Already world-famous for its breathtaking caldera views and sunsets, its architecture, local products and cuisine, amazing hotels and still-beating volcanic heart, Santorini has also built a strong brand name in the international wine market. Its aged vines, some as old as 400, unharmed by phylloxera louse which couldn’t survive in the volcanic soil, trained in …
By the 8th and 7th centuries BC, when the written works of Hesiod and the Homeric bards began to appear, wine had thoroughly permeated Greek culture and become a ubiquitous feature – a dietary staple, preferable to water, drunk at any time of day or night, with or without food. Greeks had learned to cut …
Some of the most essential pleasures or comforts in life can be traced so far back in human history that they seem to disappear in the mists of time. The cultivation and consumption of grapes and their juice is a prime example. Nevertheless, as archaeologists in collaboration with paleobotanists, have further extended and refined their …
The olive has come to gain a predominant place in people’s lives. Since antiquity, this tree has inspired and been immortalized by the works of poets, prose writers and artists who have dedicated lines of poetry, hymns, thought and concern. Since antiquity the olive has left its mark. On ancient coins and on modern Greek …
“A bush of long-leafed olive was growing within the court, strong and vigorous, and girth it was like a pillar. Round about this I built my chamber” (Homer, Odyssey) Uniquely precious, a gift from the gods to the human kind, the Olive tree appears in the prehistoric times and reigns on the Mediterranean soil conducive …
One of the most exciting uses of Chios mastiha is that in the field of cosmetics. Beauty products based on the precious resin have gained in popularity in the recent years. Mastic is highly-coveted since antiquity because of its therapeutic and cosmetic properties, a claim that is supported by contemporary scientific research. Consequently, the interest …
The mastiha tree is an evergreen shrub, belongs to the Anacardiaceae family gender Pistacia lentiscus L and grows in the Mediterranean countries. However, the tree Pistacia Lentiscus Var. Chia is a special variety that grows exclusively in the Southern part of Chios and offers the precious mastiha tears, renowned for their medicinal properties. Chios mastiha …
During the Ottoman occupation plantation and production of mastiha trees was developed. Prior to the Chios massacre in 1822, production was stable but following the destruction it halted. After 1832 permission was granted for the expatriated Chians to return home. Upon repatriation villagers started plantation again and by 1840 production levels escalated to those prior …
The History of Mastic The mastic tree (Pistacia lentiscus), also called “skinos”, grows all over the Mediterranean. However, the tree Pistacia Lentiscus Var. Chia is a special variety that grows only in the Southern part of Chios and mentions can be dated back to antiquity. Some of the oldest references for mastic are credited to …
Chios is the fifth largest of the Greek islands situated in the North Aegean region. It is at the crossroads of West and East. From the magnificent mountains of the North to the protected valleys of the South, from the pristine shores of the West to the cosmopolitan resorts of the East, Chios arises from …
Despite being connected to the mainland with a causeway which practically makes it the only Greek island that can be accessed by car, Lefkada is still amazingly unaltered by tourism. The island is world renowned for its verdant landscapes and its abundant beaches, each of them adding to the all-pervading white sand and turquoise green …
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC) is the most emblematic development that took place in Athens in the past decade. It is an enthralling cultural landmark that houses the Greek National Opera and the Greek National Library in a 210.000m² park. This outstanding architectural feat was sponsored by Stavros Niarchos Foundation and designed by the …
Patmos is an island blessed with unrivaled beauty, an iconic destination worldwide known as the sacred place where St. John the Theologian wrote the Book of Revelations. Designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999, Patmos is home to rich cultural tradition. One of the emblematic museums of the island is the Simantiri Mansion, …
Europe’s finest travel brands have been unveiled at World Travel Awards (WTA) Europe Gala Ceremony 2018 in Athens, Greece. Hundreds of the leading figures of Europe’s travel and tourism industry attended the ceremony at a red carpet gala, which was staged at the historic Zappeion Megaron Hall. Graham Cooke, Founder & President, World Travel Awards, said: “What an …
Are you an art enthusiast visiting Syros? Then be prepared to be introduced to a one of a kind interactive art experience that takes place in July in Ermoupoli, the island’s capital. The Eye’s Walk Digital Festival is an innovative concept where digital technology, video installation and performing art go hand in hand with the …
The ultimate Santorini event you should not miss! The ultimate Santorini sports experience comes in one of the most significant touristic destinations in the world, in Santorini on Oct 6 – 8 2017! Santorini Municipality, Municipal Sports Cultural & Environmental Organization in Santorini (DAPPOS) and the award-winning Group of Active Media co-organize “Santorini Experience” which …
The International Alexander the Great Marathon is the second best marathon race in Greece after the Athens Classic Marathon. The Marathon route is of low difficulty. Its main characteristics are the small altitude fluctuations and the long straight street that make it ideal for great records. Some other characteristic features are its constant east direction, …
Kinsterna ;one of the most beautiful hotels experience in Greece! A 13th century manor house in the hills near Monemvasia turned into a luxurious spa hotel with a great swimming pool and a restaurant serving refined Greek cuisine. The manor is situated amongst a seaside estate covered in olive and citrus groves as well as …
AMORGOS BEACH GUIDE Amorgos is a charming island in the Cyclades, Greece, offering mostly secluded, private beaches like Mourou beach, Plakes, Kambi or Levrossos beach, which are certainly considered to be among the best beaches in Amorgos. Of course there are also popular and busy organized beaches like Katapola beach or Aegiali beach, which are …
Astypalaia island has an abundant of beaches to suit all kinds; from organized ones with deck chairs, to completely remote beaches, which are not even on the map! Astypalaia is surrounded by numerous beaches which are scattered all around the island! The natural configuration of the coasts is rich, having provided the island with many …
