Archive for 'Activities in Greece'

Beautiful beaches are in no short supply in Greece but if you have found a vacation rental in Crete and are looking for some particularly scenic and picturesque examples then we have an excellent suggestion of one of her loveliest. Crete's beaches boast those kind of impossibly blue seas, dramatically craggy cliffs, and perfectly scenic settings that make people sigh immediately upon seeing a picture and wish themselves there...well, sigh no longer and get planning a trip to one Crete and one of her most stunning (which is really saying something) beaches; the truly magical Glyka Nera

Located in the Chania region, 43km west of Chora Sfakion and 75km south of the city of Chania, on the far southwest of Crete, Glyka Nera immediately captivates with its striking appearance and sheltered setting that is so far removed from the outside world (you'll need to take a boat or trek to it). Ranked one of the best beaches in Crete, Greece, and Europe, it is named Glyka Nera, or, “sweet water,” for the freshwater springs that gush out of the fine pebbly beach at various intervals.

If you think of a holiday in Crete or Greece, you are likely to picture plenty of time on her incredible beaches, enjoying the stunning deep blue of the sea meeting the pale shores, the pleasant water temperatures, the great weather, and the beautiful surroundings. However, in addition to her beaches, her most obvious and well-known trait, the island is also home to lots of other amazing natural wonders and little surprises to uncover as you explore. One such incredible gem is Lake Kournas.

The only freshwater lake in Crete, this relatively large (at a maximum length of 1.087km and a maximum breadth of 0.88km) and shallow (at 22.5m at its deepest point) but stunning lake is located in a valley among the hills, surrounded by a particularly beautiful landscape, just a few kilometres from the sea. Known as Lake Koressia in antiquity, it is now named for the Arabic word, “kurna,” for, “lake,” (or bath) so calling it Lake Kournas in English is kind of like calling it Lake Lake!

In a move to maintain the good reputation of, and interest in, Greece as a desirable destination for tourists, the Greek National Tourism Organisation, in cooperation with Google, have started the “Greece from Home” initiative. Launched at the start of April by the GNTO and Marketing Greece, with the support of Google, it reinforces Greece's positive image during these difficult and trying times in which travel to the region has been made temporarily impossible and allows people all over the world to stay in touch with Greek culture and access Greek tourist attractions.

Through Youtube videos, virtual tours, pictures, and much more besides, this new website and service will allow those who can't wait for their next trip to Greece to help temporarily satisfying their cravings for all of the things that make us love this country and holiday destination.

Greece is famously beautiful, though most conjure a particular image of only one type of charm the land boasts: pretty beaches, glittering water in rich azure and teal shades, and villages perched atop sheer, dramatic cliffs. However, there is a wealth of other landscapes and views to take in across the region that are far more unexpected to most travellers: from skiing resorts blanketed in snow to towering peaks in verdant valleys topped by monasteries like something from a fantasy novel to tall old forests filled with butterflies. Even amongst these utterly stunning gems, one of the most utterly picturesque spots in Greece, however, has to be Drakolimni. If you have found a vacation rental in Greece and are up for an adventure, then pencil in a visit to this incredibly beautiful place and see it with your own two eyes.

Drakolimni is the name given to a group of lakes in Greece’s Epirus region, though two are especially famous. One is located on Mount Tymfi and the other on Mount Smolikas, a few kilometres away. Steeped in legend and strikingly beautiful, these glassy lakes are located in panoramic spots atop these two mountains, set in stone and grassy surroundings. Bare and striking, they look almost manmade and futuristic.

The name of the lakes actually translates to “Dragon Lake” and is named for a local legend that says two dragons once warred in the area. One lived at the lake on Mount Tymfi and the other lived at the lake on Mount Smolikas. They threw stones at each other and it is said that this is why the shores of the Tymfi Lake are black with white stones and the shores of the Smolikas lake are white with black stones, having tainted each others’ homes.

If you are looking to take in a fascinating medieval monument as well as some incredible panoramic views over the coast, go for a short but very gratifying hike, and then spend some time on a truly stunning beach and you have found a vacation rental in Peloponnese, then you need to head to the lovely coastal town of Pylos. This is where you will find the ruins of a 13th century fortress perched on a cliff called Old Navarino Castle and the utterly beautiful natural surroundings that you can admire as they unfold below when you reach the ancient building.

Navarino Castle was built in the strategic location in which it stands today in the 13th century by the Franks. It was positioned for observation and defence and endured centuries of attacks and sieges before being taken by the Venetians in the 15th century and then passing back and forth from Venetian and Ottoman control. Once Pylos Castle was built nearby, Navarino lost its significance and, over time, fell to ruin. It is known by locals as “Paleokastro”, “the old fortress,” and is a romantic ruin.