Lesvos is the 3^rd biggest island of Greece and is producing one of the best olive oil, cheese, the famous Ouzo, sardines, honey, ceramic and wooden goods, are some of them. Also, the island has rich production of meat, fish and vegetables.

Lesvos has the bigger of the 2 most important Petrified Forests in the world, aging approximately 20 million years old! The island used to have 5 active volcanoes, one of which has a village built on its crater today – Vatoussa. The Forest is located at the village of Sigri and there is also a museum of Natural History for you to visit there.

The Island has warm healing springs as well. At the villages of Thermi, Polychnitos, Eftalou and Skala Thermi you can find hot spring baths which can heal any muscle pain and not only! Also you should not miss the cold water spring of Karini, near Agiassos village.

The Gulf of Kalloni is one of the most important biotopes, with amazing variety of flora and fauna. The area is ideal for bird watching, especially during the spring migration, but each season has its own magic.

Lesvos has fabulous beaches, one for every taste! Here are some of them: Agios Ermoyennis beach near Mytilini, Petra, Tsichlioda beach between Sigri and Eressos, Vatera, Kaloni, Sigri, the beach of Gavatha below Antissa village, Anaxos, Eftalou, Molyvos, Skala Eressos and the Gulf of Gera has numerous beaches, quite shallow and with wonderful views.

This island offers many Ancient Sites, Museums, Churches and Monasteries. Don’t miss the Skala Sykaminia village, a picturesque little harbour with amazing sunset, the church on the rock of Petra and of course Molyvos village with the little balconies that offer amazing views of the Aegean Sea.

Do I have to mention the food? Exquisite fish, shell fish, fresh and so delicious, beef, lamb, pork, vegetables, all products of the island accompanied with ouzo or a cold Greek beer…

Well, I can’t tell you everything… You have to visit Lesvos to find out more by yourselves!

Greek Cuisine goes way back, in fact the first cook related book in history was written by Ancient Greek Archestratos in 320 B.C. in which he emphasized the value of eating fish for the human health. The Ancient “Symposium” was the first type of “banquet” which was a gathering for eating and drinking wine. Also, the first athlete that ever had a specific diet is believed to be Ikkos from Tarantas, who lived in the 5^th century B.C., this is reconfirmed by Plato with the phrase “Ikkos’ meal”.

Greece is producing many vegetables, fruits, herbs, legumes, dairy products and of course olive oil which is mainly produced in Crete, Lesvos, Kalamata and the unique product, “mastiha” which can be found only in Chios Island. Also it is said that the Greek saffron is among the best ones in the world, coming from Kozani in Macedonia region.

Some of the most popular Greek cheeses produced in various regions across Greece are the following: Feta, Kefalotyri, Myzithra, Manouri, Kasseri, Kefalograviera, Anthotyro, Formaela, Graviera and Metsovone. A very well known Formaela is from Arachova – a ski resort close to Delphi and Naxos is producing a very fine Kefalograviera cheese.

Some fine wines and beer are also produced in Greece and of course the well known ouzo (Lesvos), tsipouro (Volos) and raki or tsikoudia (Crete). Retsina is also a Greek invention, a mixture of dry white wine with lumps of resin. Another famous Greek spirit is the Metaxa, a brandy that can be found under 3, 5 or 7 stars.

Greeks have a big variety of food on their dietary, salads, soups, pites (pies), vegetables, legumes, meat, seafood, fish and of course desserts & sweets.

Greek Salad or “Choriatiki” is the queen of salads, but there is also the lettuce salad, the cabbage with carrot, beets, dakos (a Cretan salad consisting of a slice of soaked dried bread – paximadi – with tomatoes and feta cheese) and many more, all accompanied with the famous Greek Olive oil.

Tzatziki (yogurt with cucumber and garlic), skordalia (puree of garlic and potato), taramosalata (basic ingredient: fish roe), fried slices of eggplants, pites (pies with cheese, or spinach, or both), fava (which belongs to the family of legumes and is a yellow puree served with olive oil and onions, Santorini’s fava is considered one of the best), kolokythoanthoi (zucchini flowers stuffed with rice or cheese) etc.

Fakes (lentil soup with vinegar), Fasolada (bean soup), Chicken soup, Magiritsa (traditional Easter soup made with lamb offal), Trahana (made from dried grain-dairy substance)

Gemista (stuffed vegetables with rice), Fasolakia (fresh green beans stewed with tomato sauce) and like fasolakia, all other vegetables are cooked in the same way like peas, okra, zucchinis, eggplants etc.

Souvlaki with pita (I guess no further introductions are required!), Mousakas (baked eggplant and potato layers, topped with ground beef and béchamel sause), Pastitsio (baked macaroni, topped with ground beef and béchamel sause), meatballs or “keftedes”, lamb on the spit, roasted chicken with potatoes and lemon sauce, yiouvetsi (stew with lamb or beef, pasta and tomato sauce and Stifado (rabbit or beef stew with plenty of baby onions).

Squid, Octopus, Shrimps and mainly all seafood and fish are in the menu. A special cooking method of fish is called “plaki” where you roast the fish with many tomatoes and onions in the oven and of course the “Sardeles pastes” (salted sardines).

Baklavas (thin filo (fine pastry) dough with nuts, clove and syrup), walnut cake, galaktompoureko (filo dough with custard and syrup), loukoumades (small round doughnuts, fried and coated with honey or chocolate), kourabiethes (traditional Christmas cookies with fresh butter, rosewater and sprinkled with powder sugar), yogurt with honey, mpougatsa (pie with sweet cream, sprinkled with powder sugar) and tsoureki (sweet bread).

Of course some lines are not enough to give you a picture of what the Greek Cuisine is all about, the photos are a very good start but you need to come to Greece and taste her flavour!

Kos, the homeland of Hippocrates, father of medicine, is one of the most famous islands of the Dodecanese Complex with rich history and culture starting from the ancient years. Kos is quite a big island and has to offer everything one traveler looks for, Sightseeing, Great Architectural Buildings, Natural Beauty and endless Beaches as well as the well known Greek climate. Kos is touristic developed and has fine Hotels, Restaurants, Cafes, Clubs etc. and of course the hospitality that Greek people have to offer generously.

In Kos, some of the attractions you can visit are the Ancient Agora, Kos Castle, Castle Palaio Pyli, Asklepion, Church of Agia Paraskevi, the archaeological museum, the Roman Odeon, the Hot Springs of Thermes, the Early Christian Basilicas of Agios Stefanos, the Square of the Plane tree, the House of the Kidnapping of Europe, the Byzantine Church of Agios Georgios and so much more. Apart from the sightseeing, Kos is also ideal for sports, diving, sailing, mountain hiking, surfing, golf, kite surfing and almost any kind of sports is available on this island.

Rhodes, the “Island of Roses” rich in history and culture as well, is a truly impressive island, the Old Town of Rhodes, the capital of the island, is the biggest inhabited medieval town in Europe. It lies within very well preserved walls of a Venetian castle, built by the Knights of Saint John, and this is why it is called “The Castle of the Knights”. The Old Town has many shops, tavernas, cafes, hotels, all surrounded by these walls. Outside the walls, the new town is a blend of modern, Venetian, Gothic and Arabic architecture. Rhodes has many Archaeological and Historical Sites, Museums, Art Galleries, Parks, Natural Beauty and of course lovely Beaches with plenty of sun.

Some of Rhodes splendours are the Acropolis of Lindos, the Castle of the Knights (Old Town), the Filerimos Hill, The Colossus of Rhodes (the spot it is believed it once stood), Ancient Kameiros, Byzantine Churches, Archaeological Museum, Byzantine Art Museum, the Aquarium, the Valley of the Butterflies – one of the most unusual biotopes in Europe, the Seven Springs valley, The Rodini Park, the Ostrich Farm and Zoo Park, the Water Park in Faliraki and the list never ends! Also, being one of Greece’s largest island, Rhodes has to offer a plethora of activities that will satisfy even the most demanding traveller.

Crete, is a colourful mosaic of History, Mythology, Culture, Beauty and Hospitality. This Island is huge in extent both literally and metaphorically. Four prefectures; Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion and Lassithi combine Crete. Landscapes of unique beauty, Archaeological Sites, Beaches with amazing colours, Museums, Ruins of Palaces like Knossos and Faistos, Byzantine sites, Venetian sites, Churches, Caves, Gorges, Mountains and  picturesque Harbours. Crete has over 300 days of sunshine per year, and due to its location, the climate is more tropical that rest of Greece, you can find Europe’s only palm-tree forest and it has some of the most breathtaking beaches and isolated coves. The Cretan hospitality will impress you and if someone treats you a “raki”, just drink it! Cretans maintain their customs and traditions, so you will find people wearing their traditional costumes and playing the traditional music instrument – Lyra.

Crete, has everything for everyone. Ancient ruins of the palaces of Knossos, Phaistos, Malla, there are the Venetian harbours of Rethymnon and Chania, Samaria Gorge, Elafonisi island with its amazing beach, El Greco’s Museum (Dominikos Theotokopoulos) – El Greco was Cretan, Archaeological Museums, Caves of Melidoni and Trapeza, Ancient Temples, Agia Lake, Amari Valley, the Cave of St. John, Vrisakos River, Spinaloga Island, the Ruins of Gortys, the Amari Valley and Mt Idi are only a sample of what Crete has to offer. The activities are endless and you have many choices depending on your likes. Nightlife, food and beaches will fully satisfy you, choose your base(s) and start exploring!

I won’t say that I have picked the best ones, but some of the best, cause in Greece, hidden gems never cease, every corner has its own little paradise and hereunder you can find some gorgeous beaches and some tips and useful info about them.

The beach of Tsambika, in Rhodes, which is located near the monastery of Panagia Tsampika, is a long beach with golden sand, beach bars and various canteens. It offers beach umbrellas and sun beds and water sports.

The Plaka beach on Naxos Island, is considered the best on the island. It is located close to St. Anne. The sand is golden, and the crystal clear waters have a fabulous azure colour. The beach is very quiet, without any beach bars and fuss. Although in the surrounding area there are taverns and cafes for those who want something after their swim.

Voidokilia is definitely the most popular beach in Messinia, close to Pylos. Like an aquatic theater, it consists of an almost perfectly round bay of fine sand trapped in the crystal clear turquoise waters. Next to the beach, a big rock offers its shade. It is considered to be an archaeological site and that is why it has managed to stay unspoiled, the place is pretty quiet, despite the many people who visit the beach. To reach the beach through Petrochori you will come across a small dirt road but, there is usually room for parking!

Egremni Beach, Lefkada, is a beach of incomparable beauty, has amazing water for swimming. The beach starts out with fine sand and as you approach the water, it thickens. When entering into the water there are big pebbles. There are sun beds and a canteen for coffee and snacks. To get there, you should know that the road is paved except for the last 500 meters and you have to descend about 300 steps, but it will surely reward you!

The stunning beach of Eressos, Lesvos, offers numerous pleasures; crystal clear sea and the beach, which extends for two and a half kilometers, has fine gray sand, like “rice” that does not stick on the body. On the beach you will see the Blue Flag of Europe, since it is one of the cleanest seas in the Mediterranean. Also: Water sports are offered: canoeing, cycling, windsurfing, water skiing and all kinds of beach sports such as racquetball and volleyball.

The coast Voulisma is located 12 km from the town of Agios Nikolaos, Crete, and is the largest public beach of Kalo Chorio. It is a sandy beach with 700 meters length, and its white sand makes the water crystal clear and exotic.

Simos Beach, in Elafonissos Island is an incredible, huge beach in the south of the island, opposite the Isle of Cythera. There you will meet incredible colors of the emerald sea and fine sand in gold & white colors and sand dunes which are unique in Greece, reaching a staggering height of 10 meters. A place with unique flora, of sea lilies and sea cedar, grown there, as in any other sandy beach of Elafonisos. The beach in August is filled with thousands of white sea lilies, which it would be good if no one cuts them as to shed seed in order to continue this journey through time. You can reach Elafonissos by ferry from Neapoli, Peloponnese.

Enjoy Greece and its lovely locations!

On the Holy Saturday everybody is getting ready for the evening of the Resurrection. Fireworks start after 12 noon – after the Holy Light starts to get transported to all parishes in the country – as an indication that the happy event approaches.
The evening of the Resurrection the mass starts at 11 pm and at midnight “Christ is risen” is heard from the priest. Back home dinner follows; the traditional soup called “magiritsa”, along with other traditional dishes and on Sunday everybody wakes up early in order to start the preparations of the lamb on the spit “ovelias” and the festive table. After the Easter mass, the faithful carry the holy light with candles back to their homes, where they form a cross on the lintel of the door.

Some other common things we come across these days, are ladybugs, these cute insects, appearing around the Easter time and purple flowers that grow close to the traditional Easter, smell wonderful and are called “Paschalies.” Regarding these floweres, there is a saying that after the crucifixion of the Christ, the Virgin, tired and sad as she was sat under a tree that was full of leaves, it never flourished and fell asleep. The tree then slowly started to drop its leaves and covered the Virgin gently so she wasn’t cold. When Mary woke up and saw what had happened, she blessed the tree “to be always blessed and smell wonderful” and then the tree bloomed for the first time.
Dying and cracking eggs
There is one incident attributed to the reason of the Easter eggs to be dyed red. When the word was spread that Christ rose, no one believed. In fact a woman, holding the basket of eggs, shouted: “No way he was resurrected! As the eggs can not be made red from white, so the dead cannot be resurrected!” And miraculously the eggs she held were red!
Another explanation given is that the Virgin took a basket of eggs to the guards, begging them to treat her Son well. When her tears fell upon the eggs they turned red!
Some still believe that eggs are painted red in remembrance of Christ’s blood that was shed for us humans.

Also the custom of cracking the eggs has its roots from Byzantium and still symbolizes the Resurrection. The guests clinked eggs with the Emperor and the Queen and then followed by lunch at the Easter table.
The Greek Orthodox Easter is one of the major religious celebrations and is rich in traditions.

From Rhodes to Corfu and Crete to Thrace every corner of Greece celebrates Easter with its own unique way. Customs and traditions come alive again in the richest folklore, feast of Christendom.

Thrace
On Metres village of Thrace, the children make the effigy of Judas and they go to every house of the village, asking for branches in order to burn him the day after the Epitaph. On Holy Friday procession of the Epitaph stops outside a chapel, where the fire is ready to burn Judas. The moment the priest reads the Gospel they light the fire and burn his effigy. Later they get some of the ashes and throw in the tombs.

Macedonia
At Ierissos area in Halkidiki they sing and dance all Easter songs and end with “Kagkelefto” dance, which is the representation of the massacre 400 Ierissioton by the Turks during the revolution of 1821. Dance passes under an arch of laurel where two young men with raised swords. During the celebration, they give out coffee, that is boiling in a large cauldron “zografitikos”, buns and eggs.

Central Greece
In Delphi, the day of Easter begins with the procession of the Icon of St. George accompanied with about 500 people dressed in traditional costumes.

On Easter Sunday Livadia is covered by a cloud of smoke throughout the day, and revives the custom of the “lakkon”. The inhabitants stay awake to make the “pit” and even before dawn, they have prepared the spot and the pile of branches. The oldest of the family or the gang makes a cross and lits the fire with the candle of the Holy Light. The celebrations last until late afternoon, accompanied by local music and of course plenty of wine. At the ara of Kria, it is served free lamb, appetizers and wine to all visitors while attending to traditional dance groups.
In Aitoliko, the Holy Friday many pilgrims visit the Church of the Assumption, where the Epitaph is a historic relic of the 13th-14th century. On Easter Sunday every neighborhood, is a large outdoor barbecue, where dancing and singing in the first place, and there are offered wine and traditional snacks for free.
At Nafpaktos, on the evening of Holy Friday, crowds of people, locals and visitors, followed by the procession of the Epitaph, which passes through the harbor where lighted torches are placed, especially at the castle, around the harbor. In the middle of the harbor torches form a large cross, which lights up the harbor showing a spectacular picture. The custom is combining religious ritual, with the heroic efforts of captain Anemogiannis to set fire to the Turkish flagship in this area.

Sporades

Those who reach the Easter period in Skiathos will experience the holy days in a very solemn atmosphere. The whole Holy Week the island is covered by a veil of mourning. The procession of the Epitaph begins at 4 am at the morning of Holy Saturday. After the operation no one goes to sleep after the last preparations are made before the Resurrection.

Peloponnese

Leonidio, the most impressive custom of the area is that on the night of the Resurrection, the sky is filled with bright “balloons” that are raised by the people.
In Tyrou at Arcadia, one will see and participate in some of the most beautiful Easter traditions that originate from the marine life of the inhabitants. On Holy Friday night, the procession of the Epitaphs is taking place at the promenade with illuminated boats and vessels to accompany it. On the night of the Resurrection children throw thousands of candles into the sea, that symbolize the lost souls of sailors and fishermen of  their area.
Cyclades
In Paros, the procession of the Epitaph of Marpissa, is indeed very interesting, as during the procession, fifteen stops are being made. At each stop a spot of the mountain is being lit, where children dressed as Roman soldiers or Disciples of Christ, are depicting scenes from the entrance to Jerusalem, the prayer on the Mount of Olives, the Martyrdom of the Crucifixion and Resurrection. At midnight of Holy Saturday, the island is full of lights and noise of countless fireworks. The Resurrection is celebrated with fireworks, “kodonokrousies” (hit of big bells) and firecrackers. On Easter day, at the pitch of Marpissa, the “Table of Love” is organized with lamb on the spit and the traditional island feast.
Just before Holy Week, the inhabitants of Folegandros make sure their houses are whitewashed and clean. The reason: The icon of the Virgin Mary, who will pass by every house on the island. The procession of the Icon lasts three days and gets in all houses of the island, so as to bless the house and the family living in it.

In Andros in the afternoon of Easter Sunday they play in the street “tsounia”, a traditional game that resembles bowling.
At Koufonissia, on Holy Friday the harbor is illuminated with torches and the procession of the Epitaph is made. On the day of Easter the residents make stuffed goat with rice in the oven, the traditional dish of the day.
In Mykonos Women whiten the houses and they make “lazarakia” buns in the shape of people. On the day of Easter the residents enjoy themselves at their homes and in the afternoon at the square of the island they burn “Judas.”

In Santorini on Easter Sunday in Emporio residents bang metal objects on the streets, to exorcise the “evil”.
At Sifnos on Holy Thursday, housewives prepare the traditional “Birds of Easter” (Easter breads in different shapes of animals and birds) decorated with red eggs.

Dodecanese
On the island of the Apocalypse, Patmos, Easter could not be typical, the abbot and monks of the Monastery of St. John the Theologian revive scenes from the Bible as the custom of “Niptira” and “Mystiko Deipno”. The procession of the Icon of Christ begins in the evening of Holy Thursday and ends at Square Xanthos, where they customs are revived, in which the abbot of the monastery puts an apron, pours water three times and wash the right foot of the priests-students. On Holy Saturday night before Easter, the Gospel is read and on Easter Sunday at 3 pm, at the Monastery of Patmos the Easter Gospel is read in seven languages ​​and the abbot gives red eggs to the everyone.
In Rhodes, Saturday of Lazarus, children go from door to door singing the “Lazarus”, collecting money and eggs for the priests. At older times, no farmer went to the fields to work, because they believed that whatever they would hold it would wither.

North Aegean Islands
In Chios, the rocket war is an old custom of Vrondados which has its roots from the Turkish occupation. Initially, the inhabitants of the areas of Saint Mark and Panagia Erithiani, churches that face each other, used to build a kind of cannons. Over the years, however, these evolved into rockets, fireworks, made from nitre, sulfur and gunpowder. The preparation of the rocket starts after Easter to be ready for the next year. The spectacle created by the rockets fired into the sky of Vrondados on the night of Easter is spectacular.

Ionian Islands
The Easter period is very special to the island of Corfu and includes a rich program of events and customs. On the afternoon of Holy Friday the procession of the Epitaph begins from the church of St. George, at the Old Fortress. By the evening, all the churches have made their Epitaph’s procession, with the participation of the their local band. The custom of artificial earthquake is a tradition for the church of Virgin Mary of the Foreign and represents the earthquake described in the Gospel, following the Resurrection of the Lord. The morning of Holy Saturday takes place the first resurrection, the bells ring at the church and from the windows of the houses thousands of clay pots, filled with water, are falling to the streets.

I have discussed with my partner what dates we should ask to be away from our jobs; we both applied these dates, so that no-one else gets ahead of us and got the OK from the boss!

Now let’s get down to business and book a flight to our destination – this year, Greece will have the honor to have me for 2 whole weeks! I would like to visit Athens and see the Acropolis – of course! And then head to an island or two.

Should I book transfers, hotels and ferries on my own or get a package with all these included, plus be sure that I have done everything right?! An Island Hopping package sounds nice and if you book early you can find good discounted rates in many services including the Island Hoppings. Maybe I can add my own personal touch to the package, and ask the travel agent an addition or two. I guess March is early enough to get advantage of the discounted prices. My boss is OK, my vacation buddy too, I found a great package to the Greek Islands with discount, so why wait any longer?

“Book and get the discount” says the little angel on my shoulder! And, so I did.

I am happier, I started looking for information and what to do on the islands I have chosen to visit and of course I have requested from the agency I booked my Island Hopping from, to send me what tours they have and any guides and tips they can offer to me – a tourist!

Love being a tourist, can’t wait to pack up and ride the airplane!

Happy bookings people.

When you want to travel to a foreign country, you want to see absolutely everything. Of course there is not enough time, so you just have to pick the best corners. You search through the internet for tips, photos and guides which will help you decide where to go and what to see or ask your friends or family, anyone who has been there before, right?
I can recommend a type of vacation that never goes wrong; an Island Hopping. An Island Hopping is a very good choice as it has many pros on its side, please let me tell you some!

Pros
The price is very good and it includes many many services, in fact, you just have to book an air ticket for Athens, Greece and you’re done. Your taxi will be waiting for you at the airport, you will be transferred to your hotel where you will have the day free to explore the city, or you can have a city tour booked too, if you’re up to it.
Then, the next morning you will be transferred to the port to catch your ferry for your 1st island; and the dream begins! Transfers and accommodation are all booked for you and of course your next island’s ferry tickets etc. Until you return to Athens’ Port – Piraeus – you have everything booked for you and the most exciting is that the Island Hoppings you will find in our website can all be suited to your needs, after contacting us and tell us what you would like to add or subtract.

Cons
I really can’t think of any! If you have one, by all means, drop us a comment.

An Island Hopping is the way to go, if you want to see more of Greece and have everything organized for you and just relax and have fun on your vacation.
Also, very important is that you will have someone to call at any time, if you come across something and you need a hand.

Visit our lovely islands and you will fall for Greece.

Yours faithfully,
The GreekJourney Team.

Τα περισσότερα αξιοθέατα της πόλης βρίσκονται στην οδό Republic έναν πεζόδρομο στο κέντρο της πόλης.

Εκτός απο την Βαλέττα, η Μάλτα εχει ομορφες πολεις που αξιζει να επισκεφτει κανεις.

Το νησί Γκόζο δεν έχει πολλούς κατοίκους, διαθέτει όμως πολλά αξιοθέατα, καλντερίμια και γραφικά σπιτάκια. Διαθέτει επίσης πολλές παραλίες και γοητευτικά χωριουδάκια και οι ρυθμοί στο Γκόζο είναι πολύ πιο ήρεμοι και χαλαροί από ότι στην Μάλτα.
Είναι πολύ εύκολο να περάσει κάνεις από την Μάλτα στο Γκόζο με καράβι που έχει αδιάκοπα δρομολόγια.
Η πρωτεύουσα του Γκόζο, Βικτώρια είναι μια πόλη με ιστορικό ενδιαφέρον και αξίζει μια επίσκεψη.

Το νησί Κόμινο είναι πολύ μικρό με λίγους κατοίκους και καθόλου αυτοκίνητα.
Υπάρχουν όμως πανέμορφες παραλίες στο νησί με καταγάλανα νερά και υπέροχα τοπία.
Η πρωτεύουσα του νησιού, Μεντίνα είναι μια πανέμορφη πόλη μεσαιωνικού ρυθμού με μνημεία και εκκλησίες. Ηταν η παλιά πρωτεύουσα της Μάλτας και προκειται για μία τυπική μεσαιωνική πόλη που βρίσκεται σε εναν από τους υψηλότερους λόφους του νησιού. Η «Σιωπηλη Πόλη », όπως είναι γνωστη, δεσποζει με την μαγευτική θέα της. Είναι μια από τις ελάχιστες εναπομείναντες Αναγεννησιακές οχυρωμένες πόλεις της Ευρώπης.

Ο τεράστιος αριθμός των αρχαιολογικών χώρων στα νησιά αναδεικνυει την ιστορία τους.

Υπάρχουν μεγαλιθικά μνημεία, απο την Εποχή του Χαλκού, Καρχηδονιακοι τάφοι, ερείπια Ρωμαϊκων σπιτιων και ίχνη του προϊστορικού ανθρώπου. Για τρεις χιλιετίες, από το 5200 π.Χ. περίπου, το αρχιπέλαγος ήταν το σπίτι ενος μοναδικου πολιτισμού, ο οποιος οικοδομουσε ναους. Οι ναοί της Μάλτας και Γκοζο, πιστεύεται ότι είναι οι παλαιότεροι, που είναι γνωστοι στον άνθρωπο.
Ενα αξιοθεατο ειδικης σημασιας για τη Μάλτα ειναι το Hypogeum, ένας λαβύρινθος από υπόγειους θαλάμους που ίσως χρησιμοποιουνταν και ως τόπος ταφής και ως ναος. Οι Ναοι των νησιών χαρακτηρίζονται ως χώροι Παγκόσμιας Πολιτιστικης Κληρονομιάς της UNESCO και είναι ανοικτοι για το κοινό.
Ένα καλό μέρος για να ξεκινήσετε την περιήγησή σας είναι στο Εθνικό Μουσείο Αρχαιολογίας, στη Βαλέττα ή το ιδιο το «Hypogeum».

Στη Μάλτα, ανακαλύπτοντας 7000 χρόνια είναι πιο εύκολο απ ‘όσο νομίζετε. Τα νησιά είναι πραγματικά τα ίδιοι ένα μεγάλο πάρκο πολιτιστιικης κληρονομιάς. Υπάρχουν υπαίθρια μουσεία και εσωτερικα μουσεία για κάθε εποχή από την προϊστορία εως την ιστορία της Μάλτας στο Δεύτερο Παγκόσμιο Πόλεμο. Με τους Ιππότες του Αγίου Ιωάννη προστάτες των τεχνών για πάνω από 250 χρόνια, θα βρείτε πολιτιστικά αριστουργήματα σε μουσεία, παλάτια και εκκλησίες σε όλα τα νησιά.

Η θαυμάσια μπαρόκ αρχιτεκτονική και οι θρησκευτικοι θησαυροι, καθώς και τα στοιχεία από τους πολλούς πολέμους και μάχες, προσφέρουν στον επισκέπτη μια γεύση από την εκπληκτική ιστορία των νησιών.

Η Μάλτα είναι γνωστή ως το νησί φρούριο λογω της μεγάλης μάζας της αμυντικής της αρχιτεκτονικής.
Οι οχυρώσεις μπορούν να χωριστούν σε δύο περιόδους: αυτες των Ιπποτών και εκείνες της Βρετανικής εποχής, που σε γυριζουν στο παρελθόν, την εποχή των Ιπποτων, του ηρωισμου και των θρυλικων μαχων.

Λόγω της αναμφίβολα πλεονέκτικης θεσης της, ο καιρός είναι καλός σχεδον ολο το χρονο (μέση θερμοκρασία των 30C/86F κατά τους καλοκαιρινούς μήνες).
Μακριά από τη φασαρία και την κίνηση της πολης, τα νησιά της Μάλτας προσφέρουν διάφορα φυσικά τοπεία που αξιζει να διερευνηθούν, μερικα μαλιστα ειναι σχεδόν ανέγγιχτα από τον 20ο αιώνα.
Οι πρώτες βροχές μετά από το μακρυ, ζεστό καλοκαίρι φέρνει το τοπίο στη ζωή με μια εκπληκτική ποικιλία αγριολούλουδων. Από τα μέσα Νοεμβρίου μέχρι τα μέσα Μαΐου τα νησιά είναι πράσινα, γεμάτα λαχανικά και μοιαζουν καλυμμενα με ενα χαλι φτιαγμενο απο μάραθο, τριφύλλι και μυρτιά.

Τα Καταγάλανα νερά της Μεσογείου που περιβάλλουν τα νησιά της Μάλτας είναι ιδανικά για καταδύσεις. Και τα τρία νησιά προσφέρουν άριστα μοναδικές καταδυτικές εμπειρίες με σπηλιές, υφάλους, ναυάγια και η ηρεμία της θάλασσας την κάνει ιδανικη ακομα και για αρχαριους δύτες.

Για τους πιο έμπειρους δύτες, υπάρχουν διάφορα σημεια που μπορει κανεις να θαυμασει μεχρι και αρχαιολογικά ευρήματα, μερικά από τον Β’ Παγκοσμιο Πολεμο, μερικα μάλιστα χρονολογούνται από τη ρωμαϊκή εποχή.

Χαρακτηριστικό του τρόπου ζωής της Μεσογείου, ειναι το να απολαμβάνουμε και να γιορτάζουμε όσο το δυνατόν περισσότερο την ζωη. ΄Ετσι λοιπον και οι Μαλτεζοι απολαμβανουν τη νυχτερινή διασκεδαση και ακομη κι αν το ημερολόγιο δεν εχει καποια γιορτη, υπάρχουν πάντα καποια κλαμπ να επισκεφθείτε, εξαιρετα wine bars και πρώτης τάξεως εστιατόρια για να δοκιμάσετε.

Η Μαλτέζικη κουζίνα είναι το αποτέλεσμα μιας μακράς σχέσης μεταξύ των νησιωτών και των πολλών κατακτητών της νήσου της Μάλτας κατά τη διάρκεια των αιώνων.
Το Παραδοσιακό φαγητό της Μάλτας βασίζεται στις εποχές. Δοκιμαστε πίτα lampuki (πίτα με ψάρια), κουνέλι στιφάδο, Bragioli (ελιές – βοδινο κρέας), Kapunata και σούπα της χηρας, η οποία περιλαμβάνει ένα μικρό γύρο των Gbejniet (πρόβειο ή κατσικίσιο τυρί). Στα περισσότερα καταστηματα τροφίμων, θα δείτε το Bigilla, ένα παχύ πατέ από κουκιά με σκόρδο. Τα σνακ που πρέπει να δοκιμασετε είναι «hobz biz-zejt» (ψωμί βουτηγμένο σε ελαιόλαδο, γεμισμενο με ένα μίγμα τόνου, κρεμμυδιού, σκόρδου, ντομάτας και κάπαρης) και pastizzi (φύλλο ζύμης γεμισμένο με ρικότα ή πουρέ αρακά).

Κατά τη διάρκεια του έτους, η Μάλτα είναι γεματη ζωντανια με τα γεγονότα που λαμβανουν χωρα στα νησια, πολλά από τα οποία είναι τέλεια για όλη την οικογένεια: συναυλίες και υπαίθριες μουσικές εκδηλώσεις, τέχνες, σπορ και δραστηριότητες, εκθέσεις και παραστάσεις, γιορτές και καρναβάλια, και πολλά άλλα . Έπειτα, υπάρχουν μουσεία και αξιοθέατα για να επισκεφθείτε, θεματικά πάρκα και κινηματογραφικα πλατό, τουριστικά λεωφορεία με ανοιχτή οροφή, τουριστικά τρένα, μινι κρουαζιέρες, ιππασία, πεζοπορία και ποδήλατο στο βουνο, και εκατοντάδες άλλα διασκεδαστικά πράγματα να δείτε και να κάνετε, μαζί με τους αγαπημενους σας.

Η Ρώμη είναι η πρωτεύουσα της Ιταλίας, πρωτεύουσα της περιφέρειας του Λάτιου.  Η λέξη «Ρώμη» είναι ελληνική. Τον 4ο π.Χ. αιώνα η Ρώμη ονομαζόταν «πόλις Ελληνίς» (Ηρακλείδης ο Ποντικός). Γι′ αυτό το λόγο, το 330 η νέα πρωτεύουσα της χριστιανικής αυτοκρατορίας ονομάστηκε Νέα Ρώμη, διότι η Παλιά Ρώμη (της Ιταλίας) υποβαθμίστηκε σε επαρχιακή πόλη γιατί μεταφέρθηκε ολόκληρη στην ελληνική ανατολική (Tranlatio Urbis).

Είναι μια πόλη με σπουδαία ιστορία, αξιοσημείωτη προσφορά στην επιστήμη, τον πολιτισμό και τις τέχνες. Γι′ αυτό το λόγο, καθώς και για τα πολυάριθμα και εξαιρετικής ομορφιάς μνημεία της, της έχει αποδοθεί η προσωνυμία «η αιώνια πόλη». Η Ρώμη είναι το «σταυροδρόμι των ηδονιστών» του Φλόμπερ. Ο Πικάσο τη χαρακτήρισε «μητρόπολη με τις τρεις αιωνιότητες – της ηλιοφάνειας, της ουράνιας αύρας και της μουσικής των αιθέρων».

Το 1980 το ιστορικό της κέντρο καταχωρήθηκε στη λίστα των Μνημείων Παγκόσμιας Πολιτιστικής Κληρονομιάς της Unesco το οποίο είναι ένας ενιαίος αρχαιολογικός χώρος με μνημεία από πολλές διάφορες ιστορικές περιόδους (αρχαιότητα, Μεσαίωνας, Αναγέννηση και μεταγενέστερα). Η Unesco το έχει ανακηρύξει μνημείο παγκόσμιας πολιτιστικής κληρονομιάς όπως επίσης και το Βατικανό.

Σημαντικά μνημεία και αξιοθέατα της Ρώμης που πρέπει να επισκεφθείτε:

Αγορά του Τραϊανού (Trajan’s market and forum)
Η Βασιλική του Αγίου Πέτρου και η πλατεία του Αγίου Πέτρου. Εκεί διεξάγονται οι σπουδαιότερες παπικές λειτουργίες, καθώς χωράει πάνω από 60.000 πιστούς.
Η Καπέλα Σιξτίνα με αναγεννησιακές τοιχογραφίες και τη διάσημη οροφή του Μιχαήλ Άγγελου.
Η Ρωμαϊκή Αγορά (Forum Romanum), το κέντρο των δραστηριοτήτων της πόλης την εποχή της Ρωμαϊκής Αυτοκρατορίας. Εκεί βρίσκεται η Αψίδα του Σεπτίμιου Σεβήρου.
Η Σκαλινάτα στην Πιάτσα ντι Σπάνια.
Ισπανικά σκαλιά (Spanish steps)
Καθεδρικός ναός Ρώμης (μητέρα εκκλησιών όλου του κόσμου)
Κατακόμβες Catacombs of San Callisto, Catacombs of San Sebastiano και Catacombs of San Domitilla
Καφέ Γκρέκο
Κοιμητήριο των Καπουτσίνων
Κρύπτες Balbi
Λουτρά Caracalla
Λόφος του Pincio
Μουσεία Καπιτωλίου
Μουσείο Ετρούσκων στη Villa Giulia
Μουσείο και γκαλερία Borghese
Νησίδα του Τίβερη και Ponte Rotto (γέφυρα Rotto)
Παλατίνο
Το Colosseo, επιβλητικό αμφιθέατρο της αρχαιότητας χωρητικότητας 50.000 θεατών.
Το Μαυσωλείο του Αδριανού, γνωστό ως Castel Sant’Angelo, είναι ένα επιβλητικό κυλινδρικό κτίριο
Το μπαρόκ συντριβάνι Fontana di Trevi.
Το Πάνθεον, ναός αφιερωμένος στους θεούς της Αρχαίας Ρώμης, ένα από τα καλύτερα διατηρημένα κτίρια της αρχαιότητας.
Το στόμα της αλήθειας (Bocca della Verita)

Όταν βρεθείτε στη Ρώμη πρέπει να πάτε οπωσδήποτε στο Βατικανό όπου δέχεται εκατομμύρια επισκέπτες, καθολικούς η αλλόθρησκους κάθε χρόνο. Το εσωτερικό του Αγίου Πέτρου κοσμείται με μερικούς από τους πιο περίφημους πίνακες ζωγραφικής στον κόσμο. Στο Κολοσσαίο μπορεί κανείς ν’ ακούσει τους βρυχηθμούς των λιονταριών και τις κραυγές των θυμάτων. Επίσης στο Καπιτώλιο μπορεί να ακουστούν οι χήνες που έσωσαν την αυτοκρατορία. Τα μουσεία στη Ρώμη είναι ελεύθερα την τελευταία Κυριακή κάθε μήνα.

Το καλοκαίρι για τους περισσότερους είναι η καλύτερη περίοδος επίσκεψης στη Ρώμη διότι οι ντόπιοι φεύγουν για τις καλοκαιρινές τους διακοπές και μειώνεται η κίνηση στους δρόμους. Επίσης μόνο με ένα εισιτήριο μπορείτε να επισκεφθείτε 3 έως 5 μουσεία, εάν το χρησιμοποιείσετε 1 με 3 ημέρες. Από τα μέσα Ιουνίου μέχρι τον Αύγουστο, πραγματοποιείται ένα από τα μεγαλύτερα θερινά φεστιβάλ, η ετήσια γιορτή παγκόσμιας μουσικής, στο Ippodromo delle Capannelle. Από τα μέσα Ιουνίου μέχρι τον Σεπτέμβρη πραγματοποιείται το έτησιο φεστιβάλ τζαζ και εικόνας σε ένα καταπράσινο πάρκο στο λόφο πάνω από το Κολοσσαίο στη βίλα Celimontana. Κατά μήκος του Τίβερη διοργανώνεται το ανοικτό φεστιβάλ ταινιών στο νησί Tiβερ όπου μπορείτε να δείτε τις ταινίες. Στην περιοχή Trastevere, προσφέρεται ένας πλούτος προϊόντων και των τοπικών τροφίμων χωρίς εισιτήριο εισόδου, από τις 20-28 Ιουλίου. Επίσης, στο χωριό Testaccio μπορείτε να γευθείτε πρόχειρο φαγητό με πολλά πολλά είδη πιτσών, μαζί με συναυλιακή μουσική μέχρι το πρωΐας.

Πώς θα πάτε:

Μπορείτε να ταξιδέψετε στη Ρώμη αεροπορικώς με πτήσεις της Alitalia και της Aegean Airlines. Η πτήση διαρκεί λιγότερο από δύο ώρες και η Ρώμη απέχει 35 χιλιόμετρα από το αεροδρόμιο. Οι επισκέπτες μπορούν να φθάσουν στην πόλη σε μισή ώρα με το τρένο που αναχωρεί κάθε είκοσι λεπτά, από τις 5.30 το πρωΐ μέχρι τα μεσάνυχτα. Επίσης μπορείτε να χρησιμοποιείσετε τα λεωφορεία που σταματούν ακριβώς έξω από τις αίθουσες του αεροδρομίου.

Πού να μείνετε:

Η Ρώμη έχει πάρα πολλά ξενοδοχεία, όλων των κατηγοριών που μπορείτε να μείνετε. Το ποσό που θα πληρώσετε εξαρτάται από την περίοδο που θα πάτε (οι μήνες Σεπτέμβριος – Οκτώβριος  θεωρούνται high season) αλλά και από το πόσο κοντά θα μείνετε σε κάποιο αξιοθέατο. Η Ρώμη έχει πολλά αξιοθέατα που πρέπει να επισκεφθείτε και γι′ αυτό το λόγο απαιτεί πολύ περπατημα. Σας προτείνουμε να μείνετε κοντά στο ιστορικό κέντρο για να μην έχετε να διανύσετε μεγάλη διαδρομή για το ξενοδοχείο ακόμη κι αν σας κοστίζει περισσότερο. Το μετρό της πόλης εξυπηρετεί μέρη προαστίων και έχει μόνο 2 γραμμές, την μπλέ και την κόκκινη.

Φαγητά και καφέδες:

Θα ευτυχίσετε εάν σας αρέσουν οι πίτσες και οι μακαρονάδες διότι σε κάθε περίπου 100 μέτρα, έχετε την ευκαιρία να δοκιμάσετε την περίφημη αυθεντική ιταλική πίτσα. Μπορείτε να απολάυσετε τον καφέ σας στην Piazza del Poppolo, στο γραφικό Trastevere όπου έχει και βραδινή ζωή, στο Campo de Fiori, στο πανάκριβο αλλα ιστορικό και αριστοκρατικό Cafe Greco στη via Condotti κοντα στην Piazza di Spagna και στο cafe Giolitti κοντά στο Ιταλικό Κοινοβούλιο στην via della Corso.

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