HYDRA ISLAND
Hydra is one of the most cosmopolitan locations in the Mediterranean. The fact that Hydra has a unique beauty in its architecture and its landscape, taken together with its proximity to Athens and its important historical interest, have gradually raised the island to the level of an international tourist centre. Undoubtedly, Hydra is one of the most beautiful islands in Greece with a unique atmosphere Pluralistic, vibrant and lively, with trendyrestaurants,bars and clubs. Must see places: The Monastery of Profitis Ilias (found in the early 19th century) at an altitude of 500 meters has an excellent view, Kamini the little fishing village, Episkopi Hydra's pine forest, popular Molos for swimming, Bisti, Ag. Nikolaos and Limioniza for swimming, and Dokos, an islet where Jacques Cousteau discovered a 3000 years old ship wreck.
SPETSES
Spetses is a beautiful island with rich vegetation and many pine trees. It has various wonderful sandy beaches and lovely secluded bays. Its villages are picturesque and authentic and its capital is a real architectural beauty full of two- story neoclassical houses with wooden balconies and colored walls, and narrow s t o n e - p a v e d a l l e y s . Ar c h a e o l o g i c a l findings indicate that Spetses has been inhabited since Early Bronze Age (also called first Hellenic Era, about 2500 BC). One of the most famous heroes of the Greek Revolution was the Spetsiote female captain Lascarina Bouboulina who took the command of her husband’s fleet when he died, fought in many important battles and spent most of her fortune to finance the war.
NAFPLIO
A special place, mysterious, blessed, full of natural beauty and culture. Spectacular scenery meets gorgeous beaches and medieval atmosphere. It was the capital of the First Hellenic Republic, since the start of the Greek Revolution in 1821 until 1834. Its beauty is well known worldwide.
Most important sites are Palamidi Castle with 913 steps leading you from the town to the fortress, built by the Venetians circa 1711, and used much later as a prison for Theodoros Kolokotronis himself, hero of the Greek revolution, and Bourtzi Island, a tiny islet facing the Nafplio port, where Antonio Gambello built a fortress designed to fit the narrow shape of the island in 1417.
MONEMVASIA
Monemvasia occupies a steep, rocky islet connected to the Laconian coast by a bridge. The settlement was founded in the 6th century A.D. by the inhabitants of Laconia. A second settlement was later founded on a lower level, and gradually developed into a town of significant strategic importance. After a short domination of the Popes, the area was captured by the Venetians in 1464. In 1540 it was occupied by the Turks and its decline became more evident. In 1690 it was given over to the Venetians and in 1715 was recaptured by the Turks. It was the first among the fortified towns of the Peloponnesus to be liberated by the Greeks in 1821. The area is inhabited today and many of the ruined buildings have been restored by the 5th Ephorate. The settlement is surrounded by a U- shaped fortification wall with two gates, one on the east and one on the west side, and a small exit to the sea. Important Monuments of the Lower Town are: Church of Christ Helkomenos (Led to the Passion), Moslem Mosque, Church of Panaghia Myrtidiotissa.
ELAFONISSOS ( SIMOS )
Elafonissos is located in the Bay of Laconia (Lakonikos Kolpos), just north of the island of Kythira. The island was a peninsula in ancient times and the sandy isthmus that separates it from Peloponnesus is only a few feet underwater, which is why the sea has a remarkably alluring color. The largest beach of Elafonissos is Simos, for some one of the most spectacular beaches of Greece, with its almost tropical look of soft, white sand and clear, turquoise waters. At the port town, there is a picturesque line of taverns, where visitors can enjoy freshly caught fish and seafood.
KIPARISSI
Kiparissi is situated in a spectacular bay surrounded by steep mountains that provide good sheltered mooring from all but north easterly winds. There are three quays; town quay, chapel cove and the north west quay, each appropriate for sheltering from a different wind direction. The village has several taverns and basic provisions can be found. Between Kiparissi and Gerakas there are some wonderful anchorages providing the weather is calm.
ATHENS
The Capital of Greece. Within the sprawling city of Athens it is easy to imagine the golden age of Greece when Pericles had the Parthenon (the most eminent monument of the ancient Greek architec ture) built. Athens is built around the Acropolis and the pinnacled crag of Mt. Lycabettus, which the goddess Athena was said to have dropped from the heavens as a bulwark to defend the city. The suburbs have covered the barren plain in all directions and the city is packed with lively taverns and bustling shops.
