Category Archives: Destinations

Nafplio – the legendary capital of Greece

Nafplio is located in Argolic Gulf of Peloponnese. The city was the first capital of modern Greece during “Greek War of Independence.” According to an ancient Greek legend, the village was founded by Theseus – legendary ruler of Athens. Nafplio is one of the oldest cities and continues to attract tourists today with its charm and romantic atmosphere. The city existed already in ancient times and was inhabited by Phoenicians, Carians, ancient Egyptians and others. Nowadays it combines unique architecture and culture of the Venetians, Ottomans and Greeks. Over time they have left various architectural traces and the Venetians called it even Naples of the Orient. Over the city was erected and the Venetian fortress Palamidi – a masterpiece of fortification throughout the eastern Mediterranean. In the 16th and 17th centuries Nafplio becomes commercial center of the Peloponnese and something as temporary capital of Greece to the proclamation of the modern Greek capital Athens in 1834. An interesting fact is that it is in Nafplio was crowned first Modern Greek King Otto I, son of Ludwig of Bavaria. For his ascension to the throne contribute great powers at that time – Russia, France and Britain.

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Nowadays walk around the Nafplio is a real treat for lovers of cultural and historical attractions. The city is a mix of different cultures and this gives it a cosmopolitan character. At the heart of the old town is the historic Syntagma Square, which is nestled peacefully landmark buildings such as the former Turkish mosque, the building of the first Greek Parliament, Neoclassical building of the National Bank and the three-storey building of the Archaeological Museum. The town is surrounded by the majesty of the three strongholds – Palamidi, Burtzi and Akronafplia. Ramparts form a huge stone complex sealed all great history of the area. The stone streets are so narrow that in some places are hard to walk two people.

The historic town of Monemvasia

Monemvasia is a small medieval town in Greece, located 97 km. southeast of Sparta. Situated on a small peninsula off the coast of the Peloponnese. Its name derives from the Greek “moni emvasis” which means “one entrance”. The first evidence of village arise in the 6th century when the inhabitants of ancient Laconia sought refuge from the Slavic invaders, who were conquering much of Greece. To this day the city has to scale, which in year 375 was separated from the mainland during the powerful earthquake. In 1971, the mainland and the rock are connected by a bridge. Today you can reach Monemvasia walking down the sidewalk with a small length of about 200 meters.

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During the Byzantine Empire the city became one of the biggest shopping centers of Byzantium with a population of 40,000 people. Like Gibraltar, Monemvasia once controlled seashores between medieval Western Europe and the Levant. Inside the fortified town houses and distinctly Byzantine churches are still habitable and are associated with a long, narrow paved road to the city Gerifa. Wealthy Greeks have restored once rupture ruins and turned them into holiday homes. During the 18th century it underwent known maturity, but a century and a half later is reborn thanks to tourists.

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Out of season Monemvasia is almost deserted and the network of narrow side streets remained lonely. All season there is ferry or boats from Athens. Today many medieval buildings have been restored to their visitors. Some of the more flamboyant facade buildings are converted even in hotels. In ancient and romantic streets were huddled spots for relax and seafood restaurants. They  are a magnet for visitors to the historic town of Monemvasia.

Magnetic beauty of the islands Meganisi and Fiscardo

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  • Meganisi

Meganisi is a small green paradise in the Greek islands, situated 6.5 km. from the island of Lefkada in the Ionian Sea. Its hilly terrain, rocky beaches and picturesque villages, the island is likened to Ithaca. Meganisi is known as “the island of seafarers” and was inhabited only by residents of three villages. The southern part of the island is not inhabited and is elongated drought-shaped tail. All beaches have crystal clear water, surrounded by uncontaminated green vegetation. Moreover, they are rarely crowded and you will have the opportunity to experience an unforgettable vacation in the sunny paradise. Some of the beaches are accessible only by sea, and to be visited should be taken by boat “Vati”. The other beaches are easily accessible and tourists waiting for their weekends. Nearby is also the largest sea cave Papanikolis that is a magnet for tourists. Meganisi can be reached only by water. Architectural excavations revealed that there was still life in the Neolithic era. Then the village was called with the name Taphos – son of Poseidon and ruler of the region.

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  • Fiscardo

Fiscardo is a peaceful port resort village located in the northern part of the island of Kefalonia in the Ionian Sea. The area is protected by the Greek government because of indescribable natural beauty. Fiscardo is the only island which over the years has acquired Venetian style. The houses around the picturesque harbor are in pastel colors. Because of the influx of tourists has many restaurants, schools scuba diving and other entertainment for every taste. You will be wrong to visit because the village itself is a landmark, ideal for family vacation and relaxation. The beaches in this part of Kefalonia are covered with different sized pebbles. Bays are calm and ideal for swimming and the water is crystal, refreshing and clean. By nightfall Fiscardo has a different picture. Lights, old buildings, cafes, bars and restaurants, all combined together provide a magical Mediterranean atmosphere.

Athens – the Sea empire of Ancient Greece

In search of places in Greece and discovery its natural beauties there is no how to skip the cultural and economic development of Athens. The name of the capital comes from the guardian of the city – Greek goddess Athens. The city has become a tourist center offering various destinations. By renting a yacht from AA Charter you will enjoy a memorable vacation in the Greek islands.

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The history of Athens continues to be one of the most important cities for several centuries. It is inhabited at least 7 thousand years without interruption. The oldest traces of people refer to the period of the eleventh Millennium b.c. In Ancient times the settlement became one of the centers of Mycenaean civilization. Therefore the Acropolis was built the fortress, from which are preserved plots of Cyclopean masonry that can be seen today. In the next century the city declined and the Athenians have always believed they are pure Ionians without impurities from invaders.

After 900 b.c. Athens is becoming a leading center of trade and business is experiencing an upswing. The funerals was especially rich during the Iron age. The heyday of the city can be attributed to its Central location also it is a reliable fortress of the Acropolis and its easy access to the sea – an advantage over rivals, as Thebes and Sparta. In the VI century b.c. Athens becomes a significant naval power with a large fleet and help for the rebellion of the Greek cities in Asia Minor against the Persian Empire. In the end Athens along with Sparta managed to win and headed a coalition of Greek cities. Decades after that a large part of Greece was invaded and sacked by the Persians.

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The most important city after this period again recovers and there begins a Golden age of Athens, who laid the foundations of Western civilization. During this prosperous period was creating the greatest playwrights – Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides, the philosopher Socrates, the doctor Hippocrates, and the historians Herodotus and Thucydides. The city begins the reconstruction of the Acropolis including the Parthenon temple, led by Pericles. Athens builds and new own sea Empire –called Delian Maritime Union. At the end of V-th century b.c. Athens was defeated by its rival Sparta and dealing a political blow.

There is also huge interest from the Macedonian Kingdom for the big cities in Greece. The army of king Philip II put an end to the independence of Athens and Thebes in 338 b.c. Powerful shock applied and also and the Roman Republic in 146 b.c. The fortifications of the city was destroyed for many years. Under the rule of the Romans Athens continued to be an important cultural centre, famous by its schools. In the second century the Emperor Hadrian began the construction of public buildings and an aqueduct that is used in this days.