Islands near Lefkada

Small green strips of land in the shadows conceal their famous stories, personal memories. Meganissi, Madouri, Scorpion, Skorpidi, Sparta, Thilia, Kalamos, Kastos are only some of the islands of Lefkada. Although the sea «plays» between islands and mainland all share stories of personal, humble and glorious moments.

Meganissi

Most of the cluster of islands Tilevoidon, 4n.m. from the southeast coast of Lefkada hides three beautiful traditional villages. Vathy, Katomeri and Spartochori, hosting approximately 1000 residents. Vathy has a daily connection to Nidri Lefkada and apart from the small harbor with fishing boats and restaurants, it can walk inside the door that separates their homes.

At the edge of the village church is St. Vissarionas. From here begins the road to the beach Fanari in Atheri Bay, the port of Katomeri other settlement. The Spartochori with the best view over the harbor Spilia.
On the west side of the island St. John, a church next to the sweetest homonymous beach with olive groves. More on the way to meet the Spartochori. Katomeri rural village with olive groves and vineyards, has stone houses, the last century ..

St. John, the Spilia the Pasoumaki the Ampelakia the Fanari, the Lighthouse, the Limonari the Olive, the Loutrolimni and Bereta are among the most famous beaches. From churches stands the small monastery of Agios Ioannis Prodromos built on the west coast, from 1477, according to tradition. On the narrow strip of land in the southern part of the island, 9km easy path leads to the famous Cave of Papanikoli a sea cave in the southwestern tip of the island in depth about thirty meters and sand at the inside.

Tradition says it was one of the cache of the submarine to Papanikoli do not identify. Also noteworthy are the caves and cave Giovanis, cave Diabolos. The island is equipped with tourist villas, boarding houses and taverns in the northern part of the island.

Kalamos

Several miles south of most other islands of Lefkada, Kalamos lies with the Kastos Echinos islands, deserted island in a cluster starting from the beech near the lagoon Etoliko. Island resident all year and is the second largest island of Prigkiponison. Cars do not move, restaurants, rooms make you asking what they are and free camping are accepted.

The few square kilometers are in a unique decoration, with arbutus laurels, olives predominant dense, live, from the pine forests rarely. Inside are four settlements. The only road leading to the Diocese, the second settlement. A few houses and a small harbor.

Near the village of Castle with «Kastromonastiro» with unique segments of the remnants of tall stone walls with the beautiful interior arches, which are external battlements. It is said that the castle is buried the mother of the great fighter of 1821, George Karaiskaki. The trail makes a tour around the island leads to the cape Kefali in southernmost tip.

Kastos

Shadows of olive groves, close relationship with the mainland, with access by boat from Mytikas Etoloakarnania and all the other waiting to see a sea gull. The Kastos the most «landlubber» from the cluster of islands in the low hills of the roots of thousands of olive trees. Ampelakia, Seaweed, Valia, Valley, St Emilianos Fokotrypa to a cave deep in the sand and 30metron home, Lake, furnaces, the beaches of the tirade.

Kastos The village is built around the harbor with houses hosting the few inhabitants. For the large church of Agios Ioannis Prodromos 19th century frescoes in the great vaults of painter Spiridon Gazi.

Four kilometers from the village church of St. Emilianos and perennial Kalikerimiou of olive grove. The only natural bay on the west side of Kastos is Sarakiniko is safe anchorage. Info will stay in the community take Kastos 26460 91484.

Parga - Syvota Photos

From my one week summer holiays I present you some of the most wonerful greek beaches

Parga - Valtos Beach





Syvota - Bella Vraka Beach





Syvota - Mikri Ammos Beach





Parga to Syvota - Sarakiniko Beach

PATMOS: The LIFE AWAY FROM THE BEACHES ...

Patmos, in addition to the strong cultural - and religious tradition and attractive beaches, one encounters a variety of culinary options, a series of beautifully landscaped areas for coffee and dinner drink and very high standards hotels.

In town, walking in the picturesque lanes, you will discover the Astoivi, Loza and the Balcony of Jimmy.

In Scala, the choice of visitors is growing. Enjoy your meal in Vengera and Bennett. Alternatively, there is a traditional tavern Chiliomodi. For desert, ice cream Stelios will surprise you and during the afternoon, it is worth visiting the Cafe Aman.

Among the many hotels on the island, occupy a prominent position the Nine Muses, the Porto Scoutari, the Stone and Skala Hotel.

Suggestions for food and fun

Chora

- Astoivi: Casino Intrigue. The couples will love it. The companies will find a corner to chat. The drinks are genuine sense, the service friendly and prompt and prices reasonable. Illustration, for a cocktail required 8 to 10 euro. By difference, the most small shop at the other «religious» Country.

- Loza: stylish bar - restaurant. More expensive but much quality food. The pastas valued by 8 euro and salads from 6 to 10 euros.

- The Balcony of Jimmy: tavern with the incomparable advantage of the view. From there, look around the central and northern part of Patmos. Prices are good and the service. Typically, a pork chop costs 7 euros. Perhaps the only disadvantage of "Jimmy" is the limited variety.

Scala
- Stelios: Traditional handmade ice cream. Not suitable for diabetics and generally prone to sugar. No responsibility by the ultra-addictive them. Apart from chavale, the man simply knows too well the art of ice cream. The prices are equally attractive to the tastes of the ice cream. Three long balls to giant screw cost 3.5 euro.

- Coffee Amman: Located near the port of Skala. Hangout with oriental atmosphere, ideal for coffee, light lunch and endless relaxation.

- Vengera: We find in Skala. It is awarded Gold Berets. The local chefs are excited and loves to be the culinary imagination of customers. The prices - as in any gourmet restaurant that respects itself - could not be friendly. However, it is undoubtedly the time to try because the experience is simply unique.

- Benetos: Most quality restaurant of Patmos. We meet on the road from Skala to Groiko. Delivery years in the island, the Matthew Benetos will certainly satisfy the most demanding customer. Menu for all tastes and for reasonable prices. The view from the veranda blocking you

Proposals to stay in Patmos

Nine Muses: Luxury and comfort meet delivery. Rooms with island style and specificity. The combination is ideal for those who want separate vacation away from noise and bustle. It is built in Pilafi area, a short distance from Hora and Skala. The breakfast - which includes the customer's selections - served in a raised area overlooking the bay below the monastery of St. Nektarios at the swimming pool. For two people, accommodation costs 100 euros low season and the high cost does not exceed EUR 220.

Porto Scoutari: High class hotel, ideal for families and couples seeking tranquility. Located in the Meloi. The double room costs from 120 euros low season up to 240 euro high.

Stone: High style building, with particular emphasis on traditional style. Plant a variety of amenities and space. It is just 70 meters from the beach Groikou. The low season, a double room "touch" the 110 euro. The amount comes to EUR 150 during high season.

Skala Hotel: A good hotel with many amenities and "charming" rooms. Built in Skala, exactly in the center of the island provides visitors with easy access throughout Patmos. For two people, a room costs from 80 to 125 euro depending on the season.

source in greek: http://walking-greece.ana-mpa.gr/articleview2.php?id=6642

PAXOI: The "nest" of the Ionian

Islands created to accommodate the love of Poseidon with Amfitriti, Paxos is emerging as the oasis in the turquoise waters of the Ionian. The Paxos is an island full of colors and images. It is for those seeking a different holiday resort and is definitely a place that calm the soul of the visitor.

The silver beaches and forested hills creates a sense of release from the noise of a city. It is a place that many dream and reality become one! Belonging to the administrative prefecture of Corfu and the trident as a symbol and its name comes from the Phoenician word «PAKS», which means geometric «trapezoid» ie island trapezoid shape.

The entire province has a population of just 2,253 residents, which guarantees the peaceful and extremely friendly visitor growth of both tourism and the almost virgin nature that encompasses all parts of the island.

The history ...

The island has had a checkered history. The same also happened in the Ionian Islands in general. The Paxos held by the Venetians for 411 years and the successor to French Democrat.

In 1800 found under the sovereignty of Turkey and the protection of Russia within the «Ionian Islands Republic». In 1814 the Paxos found under English protection, and comes in 1864 to unite the island with Mother Greece.

Facing the island ...

The images in the mind set of the visitor who plans to travel to the island did not differ from those of the Ionian Islands, namely the vegetation and the blue sea. Of course this is confirmed within 2 hours, the time taken by ferry boat to carry us from Igoumenitsa to Paxos.

Trees with cicada singing in August and the water sources like paradise give the impression to anyone clicking the foot on the island that lies in a fairy tale! An adventurous tale as the best places are to be explored on our own ... and with our own vessel will rent!

First stop Gaios Port

It is where the heart beats of Paxos, the capital in which the locals and tourists, Greeks and foreigners, mostly Italians. Port Gaios has luxury vessels whose owners enjoyed in a separate vacation. In the same port you can rent small boats and explore around the whole island-bays, small coves, caves and of course the very famous beaches of Antipaxi.

This is a great innovation, because without a diploma you can rent a small boat (up 30 horsepower) and crossings throughout the island, choosing the right for us-completely deserted beaches or busy-anchor ... just flying!

The rental price starts from 40 euro for all day, plus the oil will burn for our walks. In front of Gaios is the islet of St. Nicholas is a natural breakwater.

The visitors can taste local dishes in various restaurants, enjoy coffee and cake next to the sea and of course to walk in Gaios streets and visits the tourist shops.

In the center of the square of Gaios is worth visiting the church of Our Holy Apostles. Moving to the west side of the island, just beyond the square dominated by a statue of Anemogianni, the hero of the Revolution to the small town ...

Car ...

We leave the Gaios to visit other villages on the island. In northern and eastern side of the island are beautiful and picturesque villages of Lakka and Loggos, which are suitable for swimming and lunch. The second is at a distance of five kilometers from the Gaios, a small picturesque village of hundred people.

Very nice evening stroll to the bars on the beach. Further Logga in from the northern tip of the island is Lakka, a village with 400 inhabitants and with enough tavernas to eat and drink on the bar. The most famous and is very careful with Akis Bar gourmais kitchen tables and on the beach!

Just beyond and west end of the island, well worth a visit to the restaurant Boikatika stores to watch the sunset in the imposing cliff-Erimitis through the foliage of the trees the sun disappears into the sea and behind the rocks, representing perhaps the best sunset view on the western Greece ...

Gaios back again to where you started the fascinating tour of the island with cockle! It is perhaps the best way to have a complete picture. The Paxos have lace around the face.

The east side of the island is suitable for small creeks to throw anchor and taste the blue sea. The beaches that are formed are small in size, and of course votsalostrotes with clear water.

By the sea......

Leaving from Lakka head towards the west side of the island is steep with vertical cliffs and sea caves.

Requires very careful as there are no natural beaches and coves that can be grounding, while the cliffs rise threatening the adventurous who would approach. It is said that a large cave located under the settlement Basilatika contact the church Ypapanti.

Most certainly, however, is that within it hid the submarine Papanikolis during the 2nd World War and this is indicative of its size. Also Ortholithos (upright rock in the sea) is still one of the many morphological formations but the most impressive ...

Antipaxoi.....

Antipaxos are three miles south of Paxos and can be reached not only with boat but with the boat full-day excursion organized by the Gaios.

The Souli Antipaxi families settled after the destruction of their homeland, in the early 19th century. Today Antipaxos are just twenty-two residents and three taverns.

In August, the famous around the world and beaches located Voutoumi is full of large vessels and has enough people. This does not detract from the beauty, the clear, dark green waters, fine white sand and blue sky.

Within interesting to visit is the church of San Emilianos which was restored in 1864. The island is full of vineyards where much of quality wine. Furthermore, Paxos is famous for its oil and their wine.

The way back ...

Leaving behind us the best beach of the Ionian sea, back to Paxos. Before you deliver the boat to its owner, make a stop at Mongonisi for one last dive. A small bridge connects the island of Paxos is created where a bay where we can anchor our boat for the last time.

Back to Gaios us enjoy a drink on the beach, viewing the number of vessels and the unique coves formed near the central harbor, and plans to propose to all known us the most graphic, most beautiful, most peaceful and most adventurous for lovers of the sea option in the Ionian Sea ...


Source:
Content by Aphrodite Aggalou and Soritis Skouloudis
in greek: http://walking-greece.ana-mpa.gr/articleview2.php?id=8985

GREEK ISLANDS IN THE TOP 10 OF EUROPE

Three Greek islands, Rhodes, Corfu and Santorini are among the top 10 islands in Europe, according to the hotel price comparison website http://www.trivago.gr/.

More specifically:

• Rhodes:The island of Rhodes, which belongs to the Dodecanese, has everything you need to describe idyllic. Those visitors wishing to vacation of rest and relaxation, you should definitely visit the exotic beaches of Kalithea. Rhodes offers great beaches and a more beautiful underwater world, which is particularly prominent among the submersible. A well-known attraction of Rhodes are the Butterflies: a protected area known as the Valley of the Butterflies, which is visited every summer many butterflies. The city of Rhodes is one of the parties to each visitor of the island worth seeing: The palace of the Grand Master, the Road Knights and the medieval town are separate jewels of the island.
• Corfu:Corfu is one of the most famous Greek islands, which was characterized as a paradise by the poet Homer. Because of the abundant vegetation and is known as the «green island». The lower part is decorated with olive trees that reach up to 20 meters. Corfu offers all kinds of beaches for all tastes. One of the most beautiful and exotic beaches are next to the lake Korissia, in north-western part of the island. Jewel of the island is the capital of which the architecture is in Venetian style. In the idyllic Paleokastritsa marine bays and the Monastery are a magnet for many visitors.
• Santorini:The Greek island of Santorini, which is the result of volcanic eruptions have created spectacular landscapes. Typical of the Cyclades island of Santorini is the white houses with blue windows, built on steep slopes. One of the most spectacular sights is the dormant volcano and the excavations in the ruins of old Kammena, where visitors can admire the ancient Greek history. The tourists have the opportunity to walk among the inactive craters and enjoy the view of other Cycladic islands. The magical landscape of Santorini is number one destination for couples.
  

'Worshipping Women: Ritual and Reality in Classical Athens' in National Archaeological Museum of Athens

An impressive exhibition titled "Worshipping Women: Ritual and Reality in Classical Athens" was inaugurated at the National Archaeological Museum of Athens by President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias on Monday night, in a ceremony also attended by culture minister Antonis Samaras.

The exhibition, through the 172 rare and extraordinary archaeological artefacts on display that are divided into five sections, explores the manifold ways in which women’s religious worship contributed not only to personal fulfillment, but also to the civic identity of the leading city of the Classical Greek world.

The first section of the exhibition introduces the principal of "Female Deities" of Athens and Attika, in whose cults and festivals women were most actively engaged: Athena, Artemis, Aphrodite, Demeter and her daughter Persephone. In between goddesses and mortals was a small group of heroines -explored in the next section-, women who were believed to have lived in the distant past and after their deaths became figures of cult worship.

The exhibition then enters the world of "Priestesses", historical and mythological, and looks at their visual iconography focusing on their principal attribute, the large temple key.

The several kinds of "Ritual Acts", some that apply universally to all cults and others that were specific to the worship of a particular divinity, are presented in the third section.

The fourth section deals with the participation of women in major religious "Feasts", such as the Panathenaia, or in strictly women’s feasts, such as Adonia or Thesmoforia.

The fifth and final section focuses on the "Life-Cycle" of Athenian women, from birth to death, highlighting certain key moments of transition and the role of ritual in each of these.

The exhibition, through the study of religion seeks to correct the unremittingly bleak picture that the lives of Athenian women were highly restricted when it came to public sphere and participation in the political process.

Women’s involvement in cults and festivals, whether alongside men or separate from them, was as essential for the successful functioning of the "polis" as that of any member of society.

The exhibition which will be on display through November 30, is part of a series of celebrations planned for the 180th anniversary since the Museum's founding and the 120th anniversary of its inauguration at its current premises on Patission street.

It is organised in collaboration with the Alexander S. Onassis Public Benefit Foundation, and had previously been on display at the Foundation's Onassis Cultural Center in New York from December 2008 to May 2009.

Kalamata International Dance Festival 16-27 July 2009

The Kalamata International Dance Festival is the key event in the year of the city's International Dance Centre. The Centre was founded in the spring of 1995, charged with supporting and promoting the art of dance via research, education, and artistic activities and creativity.

After fifteen years as an active presence in the Greek dance scene, thanks to the support of the local authorities the Kalamata Festival has earned itself a special place on the festival map of the Mediterranean South, and built bridges to international dance creativity.

A number of influential figures, whose work is shaping the history of contemporary dance made their first Greek appearance at Kalamata, while the Festival has also taken care to promote and support Greek creativity in the field by commissioning works from talented Greek choreographers and supporting new companies in their experimental explorations.

Another integral part of the Festival are the seminars and talks aimed at dance students and professions alike, while other parallel events include publications and video dance productions.

From the very start, the Festival was programmed with two considerations in mind: the wide range of trends in contemporary dance and the ever-larger audiences this art-form attracts. Today, fifteen years down the line, every year sees a widely-varied audience enthusiastically respond to the call of the Festival.

Kalamata, the city of dance, is set to host its 15th annual programme of events between the 16th and 26th of July, 2009.

The Festival is funded by the Ministry of Culture and the Municipality of Kalamata.

Source: http://www.kalamatadancefestival.gr/en/id01.php?

Paros Photos

Greek Coast - Blue Flag Beaches

The Greek coast has a total length of approximately 16,000 km. Half this length is found around the thousands of Greek islands. While the rest extends along the mainland. What characterises the famous Greek coasts is their unique diversity (beaches stretching over many kilometres, small bays and coves, sandy beaches with dunes, pebbly shores, coastal caves surrounded by steep rocks and with the characteristic dark sand of volcanic soils, coastal wetlands), and their clean and transparent waters that have made them renowned and extremely popular all over the world.
In 2009, 425 beaches and 8 marinas in Greece were awarded the “Blue Flag” (See below), a figure that places the country in a top-ranking position among other European countries.
The majority of the thousands of Greek coasts are freely accessible and you have the opportunity to discover and enjoy them without the presence of a large number of swimmers. There are also many organised beaches in the country with the necessary infrastructure providing high-quality services (umbrellas, reclining chairs, changing booths, cafes, bar-restaurants etc), where, apart from swimming, you can enjoy water sports (water ski, windsurfing, diving etc) as well as other means of having fun in the water, such as the parasailing for one or two persons, “rings” , “banana”, wakeboard, jet ski etc. All organised beaches also have lifeguard towers ensuring safe swimming in the area.

“Blue Flags of Europe”

Each year this programme presents an award to the coasts and marinas which meet strict criteria as regards the cleanness of the sea and the coast, good organisation and safety as well as the protection of the coastal environment in general. More specifically, the criteria for the award of the “Blue Flag” are the following:

1. Cleanness of the sea and the coast
-Quality of swimming water verified by measurement of water samples;
-Absence of industrial sewage discharge on the coast;
-Treatment of urban sewage as required by the relevant EU directive;
-Adequate number of litter bins which must be emptied at regular intervals;
-Periodical cleaning of the beach from litter, cigarette stubs etc.

2. Organisation of the coast and safety of the visitors
-Continuous information of the public regarding the quality of swimming water;
-Immediate information if the water has become unsafe for swimmers;
-Plans to deal with a pollution accident and to immediately inform the public;
-Adequate number of sanitary facilities with controlled sewerage;
-Trained lifeguards or direct access to telephone, lifesaving equipment and First Aid;
-Safe passage to the coast and special care for people with disabilities;
-No driving (vehicles and motorcycles) is allowed on the beach;
-Free camping is forbidden; and
-Pets have to be supervised on the beach.

3. Protection of nature and environmental education
-Printed information and publicly displayed instructions regarding behaviour on the coast;
-Activities actively promoting the protection of the natural coastal environment.

Source: GNTO

Taking tango further, deeper ...in Athens

Bandoneonist Dino Saluzzi and cellist Anja Lechner bring lauded collaboration to Athens.

Anja Lechner (l) and Dino Saluzzi perform tomorrow at the three-day ECM Festival at the capital’s Vrachon Theater. It opens today with a concert by Greek pianist Vassilis Tsabropoulos. Jazz-rock drummer Manu Katche ends the event on Wednesday.


Two virtuoso musicians, Argentinean bandoneonist and composer Dino Saluzzi and German cellist Anja Lechner, will pool their talents for one show at the ECM Festival, being staged in Athens for a second time, at the Vrachon Theater tomorrow.

«This musical dialogue is as close to perfection as any music I can recall,» music critic Richard Cook had noted in the Jazz Review, after hearing the pair perform. «Very few musicians are able to maintain their identity so strongly within the whirlpool of multicultural influences,» he continued.

A pivotal figure in Argentinean music, Saluzzi has contributed like few others to the development of the tango tradition. His compositions, uncontrived and innovative, often draw upon the musician's past as a child growing up in Argentina's north, the musicians he has encountered over the years and the early 20th-century vinyl records he has listened to. He speaks enthusiastically about older-generation bandoneonists, who each had «an individual perception on musical phrases and the intensity of melody.»

Born in 1935 in the provincial city of Salta, northwest Argentina, Saluzzi began playing bandoneon as a child with his father, a bandoneonist and a composer of Italian heritage. The young musician's fame did not take long to spread beyond his homeland. Invitations for performances at festivals abroad were extended early in Saluzzi's career. His inclusion on the roster of artists at the high-caliber German label ECM in the early 80s provided Salucci with the opportunity to reach a wider international audience.

«Saluzzi is a composer of contemporary music with the heart of a tanguero,» the Los Angeles Times wrote of Saluzzi. «His compositions highlight the melancholy element that is unique to tango. Nobody else has stretched the boundaries of this musical style to such an extent while also managing to maintain its character's purity.» Saluzzi's stage and recording collaborations have included work with American and European jazz musicians such as Charlie Haden, Pierre Favre and Al Di Meola. The bandoneonist's association with Lechner, a classically trained musician with a love of Argentina's common-folk tango style, has proven exceptional. Offering his views on the growing number of classical music artists who have occasionally chosen to include tango songs in their repertoires in more recent years, Saluzzi notes that «they're interpreted as if they're doing Mozart.»

Lechner's association with the song form began in 1980 when, along with pianist Peter Ludwig, they began to play «German tango in an Argentinean style,» as she notes. «At the time, all I knew was that I really loved this music.»

Not long afterward, Lechner attended a performance by Saluzzi in Munich. «I immediately realized that what he was doing was considerably deeper than simple tango,» says Lechner. «When we began playing together, I felt that I had entered a new world.»

A co-founder of the strings quartet Rosamunde, Lechner began exploring improvisation within traditional music. Lechner's collaborations include work with Greek pianist Vassilis Tsabropoulos, which produced their recent «Melos» album. The German cellist's interest in improvisation was a key factor that led to her collaboration with Saluzzi. They began performing together in 2002 and, five years later, released «Ojos Negros» on the ECM label. The album was hailed by critics. «Anja united with the music, without losing her identity,» says Saluzzi. «She has her own sound and character and this culturally enriches our collaboration.»

By Aggeliki Stoupaki - Kathimerini

Free Internet in Gazi - Athens

Athens citizens and visitors will have access to free high-speed wireless internet in the Gazi area, within the framework of the Information Society Operational Programme, according to an announcement by the Athens Municipality.

The project, which began on July 1, is incorporated in the Information Society SA Digital Strategy and was completed with the support of the City of Athens IT Company (DAEM) and the Municipality's Information Technology Department, which coordinated all participating bodies to ensure its effective and rapid delivery.

The installation of state-of-the-art equipment in a central building at the City of Athens Technopolis ensures coverage of all of the complex's outdoor areas as well as Kerameikos Square and former Korean Market Square. The specific area is one of the largest in Greece in terms of provision of free wireless internet access by a state body.

Visitors to Technopolis and the surrounding area can access the internet with the use of the necessary equipment, such as a laptop computer, PDA or mobile phone, as well as wireless WiFi networks.

A similar network has already been installed in three public areas within the City of Athens, via the Operational Programme, namely Syntagma Square, Kotzia Square and Thissio.

The wireless network was created in order for citizens and visitors to familiarize themselves with high-speed internet and promote the numerous capabilities and services it can offer us in our day-to-day life and work.

Byzantine fortress of Trikala showcased

The early Byzantine-era fortress of Trikala, central Greece, which was renovated by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century AD in recognition of its strategic importance, is located just north of the modern-day city of the same name, in theThessaly plain.

The use of stone blocks attest to the fact that it was built on the site of previous ancient citadel surrounded by an outer wall, and dating back to the Classical Era. The fortress was repaired a number of times during the Ottoman occupation and featured a polygonal outer wall with five towers and many small embrasures.

The monument is divided into three sections, featuring the principal entrance and the clock tower as well as the site where an Orthodox cathedral stood before it was burned to the ground, circa 1330-1332. A building used to store gunpowder is also preserved.

The long history of the Byzantine fortress of Trikala is highlighted in a newly published brochure with photographs and historical details, within the framework of a tourism promotion campaign focusing on the uniqueness of the monument.

New Acropolis Museum visitors

The New Acropolis Museum received 90,000 visitors in the first seven days since its official inauguration on June 20, Culture Minister Antonis Samaras disclosed on Monday.

Speaking during a press conference, the minister said that the cost of the inauguration events, which were attended by several foreign heads of state and government, did not exceed the anticipated sum of 3 million euros, adding that the targets his ministry had set regarding the ceremony were met, especially the coverage from international mass media.

Four hundred and forty journalists representing 167 international mass media organisations were hosted for the three-day inauguration events, while the cost of the ceremony itself amounted to 1,860,090 euros plus VAT, Samaras explained.

The average number of tickets for the e-ticketing section for the first five days reached 11,000, while visits to the new museum's website exceeded 260,000 from the Americas to Nepal and Mongolia.

The culture minister also announced that the museum will be open from 8 am to 8 pm all year round.



Caption: Some 90,000 visitors swarmed to the New Acropolis Museum in the first week since its official inauguration on June 20. (ANA-MPA/K. Mavrona)

Source: Athens News Agency

Athens Transportation: New 'tourist ticket' for Athens

The Athens public transport organisation OASA on Monday unveiled a new three-day ticket costing 15 euros that will be valid for travel on all means of public transport in and around the city, that will begin to be offered from Wednesday.

The new "tourist ticket" has been designed to act as a travel card for those visiting Athens for short stays. It gives unlimited travel for three full days after it is first used, including journeys to and from the airport and the 400 OASA Athens sight-seeing bus.

The new ticket will be on sale at the ETHEL buses at the airport, the Proastiakos suburban railway stations at the airport, Larissis and Piraeus, Syntagma metro station and the ISAP electric railway stations at Piraeus and Omonia.

Source: Athens News Agency