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DoDo

Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center

The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center is the crown jewel of the capital, as it is probably the most beautiful building in Athens. The impeccable architecture, the organization, cleanliness and the view from the lush green terrace, make it an ideal destination for any time and season. It has a court, fountains, public computer areas, a library, a playground, an opera, café and restaurant. The Foundation, apart from the immense contribution to significant social issues, also offers daily tours around the building and park, as well as dozens of Free events. Get information about the events and reserve your spot HERE.

Suggested visit time: 2-3 hours
Open: Every day 06:00-00:00 (More info HERE)
Cost: Free

 The know-it-all says: The energy canopy produces electric power of up to 2GWh per year!

Wine-tasting Nemea

Welcome to the Peloponnese’s Tuscany. Endless vineyards and many varieties of grapes produce unique wine labels. The experience of wine-tasting is something that you should not miss when you are in the Peloponnese. The information and flavors around the world of wine will leave you with the best of impressions. For a complete wine-tasting experience, BOOK a tour at Mr. Bairaktaris’ winery in Nemea.

Suggested visit time: 2-3 hours
Open: Every day 09:00-18:00

 The know-it-all says: The vineyards of Nemea stretch across about 27,000 acres!

Pyrgos Kallistis

Pyrgos Kallistis is (probably) the most beautiful village on the island! It is located just 5km away from Thera and it is also the highest settlement of Santorini! It is an uphill, picturesque village with plenty of churches and cobbled alleys, which hide souvenir shops, cafés and restaurants. At its top you will find the castle, from which you will take the best view in the village but also in the entire island. The beautiful images, quaint corners and tranquility of the village will relax you from the hustle and bustle of the island.

Suggested visit time: 2-3 hours

 The know-it-all says: The village is built on top of underground galleries that were used as shelters!

Vradeto Stairway

The small village of Vradeto offers something more DoDo, beginning outside of Kapesovo . The famous stairway connecting the two villages (Kapesovo – Vradeto) is the most beautiful, quaint, stone-built trail in Zagori. It consists of 1.400 stone steps, and this climb used to be the only thing connecting the village of Vradeto with the rest of the world. The trail was built to facilitate both humans and animals crossing at the same time, while the complete construction took more than two decades. Going up takes about one and a half hour, hydrate and don’t forget to take a break to catch your breath. Going down takes about one hour, hydrate, take a break, but this time make sure you catch the view. The route (2,5km) is doable, although tiring, a medium difficulty route which you can take as an organized group or solo.

Suggested visit time: 2-3 hours
Open: Always
Cost: Free (individually)- up to 20€/person (organized group)

 The know it all says: It is consisted of 39 turns, it is 1.5km long and 2.5m tall!

Venetian Port – Egyptian Lighthouse

A trip to Chania is bound to begin and end with a walk around the city’s old harbor. Start at the Firkas Fortress, which nowadays houses the Maritime Museum and climb up the walls to enjoy a view of the city and the Sea of Crete. Afterwards, cross the dock with the dozens of –tourist- restaurants and cafés and reach the historic Yali Tzami, where exhibitions are taking place every day. From there, you can either take a romantic carriage ride, or visit the Big Arsenal and, finally, walk to the renowned Egyptian Lighthouse, the trademark of the entire island of Crete. Make sure the walk is an afternoon one, so you can see the breath-taking sunset, which turns the city into a painting! This is Chania.

Suggested visit time: 1-2 hours
Open: Always
Cost: Free

 The know it all says: In case of siege, the harbor closed with a chain that started at the Fortress and ended at the Lighthouse!

Lycabettus

Lycabettus is the highest point in Athens, as it looks over the city from a height of 277 meters. At the top of the hill is the church of Saint Georgios, where you can take a few breaths or enjoy some quick coffee. Lycabettus offers unique, panoramic images of Athens, with the best location being, of course, the one facing the Acropolis and the port of Piraeus. The best time is before the sunset, when the capital is painted with all the colors of the sky, until it gets dressed in black and starts preparing for her evening outing.

Important: The climb up is very steep! Prefer to go up using the cable car and climb down on foot. The lovely landscape with the dense vegetation will fill you with images and fresh air.

Suggested visit time: 2-3 hours
Open: Always
Cost: Cable car: 7.5€ round-trip & 5€ single-trip ticket

 The know-it-all says: Athenians called it Lycabettus because they believed it was inhabited by wolves (λύκος, spelled lycos, in Greek)! (one of the versions)

Wine tour Santorini

The dry and arid land of Santorini is covered from May to September with a green veil. We are talking about grapevines, which are set in the form of a nest, so that they are protected from winds! In Santorini you will find varieties such as Mavrotragano, Mandilaria, Nychteri (combination), Assyrtiko, Vinsanto and more. As you can see, a visit to a canava (underground winery) is a must! Meet the island’s first winery, Venetsanos winery, and have a tasting of its amazing wines with a view of the Caldera.

Book a wine tour at Venetsanos winery.

Suggested stay time: 2-3 hours
Open: Every day

 The know-it-all says: At the winery, you will find the ninth telephone in Greece!

Hagios Demetrios (Saint Demetrius)-Crypt

The much-afflicted church of the patron saint of the city is one of its most DoDo monuments. The paleo-christian temple is dated back to the 5th century A.D. and it stands out for its structure, murals, mosaics and byzantine icons. Attention is also drawn to the rare hexagonal chancel, to the remains of Hagios Demetrios, Hagios Grigorios Kallides and Hagia Anysia. In the basement you will find the crypt, where Hagios Demetrios was imprisoned and martyred in 303 A.D. Nowadays, the crypt is of great interest, as it operates as a museum, hosting many exhibits from different time periods. It is also worth mentioning that it is a very important monument of religious tourism, with large crowds from central and eastern Europe visiting it daily. Finally, the church’s commercialization leaves a bad impression, as it does not befit its atmosphere of reverence.

Suggested visit time: 30-45 minutes
Open:
Church: Every day 08:00-20:00 Crypt: 08:00 15:00 Tuesday-Thursday, 08:00-13:30 & 19:00-22:00 Friday, 07:30-14:30 Saturday-Sunday
Cost: Free

 The Know it all says: During the Ottoman rule, the church’s sculptures were used as building material for the construction of the minaret, as well as for floor coating (it was turned into a mosque)!

Monastery of Panagia

The dream-like Monastery of Panagia is located next to Voidomatis’ blue-green waters, below the village of Vikos. Eventhough you can admire it from the kiosk, it would be ideal to begin the descent, so you can come close to it. The route is demanding, because of the steep terrain, with lots of stone steps and many turns. You will need about 30-40 minutes to get there, but the images you see at the end will make you fall in love with the place! The small church of Panagia has a plain decoration, but is quite neglected and has been turned into a shelter for passers-by and hikers. The best time to make the descent is in the morning.

Note: special attention is required at the spots that are out of the sun’s reach, as there is high risk of falling.

Suggested visit time: 1.5-2.5 hours
Open: Always
Cost: Free

 The know it all says: It stands at a 300-meter distance (approximately) below the village!

Gramvousa – Balos Cruise

The trip to Gramvousa – Balos is organized daily and it is an excellent experience through which you can meet these two locations. The boat starts from the port of Kissamos 3 times a day (the third one only in July and August) and makes 2 stops. The first one is at the island of Gramvousa –lasts about 2.5 hours- and the second one at the lagoon of Balos –lasts about 3 hours-. It is a nice experience, as there is no other way to meet the remote Gramvousa, while for Balos the drive and the walking are pretty tiring. SOS: Do not travel if wind speed is higher than level 4. The trip will turn into torture. Follow our Tips to learn about more hidden information.

Suggested visit time: 7-8 hours
Open: Departures Every day 10:20-10:40 & 12:30 (July-August)
Cost: 27€ / person

 The know it all says: From the boat you will observe the phenomenon of the elevation of western Crete by 6-9m., which occurred 2,000 years ago!

Kalamata Horse-riding

The Kalamata Horse-riding Club offers a unique life experience that nobody visiting or passing by this city should miss. This experience is none other than horse-riding in the sea! Yes, you read that right…after a meet-and-greet and ride with the horse, you will end up at the sea where you will be asked to ride it while it swims! At the club, you also have the chance to take a horse-riding lesson, free horse-riding (for the experienced), as well as therapeutic horse-riding, which helps to treat chronic problems and conditions.

Learn more about how to perform horse-riding in the sea.

 
Suggested visit time: 3 hours
Open: Always
Cost: Upon agreement

 The know-it-all says: For a horse, 5 minutes of swimming are equivalent to 2 hours of training!

Sunset in Falassarna

Falassarna is a village close to Kissamos, known for its clean beach, but mainly for its beautiful sunset. The vast beach has been voted as one of the 10 best in Europe and not in vain, as both its waters and its range is something unique. However, what steals the show is the magical sunset, during which the sun dresses in dozens of colors (shades of red) before “diving” in the sea and disappearing. (It can be seen so clearly because there is no natural obstruction in the horizon.) Many even claim that sunset in Falassarna is even better than the famous sunset of Santorini. We are waiting for your impressions.

Suggested visit time: 2-3 hours
Open: Always
Cost: Free

 The know it all says: The harbor of the ancient city was connected to the sea via a canal that was constructed in 335 BC!

Therasia

Therasia is Santorini’s younger unknown sister. Contrary to the cosmopolitan island, Therasia lives away from the lights, the extravagance and luxury of its older sister, while time has stopped somewhere around 1950-60. Here, stress and anxiety are words unknown, as life flows in harmony. It is worth walking on its arid volcanic land, gaze at the view from the caldera, meet its people and their “monastic” lifestyle, take a dive at the black beach of Agia Irene and lose yourself in the tranquility and serenity of this place.

Learn everything about Therasia through the Complete Guide

Suggested stay time: 6-8 hours

 The know-it-all says: At the Riva port there is the chapel of Agia Irene, after whom Santorini was named (Santa Irene)!

National Archaeological Museum

The National Archaeological Museum is one of the most important museums worldwide. The home of Hellenic history hosts more than 11,000(!) exhibits, the ones standing out the most being the statue of Zeus, Poseidon of Artemision, the golden mask of Agamemnon, the Adolescent and the Antikythera mechanism. The newly renovated museum has a functional and friendly image, while the exhibits are presented in an impeccable way and smooth flow. Before you go, make sure to have some coffee in its wonderful garden, accompanied by finds and mosaics, away from the intensity and noise of bustling Athens.

Suggested visit time: 3-4 hours
Open: Monday 13:00-20:00 & Tuesday-Sunday 09:00-16:00. Check the varying schedule HERE
Cost: General entrance 5€.

 The know-it-all says: It hosts exhibits that are older than 8,000 years!

Ancient Epidaurus

The archaeological site of Ancient Epidaurus is located just 30 minutes away from Nafplio and it is an interesting excursion to the country’s art history. The highlight is of course its famous theater, which still impresses visitors with its architecture and incredible acoustics! You simply have to stand at the center of the stage and let a coin drop to the ground or, if you are daring, you can also sing.

Suggested visit time: 2-3 hours
Open: November-March 08:00-17:00 / Rest of the months 08:00-18:30
Cost: April-October: Adults 12€, Reduced 6€ / November-March: 6€

 The know-it-all says: The theater fits up to 13,000 spectators!

Ladadika

A unique area in the city center is that of the famous Ladadika. This is a neighborhood that has remained in the past, but has also adapted to the present. The once blighted market got its name from the oil merchants that used to be there, while nowadays, after building renovations and square redevelopments, it has become the heart of the night life. The striking contrast between the old buildings and modern decorations makes it the most DoDo neighborhood for entertainment in the city. Along the narrow, cobbled streets you will find espresso bars, taverns, raki-shops, restaurants, pubs, clubs and bars with live music that cover every taste and offer endless entertainment to people of all ages. The streets are bustling with life during every hour of day and mostly of night, while on weekends every single store is completely packed. Let the area’s vigorousness carry you away and don’t worry about how many glasses of wine you are going to drink; the atmosphere calls for it.

Suggested visit time: 1-2 hours
Open: Always
Cost: Free

 The Know it all says: In the mid-17th century it was an Egyptian market with more than 500 stores!

Mpalta di Striga Waterfalls

Zagori’s hidden gem…A place of unique beauty that leaves no-one unmoved. They are three consecutive waterfalls in Iliohori, which form natural craters (kolympithres or ovires). The tallest one reaches up to 25 meters in height, while access is achieved through the path* of the church of Agios Nikolaos. Eventhough the distance from the village is just one kilometer, the waterfalls stayed under the general public’s radar for a surprisingly long time. If you can withstand the cold you can dive, as we did (!), into the freezing waters. During the summer months, you should be extra careful, because a lot of reptiles loom in the thick, virgin flora. Furthermore, on Sundays there are hiking excursions being organized, to them and other routes of the area. The ideal seasons to visit them are spring and summer, in the morning hours.

*Following the path from the church of Agios Nikolaos, at the crossroad, choose the road to the waterfalls and not to the Laista village.

Suggested visit time: 1.5-2.5 hours
Open: Always
Cost: Free

 The know it all says: The highest temperature ever recorded under water, does not exceed 10°C!

Stone Forest

Just a bit outside Monodendri there is a forest different from any other, the Stone Forest. Limestone slabs piled on top of each other, form a rare phenomenon that you will meet only in a few places worldwide. Entire hills of stone are formed in front of and on both sides of the route, creating an illusion of a landscape with thick trees. During the spring months, the largest part is covered in green, stealing a piece of its magic. On the other hand, in autumn/winter vegetation has a secondary role, helping you in understanding its topography. Its inadequate utilization and promotion, result in many of the visitors simply passing it by, while traveling to the Oxia viewpoint. It is also worth noting that during the whole route, there is not a single bench. Finally, watch your step, because the area is full of “biological” mines, due to the passage of many domestic animals.

Suggested visit time: 30 minutes-1 hour
Open: Always
Cost: Free

 The know it all says: The slabs are 35 to 160 million years old!
 


Travelen.eu is regularly updated on ticket costs and operating hours, but you should always visit your choice of destination’s official site for confirmation.

Lake Kournas

Lake Kournas is a special DoDo. Even if you don’t manage to take the daily trip to the villages of Apokoronas, you simply must visit it to spend a few delightful moments, in front of the natural landscape of the lake. The legends around it are many, the only thing you have to do is create your own and enjoy it. But to get to know it from end to end you have to rent a water-bike. The ride lasts about 1.5 hours (with stops and dives) and the water around the shore is crystal-clear! Also, in the water there are eels, small fish, crabs and sweet little ducks. Read our very useful Tips to get more information.

Suggested visit time: 1.5-2 hours
Open: Lake Always, Bikes 10:00-20:00
Cost: Lake Free, Bikes 7€ per hour

 The know it all says: Maximum depth is at 22.5 meters!

Ayia Fotini of Mantinea

The orthodox church of Ayia Fotini of Mantinea is among the oddest churches in the world. It is built atop the ruins of an ancient temple, opposite the archaeological site of Mantinea. It is the most “anarchic” church in Greece, as it is constructed (without cement) with pieces of stone, wood, tiles and marble, seemingly just thrown together! For some a piece of art, for others a dissonance, but everyone agrees on one thing; that it is the most extraordinary church in Greece that you must visit.

Suggested visit time: 30 minutes–1 hour

 The know-it-all says: It is constructed in such a way that there is not even one right angle in the whole building!

Monastiraki

Monastiraki was, is and will always be the heart of Athens, its living history inside a few square meters. The old neighborhood may have lost the innocence and security of the past, yet it remains lively, spirited and commercial. Monastiraki is a timeless meeting point for Athenians, as well as a place of trade, with influence from the East. Apart from the newly renovated square, we also find the Avissinias Square, which hosts the antiques flea market every Sunday. In the streets around the squares you will find small shops with souvenirs, beads and jewelry, street sellers, antique stores and taverns. Visit it day and night.

Suggested visit time: 1-2 hours
Open: Always
Cost: Free

 The know-it-all says: It got its name by the small chapel at the edge of the square, which is called Panagia Pantanassa and used to operate as a women’s monastery!

Port-Museum of Cinema

The co-capital’s Port has been around for more than 17(!) centuries, which makes it one of the oldest ones in the country. Nowadays, the site has been reformed and offered for walks, endless hours of relaxation and fun. People of all ages take their coffee, snacks or a guitar and gaze at Thermaikos Bay from the wooden pier. In the surrounding space there are warehouses, housing restaurants, bars, the Museum of Photography, the Center of Contemporary Art and the Museum of Cinema. In the latter, in an imaginative space that has the form of a film, the story of the Greek Seventh Art gets unraveled, as well as parts from the life of great Greek actors and actresses, in two languages (En, Gr). If you are a cinema nut, do not ignore it. Finally, it is worth mentioning that various events are held inside the Port, with the Film Festival being the most well-known.

Suggested visit time: 1-1.5 hours
Open: Port: Always, Museum of Cinema: Monday-Thursday 09:00-15:00 & Friday 09:00-20:00. Closed: Weekends
Cost: Free, Museum of Cinema: General entrance 2€, Reduced 1€.

 The Know it all says: Every year 70,000 friends of the 7th Art watch the 150 films shown at the Film Festival!

Instagram-able Santorini (hot spots)

Santorini is among the 10 best destinations in the world and this has been assisted by…Instagram! Thousands of people visit the island every summer influenced by photographs that they saw posted on the popular app. We present you with the hottest spots to take the best Instagram-able photos:

1) The photograph posing in most Greek and international magazines: The two churches (Oia) 2) The spot where most bloggers get photographed, attracting thousands of likes: The two churches (Oia) 3) Another famous photograph of Santorini: The Three Bells of Fira (Fira) 4) The spot that reminds that Santorini is part of the Cyclades: The Windmills (Oia) 5) One of the most special churches of the island: The colorful church with the bougainvillea (Fira) 6) The carved black beach: Vlychada (Vlychada) 7) A church different from the others: The Colorless church (Agios Ioannis Theologos Fira)8) One of the favorite spots of travel bloggers: The Garden of colors (Oia)

Suggested visit time: 1 day

 The know-it-all says: Visit rates in the island have increased by 20% because of Instagram!!

Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki

The museum hosts rare archaeological finds from all over Macedonia and it is housed in a clean, well-kept and perfectly designed building in the city center. It includes four permanent exhibitions, two of which are on the ground floor (forming two “Π”s, one inside the other), one on the basement and the last one at the exterior space. In the large “Π” you will admire finds from the 7th century B.C., which have to do with the birth of the cities and their development, while in the small one you will find an exhibition about the Macedonians’ gold. In the basement you will find the prominent prehistoric collection from 350,000 B.C. (!!) and finally, in the courtyard there are sarcophagi, shrines and parts of houses showcased. But, aside from the permanent ones, the museum also hosts temporary exhibitions* with an interesting theme palette. Upon finishing the tour, you can have a cup of coffee in the specially designed, outdoor space of the museum.

*During the time period of our visit the themes were “Raidestos-the refugee journey and the DNA”.

Suggested visit time: 1-1.5 hours
Open: Every day 08:00-20:00 (Winter time 08:00-15:00). Closed: December 25th/26th, January 1st, March 25th, May 1st & Easter.
Cost: High season (April-October) Standard ticket 8€ – Reduced 4€. For the rest of the year 4€ general entrance. Free for unemployed, university students, school students of the E.U.

 The Know it all says: It hosts Europe’s most ancient “book” (Derveni Papyrus)!

Gramvousa Fortress – Shipwreck

The first stop of the cruise, which we mentioned above, is at the pirate island, which is none other than the historic Gramvousa. The phases that one must follow during their visit on the island are three. Firstly, they should get out first –if it is possible- from the boat and start the difficult climb to the fortress (15-20 minutes). Being one of the first to get there, they will be able to take beautiful pictures and see the remains of the fortress, as well as the amazing view, unhindered. Next is the shipwreck on the beach and, finally, an enjoyable dive in its pristine waters. The dive is simply a must, as its turquoise, divine waters will relax you after such a demanding route. Most people are exhausted and avoid it. Do not make this mistake.

Suggested visit time: 2-3 hours
Open: Always
Cost: Cruise (see above)

 The know it all says: Gramvousa is chosen both by the rare Mediterranean seal (to give birth), and the caretta-caretta turtle (to find food)!

Ermou-Psyrri

Welcome to the most commercial street of Athens. The cobbled Ermou Street reminds something of Budapest’s Vaci Utca. It is busy all days of the week, but on weekends it is literally packed, with street artists entertaining the passers-by. On the intersecting streets there are lots of shops for coffee, snacks and food, so you can catch a few breaths (shopping is such a hard sport!). Just a stone’s throw away, we come across the picturesque neighborhood of Psyrri. Low apartment buildings, narrow streets, taverns, ouzo-shops and cafés keep it alive throughout the whole day and especially the night.

Suggested visit time: 2-3 hours
Open: Always
Cost: Free

 The know-it-all says: Psyrri was a hangout for high-level figures such as Kings and ministers, as well as for plain workers!

Santorini Food Tour

Food is an integral part of the island, so the Santorini Food Tour should not be missing from your list! With Telis as the leader, you will have the chance to take a full “dive” in the Santorinian cuisine. The culinary dive includes coffee, bougatsa, beer, appetizers, melitinia, cherry tomatoes, fava, pastrami, olive oil, souvlaki or gyros, local wines, octopus, tsipouro, domatokeftedes, moussaka and loukoumades…for cooling off(!), while many surprises are also on the table. During the Tour, you will also see images of Santorini, you will walk in small alleys and become a fun group (with Telis’ help).

Mini tip: The stops for food are many, so you should start off on an empty stomach.

? Santorini Food Tour: Book Here

Suggested visit time: 4-5 hours
Open: Every day
Cost: 85€ per person

 The know-it-all says: There have been periods when 7,000 tons of tomatoes were being cultivated!

Zachlorou

Zachlorou, a small village of just 38 residents, has managed to steal the hearts and impressions of everyone visiting the Peloponnese. The reason is none other than the cinematic scenery with the legendary Odontotos train that passes through the village, and in fact making a stop at the homonymous station. The fallen leaves (in autumn), the stone buildings and rich vegetation of Vouraikos are accompanied by the sounds of the river and create a romantic atmosphere. So, who would not fall in love with a village like this?

Suggested visit time: 2-3 hours

 The know-it-all says: The name is of Slavic origin and means behind the mountains!

Modiano-Kapani Markets

These two are the city’s most well-known markets, with a long history. The famous Modiano alley used to be the hottest place for any kind of purchase. Its stands were full of the freshest products, while the smells from spices, freshly-cut coffee and all kinds of delicacies went as far as Aristotelous Square. Nowadays, most shops are closed and its image is heart-breaking. The Kapani outdoor market, on the other hand, is still operating normally, but this does not mean that it hasn’t lost the glory and quality of the past. It is defined by four major streets (Aristotelous, El. Venizelou, V. Irakleiou & Egnatia) and on its stands you can find food items, clothing and footwear items, home products and souvenirs. The once grand markets might have turned into victims of the multinationals, but a visit will gift you with an oriental taste and a unique aroma, which you will not find easily in the rest of, today’s, European Thessaloniki.

Suggested visit time: 1-3 hours
Open: Store operating hours
Cost: Free

 The Know it all says: Today’s “Kapani” market with the thousands of goods once was a flour market. (Un-Kapan means flour market)!

Obros Gialos

If you are looking for a place close to Chania, with clean waters and few to no people, then we have the ideal place for you, the beach of Obros Gialos. This special cove is just 26km east of Chania, in the Apokoronas region. Although it is getting more and more famous, only a few people dare to dive in, as it is full of rocks, while there is no organized beach. Nevertheless, its crystal jade-green waters are perfect for countless dives, while the seabed is ideal for exploring. Visit it on a day without wind, because big waves may cause serious accidents, if you are not familiar with each and every inch of the seacoast. Before leaving, get up on the kiosk and enjoy from above the wild beauty of the cove.

Caution: Do not dive if the wind speed is higher than level 4.

Suggested visit time: 1-2 hours
Open: Always
Cost: Free

 The know it all says: On the right side of the coast, there are many submarine freshwater springs!

Street Food-Kalamaki

Athens, like Thessaloniki, loves street food and the proof is the thousands of fast food establishments. Factors like the city’s fast pace, the soft spot for tasty-unhealthy delicacies and the low cost have landed fast food joints in the…stomachs of the locals. The easy and fast options of Street Food include hot dogs, gyros, sandwiches, burgers, tortillas, pizza, filled koulouri, crepes and more. But the one that has a special place in the hearts of Athenians is the kalamaki, a.k.a. souvlaki. The popular fast food delicacy consists of kalamaki, tomato, onion and yoghurt wrapped inside an oil-free pita. Enjoy.

Cost: 2 to 3.5€ for a pita wrap.

 The know-it-all says: It has its origins in the Aegean…Meat used to be grilled on skewers in Santorini 6,500 years ago!

Kamari Cinema

Welcome to Europe’s most beautiful open-air cinema, the Kamari Cinema! It is housed in an outdoor semi-circle space, which is surrounded by tall trees and leaves the spectator with the impression that they are in some exotic land. The acoustics as well as the quality of the image are perfect, while the space is smartly decorated with machines and objects from the old age of cinema. Finally, it is worth mentioning that all movies are played in English version and have Greek subtitles.

Caution! Seats are limited (around 170) and there is no possibility of telephone or electronic ticket purchase, you can only purchase tickets from the cinema booths.

? Read the rest of the tips Santorini to enjoy a wonderful night of entertainment! 

Suggested visit time: 1-3 hours (depending on the film)
Open: Every day
Cost: 8€ per person

 The know-it-all says: Cinema Kamari has been in operation for 30+ years!

Navarinou Square-Palace of Galerius

Going down the road from Kamara to Tsimiski Street, you will find the Navarinou Square. This is the city’s most alternative square with hordes of students crossing it daily, while on the mantels of the once great palace, one can meet groups of friends, members of old local families, enamored couples, street artists and merchants, punks and goths, each one leaving their mark on the square’s character. At its center, you can see Galerius’ palace complex, which you can visit on limited days and hours. At night it gains an infamous beauty, which makes its crossing dangerous. The area has, unfortunately, been degraded, but it tries not to lose its identity. Among the student cafés, the tattoo shops and the large number of fast food shops, you have the chance to try the most delicious, sweet crepe of the city.

Suggested visit time: 1-1.5 hours
Open: Tuesday-Wednesday 08:00-15:00 Closed: Monday, Thursday-Sunday
Cost: Free

 The Know it all says: It used to be the city’s largest royal palace and it spread across 150 acres!
 


Travelen.eu is regularly updated on ticket costs and operating hours, but you should always visit your choice of destination’s official site for confirmation.

Demetsana

Demetsana is one of the villages of central Peloponnese that you are going to love a little more. Pinned on mountainous Arcadia, at an altitude of over 1,000m, Demetsana will win you over with its rich history, cobbled streets, alleys, tall stone-built mansions, churches and beautiful squares. A destination with increasingly upward course in tourism, while it has excellent tourism infrastructure. A bit outside Demetsana you will also find the outdoor hydropower museum, which presents tasks of older times, performed with the assistance of water (do not miss it).

Suggested visit time: 1 day

 The know-it-all says: Kolokotronis characterized it as the powder keg of the Revolution, as it produced immense volumes of gunpowder!

Aspri Limni

Although thousands may be passing in front of it, yet nobody knows the beautiful Aspri Limni (White Lake). It is only 8 minutes away from the famous beach of Elafonisi and it is a pretty natural phenomenon, during which a lake with sea water is formed by rocks. The shallow waters, white sand and landscape, in combination with the solitary quiet will steal quite some of your time and impressions. The location is completely pure and unexploited, while to get there you will need the advice of a local or you will have to follow the small signs from the Chrysoskalitsa Monastery (see Tips). It would be a shame not to meet the small turquoise paradise, before moving on to the big one (Elafonisi).

Suggested visit time: 1-2 hours
Open: Always
Cost: Free

 The know it all says: It is surrounded by a rare palm grove, which is a protected nature reserve!

Fira-Oia trail

Santorini is connected from side to side with trails, with the most well-known one being the Fira-Oia trail. It is a 10km-long route, of medium difficulty, which you can travel in 2½ hours (fast-paced walking and 2-3 stops). The route starts from Fabrica in Thera and ends up at the church of the Assumption of Virgin Mary in Oia. The best options for rest stops are the chapel of Prophet Elias outside of Imerovigli (in the middle of the route), and the chapel of Virgin Mary (with a view of Oia and the Aegean).

? Read the Tips with all the information about the Fira-Oia trail!

Check out the route for the Fira-Oia trail

Suggested visit time: 2-3 hours
Open: Every day

 The know-it-all says: Fira, Firostefani and Imerovigli are individual villages, even though they are now connected to each other!

Photoshoot at the Caldera

A photoshoot at the Caldera of Santorini is one of the main reasons for visiting the island! The Caldera creates a scenery that is unique in the world, that only the camera is able to capture.

Suggestions: Showcase the wild beauty of the Caldera from the street after Imerovigli, as well as from Skaros. If you prefer something more romantic then visit the turn to Firostefani. For something alternative, visit the Venetsanos winery which apart from its excellent wines also offers an ample view of (almost) the entire Caldera. There are also many more locations that you will discover on your own, as long as you are in mood for walking.

Suggested visit time: 4-5 hours
Open: Every day
Cost: Free – With a professional: from 90 up to 120€ per person.

 The know-it-all says: Every year, tens of serious injuries occur, due to the people being photographed and their passion to take the best picture!

Street Art in Athens

Athens hosts some of the best graffiti, while it is among the 5 best cities for street art in the world! A few of its most important pieces are the owl, Plato’s portrait, the eye, “Loukanikos”, the caged man and more. The only thing you ought to do is organize a nice plan and start your walk at Athens’ artistic neighborhoods. Another artwork that adorns the capital since 1988 is Dromeas. The 8-meter tall modern statue is located opposite of the National Library and looks like a runner in motion.

Suggested visit time: 3-4 hours
Open: Always
Cost: Free

 The know-it-all says: Dromeas is the most famous sculpture of modern Greece!

Cape Tenaro

Welcome to the southernmost (mainland) point of Europe, Cape Tenaro. Here where the ancient Greeks believed to be the gates of Hades, or the passage to the underworld. A 30-minute route (of medium difficulty) will lead you to the lighthouse that stands proud and lights the Sea for over 100 years. The Cape offers to the bold wanderer a unique life experience, with images of the endless blue, the lighthouse and the waves that crash on the rocks with immense force.

Suggested visit time: 2-3 hours

 The know-it-all says: With a clear atmosphere, the eye can “run” as far as Crete!

Polylimnio of Messinia

Polylimnio of Messinia is the place that you should NOT miss when visiting the Peloponnese. It is a small, verdant paradise, surrounded by 15 ponds and small waterfalls! “Unknown” and unchanged even by tourist crowds, Polylimnio offers the chance for a dive in the cold waters of the ponds. It is a unique experience that you must have, especially if you visit the Peloponnese in mid-spring, summer or early autumn.

Suggested visit time: 2 hours

 The know-it-all says: The tallest waterfall is the one of Kadi, with the water falling from 25 meters high!