Greece 8 Getting Started
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The document provides background information on Greece, including its history, culture, politics, economy and tourism industry. It discusses how Greece has transformed from a conservative agrarian society in the 1980s to a modern European country today. While development has improved facilities for tourists, it has also increased prices and crowded some destinations. The document emphasizes traveling responsibly to alleviate negative impacts of mass tourism, such as considering less popular destinations or traveling outside of high season.
Greece 8 Getting Started
- 1. © Lonely Planet Publications 17 Destination Greece In the early days of the summer of 2007 Greeks awoke to find their coun- try alight: literally. Forest fires had broken out in the thickly carpeted hills around Athens. Within a week or two they had also erupted with unparal- leled fury across wide areas of the Peloponnese, Evia and even as far north as Epiros. Satellite pictures showed a pall of billowing smoke drifting skyward, ash covered many neighbourhoods of Athens, thousands lost their homes and 66 hapless souls their lives. All the while, incessant talking heads on Greek TV loudly proclaimed this to be Greece’s worst disaster of recent times; it was widely believed that the fires were deliberately lit, add- ing insult to injury. The 2007 firestorm not only had an ecological fallout, but also severely dented the reputation of the conservative government of the New Democracy party of Konstandinos Karamanlis. Such was the anger directed at the government – accused by many of idly standing by while their country burned – that in the September 2007 national elec- tions Karamanlis was returned with a majority of only two in the 300-seat FAST FACTS parliament. It was a wake-up call and he knew it. Population: 10,706,290 All this came at a time when the three-and-a-half-year-old Karamanlis Government had considered itself to be sitting pretty. Greece had been Percentage of women: revelling in the European spotlight for some time, enjoying a residual 50.5% glow after the success of the 2004 Olympic Games, their unexpected Tourists: 14.4 million triumph as UEFA football champions in the same year, and Patras being annually the European Capital of Culture in 2006. Yet for all their pride in and Cars: 4.1 million celebration of recent achievements, the Greek population proved them- selves to be, ultimately, pragmatic and illustrated that politics is never GDP: US$256.3 billion far from the core of the Greek psyche. In the land where democracy was GDP growth: 4.2% born, true democracy still prevails and the will of the people can be as Per capita income: strong as the winds that fanned those calamitous fires. US$26,920 Greece is a country with a hallowed past and an at-times turbulent present. Appreciation of the achievements of its classical past has tended Inflation: 3.3% to overshadow its development as a free nation since the War of Inde- Unemployment: 9.6% pendence from the Ottomans in 1821. Many foreign Hellenists imbued External debt: US$67.23 with a romantic ideal of the Greece of Pericles and the Parthenon are billion blithely ignorant that Greece today is a vibrant modern European coun- try. It is equally a land where the languages of recent migrant communi- ties from the Balkans, Africa and Asia – not to mention the English and German of EU migrants and retirees – contribute to Greece’s status as one of Europe’s more recent multicultural societies. As recently as 1983, when it acceded to the EU, Greece was essentially a conservative, agrarian society famous for olive oil, coups, beaches and islands. Its transformation since its induction – alone, at the time, among the southeastern European nations – to the Brussels-led club of prosperous nations has been no less than dramatic. It could once take up to two years to obtain a landline for a home – now Greeks boast more mobile phones than fixed-line phones. Internet hotspots pop up like mushrooms, while car ownership, once the privilege of the affluent few, is now a consumer commodity enjoyed by the majority. While sleeping on beaches was once de rigueur for travellers in the carefree ’70s, tourism is now most definitely pitched to the middle to upper-end markets and sleeping rough is now oh-so out. This has created mixed blessings for visitors: better facilities inevitably come at higher prices; faster and safer sea travel has replaced more romantic
- 2. 18 D E S T I N AT I O N G R E E C E lonelyplanet.com slow boat voyages to rocky isles; wholesome, home-cooked food may be hard to find amid the surfeit of tacos, sushi or stir-fried lamb; homey, box- like rooms tended to with a smile have been usurped by airy, air-conned self-catering apartments with nary a Greek face in sight to say kalimera (good morning). Yet the fact that Greece continues to enjoy a steady influx of foreign visitors is easy to explain. The Greek people still have the welcome mat out. It is they who, after all, make Greece. Without the indomitable bonhomie of the Greeks themselves, Greece would be a different place altogether. Their zest for life, their curiosity and their unquestioning hospitality to the visitors in their midst is what makes a visitor’s experi- ence in the country inevitably unforgettable. The Greeks may curse their luck at times, distrust their politicians and believe ‘oiling’ the wheels of bureaucracy a fact of life, but they maintain their joie de vivre, their spontaneity, their optimism. And, of course, their homeland offers myriad experiences, landscapes and activities. Greece is the pulsing nightclubs of Mykonos and the solemnity of Meteora; the grandeur of Delphi and the earthiness of Met- sovo; the rugged Cretan hillsides and the lush wildflowers of spring. It is the blinding light of the Aegean sun, the melancholy throb of rembetika (blues songs), the tang of home-made tzatziki, the gossip in the kafeneia (coffee shops). It is the Parthenon – solitary and pristine – lording it over the hazy sprawl of Athens. So, the job at hand is simple: decide which particular Greece you want to experience. Then come and find it.
- 3. 19 Getting Started TRAVELLING RESPONSIBLY Let’s face it, Greece is a hugely popular destination. While this may be sustainable in the quieter time of the year, from June to September Greece receives an enormous influx of travellers and tourists. While this may be a bonanza for the country, this annual influx puts great strains on the infrastructure, the environment, the often fragile flora and fauna and even the Greek people themselves. Mega-destinations like Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes and Corfu often struggle to house and feed visitors and manage their detritus. The build- ing of new developments often clashes with eco-minded organisations (see p554). In a similar vein, champions of fauna often fight losing battles with this relentless push for expansion (see p712). As a potential visitor to Greece with an understanding of what issues ‘Greece prevail upon the country, you may be able to alleviate some of the negative receives an side effects of mass tourism and travel. July and August is the time of the fabled European Summer mass vaca- enormous tion. Outside this high season Greece is cheaper and accommodation is influx of easier to find also the weather at these times is much more bearable. travellers Travelling to and around Greece will usually involve polluting, mecha- nised transport. Seriously consider cycling – it can be serious fun. You’ll and tourists’ need good gears and a stout constitution at times – those mountains can be challenging – but the land is eminently suitable for cyclists. Local transport is nonetheless well-developed and reasonably priced. You don’t really need your own motorised transport: you just need a bit more time. There are lots of trekking options (for example in the Zagoro- horia, see p335), or you may care to charter a yacht (see p718) with a few friends and use wind power to propel you from island to island in much the same way that Odysseus (Ulysses) did. A growing number of hotels choose green options. Solar heating, the recycling of waste products, the use of energy efficient light bulbs and low impact architecture using local materials are all ways in which eco-savvy hotel and pension owners do their bit to keep green. Seek out such sleep- ing options and give them your mark of approval. An entire community in Crete has done away with electricity all together (see p485). ‘Organic’ is a buzzword in Greece too. Greece has one of the healthi- est dietary regimes around; couple that with local organic products and you are onto a culinary winner. Consider choosing your restaurants on the basis of their locally grown food products – and tell the owners – they will all get the message in good time. When you’re thirsty, don’t cart one of those dastardly plastic water bottles with you. Who will ul- timately dispose of it? Drink from a water fountain or from a tap. (Note, although the water in Greece is generally fine, many islands have questionable, limited or no water supply, so it’s is best to check with the locals there.) For more details on environmental issues, see p82. Shop sensibly too: look at labels and buy only locally made products. Don’t just make a beeline for the most obviously popular spots: everyone else will be doing the same thing. Select your destination with some inven- tiveness. You’ll probably have a better time. Above all, exercise common sense. Set the precedent yourself and travel responsibly, yet comfortably. It’s not hard. Greece and its people will be all the better off for it and so will you.
- 4. 20 G E T T I N G S TA R T E D • • W h e n t o G o lonelyplanet.com lonelyplanet.com G E T T I N G S TA R T E D • • T o p 1 0 21 WHEN TO GO See Climate Charts (p720) for more information. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit Greece; specifically May, June, September and October. Most of the country’s tourist infrastructure goes into hibernation during winter, particularly on the islands. Some of the smaller islands close completely and some islanders head off to alternative homes on TOP 10 the mainland for a few months. Many hotels, seasonal cafés and restaurants Green Destinations close their doors from the end of November until the beginning of April; bus So you want a green, sustainable vacation; you want to commune with the land, the people, the and ferry services are either drastically reduced or cancelled. sea and the mountains. Here are our suggestions for some places you can visit that are off the The cobwebs are dusted off in time for Orthodox Easter (usually around beaten track. April; see p724), when the first tourists start to arrive. Conditions are perfect between Easter and mid-June, when the weather is pleasantly warm in most 1 The Zagorohoria (northwestern Greece; 6 The Pomakohoria (eastern Macedonia; places; beaches and ancient sites are relatively uncrowded; public transport p332) – mountains and trekking p314) – no tourists, thermal baths operates at close to full schedules; and there’s a bigger variety of accommo- 2 Remote islands such as Gavdos (Crete; 7 Dadia Forest Reserve (Thrace; p320) – dation options to choose from. p499), Agios Efstratios (northeastern raptors, lots of them Mid-June to the end of August is high season. It’s party time on the islands Aegean islands; p634) or Psara (northeast- 8 Mt Athos (Halkidiki; p291) – for spirituality; and everything is in full swing. It’s also very hot – in July and August the ern Aegean islands;p617) – minimal no women allowed mercury can soar to 40°C (over 100°F) in the shade just about anywhere in visitors, uncluttered space the country; the beaches are crowded; the ancient sites are swarming with 9 Tria Potamia (central Greece; p264) – kayak- 3 Milia (Crete; p485) – no electricity, organic ing and skiing tour groups; and in many places accommodation is booked solid. products The high season starts to wind down in September and conditions are 10 Taÿgetos Mountains (Peloponnese; p193) – HOW MUCH? ideal once more until the end of October. 4 Tilos Park (Tilos, Dodecanese; p554) walking and wandering Local telephone call €0.30 By November the endless blue skies of summer have disappeared. No- 5 Hydra (Saronic Gulf Islands; p355) – no cars per min vember to February are the wettest months and it can get surprisingly cold. Minimum taxi fare €4 Snow is common on the mainland and in the mountains of Evia and Crete; it occasionally snows in Athens. But there are also plenty of sunny days and Top Reads Litre of milk €1.60 some visitors prefer the tranquillity that reigns at this time of year. One of the best ways to learn about Greek culture is to immerse yourself in a good book or some International Herald poetry. The following top 10 have earned critical acclaim in Greece and abroad. For more informa- Tribune €2.50 COSTS & MONEY tion on Greek literature, see p60. Coffee €3.50-5 Greece is no longer a cheap country. Prices have rocketed since the adop- tion of the euro in 2002. It’s hard to believe that inflation is less than 4%, as 1 The Odyssey by Homer 6 Dinner with Persephone by Patricia Storace Soft drink (can) €1.50 claimed by the government, when prices have risen by a perceptibly higher 2 Alexis Zorbas by Nikos Kazantzakis 7 Life in the Tomb by Stratos Myrivilis Cinema ticket €8 margin since that time. Some dramatic price rises, particularly for accom- 3 A Century of Greek Poetry by Bien, Constan- 8 A House in Corfu by Emma Tennant modation and restaurant meals, have been evident in recent years. tine, Keely, van Dyck A rock-bottom daily budget for a solo traveller would be €45. This would 9 The Dark Labyrinth by Lawrence Durrell mean hitching, staying in youth hostels or camping, and only occasionally 4 Christ Recrucified by Nikos Kazantzakis 10 The Olive Grove by Katherine Kizilos eating in restaurants or taking ferries. Allow at least €90 per day if you want 5 Complete Poems of Cavafy by Constantine your own room and plan to eat out, travel about and see the sights. If you Cavafy want comfortable rooms and restaurants all the way, you will need close to €130 per day. These budgets are for individuals travelling in high season (July/August). Couples sharing a room can get by on less. Our Favourite Festivals & Events Your money will go much further if you travel during the quieter months Greeks love to celebrate, and there’s almost always something, somewhere that’s worth celebrating. of May to June and September to October. Accommodation on the islands The following list is our top 10, but for a comprehensive list of all the main festivals and events particularly is a lot cheaper outside high season. You will also be able to ne- throughout the year, see p723. gotiate better deals if you stay a few days. Families can achieve considerable savings by looking for self-catering apartments, shopping for food and drink 1 Easter (Corfu; p678) April to May 6 Classical Music Festival (Nafplio; p183) May at supermarkets and local produce markets and cooking for themselves. 2 Summer theatre on Lykavittos Hill (Athens; to July Prices quoted throughout this book are for the high season of mid-July p130) June to August 7 Miaoulia Festival (Hydra; p358) June to late August. 3 Patra Carnival (Peloponnese; p163) January 8 Athens Festival (Theatre of Herodes Atticus, to March Athens; p130) June to September TRAVEL LITERATURE Travel writers can be a great source of inspiration for those planning to 4 Hellenic Festival (Theatre of Epidavros, 9 Folegandros Festival (Cyclades; p437) July follow in their footsteps. Peloponnese; p187) July to August 10 Panagia tou Harou (Lipsi Village; Dodeca- Attic in Greece (Austen Kark) This tale revolves around the author’s experiences of buying a 5 Skyros Carnival (Sporades; p672) February nese p584) August house in the old town of Nafplio with his wife Nina. It’s full of interesting insights gleaned through to March the author’s time in Greece working for the BBC.
- 5. 22 G E T T I N G S TA R T E D • • I n t e r n e t R e s o u r c e s lonelyplanet.com DON’T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT… Most travellers carry far too much gear, filling bags and backpacks with things that will never see the light of day. It’s best to bring only the essentials; you can buy anything else you might need in Greece. The essentials: A digital camera – Greece is enviably over-photogenic, so send photos home via the internet A few paperback novels to while away the hours spent riding ferries A shady hat, sunglasses and sun block – indispensable in Greece’s hot climate An inflatable neck pillow and eye shades – for those long bus and train journeys Lonely Planet’s Greek Phrasebook – talk like the locals Sturdy shoes – ancient sites and historic towns and villages have rocky paths Your international driving licence – you can’t drive without it Your iPod – carry your photos of home and favourite music and video clips Your mobile phone – buy a local SIM card and keep in touch with family and friends Mermaid Singing/Peel me a Lotus (Charmian Clift) A duet of titles from Clift’s Greece period in the late 50s. They reflect her time as mother, spouse and blossoming author on the island of Hydra where she lived among the (at times) smothering embrace of her fellow Greek mothers and spouses. Stars Over Paxos (John Gill) Travel writer Gill recounts his early experience on Paxi in the Ionian islands. Ostensibly helping out with the olive harvest Gill becomes enmeshed in the day to day life of the Paxiots who both befriend him and ultimately become alienated by him. A fascinating read about the mindset of a small island community. The Colossus of Marousi (Henry Miller) Few writers have matched the enthusiasm expressed in this classic tale. Miller’s fervour never flags as he leaps from one adventure to the next. Some travellers get upset about being ripped off by a taxi driver on arrival; to Miller, it’s another experi- ence to be savoured. The Greek Islands (Lawrence Durrell) More than just a travel guide, Durrell’s photojournalistic essay of Greece in the ‘70s stands the test of time with his quiet introspective observations of Greek history and culture that are still relevant today. The Hill of Kronos (Peter Levi) A more serious and cerebral look at Greece from a long-time philhellene who has known Greece for many years. Levi’s insight touches upon the history, politics and darker days of Greece during occupation and dictatorship. His long-time love and patience wins out with a picture of Greece that is both objective and subjective. The Mani (Patrick Leigh Fermor) Another ardent philhellene, Patrick Leigh Fermor is well known for his exploits in rallying the Cretan resistance in WWII. He now lives in Kardamyli in the Peloponnese. The Summer of My Greek Taverna (Tom Stone) A humorous yet bittersweet tale of love, dreams and anticipation. Stone does what we would all like to do – run a restaurant on a Greek island – in this instance Patmos. It’s not all plain sailing as Stone learns the hard lesson of dealing with Greeks on their turf. It’s a great read for the beach. INTERNET RESOURCES There is a huge number of websites providing information about Greece. Culture Guide (www.cultureguide.gr) Lots of information about contemporary culture and the arts. Greek Ferries (www.greekferries.gr) One-stop site with access to all the latest international and domestic ferry information. Greek National Tourist Organisation (www.gnto.gr) For concise tourist information. Greek Search Engine (www.in.gr) The best starting point for web browsers. Lonely Planet (www.lonelyplanet.com) Has postcards from other travellers and the Thorn Tree bulletin board, where you can ask questions before you go or dispense advice when you get back. Ministry of Culture (www.culture.gr) Information about ancient sites, art galleries and museums.
- 6. 23 Itineraries CLASSIC ROUTES A CYCLADES CIRCLE Two Weeks / Athens to Athens The Cyclades are by far the most popular and best known of the Greek is- lands. Start with a couple of days sightseeing in Athens (p95), before catching a ferry from Rafina (p145). The first port of call is classy Andros (p368) with its fine beaches and art galleries. Move along to Tinos (p372), a pilgrimage island for many Orthodox Christians. Next in line is chic Mykonos (p381), famous for its bars and beaches, and stepping-off point for the sacred island of Delos (p390). Naxos (p401), the greenest and most fertile of the Cyclades is a great place for walkers. The sheer cliffs of the volcanic caldera at Santorini (Thira; p422, created by one of the largest eruptions ever recorded, are a sight not to be missed. Start your return leg with a couple of days partying on youthful Ios (p418) then recover on nearby Paros (p392) with its plethora of fine beaches and more mellow nightlife. Swing west on a weekly ferry to demure Sifnos (p442) with its olive grove, oleanders, almonds and junipers. Finally, do see discrete Kythnos (p456) and mingle with the Athenian yacht crowd. Bearing southeast AEGEAN ATTICA from Athens, this SEA Rafina circular route Piraeus ATHENS Andros covers several hun- dred kilometres, taking you through Tinos the perimeter of Mykonos the Cyclades and back to Athens via Kythnos Delos the jewels of this CYCLADES island group. Paros MYRTOÖN Naxos SEA Sifnos Ios Santorini (Thira) SEA OF CRETE
- 7. 24 ITINERARIES •• Classic Routes lonelyplanet.com lonelyplanet.com ITINERARIES •• Classic Routes 25 THE GRAND TOUR One Month / Athens to Ancient Delphi MAINLY MAINLAND Two Weeks / Igoumenitsa to Athens A month is long enough to have a really good look at the country and to If entering Greece from Italy with your own transport, Igoumenitsa is a experience the huge variety of attractions (both ancient and modern) that good place to start. Once the Via Egnatia highway is completed access it has to offer. across the north will be easier but not half as interesting as it is now. From bustling Athens (p95), head to the pretty Venetian city of Nafplio Do not linger in Igoumenitsa (p343), the busy entry port in Greece’s far (p180) in the Peloponnese. Nafplio, first capital of independent Greece, is northwest; head across the mountains to Ioannina (p326) with its arresting the perfect base for day trips to Ancient Mycenae (p177) and the celebrated lakeside location, Ottoman monuments and social life. Head northwards Theatre of Epidavros (p187). Head south from here to the attractive fishing to the Zagorohoria (p332), unlike anything else you will see in Greece. Cross town of Gythio (p202) to catch a ferry across to Kissamos (p499) on Crete, the Pindos Mountains via the less-travelled northern route to Kastoria possibly stopping at the delightfully unspoiled island of Kythira (p224) on (p307), a pretty lakeside town. Now make a beeline for the Prespa Lakes the way. It’s certainly worth calling in at either the charming Hania (p485) (p305), where tranquillity reigns over landscapes of water and mountains. or Rethymno (p476) on the journey along Crete’s northern coast to the Visit the artists’ town of Florina (p303) and cruise through western Mac- capital Iraklio (p464) and the ruins of Knossos (p472). From Iraklio, jump edonia with an overnight stop in Edessa (p302) – famous for its tumbling across to not-to-be-missed Santorini (Thira; p422) and start island-hopping waterfalls. Spend some time in bustling Thessaloniki (p272) before heading north. Consider unwinding for a few days at some of the smaller islands to the home of the ancient gods at Mt Olympus (p298), a mere 90-minute like Anafi (p432) and Koufonisia (p412), both perfect for beach lovers, before drive south. Passing through the Vale of Tembi (p250) you enter the sprawl- hitting the bars and clubs of hedonistic Mykonos (p381). Mykonos also has ing plains of Thessaly where monks built monasteries atop pinnacles of weekly connections to cosmopolitan Thessaloniki (p272) in northern Greece. rock at stunning Meteora (p264). Heading south the route takes you across Thessaloniki is a pleasant surprise to many travellers; a sophisticated city agricultural plains and mountains to the sea once more near Lamia (p245), with some fine Roman and Byzantine architecture and a lively nightlife. not far from where ancient hero Leonidas stood his ground against invad- Walkers will certainly want to call at Mt Olympus (p298) on the way to ing Persians at Thermopylae (p246). A fast highway now leads on to Athens, the amazing rock monasteries of Meteora (p264), home of hermit monks. a detour from which leads you to Thiva (Thebes; p230). From here choose The last stop is at unforgettable Ancient Delphi (p233), former home of the the less-travelled mountain route via Erythres to approach Athens (p95). mysterious Delphic oracle and steeped in ancient Greek history; just the place to ask what to do next. A month should be Thessaloniki This circuitous MACEDONIA ample time to com- 1000km-long route plete this epic trip, takes in the more MACEDONIA THRACE taking you through Mt Olympus (2917m) Prespa Lakes spectacular scenery Edessa the Peloponnese, Meteora Florina Thessaloniki of the north plus Crete, the Cyclades EPIROS Kastoria the centre’s most THESSALY and back to the AEGEAN Mt visited attraction, Olympus mainland through SEA Zagorohoria (2917m) Meteora, and IONIAN northern and SEA STEREA ELLADA Vale of finally leads you Tembi Meteora central Greece. Ancient Delphi Ioannina to Athens along Igoumenitsa THESSALY routes that are ATTICA EPIROS ATHENS AEGEAN not used by many SEA PELOPONNESE Ancient Mycenae IONIAN travellers. Theatre of Lamia Epidavros SEA STEREA Thermopylae Nafplio Mykonos ELLADA CYCLADES Thiva (Thebes) Koufonisia MYRTOÖN Erythres ATTICA Gythio SEA ATHENS Santorini Anafi (Thira) PELOPONNESE Kythira MEDITERRANEAN SEA OF SEA CRETE Hania MYRTOÖN Kissamos Rethymno SEA Iraklio CRETE Knossos
- 8. 26 I T I N E R A R I E S • • R o a d s Le s s T r a v e l l e d lonelyplanet.com lonelyplanet.com I T I N E R A R I E S • • R o a d s Le s s T r a v e l l e d 27 A CENTRAL CIRCUIT Two Weeks / Thessaloniki to Igoumenitsa ROADS LESS TRAVELLED This journey starts in the bustling, stylish capital of Thessaloniki in Macedo- nia, and heads south and west through some spectacular mountain scenery to finish at the Adriatic port of Igoumenitsa. EASTERN ISLAND RUN Three Weeks / Rhodes to Alexandroupoli Thessaloniki (p272) is an exciting lively city worth a few days of fun. Head This route takes travellers island-hopping north from Rhodes through south to Litohoro (p299), the trailhead for the ascent of Mt Oympus (p298). the islands of the Dodecanese and the Northeastern Aegean, finishing Allow two full days to ascend to the home of the gods. When done, head in Alexandroupoli. south into Thessaly through the Vale of Tembi (p250) and make for the pin- You’ll need to spend a few days on Rhodes (p516), exploring the atmos- nacled rocks and hanging monasteries of Meteora (p264) – climb them if pheric old city and visiting the spectacular Acropolis of Lindos (p528) before set- you’re not vertiginously challenged. Cut due south across rolling farmland ting sail for Tilos (p550). This laid-back island is a great place for walkers and to unassuming Lamia (p245) before heading west to alpine Karpenisi (p243) those seeking uncrowded beaches and, unlike its neighbours, it is one of the at the heart of Greece’s ‘Little Switzerland’. Lay up for a day or two in this few islands in the Dodecanese to have escaped the ravages of development. relaxing mountain resort then spiral on west and downwards to the languid The next stop is Nisyros (p554), where the eruptions of Mt Polyvotis have lagoon of Messolongi (p241). Now go where few travellers venture: follow the created a bizarre volcanic landscape that will take your breath away. You’ll often lonely road of the west coast through little visited resorts, such as Astakos need to call briefly at Kos (p557) to pick up a ferry onward to Patmos (p577), (p243) and Mytikas (p243) – maybe add rarely visited Kalamos (p243) to your an island that St John the Divine found sufficiently inspiring to pen his Book island collection. Barrel north to the fishing port cum resort of Preveza (p339) of Revelations. Patmos has good connections to ultra-laid-back Ikaria (p589), for the best sardines in Greece, then make a beeline for Parga (p341) on the where you can laze at some of the Aegean’s best beaches before continuing to Epiros ‘Riviera’ where you can swim in crystal blue coves. Your road will Chios (p607) and its fabulous mastic villages of the south. The next stop is Les- lead you to Igoumenitsa (p343), an important port linking Greece with Italy vos (Mytilini; p618), birthplace of the poet Sappho and producer of Greece’s and the rest of Europe, and the start of the Via Egnatia highway that leads finest olive oil and ouzo. Limnos (p630) is little more than a transit point on all the way to distant İstanbul. the journey north to Samothraki (p634) and the Sanctuary of the Great Gods. The final leg is to the Thracian port of Alexandroupoli (p316), where travellers will find good transport connections to Thessaloniki and Athens. THRACE Furthest from the MACEDONIA Alexandroupoli This unusual route Greek mainland, Thessaloniki Samothraki Thessaloniki is best suited if this leisurely THRACIAN you have your MACEDONIA trip through the SEA own transport, Dodecanese to Limnos though it can be the islands of the Litohoro done by bus. The Northeastern Mt Olympus (2917m) route combines THESSALY NORTHEASTERN Aegean covers AEGEAN ISLANDS Lesvos Vale of ancient sites, Meteora Tembi about 800km. AEGEAN mountains and sea SPORADES Igoumenitsa SEA in a package that THESSALY few travellers have STEREA AEGEAN Parga ELLADA Chios EPIROS thought of. SEA ATTICA ATHENS Preveza IONIAN Karpenisi Lamia Ikaria SEA Mytikas PELOPONNESE STEREA Astakos ELLADA Patmos CYCLADES Kalamos Messolongi MYRTOÖN Kos SEA DODECANESE ATTICA Nisyros Tilos ATHENS Rhodes PELOPONNESE KARPATHIAN Acropolis of Lindos SEA
- 9. 28 I T I N E R A R I E S • • R o a d s Le s s T r a v e l l e d lonelyplanet.com lonelyplanet.com I T I N E R A R I E S • • Ta i l o re d T r i p s 29 BEST OF THE DODECANESE Four Weeks / Kasos to Patmos The journey starts on the tiny and almost forgotten island of Kasos and winds its way along the borders of the Turkish coast to the holy island of Patmos. TAILORED TRIPS Take a slow boat from Piraeus to Kasos (p540) and really step back in ON THE GO time for a day or two visiting monasteries and caves before moving on to If you really fancy a vacation that combines a number of activities beyond the elongated island of Karpathos (p534) with its vibrant, ancient culture and beaching it and dining then listen up. Start by some relaxing fly fishing on the music. After a few days step onto a ferry to tiny Halki (p531) for some fine Aoös River near Konitsa (p337) in Epiros. After a lunch of freshly caught trout, food and relaxed swimming. Take a caïque to the largest island of the Do- try walking the Vikos Gorge (p335) and maybe follow that with a mountain hike decanese, Rhodes (p516) and take in the stunning medieval old town. If time to Drakolimni (p336). Now take your gear south and check out some fast wind- and budget allow, fly to Kastellorizo (p543), Greece’s easternmost outpost and surfing at Vasiliki (p698) on the island of Lefkada. home to a busy expat Greek-Australian community. Cruise across to rocky When surfed out and you’ve caught your breath, Symi (p546) with its oh-so-pretty harbour, then chill out in laid-back Tilos trek on southwards across the Gulf of Corinth to (p550) with its fine walking trails and down-to-earth lifestyle. Hop across the deep southwest of the Peloponnese at Karitena and northwards to visit a living volcano on craggy Nisyros (p554) then party (p190) where you can white-water raft or hot dog This island- on at holiday island Kos (p557) where there is ample room for everyone. Fly a fast-flowing river and or simply hike. Now hop Konitsa Drakolimni to startlingly bare yet unmistakably Cycladic Astypalea (p564; the flight path on a slow ferry to Crete (p460) from the southern Vikos Gorge hopping odyssey goes via Leros) for a different taste of the Dodecanese, then fly back and on Peloponnese and really do some walking. Hike Vasiliki takes in 13 of the to Leros (p574), an island that has not lost touch with its roots. Take a fast the Trans-European E4 walking trail and take in 17 official Dodeca- catamaran to Lipsi (p582), almost out of sight of the mainstream, but much the spectacular Samaria Gorge (p493) while you are nese islands. With loved by aficionados of small and cosy islands for its good food and beaches. at it. Allow a good week for this very challeng- Karitena Naxos Finally make a pilgrimage to spiritual Patmos (p577) for some excellent food ing slog. Now cruise to Rhodes (p516) and take a little more time and even more enticing beaches and getaway corners. When finished take a you can easily fit in in some super scuba diving and when done with Rhodes fast and luxurious ferry back to Piraeus or head on northwards to the islands exploring the depths see the water from above the whole set. of the Northeastern Aegean. in a bout of kite surfing at Mikri Vigla (p407) on Samaria Gorge Naxos. Exhausted? NORTHERN ANTIQUITIES Make Thessaloniki your base and seek out some of the lesser-known but Patmos no less spectacular sites of the sprawling regions of Epiros, Macedonia and Lipsi Thrace. This itinerary is best accomplished with your own transport. Revel for a day or two in the vibrant nightlife of Thessaloniki (p272) and visit its numerous museums, then head west to the ancient Macedonian Leros capital of Pella (p298), where you can admire the ruins of Alexander the Great’s home base. See the stunning tomb of Alexander’s father Phillip of AEGEAN Macedon at nearby Vergina (p301), the north’s singularly most impressive SEA Kos archaeological site. Cross the looming Pindos Mountains to Ioannina (p326) from where you Astypalea can easily visit the splendid amphitheatre and Philippi oracle of Dodoni (p332), the eerie underground Pella Kavala Symi Nisyros site of ancient Hades at the Nekromanteio of Thessaloniki Sanctuary Vergina of the Afyra (p343), close to the Epirote coast, and the Great Gods Tilos Roman-era settlement of Nikopolis (p340). Cross DODECANESE Halki Rhodes Kastellorizo back to Macedonia and take another breather Ioannina Dodoni in Thessaloniki before heading east. The first Nekromanteio Nikopolis of Afyra KARPATHIAN stop will be Philippi (p296), a Roman site where SEA Christianity was first accepted in Europe and close to the busy port of Kavala (p295) with its archaeological museum. Do not miss out on MEDITERRANEAN the spectacular Sanctuary of the Great Gods (p637) SEA OF Karpathos on the island of Samothraki where the Winged CRETE SEA Victory of Samothrace was found (now on dis- play in the Louvre in Paris). Kasos
- 10. 4 5 On the Road DES HANNIGAN Glass of wine, hard copy, palmtop, foldaway keyboard and sun hat (though not neces- sarily in that order); I get my priorities right while catching up with the gruelling work of keying in the beta on rooftop Mykonos (p381). It rarely gets tougher than this... MICHAEL CLARK While following my climbing guide and new best friend, Kos- tas, 300m up the side of a sand- PAUL HELLANDER stone tower at Meteora (p264), When I got to Leros (p574) and saw this wild-looking gourouna (sow) I just had to have it. It’s a 50cc fun the thought crossed my mind, bike with fat tyres and lots of attitude. It was perfect to get around the lanes of Leros with all my gear. I ‘What, exactly, am I doing here?’ have never had so much fun collecting data. The answer came quickly: ‘Look- ing forward to one more meal on earth, and an extra shot of ouzo.’ CHRIS DELISO The master sea-urchin hunter in Mesta (p614) was handier with the hoe than I, but nonetheless I en- joyed a successful dive along the rocks in search of breakfast in beautiful southwestern Chios. KATE ARMSTRONG There are many close shaves while on the road, not least this one. I was interviewing the bar- ber Mr Yiangos Hytiris (see A Cut Above the Rest, p689) from Kouramades on Corfu. Clearly VICTORIA KYRIAKOPOULOS bemused by my dishevelled appearance, he Around Monastiraki (p97), in downtown Athens, there is a delightful convergence of past and present, whipped out a pink smock, pushed me onto the tourists and Athenians weaving their way around the ancient city and the grunge of the flea market. The chair and... bustling cafés are a favourite place to stop and enjoy the pulse of the city. See full author bios page 761
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