built on the site where it is said that the Greek Goddess Aphrodite was born. Just 9 miles from the nearest airport, Paphos holidays are becoming increasingly popular as the resort gradually expands around the picturesque mediaeval port. There are more and more luxury hotels and first class apartments springing up in Paphos to provide accommodation for the increasing number of visitors that come to enjoy the lively seafront atmosphere of holidays in Paphos.

Paphos has plenty of bars, discos and traditional tavernas to enjoy and some charming cafés. Further inland the town slopes up a hill where you can stroll through its narrow lanes to browse the boutiques and craft shops. There are a number of beaches around Paphos and a series of rocky coves. About 5 miles north of Paphos, Coral Bay is a very popular sandy beach and there is a bus service to get you there.

A Paphos holiday will have no shortage of water sports available including scuba diving, jet skiing, snorkeling and parasailing. Children of all ages can enjoy the water park nearby. Holidays in Paphos can also offer some extraordinary places of cultural heritage. Just a mile north of the town ‘The Tomb of the Kings’ is the final resting place of a group of aristocrats that lived in Paphos in Biblical times and features Doric pillars carved out of the solid rock and remarkable frescoed walls. With a vibrant nightlife and lots of things to see and do Paphos holidays have a great deal to offer for families and couples alike.

For more information visit > Cyprus Tourism Organisation > www.visitcyprus.org.cy

An elegant village complex has just been released in the South east coast of Cyprus by ELIAN Developers.

Eleni Gardens is a superb development of 47 self-contained, detached villas located in Ayia Triada only 10 minutes walk away from the quiet local beach. Currently on sale as an off-plan development, the first property investors’ benefit from a 15% discounted price of the actual market rate. Just over a month after its launch Eleni Gardens has less than half its properties available for sale.

Property investors looking to purchase in Cyprus will be very pleased to know that an elegant village complex has just been released by the well known company of ELIAN Developers. Following the recent sales success of Athina Gardens village, ELIAN Developers decided to build a similar project in the adjacent land. With new architectural details added to improve the features and attractiveness of each villa, Eleni Gardens was created.

Within blooming fields of olive and orange trees in the Ayia Triada countryside, Eleni Gardens will be settled with 47, two storey high, detached villas. Comprising 2 or 3 bedrooms, clean lines with a contemporary outlook and traditional finishing details, these properties will blend seamlessly within the surrounding area.

Designed to please, the development incorporates colourful buildings enhancing the Mediterranean appeal, bright open spaces in each property including private gardens and swimming pool ideal to relax and enjoy the life alfresco.

A discerning use of high quality finishing features creates a distinctive ambience ideal for a holiday home: fully fitted kitchen and bathrooms inclusive of a shower spa; Italian ceramic flooring and marble staircase; built in wardrobes lined with shelves in all bedrooms; air conditioning units in all rooms and double glazed wide windows throughout ensure that the natural sunlight is brought indoors to create a welcoming atmosphere.

The peaceful surroundings offer a variety of all necessary amenities from supermarkets to traditional tavernas and residents can reach the secluded beach and crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea within a short 10 minute walk. The more energetic can enjoy the various activities in the local area from water sports to boat trips along the Famagusta coastline or take a visit to the lively neighbour towns of Protaras and Ayia Napa, the historical Paralimni or the breathtaking area of Cape Greco.

Currently on sale as an off-plan development, the first property investors’ benefit from a 15% discounted price of the actual market rate. Just over a month after its launch Eleni Gardens has now less than half its properties available for sale, proving its incredible success in such a short period of time. Prices start from as little as CYP152,900. 

More information can be obtained by visiting > www.eliandevelopers.com

The Olympus development nestles on the high hills above Paphos, next to the traditional village of Tsada.

The homes there have been carefully sited so residents enjoy panoramic views of the sea and the Mediterranean countryside. These luxury properties are elevated from summer humidity, offering the benefits of a healthy climate and refreshing mountain breezes. Villas dot the landscape, offering open living spaces and large private patios with landscaped gardens.

Olympus Village offers custom-built three, four, and five-bedroom villas, with optional private pools and the luxury of underground telephone and electricity cabling.

For further information and the free Guide to Living In Cyprus call Leptos Estates’ office in London on 020 8883 2333.

For further information visit > www.leptosestates.com

Leptos Estates offer eco-friendly ways for overseas investors to buy into the Greek property market

Proudly Cypriot property developers Leptos Estates have been building on the sun-filled island for 47 years, and haven’t been backward in looking to the Ancient Greeks for inspiration as to how to make their developments more energy efficient and kinder to the environment.

Underfloor heating was originally perfected by the Romans and the Greeks, and the modern version is just one of the eco-friendly features in Leptos Estates’ new homes, alongside passive solar heating, making them attractive to buyers with green fingers on their chequebooks.

“Underfloor heating is around 30% cheaper to run than traditional heating systems, and in the warm Mediterranean climate of Cyprus, effectively heats the largest homes without the need for back-up radiators,” explains Leptos Estates’ Marketing Director, Pantelis Leptos. “At planning stages of all our developments we assess the ecological impact and look at what steps we can take to reduce the carbon footprint of our homes. With changes in materials, and legislation, this is always an ongoing process and there have been major steps forward in our industry in the last year alone.”

Leptos Estates’ commitment to ecological issues doesn’t just relate to their profit margin, however, as the company has just announced that they’re going to plant one million trees during their own Green Festival Celebration, which is slated to take place in Yeroskipou, Paphos. Indeed, the company has already planted a million trees in Paphos, and employs over 35 dedicated horticulturists. Cripes, they’ve even published their own guide to flora and fauna, entitled the Wild Flowers of Kamares and Agios Neophytos!

For further information about Leptos Estates’ properties visit > www.leptosestates.com