Beautiful Greece Revealed

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.