The medieval castle Saint Mafras and old monuments of Lefkada was destined from 1293 when the Frankish ruler John Orsini was built to protect the entrance to the island to become the core of what they wanted to conquer. Today is one of the most impressive medieval buildings in Greece, standard fortification art. The ride inside the ruins of Venetian buildings and the walk from the northwest to the lighthouse to the east end of the church of Santa Maura, now is the taste of navigating the island.
Daily visiting hours: 09 : 00 – 15 : 00
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Xanthi is located in the north of Greece. Xanthi is close to the border with Bulgaria. Xanthi is a city with a long history. The city was founded in the 11th century and has an oriental feel to it which may be due to the fact that the town has a significant muslim population. A stroll trhough the old town is the best way to spend an afternoon in Xanthi. It can be reached by car from all over Greece. The modern city features parks, squares and modern housing, while there are a number of industrial units at its outskirts which provide employment to the locals. Moreover, Xanthi is the headquarters of the Polytechnic School of the Democritus University of Thrace. The city also features a vast array of restaurants, taverns, ouzeri, that serve local delicacies. Special mention must be granted to the seafood taverns, both in the city and those scattered around the town’s outskirts, near the sea. Xanthi is famous for its deserts and dried nuts. Plenty of cariokes, Sutzuk loukoumia, pastelia, siropiasta, hazelnuts, almonds, can be found in both the stores of the Old town, and the bazaar that is held every Saturday. Also, Xanthi is famous throughout Greece for its carnival. Every year, and for fifteen consecutive days during the period of Mardi Gras, a grand carnival is organised with references to both local customs and traditions and modern day life.
The ancient theatre of Hephaistia, on the eastern Aegean island of Limnos, opens for the first time after 2,500 years. The theatre has a seating capacity of 200 in its main area, while other 1000 people can be seated outside where they will be able to watch the performance through a giant screen. The ancient theatre of Hephaistia, the city of the ancient Greek god Hephaestus, underwent reconstruction in 2000-2004 and is regarded as one of the most important ancient Greek theatres dating back to the late 5th and early 4th century BC, while certain additions have been made in the Hellenistic and Roman Times.
A new report shows that Greece Tourism has managed to match the numbers of tourist arrivals at this time last year. Greece Tourism has started recovery at the peak of its tourism season. However a report from Bank of Greece shows that tourist arrivals has dropped by 15.7 % for this year comparing to 2009 which also dropped by 10%. Violence Protests in Athens followed by strikes has tarnished the image of Greece as a tourist destination. However in last few weeks, tourists have regain some confidence in Greece. There’s been no strikes or protests in Greece since the Truck strike which ended in July. As Greece shows the signs of getting back to normal, tourists also have started to regain confidence in Greece. Some Hotels have said that occupancy rate is better but still less that what it should be this time of the year. But they are hopeful that tourists number will increase if things remain normal in Greece. Tourists arrival has improved but not enough for hotels to make profits after disastrous start of tourist season but they hope to minimize their losses. Experts believe that its too early to say that Greece Tourism has recovered but its a good sign to see that tourist arrivals have matched last year’s number, even though its for a little period. If Greece remains strikes and protests free, tourists arrival will increase in Greece and it could pass the numbers from last year.
The exhibition “You in Greece” in the Library of Shanghai launched last Friday the Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mr. Paul Geroulanos. Earlier he met with the Deputy Director of the Library of the City Mr. He Yi, who announced the donation of 137 books that will provide first Greek part of the Library of Shanghai which is the second largest in China. Then launched the report and gave speeches referring to the common elements between Greece and China and strengthening the prospects of Chinese tourist in Greece. On his part, Mr. He Yi reported in due respect for the Chinese to Greek history and civilization, and specifically mentioned the new face of modern Athens, as it emerged after the Olympic Games. He stressed that through the exhibition “You in Greece” guests of the Library will have the opportunity to experience even better than Greece. We aim to increase the number of Chinese visitors to Greece in the coming years. For this purpose, process facilitation practices in granting the visa, while preparing to offer facilities and services geared to the needs of Chinese traveling public. We started targeted “familiarization trips” in Greece, inviting Chinese and large tour operators to highlight sights and attractive destinations for Chinese visitors.
In the date of 1st September Wednesday there will be ban on smoking in all indoor public areas throughout Greece. The ban applies equally to work places and recreational venues, without the option of a special smoking area, except in the case of casinos and recreational venues larger than 300 square metres playing live music. Under the new law, private individuals that flout the smoking ban face fines ranging from 50-500 euros, while companies found to be tolerating smoking on their premises can be fined between 500 and 10,000€. Restaurateurs and club owners objecting to the timing that they said will be a further knock to a sector already struggling to cope with a decline in turnover of as much as 25%. Responsibility for enforcing the smoking ban has been given to the coast guard, municipal police and the police force, as well as prefecture and municipality social services.
Folegandros is tiny and quiet islands where time stopped. With clear waters, white houses and little winding streets features of typical Greek Island. Folegandros is located in the southern part of the Cyclades near the islands of Milos and Sikinos. The people living there have as a major source of income the high income tourism. The natural beauty of the island is based on its wild rocky character, its imposing vertical cliffs leading to the dark blue sea and the numerous small secluded beaches with clear waters in colour of all shades of blue and green. The island’s main economy is the tourism because the island has many picturesque locations and beaches.