Archive for 'Pretty Views in Greece'

The gorgeous Mykonos is one of Greece’s most popular holiday locations and must-see destinations. It is easy to see why: it is an utterly stunning island dotted with pretty whitewashed towns, rich blue-coloured domed churches, cute tavernas, little boutiques and shops, trendy bars, donkeys carrying bundles up hillsides, and excellent spots to watch the incredible watercolour sunsets that put on performances above the island each night. If you want to get well and truly away from it all and enjoy the peace and relaxation that the slower pace of life on the Greek islands affords, then just find a vacation rental in Mykonos or a holiday rental in the South Aegean and either stay on the island or visit it for day trips.

While you visit the island, be sure to set aside some time to head to the Armenistis Lighthouse, a pretty and still-functioning historic lighthouse that offers one of the best and most heartrendingly beautiful views on the island. Located to the north-west of the island, above a homonymous bay, Armenistis Lighthouse was built after the wrecking of an English ship on the shores nearby in the 19th century, which left 11 crew members dead. It became apparent that something needed to be done to help prevent such tragedies from happening again in the future and, in 1891, a lighthouse was built.

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.

Lindos is a very popular seaside resort town that is located on the island of Rhodes, 35km from the city of Rhodes, that is home to three very beautiful beaches and has incredibly ancient origins. The area has been inhabited since the 3rd millennium BC and was a major commercial centre for the island for centuries as it had the only practical natural harbours on Rhodes. The island was home to a sizeable Mycenaean population and then the town of Lindos was founded by the Dorians in the 10th century BC when they came into power and divided the island into three separate states – Lindos, Kameiros, and Ialysos. By the 8th century BC, it was a major trading centre due to its geographical location, positioned between Greece and the Middle East. In the 6th century BC, it was at its peak under the tyrannical rule of the Kleovoulos. However, with the foundation of the city of Rhodes, in the 5th century BC, Lindos went into decline as it was no longer the most important commercial centre on the island. While it ceased being a commercial centre, Lindos remained an important religious hub for centuries later and right through the Hellenistic era and also became a major cultural and artistic centre.

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.