Beautiful Greece Revealed

The city of Aigio is built amphitheatrically on a hill overlooking the Corinthian Gulf is the second largest city after Achaia, after Patras. A special feature of the city of Aigio is the lush central square of High Alonia with the neo-Gothic tower (1900) - formerly a Weather Station and Heros memorial. Watch it from above with a drone's glance. Still watch the channel update GreekOrthodoxVlogger in 2020.

Psathopyrgos is a picturesque village just 18 km from Patras. His name was taken from a wicker tower that was a refuge for the fishermen. Very beautiful place with crystal clear waters, a picturesque harbor with fishing boats and many coffee and food shops giving the visitor the feeling of being on an island.

The beach of the traditional village of Niforeika, reminiscent of the Cycladic islands. Peaceful and clean sea, whitewashed buildings and windmills perched on the rocks and many hotels and restaurants. All this a few kilometers from Patra, near Kato Achaia.

Kalogria Coast is located in the northwest Peloponnese and is 45 km from Patras and 250 km from Athens. It is an oasis, an idyllic and exotic image, a 9-kilometer golden sand, with crystal-clear blue water, while the natural beauty of the pine forest of Strofilia (20,000 acres along the beach).

We take a walk in Arnea, one of the most beautiful mountainous citys in Chalkidiki at an altitude of 600 meters. A large number of old traditional houses, of significant architectural value, are preserved throughout the city. We also visit Ierissos with its crystal clear beach and the large seaside promenade.

The Tholos (Dome) of Delphi belongs to the buildings that adorned the sanctuary of Athena Pronaia. The impressive circular building dates back to 380 BC. It has been characterized as one of the most beautiful and exceptional creations of ancient Greek architecture. Near the Tholos is the fountain of Castalia, which was named after the mythical nymph Kastalia, who in her attempt to escape from Apollo fell to this fountain and drowned. In its waters the visitors got purified before entering the oracle. Just before the archaeological site we find the  Archaeological Museum of Delphi, one of the most important in Greece, it presents the history of the famous Delphic sanctuary and the most famous oracle of the ancient Greek world.

We arrived at Ouranoupolis on the third "leg" of Chalkidiki. I take a swim in the crystal clear waters and eat in one of the many beachfront restaurants - taverns. Night walks in the city that has tourism but is quiet and ideal for families. Relaxation and the next day I enter Mount Athos.

Stavros is a tourist destination located on the road to ancient Stagira and Ouranoupolis, the gate of Mount Athos. It has five kilometers of sandy coastline with organized sections with umbrellas - sunbeds and water sports. The trees and the green surround the village and reach the beach. Fresh fish and seafood are served at the local taverns. Within a few km distance of Stavros one can visit Thessaloniki, Kavala, Serres, Drama, Amphipolis, Philippi and Polygyros. It was a good alternative to staying before visiting Mount Athos as Ouranoupolis is about an hour's drive away. Many foreign tourists, mainly Serbs, flock to the area in summer but there are plenty of accommodation for all tastes and budgets.

On the way from Akrata to the mountainous village of Zarouhla we come across a fairytale natural lake in an environment reminiscent of an Alpine landscape. Tsivlou Lake is located on Mount Helmos in the Achaia Prefecture, at an altitude of 800 meters and was created just in 1913. Its banks are ideal for hiking and cycling, while some choose the lake for rowing or swimming in its cool waters during the summer months. . We visit the beautiful lake which however has a dark and tragic history.

The Achaia Clauss Winery, founded by Bavarian Gustav Clauss, is only 8 km away from the center of Patras. It is the first Greek Winery and has been in operation since 1861. We are touring the area and visiting the cellar - museum with the historical barrels of the Mavrodaphne. Of course, we taste the famous wines and especially the famous Mavrodaphne sweet red wine. The entrance to Oinokastro and tours to cellars are free of charge. Visiting hours are daily from 10:00 to 17:00.

The well-kept Castle is located on the top of a hill in the old town with a magnificent panoramic view of Patras. It was built on the ruins of the ancient Acropolis in the 6th century AD. by Justinian who made and Agia Sophia church in Constantinople. In the Byzantine centuries, until the arrival of the Franks (1205), the Slavs, the Saracens, the Bulgarians, the Normans, besieged it, but they did not manage to conquer it. In 1278 it was given to the Latin Archbishop, while in 1408 he was granted by the Pope for five years and against rent, to the Venetians. In the hands of the Latino Archbishop remained until 1430 liberated by Constantine Palaiologos. The Turks conquered it in 1458 and remained there almost during the Ottoman domination in Greece. The castle passed into the hands of the Greeks in 1828 after its delivery by the Turkish garrison to the French general Maison. In the years 1941-1944 it was in the German Nazi occupation from which it was liberated along with the city of P

Continuing our journey we arrive at Nea Anchialos, a seaside town near Volos with remarkable tourist traffic. We enjoy our swim on the red pebble beach and continue to Volos the capital of Magnesia county. The beautiful city is associated with the famous Argonautic Campaign, one of the most important epics of Greek mythology. Volos is one of the most beautiful cities in Greece. Its wealth and great history are reflected in the architectural structure of the city. The many mansions, public mansions, early 20th century museums and historic churches make the tour of Volos truly enjoyable. It also has one of the most important ports in Greece and is famous for many tsipouradika that serve tsipoyro drink with special meze.

We visit the historic capital of Central Greece, Lamia, located in the center of the country. Nearby are the Ypati spa baths, known for its healing properties since the 4th century BC. The bathroom building is set amidst a lush green park and many shops and hotels are nearby. Finally, we pass by the traditional Amfissa, the capital of the prefecture of Fokida, and admire its beautiful neoclassical buildings.

Metsovo is one of the most traditional mountain settlements in Greece. It is a popular winder tourist destination but also for all seasons. We taste the delicious food at one of the many taverns and we watch the preparation of a traditional wedding.

The beautiful and famous Zagorochoria are 46 villages located in the mountains close to Ioannina. The most characteristic buildings of Zagori are the stone bridges that are scattered all over the area and are remarkable examples of the folk architecture of Epirus. Their fame is well known throughout Greece and the Balkans and many of them have been declared historic monuments. We visit some of the most famous bridges such as Kokoros, the Kalogeriko and more.

After the traditional braking of the dishes in Arta during the first Resurrection on great Saturday, we arrive at Ioannina. Ioannina, the capital of Epirus, grows around the beautiful Lake Pamvotis. Inside the city, the many sights and museums offer the sense of another era, full of secrets and legends. The entire historic center of Ioannina is a unique sight. The imposing castle of Ioannina was built in 528 AD. by Emperor Justinian. It is the oldest Byzantine fortress of the Greek territory, with uninterrupted history. Over the years, it has evolved into a real state in which the intellectual life of Ioannina has progressed to a high degree. Ali Pasha lived in this same castle, this emblematic and enigmatic figure of the Ottoman Empire. His great love for the notorious Kyra - Frosini has left a loud echo that still vibrates the history of the city. We visit Its Kale, the acropolis of the castle where there are the ruins of the Serai of Ali Pasha, the Fetihe Mosque and the chapel of

Of the most beautiful cities in Greece, the city of Nafplio was the first capital of the Greek state from 1823 to 1834. According to mythology the city was built from Nafplion, the son of Poseidon and Danaida. The Old Town with the captivating charm of the cobbled streets, the blooming bougainvilleas overflowing from the balconies, the courtyards of elegant neoclassical and well-preserved mansions. In the heart of Nafplio welcomes the Italian aesthetic Syntagma Square full of monuments and historical buildings. The point of reference of Nafplion is the Bourtzi fortress built on the islet of Agioi Theodoroi. Previously, it was united with Akronafplia with a huge chain that stamped the entrance of the harbor offering protection to the city from the enemy ships. At the beginning of the 1860s, Bourtzi was the place of residence of the people carrying the Palamidi death row.

Koronissia is a part of a unique natural beauty village-island in the center of the Amvrakikos Gulf. It has 167 permanent residents and is about 25 km from the city of Arta. It is accessible by road as it is connected with a strip of land with the mainland. The taverns on the island are always supplied with fresh fish, since most of its inhabitants are engaged in fishing. In Koronissia one can visit the important Byzantine monument, the 10th-century temple of Our Lady, with its beautiful wood-carved iconostasis and the 17th-century frescoes that have been preserved recently. On June 12th, the memory of the protector of the area, Osiou Onoufriou, was honored in a monastery on the island of Koronissia, while on 8 September the Virgin is celebrated.

We visit the legendary bridge of Arta. The 17th-century bridge is stone-built, with a length of 142 meters and crosses the Arachthos River in the city of Arta. It became famous by the homonymous legendary folk song that refers to its "human sacrifice" foundation. The term "Bridge of Arta" is also used for projects that are late to be completed.

One could call it a city ornament of Epirus with the famous stone bridge, the rich area of Amvrakikos Gulf, its historical and other sights. Inside the city there are many Byzantine churches. We take a walk in the city and then visit the archaeological museum. The finds come from the area of Arta and cover a long period from the Paleolithic period to Roman times.

One of the most beautiful cities of Epirus, Preveza, meets the blooming Ionian Sea and the tranquil Amvrakikos gulf. The city loos like an island with a marvelous waterfront, a marina full of sailing, many restaurants and cafes. We take a walk to the pedestrianized beach overlooking the beautiful buildings and yachts of every size and nationality. We see the Venetian Tower of Clock and the beautiful church of Saint Charalambos. Nearby we visit Mytikas and the wonderful beach of Monolithi. Leaving at the exit of the city is Ancient Nikopolis founded by the Romans. Its archaeological site is today the largest ancient city in Greece and it certainly deserved the visit along with the archaeological museum.

Evia is the second largest island in Greece and the third in the eastern Mediterranean. Two bridges, the modern cabled cable and the oldest drawer connect it to Sterea Hellas. It has beautiful beaches, dense pine forests, especially in the northern part, pleasant climate, famous monuments, many hot springs and good food. We visit Lake and Rovies. We pass by the waterfalls and arrive at the Monastery of Saint David where the tomb of the new Orthodox Saints Iacovos Tsalikis is located. Finally, we end up at the famous spa town of Edipsos, where we take a ride on the train.

We visit the picturesque village of Mytikas in Greece. Its name came from the fact that it looks like a "nose" that enters the Ionian Sea. It has traditional architecture buildings and beaches with turquoise water. Within a short distance you will find the beautiful islands of Kalamos and Kastos. We continue to Paleros the charming town that is famous for its beaches. Many tourists, Greeks and foreigners, visit it in the summer and enjoy its beauties.

We start our journey with a stop at the historical city of Aetoliko. We continue to the village of Lesini where we admire the Byzantine church of the 13th century Virgin Mary. The decorative elements of its masonry are truly unique. After a nice route we reach Astakos city. Astakos is a picturesque town with traditional houses with courtyards and natural beauties that combine mountain and sea. In the area of ​​Astakos there are spotless emerald beaches and small bays ideal for summer dives. The city has good tourist infrastructure with restaurants, tavernas, cafes as well as fine hotels. We explore the city and admire it from above.

Katakolo is a beautiful seaside town with a rich history. The port of Katakolo was built in the 19th century for the export of raisin to Europe. Today, the buildings of the raisins have been restored and converted into cafes and tavernas. It is the second port of cruise ships approaches after that of Piraeus. Katakolo and the surrounding area are a beautiful tourist resort combining mountain, green and sea. Within small distance are Pyrgos, capital of the prefecture of Ilia and the ancient Olympia.

Pyrgos is the capital of the prefecture of Ilia. It is located in the western Peloponnese about 100 km south of Patras. Many are the sights of the city of Pyrgos, mainly neoclassical buildings, the central paved square, churches and monasteries of great historic importance. The Lazio Municipal Hall, the Municipal Market and the Municipal Theater "Apollo" are beautiful examples of neoclassical. Ornaments of the city are also the Municipal Art Gallery and the Public Library with 20,000 volumes.

Galaxidi, the beautiful town of Fokida county, seems to have come out of another era. Many people come to admire the historic captain's houses and walk on its stone made roads. It has been characterized as a historic listed village since 1967. With a rich naval history and bold captains who transported merchandise across the Mediterranean Sea, it enjoyed great prosperity in the 18th-19th century and had a remarkable participation in the struggle of the Greeks against the Turks with the construction of warships. Most of the city is made up of stone-built mansions that remind of the city's remarkable past. At the top of the hill stands the church of saint of sailors, Agios Nikolaos that is Byzantine style with two bell towers and a dome.

At the foot of Mount Parnassus, in the enchanting natural landscape formed between two giant rocks, is the Panhellenic Sanctuary of Delphi, the most famous oracle of ancient Greece. Delphi was the navel of the earth where, according to mythology, the two eagles sent by Zeus from the ends of the universe met to find the center of the world. The period from the 6th to the 4th c. B.C. coincides with the great edge of the Delphic oracle. His oracles, believed to be the most reliable, were expressed by Pythia, a priestess of the oracle, and were interpreted by the priests of Apollo. Cities, rulers and ordinary people rushed to consult the god and expressed their gratitude with brilliant voices, which gradually flooded the sanctuary. One of the early buildings of the modern era was the monastery of the Virgin Mary, which was built on the ruins of ancient gymnasium and unfortunately does not exist today. Going up from Itea, we reach Delphi and the famous archaeological site.

The city of Itea is located at a central point, very close to Delphi and Galaxidi and a few kilometers from Amfissa. Situated by the sea, built with fine planning, it offers a large marina and a huge clean beach. Along the large promenade there are many cafes and taverns for all tastes. We make a stop to the city for coffee on the begining of our journey.

Trizonia is a green island unknown to many people! This island has many peculiarities such as having a beautiful natural harbor, luxurious boats and sailing boats. It is the only inhabited island of the Corinthian Gulf with cars banned except for small electric cars. Access is possible with the small  boats that make the itinerary in 5 minutes. The island is an ideal destination for those seeking tranquility, but there are traditional taverns, restaurants cafes and a few accommodation available. We are visiting this secret paradise again and, of course, we take a swim in the spotless beaches. We also visit the nearby picturesque village of Marathias and the city of Nafpaktos.