RHODES ISLAND
Welcome to Rhodes, the capital of the Dodecanese, an island which is ideal not only for those who want to relax but also for those looking for an action-packed holiday! With its bright green hills, rich green valleys and uninterrupted line of golden beaches, Rhodes is truly a blessed place. Add in the excellent facilities for tourism, the island’s special blend of cosmopolitan and traditional, and numerous cultural and archaeological sites and you’ve got the perfect holiday destination.
KEA ISLAND
Due to its proximity to Athens, Kea (also called “Tzia”) is an easily accessible beauty with a scenery variety: steep mountains, small fields, olive groves, vineyards, valleys, picturesque coves, exciting hiking trails and off-the-beaten-track beaches. On the island with the largest oak forest in the Cyclades birdwatching is a real delight. For those who are into geology, there are plenty of small caves (like in Kálamos and in Áyios Timótheos). 36 km long cobbled trails will lead you to the four city-states of the ancient times: Ioulis, Karthaia, Koressia, Poiessa).
Situated in the centre of the island, at the site of the ancient citystate by the same name, the capital of Kea, Ioulis, is a very picturesque town with ceramic-tile roofed houses, cobbled streets, arched passages, steps and squares. The island was named after Ceos, a hero from Nafpaktos who settled on the island in the 12th century BC. The island was later named Tzia during the Venetian occupation. Kea played an important role in the flourishing of the Cycladic civilization and was homeland to great figures of ancient Greece, such as the poet Simonides.
For hikers, Kea is a paradise. Paths with a total length of 36 kilometres, 65% of which are stone-paved, cross dreamy routes through dense forests of tall oaks and lead to beautiful isolated beaches.
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.
KOS ISLAND
Endless beaches with turquoise waters, lush vegetation and abundantly flowing streams, ancient and medieval monuments, grand edifices of Italian architecture all come to spell one word: Kos, the third largest island of the Dodecanese Group, only 4 miles away from the coast of Turkey. Kos is the island that gave the world Hippocrates, the father of medicine.
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.