Category: Popular Posts (page 1 of 27)

Bakeries, bars, cafes and restaurants to check out when you visit Athens

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Tasting Table’s mouthwatering profile of noteworthy places to eat and drink in Athens

 

Tasting Table article on Athens

This article from Tasting Table will whet your appetite for places to get a great drink, snack or meal during your trip to Athens 

 

Tastes of Athens:  We don’t yet know if we’ll be spending any time in Athens on our next trip to Greece, but I have already bookmarked a timely Tasting Table article (pictured above) to help us decide where to enjoy a coffee, drink, snack or meal if we do manage to visit the city.

16 Places to eat and drink in Athens, Greece popped up while I was scrolling through news stories on my phone during a break at the gym.  Thankfully, I didn’t have time to read it then, since writer Brandon Rich’s food and beverage recommendations would have left me feeling ravenous the rest of the day.

His profile includes two cocktail bars that have been named among the world’s best, and two restaurants on the Michelin Guide’s Bib Gourmand listing. I instantly recognized the names of three of the four establishments, plus one of several Greek tavernas that Rich writes about. I wasn’t familiar with any of the other eateries — probably because, as Rich points out, “some of the best places you can eat and drink in Athens are still flying under the radar.”

His article spotlights bakeries and cafes, traditional tavernas and fine dining establishments, souvlaki joints and street food shops, describing signature drinks and dishes and must-try meals and beverages. The easy-to-read piece also provides links to websites for each venue, so you can obtain addresses and contact details, and read more about each place.

 

 

Mykonos 2023: Events, openings, parties, news and more

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Mykonos Town

A hilltop view of Mykonos Town

 

Wondering what parties and events are being held on Mykonos for the 2023 tourist season? Curious to find out what’s new on the island this year? Or to learn when restaurants, bars, nightclubs, beachclubs, hotels and resorts are opening for the season? Here’s our annual round-up of events, announcements and openings for The Island of the Winds!

Keep scrolling down this page to see what is happening on Mykonos this month along with information about regularly-scheduled DJ and entertainment performances, pool parties, Greek Night events, open air movies, cultural exhibitions and food festivals. This page also profiles new hotel, restaurant and bar arrivals on the island.

Information about other tourist-focussed topics is presented on separate pages of this post:

Page 2 provides season opening details for restaurants and cafes;

Page 3 shows opening dates for bars, nightclubs, beach clubs and party cruises;

Page 4 is a list of parties, DJ shows and other entertainment events that have been officially announced for June through September;

Page 5 profiles opening dates for hotels, resorts and other accommodations; and

Page 6 is a list of events that have already taken place, in case you’re interested in seeing what has happened on Mykonos so far this year.

These listings are updated regularly, whenever event or opening day announcements are issued.

 

 

Upcoming DJ, live music and party events

 

Noema Mykonos

This is the schedule of music entertainment artists who will be performing at Noema Mykonos from June 5 to 11

 

Scorpios beach club on Mykonos

Lee Burridge, Gorje Hewek and Tim Green play during the All Day I Dream tour stop at Scorpios on June 8

 

Noema Mykonos

Derun performs at Noema on Thursday June 8

 

JackieO Yacht Club on Mykonos

DJs Nikos Souliotis and Giorgos Reisopoulos will play for the Greek Thursdays party at JackieO Yacht Club on June 8

 

Toy Room club on Mykonos

On Thursday June 8, DJ Teddy-O plays for the VIP HOP party at Toy Room

 

COYA Mykonos

Aaron Sevilla plays a special guest DJ set at COYA Mykonos on Thursday June 8

 

Sanctus club on Mykonos

On Thursday June 8, Sanctus presents Tussy and Karr

 

 

itbeach Mykonos seen in a photo from the beach clubs social media

June 9 is season opening day for itbeach Mykonos beach club, restaurant and lounge at Paradise beach

 

Mykonos Mediterraneo

Mykonos Mediterraneo at Lakka Square will be celebrating its 25th anniversary on Friday June 9. “Join us for a special night as we celebrate 25 years of authentic Italian culinary excellence and fun in the heart of Mykonos,” the restaurant says in its social media posts promoting the event.

 

JackieO Yacht Club on Mykonos presents NORMA

Starting June 9, the innovative live instruments and electronic music band NORMA will be performing every Friday night at JackieO Yacht Club

 

VOID club on Mykonos

This is the DJ lineup at VOID for the weekend of June 9, 10 & 11

 

JackieO Yacht Club on Mykonos presents Xenia Ghali

Beginning on June 10, DJ Xenia Ghali will play at JackieO Yacht Club every Saturday night this summer

 

 Belvedere Hotel on Mykonos presents Mia Moretti

DJ / songwriter Mia Moretti will be entertaining at Belvedere Hotel from June 15 to 21

 

TUYA MYkonos

MoBlack appears at TUYA Mykonos for a special guest DJ set on Thursday June 15

 

COYA Mykonos La Noche Blanca

On Thursday June 22, COYA Mykonos will hold its first La Noche Blanca / White Party of the season. Two more White Parties will take place at COYA this summer — on July 13 and August 3.

 

Noia beach club on Mykonos

On Thursday June 22, Noia beach club at Paradise beach hosts Invited for a day-long DJ event featuring Bluey, Jenny C and Elise Meidell on the decks

 

TUYA Mykonos

On Thursday June 22, TUYA Mykonos presents special music entertainment by DJ/producer/musician Karyendasoul and No. Parachute

 

TUYA Mykonos

DJ duo No. Parachute will play special guest sets at TUYA Mykonos for three nights — June 22, 23 and 24

 

Super Paradise beach club on Mykonos

Dj Angelos plays at Super Paradise beach club on June 24

 

TUYA Mykonos

SONA plays a special guest DJ sete at TUYA Mykonos on Thursday June 29. Afrohouse DJ/producer Pillar43 also will have a stint on the decks that night.

 

Anna Vissi

Greek pop music superstar Anna Vissi brings her 50th Anniversary Concert Tour to JackieO’ Beach Club on August 2

 

 

Regular DJ shows and party events

 

Destino Pacha Mykonos hotel DJ schedule

This is the weekly DJ schedule for the afternoon poolside parties at Destino Pacha Mykonos Hotel at Agios Stefanos

 

2023 summer music entertainment program for COYA Mykonos

Starting June 1, COYA Mykonos will present special live entertainment events on the dates shown above

 

BlondIsh 2023 summer DJ shows at Alemagou beach club on Mykonos

Starting on June 5, DJ Blond:ish will be performing almost every Monday this summer at Alemagou beach club

 

Alemagou beach club on Mykonos presents Kaz James & Friends on Wednesdays during summer 2023

Starting with an opening party on June 7 and continuing every Wednesday this summer, Alemagou beach club will host DJ Kaz James and his invited special guests for a weekly party event

 

JackieO Yacht Club on Mykonos presents NORMA

Starting June 9, the innovative live instruments and electronic music band NORMA will be performing every Friday night at JackieO Yacht Club

 

JackieO Yacht Club on Mykonos presents Xenia Ghali

Beginning on June 10, DJ Xenia Ghali will play at JackieO Yacht Club every Saturday night this summer

 

All Day I Dream of Mykonos Magic music events at Scorpios beach club on Mykonos in 2023

The  All Day I Dream summer tour will make three stops on Mykonos this summer, with performances at Scorpios beach club on June 8, June 22 and on August 17

 

Bedouin 2023 summer appearance schedule at Scorpios beach club on Mykonos

These are the dates this summer that DJ duo Bedouin will be performing at Scorpios

 

Lio cabaret restaurant and nightclub on Mykonos

DJ Konflict. will be performing at Lio cabaret restaurant and lounge every Thursday night during July and August

 

Destino Pacha Mykonos hotel pool parties

Every Friday during July and August, Destino Pacha Mykonos Hotel at Agios Stefano will host a pool party by Life Events

 

DJ Guy Gerber events at Ftelia beach club on Mykonos

Starting on July 10,  Guy Gerber will appear for a special guest DJ set at Ftelia beach club every Monday until August 14

 

 

 

 Greek Night parties

 

Hippie Fish Mykonos

The popular Sunday Greek Night parties at Hippie Fish beach club resume on May 28

 

Blue Myth restaurant on Mykonos

The popular Greek Party nights resume May 28 at Blue Myth restaurant at Platis Gialos beach. The events take place every Wednesday and Sunday night starting at 8:30 p.m.  Reservations are strongly recommended.

 

Pinky Beach club on Mykonos

Starting on June 15, Pinky Beach club will be holding a weekly Greek Night every Thursday, featuring a dinner with live entertainment

 

 

 

 

Arts, Culture & Food Events

 

Cine Manto Mykonos

May 19 is season opening day for Cine Manto, the open-air cinema tucked in a hidden garden oasis in the heart of Mykonos Town.  The cinema plays first-release movies in their original versions, usually in English, starting at 9 p.m. daily.

 

Mykonos Seasons of Light photo exhibition at the Mykonos Municipal Art Gallery

From May 30 to June 7, the Mykonos Municipal Art Gallery’s Matogianni Hall presents the photography exhibition “Mykonos, Seasons of Light” by Vivi Chanioti

 

Matsuhisa Mykonos 20th Anniversary & Nobu Food Festival

The Matsuhisa Mykonos “new style” Japanese fine dining restaurant at the Belvedere Hotel celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, and will hold its annual Nobu Festival from June 27 to July 2. The Festival offers an exclusive culinary experience with Chef Nobu Matsuhisa and guest sushi masters, and this year will also celebrate the grand opening of the restaurant’s Omakase Bar. 

 

 

 

 

 

What’s new on Mykonos for 2023 

 

L'Artista Italian Restaurant on Mykonos

June 9 is grand opening day for L’ Artista, Osteria  Da Roberto, a new Italian restaurant “where comfort food meets fine dining.” L’ Artista is situated mere steps from Agia Anna beach at the Old Port harbourside of Mykonos Town.

 

Mando Restaurant on Mykonos

A new arrival to Goumenio Square, Mando Restaurant and Bar opened its doors in late April. Its website says Mando is “reinventing tradition with an elevated take on Greek cuisine. We are a funky bistro style restaurant blending exceptional food with craft cocktails, using local ingredients.” Mando is open daily at 10 a.m. serving brunch, followed by a Greek-style tapas menu available from 6 p.m. to midnight. “We finish the night with a lounge atmosphere, music, and cocktails.”

 

Uber Boat on Mykonos

Uber has announced that it is bringing its Uber Boat service to Mykonos this summer. At the 2023 Uber Go-Get Product Event on May 17, Uber announced that the new service will give Mykonos vacationers and boat enthusiasts the opportunity to book private boat transportation simply by selecting “boat” from the Uber app.  The service will allow for “up to 8 people to cruise to popular destinations around the island of Mykonos,” Uber said. The official launch date for the service has not yet been announced.

 

Pablo bar and cafe on Mykonos
April 27 was opening day for the new Pablo Bar, a “sister” to popular Paloma Bar. You’ll find Pablo at 34 Agion Anargiron Street in Mykonos Town. Pablo opens at 10 a.m. daily, serving breakfast and coffees, and the bar serves cocktails until 3 a.m.

 

Philotimo Restaurant on Mykonos

Philotimo bills itself as a “Mediterranean & traditional Greek cuisine restaurant,” but it’s making a particularly big impression with its amazing burgers and its daily specials of four or more popular Greek dishes. Philotimo is situated on the peripheral road in the Evaggelistraki area, near the AB supermarket. It opened in March.

 

 

Monk all day bar on Mykonos

Located in Ano Mera, Monk All Day Bar is a new go-to spot for coffee, brunch and cocktails. Monk opened on April 8.

 

23 Hotel and Katrin restaurant on Mykonos

Legendary fine dining restaurant La Maison de Katrin will be opening its doors for the 2023 season at a new location in Mykonos Town — 23 Panachratou street, in 23 Hotel (new name for the former Carbonaki boutique hotel). In operation since 1971, Katrin was previously situated on Nikiou street, under a bedazzling canopy of bougainvillea that was a magnet for Instagrammers.  Only 200 meters away, the new premises will make their grand opening debut on April 12.

 

 

Bruno Coffee & Brunch Mykonos seen in a photo from the restaurants social media pages

Brunello was one of many restaurant newcomers to Mykonos in 2022. For this season, the it has rebranded as Bruno Coffee & Brunch.  You’ll find Bruno in the Mykonos My Mall in Ano Vrisi.

 

Van Stories Mykonos

 Van Stories Mykonos is a unique new service making its debut on the island this summer.  Its signature “boho-style” Volkswagen T2 van features a fully stocked mobile bar and DJ booth that can be booked for private parties, weddings , photo shoots, and other special events.

 

Bagatelle Mykonos

Bagatelle Mykonos will unveil an exciting new restaurant concept — The Sunset Plaza — when it opens in May for its second season of operations.  Inspired by lively plazas throughout Europe, the sunset-view, seaside complex will feature three distinct venues offering “fine dining, high-end entertainment and fashion shopping in an al fresco setting”: The Sunset Lounge, Bagatelle Mykonos restaurant, and ITA Mykonos. Designed as a romantic spot to watch the sunset or relax after dinner, The Sunset Lounge will offer “amazing cocktails prepared by top-notch mixologists, a high-end collection of wines and spirits, live artists, fire blowers, singers, musicians and dancers, and the most beautiful view of the island,” a Bagatelle Group spokesperson told us.  The restaurant, Bagatelle Mykonos, will spotlight cuisine inspired by La Côte d’Azur, Southern Italy and Mykonos; its unique menu will “blend the generous flavours of the French Riviera cuisine with the refreshing Mediterranean and Greek influences.” Meanwhile, the “magical hideaway” ITA Mykonos — an intimate spot inspired by the lush jungles of Mexico — will offer an adventurous culinary journey  with its menu of “daring and colorful Mexican and Peruvian fusion food.”

 

Mykonia Inn Hotel on Mykonos

Mykonia Inn Hotel on Mykonos

Mykonia Inn hotel on Mykonos

A new hotel that describes itself as “youthful, breezy and affordable” will be opening this season in Ano Mera. Mykonia Inn Hotel will boast 68 rooms in six different styles that can accommodate 1, 2, 3 or 4 people.  The hotel website says rates start as low as €60 per night for the “Just the two of us” room, €80 for the “Just the three of us” room, and €140 for the “Mykonos Vibes” room for 4. Hotel facilities and services include a swimming pool, gym, and a continental breakfast.  An official opening date has not yet been announced, and the hotel’s online booking form had not been activated as of February 21. We’re still awaiting word from Mykonia Inn as to when it will begin taking reservations.

 

Domes Noruz Mykonos

Domes Noruz Mykonos

Domes Noruz Mykonos

The chic new Domes Noruz Mykonos hotel is expected to open its doors this July. Located at Agios Stefanos, the 38-suite, adults-only resort is the newest member of the Domes Resorts collection of luxury lifestyle vacation properties in the Mediterranean. According to a media announcement by Domes Resorts, guests at the new Mykonos hotel will be able to “choose rooms with private pools, indulge in signature culinary offerings at Topos Neo-med restaurant, sip on cocktail masterpieces by Apallou mixologists, and experience established lounge sessions or explore the island in the care of a tried and tested concierge. These elements create a celebratory aesthetic that includes art and fashion, all set against a 24/7 vibe of chill music and sun-kissed relaxation.” 

 

Funky Kitchen restaurant on Mykonos

Funky Kitchen will not be returning for the 2023 season. The Lakka-area restaurant had been hugely popular with regular Mykonos visitors for the last several years, but its owners announced on social media April 2 that they have decided “to close Funky kitchen as we know it and open a new chapter concentrating in private dining and pop up events.” There’s no word on whether another restaurant will be moving into the space for this summer.

 

 

Amyth of Mykonos hotel

The former Habitat Hotel at Agios Stefanos has undergone a rebranding and is now a Thanos Hotels property called Amyth of Mykonos.  An April 3 social media post announced the change, saying that Amyth will be: “A sanctuary for the soul, a new bijou hotel promising boho-luxe style, authentic ‘at-home’ hospitality, and a deeper experience of Mykonian life at its laid-back best.​” Amyth’s website shows booking availability from April 13 onwards.

 

Bill & Coo Mykonos Coast Suite

Bill & Coo Coast Suites at Agios Ioannis has introduced a new private hideaway for 2023 — the Coast Hill Suites. This “discreet cocoon” of 10 spacious suites — the biggest suite at Bill & Coo Coast — each feature an infinity pool, a sheltered terrace with sweeping sea, sunset and Delos island views, and round-the-clock service from the hotel’s team.

 

Botrinis Mykonos restaurant

Katikies Mykonos hotel at Agios Ioannis beach will be welcoming Botrini’s Mykonos restaurant to its property this summer — the newest Greek island restaurant to feature the cuisine of Michelin-starred Greek-Italian chef Hector Botrini. According to a media announcement by the Katikies hotel chain, “Showcasing premium ingredients, high technique and inexhaustible talent, the chef’s most iconic recipes set the stage for a unique culinary experience. The most precious and freshest gifts of the land and the sea pass through the kitchen to be transformed into works of contemporary culinary art, which are found in degustation and à la carte menus and are accompanied by excellent Greek and international wine labels, under the supervision of Yiannis Karakasis MW (Master of Wine).” An official opening date for Botrini’s Mykonos has not yet been announced, but the restaurant page on the Katikies Mykonos website is accepting online reservations for seating dates from May 1 until September 30. 

 

Thalas Mykonos beach bar and restaurant

Divine Sea & More, the beach bar and restaurant at Super Paradise beach, has a new name for 2023 — the venue is now called Thalas Barefoot Tavern & Beach. It opens for the season on May 19.

 

Frankie Restaurant on Mykonos

Bouboulo restaurant on the Gialos harbourside promenade of Mykonos Town has undergone a transformation for 2023. Now called Frankie Mykonos (a name inspired by Frank Sinatra), its menu features “cuisine with the flavor of Italy and fresh local ingredients, true to our farm-to-table philosophy and quality. Enjoy fresh handmade pasta, meat, bread and pizza with sourdough and organic flour that are fermented daily and baked in our wood-fired oven, as well as gluten free and lactose free options,” a description on the restaurant website says.

 

Nammos Hotel and beach club on Mykonos

The Nammos World of luxury lifestyle restaurants, beach clubs, entertainment events and shopping is expanding with the debut of a chain of exclusive high-end hotels and resorts.  Twenty years ago, Nammos Mykonos opened as an upscale restaurant on Psarou beach. Within a few short years it became one of the island’s most famous beach clubs, drawing an international clientele of the rich, famous and beautiful.  More recently, the brand opened Nammos venues in Dubai, Cannes, Limassol and Qatar. Now, in 2023, it has established Nammos Hotels & Resorts, and the first Nammos Hotel will open this summer on Psarou beach (in the premises previously operated as the Kensho Psarou hotel, and last year as N Hotel.) Nammos resorts in Abu Dhabi and the Maldives also are set to open. The new Nammos Mykonos hotel can be seen on the left side of the beach in the image above; the beach club is next door, on the right. Opening dates for the hotel and beach club have not yet been announced. 

 

 

Delos island ferries and port-to-port SeaBus service

 

Mykonos SeaBus

The Mykonos SeaBus water taxi service resumed operations on April 1. The best way to travel between the New Port at Tourlos and the Old Port at Mykonos Town, the SeaBus ride takes only 12 minutes and costs just €2 per person. Full details of the service, including its daily schedule and boarding locations, can be found on the Mykonos SeaBus website. The service will operate until October 30.

 

Delos Tours on Mykonos

April 1 is the season start date for the Delos Tours boat trips to historic Delos island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important archaeological destinations in the Greek Islands. Full details of boat schedules and ticket prices are available on the Delos Tours website

 

 

Please click on the links below to read about restaurant and bar opening dates and other news:

Page 2 provides season opening details for restaurants and cafes;

Page 3 shows opening dates for bars, nightclubs, beach clubs and party cruises;

Page 4 is a list of parties, DJ shows and other entertainment events that have been officially announced;

Page 5 profiles opening dates for hotels, resorts and other accommodations; and

Page 6 is a list of events that have already taken place, in case you’re interested in seeing what has happened on Mykonos so far this year.

 

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

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Things to see and do during a visit to Athens this winter

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A special edition of Greece Is Magazine profiles events and activities in Athens during winter 2022-2023

 

Cover of Greece Is magazine Issue 55

The cover of the Athens edition of Greece Is magazine for Winter 2022-2023

 

Winter wonders: The latest Athens issue of Greece Is magazine sure would have come in handy during a recent Christmas party conversation about winter travel plans. After friends and acquaintances described their upcoming trips to Florida, Australia, Mexico and the Caribbean, everyone looked perplexed when I said that I wished I could visit Athens. “But isn’t everything there closed down?” one of my acquaintances asked. Similar questions by others in the group suggested they, too, think Greece is only a summer beach destination. 

Like many people, they just don’t realize that, even during the cooler months of off-season, the capital of Greece is always brimming with engaging arts and culture events, and fun food, drink and entertainment activities.

Why wouldn’t it be? It’s a major international city, after all, and its 3 million residents don’t go into hibernation until Greek Easter. They like to get out and about to experience their city’s cultural attractions and events, and there are plenty of those to enjoy throughout the winter months — as the Athens Winter 2022-2023 special edition of Greece Is magazine points out.

Released in early December, the 148-page issue includes:

♦ A spotlight on things to see and do in Athens — both indoors and out — on mild winter days

♦ Photos and information about visiting the Makrigianni site — the ancient streets beneath the Acropolis Museum

♦ “Art & the City,” a look at local hangouts for food, drinks and shopping in the neighbourhoods near the city’s major museums and art galleries

♦  “At the museum with the kids,” an article that highlights “tailored programs and tours” geared specifically for children — a must-read for families travelling to Athens

♦ In “Dining Out: Then & Now,” writer Christos Chomenidis “connects the past with the present” as he describes visits to five noteworthy restaurants that each have “their own story to tell.” 

♦ “Finding philosophy among the ruins,” a piece that traces the “ancient Greek philosophers’ favourite haunts in and around the Athenian Agora”

♦ “Dreaming of the blue skies of Attica,” an essay that considers “why the return of the Parthenon Sculptures is a democratic imperative,” and much more.

If you’re planning a winter trip to Athens, or simply wondering if it’s worthwhile to visit at this time of year, have a look through the magazine. You’ll find lots of helpful information and great suggestions for places to visit and things to do — more than enough to keep you entertained and enthralled.

Print copies of the Athens issue are available from the Greece Is e-shop, while the online edition can be viewed, read, shared and even downloaded from this link on Issuu.com.  

 

Ancient Corinth’s most significant historic sites

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Video views of archaeological sites and superb scenery at the top historic places of Ancient Corinth

 

The 6-minute film  Ancient Corinthia from high above captures breathtaking aerial views of the major historic locations of Ancient Corinth

 

For history buffs and landscape lovers: The Corinth region of Greece is home to a plethora of important sites that will impress visitors who are fascinated with ancient Greek history. And since they’re situated in beautiful outdoor locations, these places should appeal even to people who aren’t history buffs, but who enjoy seeing and spending time in picturesque landscapes, countrysides and coastal areas.

That’s why we think both types of traveller will enjoy watching the video we have shared above. Produced by the Archaeological Museum of Ancient Corinth, it captures amazing visual perspectives of Ancient Corinth’s signature ruins and monuments amidst their scenic surroundings.

Historic sites shown in the video include, in order of appearance:

♦ Krommyon at Ayioi Theodori

♦ Sanctuary of Hera at Perochora

♦ Ithsmus / Corinth Canal

♦ Diolkos at Poseidonia

♦ Sanctuary of Poseidon at Ithsmia

♦ the submerged ancient port at Kenchreai

♦ Solygeia at Galataki

♦ Tenea at Klenia and Chiliomodi

♦ Poros Limestone Quarries at Examilia

♦ the harbour at Lechaion

♦ Ancient Corinth

♦ Acrocorinth

♦ Sanctuary of Demeter and Koris

♦ Sanctuary of Asklepios

♦ the Theater at Ancient Corinth

♦ Temple of Apollo

 

Pirine fountain (Peirine fountain) in Ancient Corinth

The Peirine Fountain, seen in a photo from the website for the Ancient Corinth Archaeological Museum

 

We got to see several of the locations — Sanctuary of Hera, Corinth Canal, Diolkos, Acrocorinth, as well as the Temple of Apollo and many other monuments at the Ancient Corinth archaeological site — during two daytrips in May 2022, while we were staying in the nearby city of Loutraki. We passed close by a few of the others shown in the video, but regret that we weren’t able to include them in our itinerary.

If you find yourself in the Corinth area with a vehicle and three to four (or more) days at your disposal, you should be able to comfortably visit most, if not all, of these sites. The villages, towns and countryside around them look fascinating, too, and undoubtedly would be worth exploring. 

 

 

Travel links

Planning a trip to the Corinth area, or just wondering if it’s the right region for you to visit on an upcoming trip to Greece? The following links should prove helpful for your research:

♦ the Explore Corinth website provides detailed information, photos, artwork and videos of some of the region’s key sites and attractions — Ancient Corinth, Acrocorinth, Corinth Canal, Ancient Tenea and Ancient Nemea — and includes a section spotlighting St. Paul the Apostle, who established a Christian community and church at Corinth.

♦ the website for the Archaeological Museum of Ancient Corinth contains detailed visitor information and photos of the museum and its collections, and the adjacent archaeological site, as you would expect, along with specific sections that focus on Acrocorinth, Bema of St. Paul, Sanctuary of Asklepieion, Temple of Octavia, Temple of Apollo, Glauke Fountain, Basiilica of Kraneion, Basilica of Lechaion, Peirene Fountain, Ancient Odeion, Amphitheater, and the Theater of Ancient Corinth.

♦ the commercial travel agency site Enjoy Corinthia features information, photos and videos of historic sites, top tourist attractions,  beaches and other places of interest both in the Corinth area and beyond, along with descriptions of tours and excursions the company provides and, of course, details of its holiday packages and other services.

 

Sanctuary of Demeter and Koris

The Sanctuary of Demeter and Koris is seen in an aerial photo from the Ancient Corinth Archaeological Museum’s website

 

Our Corinth daytrips in 2022

Also have a look at our blog posts containing descriptions and photos of daytrips we took during a three-day stay at the city of Loutraki in May 2022:

A modern bridge and ancient boat track at the Corinth Canal

A visit to Acrocorinth Castle

A short daytrip from Loutraki to Vouliagmeni Lake and the Sanctuary of Hera; and

Our holiday visit to Loutraki on the Gulf of Corinth coast

 

 

A daytrip from Loutraki to top historic sites near Corinth

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The Corinth Canal, an ancient boat slipway, a castle, an archaeological site and a museum were fascinating stops during our daytrip in the Corinth area of the Peloponnese

 

Entrance gate to Acrocorinth castle

Ancient Corinth columns

the Diolkos boat trackway at Corinth

In less than half a day, we were able to visit such important historic sites as the Acrocorinth castle, top, the Ancient Corinth archaeological site and museum, center, and the Diolkos boat trackway at the western entrance to the Corinth Canal

 

Ideal for history buffs:  During our short stay in Loutraki last May, we got to step thousands of years back in time with an easy daytrip visit to several of the premier historic attractions in the nearby Corinth area.

It was an ideal itinerary for history buffs as well as anyone who appreciates marvels of architecture and engineering.

Our driving route took us across a submersible bridge at the northern mouth of the Corinth Canal, where we stopped to see the Diolkos, an ancient track that was used to transfer boats overland from the Gulf of Corinth to the Saronic Gulf, long before the canal was constructed.

Next stop was the Acrocorinth Castle, where we wandered around the inside of the massive mountaintop fortress and enjoyed superlative views of the Corinth region.

Our third destination was the archaeological site and museum at Ancient Corinth.

Lunch and a coffee break in the modern city of Corinth topped off our tour of amazing feats of engineering and impressive monuments and artefacts from centuries of Greek history.

I have written individual posts to show photos and information about the attractions at each of our stops. You can view them simply by continuing to scroll down the blog, or by clicking on any of the following links to access a specific article:

♦ A modern bridge & ancient boat track at the Corinth Canal

A visit to Acrocorinth Castle

♦ Coming soon — The Ancient Corinth archaeological site and museum

 

A modern bridge & ancient boat track at the Corinth Canal

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During a daytrip from nearby Loutraki, we crossed a submersible bridge on the Corinth Canal to see the Diolkos, an ancient boat slipway

 

the Diolkos boat trackway at Corinth

Looking along a section of the ancient Diolkos track, a stone-paved slipway once used to move boats overland across the Isthmus of Corinth. This section of the historic track is situated only a few meters from the edge of the Corinth Canal, which is partly visible in the upper right corner of the photo.

 

Marvels of maritime travel & transport: We have seen — and driven over — the world-famous Corinth Canal numerous times, but this daytrip marked our first opportunity to cross the 129-year-old waterway on a submersible bridge, something we never even knew existed. (Our previous canal crossings had been on the regional motorway and local road bridge, the same routes on which most tourists pass over the historic canal in excursion buses or rental vehicles.)

Another first, for us, was seeing a remarkable unearthed section of an overland track that was used to move cargo ships for hundreds of years long before the canal was constructed.

The Diolkos is a stone-paved road that enabled boats and transport ships to cross the Isthmus of Corinth — a  6 km wide stretch of flat land separating the Gulf of Corinth to the north from the Saronic Gulf to the south — instead of sailing the substantially longer and potentially perilous sea route off the Peloponnese coast.

 

This Google map pinpoints the submersible bridge near the Diolkos track, our first stop on a daytrip from the city of Loutraki to several historic attractions in the Corinth area of the Peloponnese

 

the Diolkos boat trackway at Corinth

Grooves in the stone pavement are the ancient tracks that boats were dragged along from one gulf to the other

 

A marvel of engineering for its time, the Diolkos is believed to have been constructed in the early years of the 6th Century BCE, and operated from around 650 BCE to 50 CE. The track extended for as long as 8 kilometers between the two gulfs, and varied in width from 4.5 to 6 meters in most places, and up to 10 meters near each gulf coast. Boats would be hauled from the water on wooden rollers, then loaded onto special wheeled vehicles that animals would pull along grooves in the track. To make the load lighter for carriage on the track, the vessel’s cargo would be unloaded and transported to the other gulf separately, by road, while the boat was slowly dragged down the Diolkos. Once the ship was refloated in the gulf on the opposite side of the isthmus, its cargo would be reloaded and the boat would resume its voyage.

The Diolkos was a costly shortcut for shipowners, who paid steep fees for the slipway transit service, and it gradually fell out of favour as sailing firms began acquiring larger ships that could more safely navigate the seas off the Peloponnese.

 

 

We felt it was definitely worthwhile making a short stop at the Diolkos to appreciate the ancient engineering achievement and contemplate the incredibly difficult and demanding physical labour that would have been required to move heavy boats along the passageway.

As for that submersible bridge we crossed to reach the Diolkos, we didn’t know how it worked until long after we got home from our trip, when I found a YouTube video which I have posted below.  We had thought it was a type of drawbridge that would swing to one side to let boats pass but, as the video shows, it actually drops deep into the water channel, then quickly rises back into position once ships have entered or exited the canal.

We didn’t get to watch the bridge in action because the canal had been closed to traffic at the time, still undergoing restoration work to repair extensive damage caused by a series of landslides in late 2020 and in 2021. It reopened in July 2022 for a few months of seasonal operations before shutting for a scheduled second phase of repairs that will be performed during the late autumn and winter.

 

submersible bridge at the Corinth Canal

This two-lane vehicle bridge, at the west entrance to the Corinth Canal, submerses to let boats and ships pass through the canal. It’s located close to a segment of the Diolkos trackway. We crossed this bridge en route from Loutraki to the Diolkos track during a May 2022 daytrip in the Peloponnese. Another similar bridge is situated at the east mouth of the canal.

 

We didn’t get to see, in person, how the submersible bridges at the Corinth Canal work, because the canal had been closed to boat traffic at the time of our visit. But this interesting 3-minute video, by OurTour Blog, shows one of the bridges in operation. 

 

Learn more about the Diolkos and Corinth Canal

For further historic  insights and background information on both the Doilkos track and the Corinth Canal, complete with photos and maps, have a look at these excellent articles:

♦  Corinth Canal Doilkos on Sailing Issues, a website focussed on marine navigation and sailing holidays in Greece, Croatia and Turkey; 

♦The Diolkos Trackway In Greece Is An Ancient Relic Of Human Will Power, a story published in June on the website Indie88.com.

♦ The Greek Reporter story Greece’s Corinth Canal closes again until next summer, published October 4, describes the landslides and restoration work that forced the canal to close until July of this year. The report also includes a local news video showing the rockfall damage. 

♦ The November 22  feature article The spectacular canal that was 2,500 years in the making. on CNN Travel.

 

This 3-minute National Geographic video shows stunning aerial views of the canal, including scenes of a large cruise ship navigating the narrow passageway

 

 

A visit to Acrocorinth Castle

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Uphill climbs, imposing walls, centuries of history and beautiful views: Photos from our visit to Acrocorinth, the largest castle in the Peloponnese 

 

Acrocorinth Castle near Corinth in Greece

The mountain atop which the Acrocorinth Castle sits

 Acrocorinth Castle, top, occupies the peak of a 575-meter (1,880-foot) mountain that rises on the southwest side of the Ancient Corinth archaeological site, above. We explored the castle during a daytrip to historic sites in the Corinth area in May 2022.

 

Formidable fortress: I call it the Rock of Ages, because there’s an incredibly long history behind Acrocorinth, an impressive ages-old castle that sits astride a monolithic peak in the Corinth region of the Peloponnese.

Dating to pre-Christian times, the mountaintop site was the Acropolis of Ancient Corinth, a wealthy and influential city-state that was one of the biggest and most important cities in Greece, with a population topping 90,000 in 400 B.C.  Over the centuries since, the stronghold has been ruled by the Romans, Byzantines, Franks, Knights of Saint John, Venetians and Ottomans. 

 

 

During our drive from the Corinth Canal to the castle, it was easy to see why Acrocorinth was such a prized property for empires of the past to acquire and control. The huge rock rises at a strategic position along crossroads of major trade, travel and military routes, and its high location provides commanding views of northeastern Peloponnese and two important waterways, the Gulf of Corinth and the Saronic Gulf.

Acrocorinth is the largest castle in the Peloponnese, and its vast size immediately became apparent when we got out of our car in a parking area partway up the mountain and gazed up at the lower fortification walls. Imposing and tall, the stone structures extend almost 3,000 meters (nearly 10,000 feet) along the fortress perimeter, and enclose interior space of more than 240,000 square meters (59 acres). Even without knowing those startling statistics, we were struck by how absolutely enormous and intimidating the castle appeared from outside. It felt just as big once we got inside, too, and we didn’t even get to see all of the interior.

 

This short film by Travel and Drones was released in early December 2022. It presents dramatic and breathtaking aerial views of Acrocorinth and the nearby Corinth area of the Peloponnese

 

We managed to wander around Acrocorinth’s interior for nearly two hours before we felt too tuckered out to continue, thanks to the combination of our jet lag and all the walking (much of it on steps and slopes) under sunny skies and a temperature of 24 C (75 F).  While we had been hoping to climb to the summit to check out the scenic vistas and look at the Aphrodite temple, a tower and the ancient fountain spring, we feared we would wilt along the way, and decided to head into the city of Corinth for lunch instead.

Even though we missed seeing a large part of the fortress’s upper grounds, we had a fascinating time. There are intriguing monuments and artefacts from antiquity and each era that the castle was ruled by a different empire — “the sanctuary of Aphrodite with an early Christian basilica on its ruins, the fountain of Ano Peirene, Byzantine cisterns, the Frankish tower, a Venetian church, mosques, Turkish houses and fountains,” a passage on the Ancient Corinth website points out.

In May, it was exhilarating to stroll around since the grounds were vibrant and lovely with foliage, wildflowers, tall grasses and fields of wheat swaying in the breeze.  There was so much lush and thick greenery, some of the ruins were obscured or partially hidden  — nature appeared to be reclaiming the land. Views of the Corinth countryside and Gulf of Corinth were wonderful.

Scroll down to see photos from our visit. If you’re interested in learning more about the history of Acrocorinth, here are a few excellent website resources with articles, historic timelines, maps, photos and videos:

♦ the Acrocorinth entry on Picturesque-Peloponnese.com

♦ the Acrocorinth chapter of the Kastrologos Castles of Greece website

♦ the ExploreCorinth.gr website section Acrocorinth: The Acropolis of Ancient Corinth

♦ the Acrocorinth page on the website AncientCorinth.net

♦ the Travel.gr photo tour A Day in Acrocorinth, the imposing fortress of the Peloponnese

♦ the OnRoadsUncharted.com blog post Guardian of the Peloponnese | A Guide to Acrocorinth

 

Arriving at Acrocorinth 

 

Acrocorinth Castle entrance path

Acrocorinth Castle entrance path

one of the entrance gates to Acrocorinth Castle

Above, views of the cobblestone path that leads from the parking area to the castle’s first entrance gate (there are three gates in total). Although we were wearing sturdy hiking shoes, we found the stones quite slippery underfoot, and had to step slowly and cautiously while climbing uphill, taking even greater care walking back down. Inside the castle, there is a lot more uphill walking, on steps, slopes and uneven terrain. If you plan to visit, wear shoes with soles that grip well. Be aware that if you have balance or mobility issues, the climb into and back out of the castle could be treacherous. We saw many visitors wobbling and some stumbling on the paths.  If you walk  up or down the sides of the steps, you can hold onto walls or rocks to sturdy yourself on the cobblestones.

 

the second entrance gate at Acrocorinth Castle

The cobblestone path through the second gate 

 

Acrocorinth Castle entrance gate

Approaching the mammoth third — and final — entrance gate

 

The massive fortification walls

Historians believe the first castle walls on Acrocorinth were built during the reign of the tyrant Periander, who ruled from 627 to 585 B.C.  Over the centuries, some conquerors destroyed the fortifications, while others reconstructed them or added more. Any time I looked at the immense fortifications, I couldn’t help but wonder who piled all the heavy stones together, and how they were even able to perform the backbreaking work at the tops of cliffs and down the sides of steep slopes. It would have required Herculean effort to build, tear down or reconstruct those thick, tall ramparts and defensive walls. 

 

Acrocorinth Castle fortification wall

a tourist taking photos at Acrocorinth Castle

To get a sense of perspective of the enormous size of some of the castle walls, consider that the tourist taking a photo, above, is barely visible in the top photo.

 

Acrocorinth Castle

outer walls of Acrocorinth Castle

Acrocorinth Castle walls atop a cliff

 

 

 

The interior grounds, monuments and ruins

 

ruins inside the Acrocorinth Castle

ruins inside the Acrocorinth Castle

ruins in the Acrocorinth Castle

inside the Acrocorinth Castle

a mosque inside the Acrocorinth castle

the Acrocorinth Castle interior

inside the Acrocorinth Castle

Acrocorinth Castle grounds

inside the Acrocorinth Castle

steps inside the Acrocorinth Castle

ruins inside the Acrocorinth Castle

 inside the Acrocorinth Castle

inside the Acrocorinth Castle

ruins inside the Acrocorinth Castle

 

inside the Acrocorinth Castle

Above, a tower and other structures on the upper-most points of the peak, where visitors can explore the remains of a sanctuary and temple originally dedicated to the goddess Aphrodite, and the spring fountain of Ano Peirene. Unfortunately, we didn’t make it to the top, so we don’t have any photos from that level of the fortress.

 

 

Agios Dimitrios church

 

Agios Dimitrios church in the Acrocorinth Castle

Church of Agios Dimitrios in the Acrocorinth Castle

inside Agios Dimitrios church at Acrocorinth Castle

a fresco in Agios Dimitrios Church in the Acrocorinth Castle

The bell at Agios Dimitrios church in the Acrocorinth Castle

Above, views of the Venetian-era Agios Dimitrios Church, its interior and one of its wall frescos, and the church bell

 

Views from Acrocorinth

 

Acrocorinth Castle view

view from Acrocorinth Castle

View from Acrocorinth Castle

View from Acrocorinth Castle

View from Acrocorinth Castle

Acrocorinth castle view of Corinth and Loutraki

Above, some of the countryside views from the castle. The bottom photo shows the small cities of Corinth (foreground) and Loutraki (across the bay at the foot of the mountains), where we stayed for the first three days of our vacation.

 

Acrocorinth views of Penteskoufi 

From Acrocorinth, visitors can see another nearby peak that is also crowned with a castle — Penteskoufi (also known as the Montesquieue Castle).

It was built by the Franks in 1205 as a strategic maneuver in their efforts to conquer Acrocorinth, which was held at the time by the Byzantine ruler, Leo Sgouras. It took several years for the would-be invaders to prevail. In 1208, as the Franks moved closer to capturing control of Acrocorinth by cutting off its access routes and supply chains, Sgouras committed suicide by riding his horse off a cliff.  When supplies finally ran out a year later, Acrocorinth surrendered to the Franks.

Penteskoufi is a square fortress with a tower and six cannon ports. A trail to the castle apparently starts at the Acrocorinth parking area (though we didn’t see it), but the Kastrologos website says the route up the 476-meter peak is difficult and strenuous, and can be dangerous. 

 

view from the Acrocorinth Caste

View from the Acrocorinth castle

Acrocorinth Castle view of the Penteskoufi Castle

 

 

A short daytrip from Loutraki to Vouliagmeni Lake and the Sanctuary of Hera

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A look at two unique places where visitors to Loutraki can sunbathe, swim and enjoy beautiful scenery within a 20 kilometer drive of the city

 

Vouliagmeni Lake near Loutraki

Encircled by pine forests, Vouliagmeni Lake is a salt-water lagoon where visitors can swim and sunbathe on sandy beaches and enjoy refreshments at tavernas along the shore.

 

beach below the Heraion of Perachora

At the Sanctuary of Hera, visitors can explore an archaeological site, swim and cliff jump at a small beach below the ruins, then watch the sunset from a 125-year-old stone lighthouse perched high above the Gulf of Corinth

 

Into the Corinthian countryside:  Sunshine, light clouds and temperatures in the mid-20s Celsius prevailed on our first full day in Loutraki in May. It was perfect weather for a drive through the Gulf of Corinth countryside to visit two of the area’s noteworthy attractions, Vouliagmeni Lake and the Sanctuary of Hera.

First stop was Vouliagmeni Lake, about 15 kilometers from the city. (Like many places in Greece, it is known and referred to by a variety of names, including Limni Vouliagmeni, Lake Ireon, the Heraion Lagoon, and the Blue Lake. To add to possible confusion, there’s another beautiful body of water named Vouliagmeni Lake that is also well-known by Greeks and tourists alike; that one is situated on the Athens Riviera.)

 

 

Surrounded by pine tree forests, rolling hills and steep rock slopes, the Vouliagmeni near Loutraki is an oblong-shaped salt-water lagoon connected to the Gulf of Corinth by a narrow channel. The lake is roughly two kilometers long and 1 kilometer wide, and its waters reach depths up to 40 meters. With sandy beaches extending across shallow stretches of its shore, and several tavernas and beach cafes located at varying points on the lakefront, it’s quite a popular daytrip destination for people seeking relaxation or fun in the summer sun — seasonal activities such as snorkeling, water skiing and wakeboarding, as well as cycling and hiking tours, are available at the lake.

Surprisingly, few other people were around when we were there, though that may have been because it was a Tuesday morning, and since we spent most of our time walking around and sitting in the sun on the northeast shore, near Taverna Hera, one of the lake’s handful of restaurant venues.  There may have been more people at beachfronts on the southwest shore around Ypanema Seaside Food & Drink, or near the picturesque blue and white waterside chapel dedicated to Agios Nikolaos. Still, there was barely any traffic in the area, so it was remarkably quiet.

 

Vouliagmeni Lake near Loutraki

Vouliagmeni Lake near Loutraki Greece

Vouliagmeni Lake near Loutraki

View across Vouliagmeni Lake near Loutraki

Photo of Vouliagmeni Lake near Loutraki

Above, photos we shot from the lakeside near Taverna Hera

 

Vouliagmeni Lake near Loutraki

Vouliagmeni Lake near Loutraki

Vouliagmeni Lake near Loutraki

Above, three views from the lake’s north shore

 

 

Agios Nikolaos chapel at Vouliagmeni Lake Loutraki

Aerial view of Agios Nikolaos chapel at Vouliagmeni Lake Loutraki

Above, two photos of the charming Agios Nikolaos chapel on the shore of Vouliagmeni Lake. The images were shared on the social media pages for Ypanema Food and Drinks, one of the lake’s top beach venues. More photos of the lake and the restaurant’s beachfront facilities can be seen on the @ypanemaloutraki page on Instagram.

 

This aerial film by Dronetube_GR runs nearly 4 minutes and tours viewers above the lake, its beaches and the channel to the gulf

Please click on the link below to read about our visit to the Sanctuary of Hera on page 2.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

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