An untouched piece of true Greece

My last spot is Greece was the small Island of Folegandros (32 km.², 650 inhabitants) actually the only new spot in this trip. Folegandros has become fashionable, but it is still an untouched piece of true Greece. On account of the simple and relaxing atmosphere that reigns all around the island we like to distinguish it as the "island of Peace". The Chora (another one!), is so fare closed to cars and motorcycle traffic, and has a unique "center" of three squares in a row, with trees under which to enjoy a drink or food in a quiet, romantic atmosphere. In the gentle breeze passing through the small streets you may feel the perfume of lime trees or of the local (exceptional) bread. Bougainvillea and hibiscus color the small wooden balconies around the Kastro (XIII century). Kastro, the small fortress made by the Venitians in 1210, is the spot, colorful and really beautiful. Folegandros has three small villages, Karavostasi (the port), the Chora (main village) and Ano Meria which are connected by paved roads. What catches the eye immediately is the endless series of "dry-placed" walls that have been erected over the centuries by the inhabitants to create terraces on the sunny slopes of the territory to be able to raise cereals. The church of Panaghia, on the top of a hill, offers a nice walk and a magnificent view of the Chora and of the west coast.Walking this island is a joy as the nature and its perfumes, and its silence are really unique. It is one more for my package of islands in Greece. Maybe I will return for a longer stay. Good bye Greece.

Ios Island. The island of diversity.

My second stop was the island of Ios - once more. Ios Island in Greece is a famous tourist destination, attracting visitors with its golden beaches and the characteristic Aegean architecture. Ios is mostly known as the party island with the lively atmosphere and the endless fun. But there is much more. Far from the bars, with young people screaming and dancing during day light we have a truly Geek island to discover, a perfect mix between modernity and still some rurality, that make the delight of the food lovers. This time we passed our beloved Ios Palace at Milopotas and we stay at KOUKOS PENSION, a small family business – 6 rooms with bathroom, fridge, balcony and restaurant situated 9 km from the main village of Ios, Chora, at the fantastic beach of Agia Theodoti. It is a good and clean place with friendly atmosphere and traditional homemade cuisine (homemade cheese, vegetables from the garden and local honey) where the management of the place is not their biggest assets. Driving from Chora to Panos, and up the hill we reach the south coast of the island. This itinerary will probably offer you the most interesting excursion sites. Before getting to sea again, and if you turn left, it will take you to the monastery of Kalamos, a very well-preserved 200-year-old building, a special place of worship for the locals. The same road leads straight to Kalamos, a beautiful pebbly beach accessible by a 4x4 or only very adventurous family cars. Returning to the main road, a short way take us to Manganari, in my opinion four of the most beautiful beaches in the island (maybe in the Aegean sea!), each one lying next to the other, wait for the visitor to enjoy their peaceful nature. There are many seaside taverns where you can taste fresh fish, as well as good accommodation, but still a bit far from everything. The sunset is beautiful from the hills while returning home, the but most beautiful sunrise in Cyclades is from the KOUKOS PENSION. You just have to wake-up at 6.00 am and go to your balcony and enjoy it.

Athens is always Athens and Greece is always Greece

I just arrived from my summer holidays in Greece. Is the fourth time that I go to Greece and it is always a pleasure to be there. I use to say if I get confused about my holiday’s destiny or fed up with the world, I go to Greece. This time Athens had an additional motivation – the New Acropolis Museum. It only opened 1 year ago and it is a beautifully designed elegant building that allows you to look out at the Acropolis while seeing it. When the site was excavated, builders found ruins of Roman baths (be hard not to in Athens) so the built the museum up on large concrete pillars. Parts of these are visible from the forecourt which has open views of the site as well as being partly paved in glass. It is absolutely superb design and engineering. After the queue we go inside, we find more glass floors to show the ruins underneath. Each floor is dedicated to a separate temple from the Acropolis, with all the treasures in a "walk through" style, rather than just along a wall. The models of the Acropolis at various times in history are wonderful. The top floor, with a stunning view of the Parthenon itself is dedicated to that temple, and the remaining marble frieze takes pride of place in the middle, with pieces placed as they would have been on the original. Unfortunately there are many gaps which could, should be filled by the return of the pieces stolen by Elgin and still kept in the British Museum. There is no longer any need for Britain to keep them. This new museum will house them properly, safely, and much more appropriately. I found The Sanctuaries Exhibit, Caryatids and Friezes the most beautiful. It's a brilliant place. Then we have Athens life, hot nights, and people and of obviously…food: moussaka, shish kebabs in pita bread, souvlaki, tzatziki, hummmm. In the next days, some photos of my trip to Greece, without colors, because sometime life is just BLACK or WHITE.