Archive for 'Curiosities in Greece'

We recently wrote about the beautiful and incredibly historic town of Lindos on the island of Rhodes. Long the main settlement on the island, this position was eventually taken by the city of Rhodes while Lindos remained as an exceptionally pretty historic gem by the sea. Drawing many to the area to explore the acropolis that is perched above the town and the architectural riches from various periods and eras that are contained within the grounds of the rocky outcrop, Lindos is famously lovely. However, it is not just the manmade that recommends the town to visitors, it is also the incredible naturally-occurring features that lend something special to this seaside resort town. The crowning glory of all of this natural bounty is, without a doubt, St Paul’s Bay. If have found a vacation rental on Rhodes and are exploring this part of Greece, you won’t be able to miss it but you should also make sure to set up your itinerary to actually spend some time at this magical spot.

Located just south of Lindos, on the southeast coast of Rhodes, the picturesque bay of St Paul’s Bay is named for St Paul, who is thought to have landed on the site in the year 51AD in order to bring Christianity to Rhodes. The bay is distinctive and memorable, a naturally-occurring, vaguely circular pool framed by rocky surroundings and with only a small opening out to the sea. It is a stunning emerald-coloured gem set amongst the rich blue waters of the surrounding seas and appears heart-shaped when viewed from certain angles. It is also a popular wedding location as there is a small church built on the hillside leading down to the bay that affords amazing views over the water and back towards the Lindos Acropolis.

Sidari is a town in a hilly area in the northwest of Corfu. It was originally actually two smaller villages that were connected by a long beach but, over the years, and as buildings were added, the two merged into one bigger town. It has gradually become a popular tourist destination, particularly among travellers from the UK, who are drawn to the beautiful seaside locations and beaches, the vibrant nightlife, and all of the excellent tourist facilities that are offered by the town. However, there is one particular tourist attraction that brings many to the area: the beaches and, in particular, a very special beach called the Canal d’Amour, or the Channel of Love. If you have found a vacation rental in Corfu this very special spot is a great reason to come and visit the town.

Picture a beach in Greece: you’re likely imagining soft white, sandy beaches and impossibly blue, crystal-clear water lapping gently against the shore as blue skies overhead are lit by bright sun. This perfect type of beach, this dreamy type of beach can be found all over the country in Greece and is the ideal kind of beach to relax on and recuperate during your vacation. However, it is not all that Greece has to offer. In addition to these more typical, expected beaches, if you look a little harder, you will find the most extraordinary and unique gems. Unique gems like Sarakiniko Beach.

Sarakiniko Beach on Milos Island is located on the north shore of the island and is unlike anything you have likely seen before. Carved out by waves driven by northern winds from white volcanic rock, the beach looks like something a moonscape or a place from another planet. If you have found a vacation rental in the South Aegean, a visit to Milos and to this truly unique and extraordinary beach is a must.

If you are either an avid or an aspiring climber and have found a vacation rental in the South Aegean, then a trip to the island of Kalymnos is an absolute must. It is said to have the highest concentration of sport routes anywhere in the world with 66 crags and 3,400 different routes to choose from, though this is only a tiny portion of possible climbs that have been marked and explored. One of the best climbing destinations in the world, it combines a wide range of types of crags and levels of challenge with the most extraordinary setting and views, making the whole thing a rather magical experience overall.

The climbing at Kalymnos is set in four different areas on the island, the largest concentration of crags and routes are above the villages of Myrties, Masouri and Armeos, the area around the villages of Arginonta, Skalia, and Emporios is also well-established, the routes on the island of Telendos are newly explored, while the southern part of the main island is the least developed.

In the last post we introduced the stunning Greek island of Folegandros, which is an unspoiled and little-known gem that forms the southern part of the Cyclades. Rugged, charming, authentic, and far off the regular tourist path, it is an extraordinary place that makes for an excellent outing for the more adventurous traveller that has found a vacation rental in the South Aegean or a holiday rental in Crete and it looking for something extra-special.