In these colourful extracts from her photo journal, archeologist Holley Martlew goes behind the scenes to capture the pageantry, tireless preparations and deep community bonds at one of Greece’s most epic annual carnival rituals. 'Carnival in Rethymnon', I had been told, is special. It shares a few things, like its huge parade...
Read moreGreece may rule the roost in June and July ... but it's also got some pretty cool moves up its sleeve in January and February. Here’s Insider’s top picks for the looming half-term holidays - from active adventures, thrilling archeological odysseys, winery tours, and family fun where you can sleep inside the walls of medieval castle towns....
Read moreAs a general rule, many Athenians prefer to holiday on Greek islands that are convenient to get to – but far away from “the masses”. Amanda Dardanis lists her favourite Athenian Boltholes – all within 3 hours of the capital. (Just don’t tell too many others!) Serifos There’s been a quiet buzz building about the island of Serifo...
Read moreJustin Brendel embarks on an alpine adventure of Olympic proportions, complete with shooting stars, donkey “mines”, and powerful new friendships. “And don’t touch the small orange and black animal. He is poisonous.” I never saw this notorious salamander during our stunning four-hour hike up Mt. Olympus, but our guide seemed...
Read moreJohn Zervos, a lifelong Hydra-phile, recalls an extraordinary place that has played muse to everyone from Bridget Bardot to Presidential hopefuls. As a living archivist, he explains why there’ll never be another island like it. The island of Hydra in the Saronic gulf is unique in its architecture, significant in its role in mo...
Read moreFor many families living in Athens, half-term school holidays are just around the corner. Make use of Autumn’s awesome climate to sample our pick of fun family adventures that they’ll be only too happy to ditch the ipad for – all in the Great Attica Outdoors. Meet the Magic Horses of Rafina There are many delights on offer at t...
Read moreSwedish entrepreneur and photographer Lisa Furuland Kotsianis shares her favourite summer snapshots of elegant Spetses, the Argo-Saronic treasure that’s often called “The Monaco of Greece”. When did your romance with the island of Spetses begin? We met a mere five years ago. But it was love at first sight. [caption id="atta...
Read moreThe Road to Self-Improvement is Paved with Good Excuses! This was just one of the many Life Lessons Insider’s Amanda Dardanis learned during last weekend's 3km Spetses Swim event at the Spetses mini Marathon. That wise old soul Eleanor Roosevelt famously preached about the psychological benefits of doing one thing each day tha...
Read moreA stunning and self-sufficient island with its own steady year-round pulse, Samos is one of the best-value-for-quality Greek destinations around. Once a holiday haunt of Antony and Cleopatra, Pythagoras’ birthplace also has a riveting history, reports Amanda Dardanis. For a fairly small island just 43km across, the Isle of Sam...
Read moreSince the arrival of two world-class luxury resorts – Amanzoe and Nikki Beach – the once sleepy seaside hub of Porto Heli now attracts a new class of global traveller. Together with its stylish companion island Spetses, the two destinations are one of the Greek Riviera’s Classiest Double Acts, writes Amanda Dardanis. Porto Hel...
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