Greek self-catering holidays galore October 16, 2006
Posted by grhomeboy in Greece Islands, Greece Islands Aegean, Greece Islands Ionian, Greece Mainland.comments closed
Greece is regarded as where civilisation began, and its depth of ancient history is married with an array of islands, ranging from the tranquil to the lively.
If you have got your two weeks abroad pencilled-in, but are undecided where to go, then why not grab the opportunity to get away to Greece and its islands?
There are many great value Greek holidays available, which include flights and self-catering accommodation, based at a variety of coastal locations.
Kalives on the north-west coast of Crete remains largely unspoilt and has excellent sandy beaches, good places to swim and beautiful rolling countryside. The spacious Afrodite Apartments have a good-sized pool and are located just three minutes’ walk from the beach.
Alternatively, if you want to experience the more tranquil and rural side of Crete, you could stay in Gerani at the modern Ilios Apartments, located 14 kilometres west of Chania, the second largest city on the island.
Gerani is a relatively undeveloped area, with a wide sand and shingle beach and lots of greenery. A selection of shops and tavernas are only five-minutes walk away from the apartments, which also have a swimming pool.
If you prefer staying somewhere more remote, the small, leafy and picturesque island of Skiathos has apartments that are within a short walk of three sandy beaches. The comfortable Magdalena Studios are located in rural surroundings and have free access to the swimming pool next door.
The busier village of Tolon is ideal for first time visitors to Greece with its long sandy beach, cafés, restaurants and fascinating past. The Viaros Apartments occupy an elevated, quiet position with spectacular views of the village and sea, yet are just a three-minute walk from the bustling waterfront.
There are lots of things to do at Tolon, including watersports and cruises to the surrounding bays and small islands.
If you are looking for an opportunity to explore Greece’s classical past, then Mycenae, Argos, Tyrins and Corinth are all within reach.
Corfu might be best known as a busy tourist-filled holiday destination, however Maltas in the south-west is just about as far as you can get from the island’s mass market image. Five minutes away from one of the longest beaches on the island, Tasia Studios also have a pretty garden and country views.
Get active in Lemnos October 16, 2006
Posted by grhomeboy in Greece Islands Aegean.comments closed
Visitors to Lemnos, Greece, can partake in mountain biking, water-skiing and yoga
Lemnos offers many opportunites for a relaxed and pleasant stay. The beautiful sandy beaches, traditional villages and a variety of attractions will charm every visitor. Taste the local cuisine at a traditional taverna near the sea or in a picturesque village square. Take a stroll through the alleys,visit the local shops and watch the superb sunset on the west coast. Mix wth the locals in a folk festival or enjoy yourself at a night club. During the day the heart of Myrina town beats around the pedestrian market street with its traditional shops.
It is worth seeing the Archelogical Museum with significant finds from the Neolithical Age to the Roman years and the Ecclesiastical Museum,which is housed in the Bishop’s Mansion.
Lemnos offers warm waters and reliable winds, which makes them an ideal playground for the growing numbers of people seeking an active element from their week in the sun.
At the Porto Myrina Palace Hotel in Lemnos, many differenent styles of activity holidays are on offer.
Porto Myrina Palace presents a unique combination of ancient and modern times. The breathtaking views of the sacred Mount Athos and the unforgettable sunset as well as the enchanting Aegean landscape promise a memorable dream to the guests. Porto Myrina’s stylishly decorated rooms, suites and bungalows, which surround the 4th century temple of Artemis, the Goddess of the hunt, can accommodate up to 308 guests. The luxurious Porto Myrina Palace is situated in the tranquil bay of Avlon in the relatively undiscovered island of Lemnos in the Northeast Aegean Sea. Relish the outdoor Olympic size sea water swimming pool, the private beach and a wide of variety sports activities!
Recreation at the hotel includes 2 floodlit tennis courts, volleyball, basketball courts and water-skiing, sailing, windsurfing, tube ski, pedaloes, and canoes with instructors are available. A flexible mix of water and land based activities including yoga are on offer, but the emphasis is on activity ‘on your own terms’.
Porto Myrina Palace Hotel
814 00 Myrina, Lemnos
Phone: 22540 24805, 22540 24806
Fax: 22540 24858
Archaeological sites to get electronic ticket system October 16, 2006
Posted by grhomeboy in Archaeology Greece.comments closed
KAS wants to keep out ticket dodgers
Electronic ticket machines at the Nation’s archaeological sites are on their way in
Following the approval of the Central Archaeological Council (KAS), the machines will be installed at 17 archaeological sites and 12 museums across the country.
Many other works must be completed before the system can be comprehensively implemented. For instance, booths must be constructed to house the machines and staff must be trained, among other things.
So for now, the system will be applied on an experimental basis as of next summer in Lindos, the National Archaeological Museum and at Delphi.
The museums and sites selected (based on the number of visitors) are the Acropolis, the Ancient Agora, the Roman Forum, Hadrian’s Library, the Kerameikos Cemetery, Ancient Olympia, the National Archaeological and the Byzantine Museums in Athens, the ancient cities of Knossos and Phaestos on Crete, as well as the Museums of Iraklion and Hania, Mycenae, Epidaurus and Delphi, Thessaloniki’s Museum of Byzantine Culture and Archaeological Museum, Lindos and the Great Magician’s Palace in Rhodes, the Asclepeion in Kos and Santorini’s Akrotiri and the Museum of Prehistoric Thera.
KAS leaders said the machines are also intended to keep out those visitors who want to enter without purchasing tickets.
English Bach Festival to stage ‘Platee’ in Athens October 16, 2006
Posted by grhomeboy in Arts Events Greece.comments closed
It’s a story about mortals and gods, a performance featuring singing, dancing, Baroque instruments and costumes. The Athens Concert Hall welcomes a grandiose production tonight and tomorrow at its Alexandra Trianti Hall, as the English Bach Festival stages “Platee”, an opera-ballet by Jean-Philippe Rameau.
Originally staged at Versailles in March 1745, ”Platee” is considered one of the French composer’s top works.
The subject matter of “Platee” comes from ancient Greek mythology and its storyline from Pausanias. The ballet-opera pokes fun at both mortals and immortals, pivoting on the tale of how Platee, or Zeus, managed to sooth his wife Hera’s jealousy. The comedy element of the central character is further enhanced as the role was written for a man dressed as a woman.
Participating in the performance are singers, dancers and the English Bach Festival baroque orchestra. The production is directed by Alain Germain, with sets executed by Peter Rice (based on an original 1749 design) and choreography by Christopher Tudor. The English Bach Festival’s baroque orchestra will be conducted by Jean-Claude Malgoire.
The English Bach Festival’s principal aim is a revival of 18th century music and rendering the period’s spirit. In 1983, on the occasion of 300 years since the birth of the French composer, the Festival was part of the celebratory events and presented “Platee” in Versailles.
At the Athens Concert Hall (Megaron), 1 Kokkali Street & Vasilissis Sofias Avenue, tel 210 7282333.
The benefits of ballet October 16, 2006
Posted by grhomeboy in Ballet Dance Opera, Health & Fitness.comments closed
Proceeds of Bolshoi shows this month to go to mental health research
The proceeds from four performances by emerging Russian dancers from the distinguished Bolshoi Ballet Academy will benefit the University Research Institute for Mental Health, it was announced earlier this week.
At the news conference announcing the upcoming performances for October 27-30, several mental health experts discussed the main issues in mental health and tied in the Bolshoi Academy’s work with the idea of dancing as “therapy.”
Professor K.N. Stefanis, the institute’s director, talked about “Mental Health: A Global Need in the Modern World.” Marina Economou, who specializes in combating the stigma attached to mental illness, spoke on the “Taboo of Mental Illness.” And psychiatrist-drama therapist Lambros Giotis discussed “Art as a Place and Way for Destigmatization.”
Also in attendance, Zoe Paneriti, a dance instructor-therapist, commented on the “perception of limits and coordination offered by the art of classical dance to the dancer, actor, and every individual that attempts expression through dance.”
Also known as the Moscow State Dance Academy, the Bolshoi academy is one of the world’s longest-running dance academies.
The repertoire to be presented by the academy’s young male and female dancers will include excerpts from “The Nutcracker” and “Swan Lake”.
Aphrodite Hills > A hot spot in Cyprus October 16, 2006
Posted by grhomeboy in Cyprus Paphos.comments closed
Overlooking the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, at the mythical birthplace of the goddess Aphrodite, this stunning resort in Cyprus draws together Byzantine and Arabic designs in its elegant architecture and cool marble interiors. Nestled amid green fairways above a rocky coastline, it’s the perfect spot for some winter sunshine.
Contemporary rooms with traditional touches like handcrafted wooden cabinets and locally woven linen bedspreads. Suites have private balcony whirlpools or plunge pools on the terrace.
Have a cocktail at the Sunset Bar before choosing between the Mediterranean menu at Mesogios, with its signature grilled fish dishes, and the Asian fusion food at Leander.
Breathtaking 18-hole championship golf course, dotted with olive trees, with some tough drives over deep ravines. There’s also a tennis academy, horseback riding and hiking trails. The traditional Retreat Spa offers steam bath, loofah scrub and full-body soap massage on a marble plinth.
Warm Cypriot hospitality, which is a tradition for Cyprus, plus eager-to-please enthusiasm.
For additional information > www.aphroditehills.com
“Hall of Culture” to back shelf museum and theatre plans October 16, 2006
Posted by grhomeboy in Architecture Greece, Stage & Theater.comments closed
The Cyprus Government plans to construct a mammoth cultural centre by 2010 have put paid to earlier plans for a new archaeological museum and theatre.
The decision to set up the ‘Hall of Culture’ is said to have struck a significant blow to officials of Antiquities Department and the Cyprus Theatre Organisation (THOC). Indeed, THOC had launched a competition in December 2002 for architects to submit designs for the new theatre.
Last Thursday, the chairman of the Cultural Foundation of Cyprus Kikis Lazarides announced the launching of the procedure for Cyprus to obtain a Hall of Culture, which he said needed to be set as soon as possible so as to meet the “needs and worthiness of the island’s history”.
According to sources of Politis newspaper, the government decision to scrap the highly publicised plans stem from several key factors.
Firstly, there appears to be huge delay in deciding what artifacts to exhibit at the Museum with many items either stored in the basement of the current Museum whilst remarkably, some items are believed to have already been sent to the old hospital where they are currently being stored in containers. Secondly, there appeared to be long standing disagreements as to how the new Museum would function.
Construction plans to build the new theatre, where the old GSP Stadium is currently situated, have also hit brick walls mainly because of lack of funds. Previously, Education Minister Pefkios Georgiades had stated that new theatre plans were still in discussion because smaller theatres had already been built at the Municipalities of Nicosia, Strovolos and Latsia.
Construction of the new project is expected to be finished by 2010 at an estimated budget of around £57.5million.
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