Σάββατο 10 Δεκεμβρίου 2016

The seven wonders of Northern Greece



The seven wonders of Northern Greece
East Macedonia and Thrace in the north of Greece is one of the most unexplored regions of the country, ideal for nature enthusiasts, lovers of adrenaline sports, sea and summer adventures and so much more that defies the stereotype of the Cycladic style hEast Macedonia and Thrace in the north of Greece is one of the most unexplored regions of the country, ideal for nature enthusiasts, lovers of adrenaline sports, sea and summer adventures and so much more that defies the stereotype of the Cycladic style holidays.
Discover more and you will be amazed! East Macedonia and Thrace could be a new & cool destination.
From the glorious city of Kavala to the multicultural beauty of Komotini, our journey was full of fantastic surprises. A mix of an important civilization of the past centuries comes together with an unspoiled green nature full of lakes and national parks, high mountains with waterfalls, endless valleys, exotic beaches, picturesque towns and beautiful villages. It is a place where you can go for skiing in the morning and on the same day go down to the beach for a swim or even visit the natural preservation park where flamingos hang out all year round.
A trip to East Macedonia and Thrace is an experience you just cannot afford miss while in Greece! Enjoy!
2016-01-25_1453716704
Kavala, a picturesque town with amazing architecture, beautiful promenades and a lovely old town. Visit the castle, the local taverns for fresh fish food and homemade sweets and don’t miss the trendy little bars for a drink. From here Thasos island is just a hop away!
2016-01-25_1453724440
The Hotel Imaret is in the list of the best hotels in the world every year. Your stay here is an absolutely unique experience as it is more like a monument that offers high-end hospitality services.
2016-01-23_1453572682
Just a couple of hours drive from Kavala you can find the biggest waterfall in the Balkans: Leivaditis waterfall worth a visit even in the heart of winter, when you will have the chance to see it frozen.
2016-01-24_1453652637
The island church of Saint Nicolas on the way to Komotini near Porto Lagos. A great spot to take some nice pictures of the sunset, while enjoying the tranquility of the surrounding lakes.
2016-01-24_1453628710
Flamingos in Greece? Yes, thousands of them are here all year round, along with many other rare species of birds like eagles, pelicans and more.
Cave
The cave of Aggitis river. Thousands of meters inside a cave just in the middle of nowhere. This is an old water mill that was built during the Ottoman Empire enabling the water to reach the tobaccos fields.
2016-01-23_1453571403
Hiking in the mountains along rivers and waterfalls: Nature surprises you in the heart of the winter. Enjoy hiking, mountain biking, horse riding, canoe rafting down the river of Nestos and so much more.Thanks to EMT Greece for their kind hospitality during our trip & Content Traveller for the blog post.
Read more here.

Παρασκευή 25 Νοεμβρίου 2016

The Greece was voted as the most beautiful country in the world for 2016

The Greece was voted as the most beautiful country in the world for 2016, of the thousands of readers of the famous travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler, in the context of the annual Tourism Awards conferred, with headquarters in New York!

    
"Greece continues to captivate your imagination enthusiasm in all areas," he writes in the Awards preface for Best Country World 2016 magazine, praising our country, which although in artificial largely Crisis, continues to radiate, to shine, to dazzle, to attract and inspire millions of people and dreams in all the earth!
The top 20 ranking positions:

country, flag, greece
buildings, city, closely    1. Greece
    2. Italy
    3. US
    4. South Africa
    5. France
    6. Spain
    7. India
    8. Australia
    9. Thailand
  10. Mexico
  11. New Zealand
  12. Portugal
  13. Canada
  14. Argentina

  15. Sri Lanka
  16. Morocco
  17. Indonesia
  18. Ireland
  19. Japan
  20. Vietnam




source : in Greece 

Κυριακή 13 Νοεμβρίου 2016

Thessalonica Wildlife

Travelers can visit wildlife habitats in Thessalonica and leave the place having enjoyed a unique, satisfying experience.


There are many places of ecological interest in the area, such as the forest of Seih Su, which is home to an impressive and unusual array of wildlife that developed as a result of the close proximity of the forest to Mount Chortiatis and the recent ban on hunting.
The forest is home to turtles, two tortoise species, snakes,
and lizards. The birds that visit the forest are many and varied. Hoopoes and ortolan are rare to see – cross your fingers. In the spring, osprey and peregrine falcons, nightingales and warblers nest in the forest. In the winter tits and bullfinches arrive from colder climates, followed by birds of prey such as marsh harriers, buzzards, kestrels and sparrow hawks. Nocturnal sights include badgers, foxes, and owls.
Unfortunately, a fire that occurred in the summer of 1997 destroyed a significant area of the forest and recovery is taking many years.
Another place of interest is the lake district where the visitor can see the popular wetlands of the north. The Ramsar Convention has recognized the Koronia and Volvi Lakes and the delta 
area to the west of Thessaloniki formed by the three rivers Aliakmona, Loudia and Axios, as a wetland of international importance. To the east the Anthemounda valley and on the Thermaic Gulf opposite the Axios delta are the two small, but significant coastal wetlands of Agelochori and Epanomi.


Read more: http://www.frugalmonkey.com/greece/thessalonica-wildlife/#ixzz4Pv15Jaif

I Thessalonians
                   
 Author: Paul of Tarsu


Date Written: 51 AD
  
Paul wrote this letter in 51 AD from Corinth.  He and Silas had begun preaching the gospel in Macedonian Thessalonica, but were persecuted by the Jewish leaders.  The uproar over their teachings was so great they had to sneak out of the city by night (Acts 17).  The unrest even followed them to the next town in which they ministered, Berea.  Before writing 1 Thessalonians, Paul received good news from Timothy about the church at Thessalonica.  Though imperfect (3:10), the Thessalonians were standing fast in their faith (3:8), so Paul writes this letter as a response to encourage them all the more.
  
The city of Thessalonica was a prosperous Roman city and the capital of the province of Macedonia.  It was situated on the Aegean Sea and the Via Egnatia-the same road that runs through Philippi.  It functioned as an important center of trade and culture.
  
Paul begins his letter by referring to the common "work of faith, labor of love and steadfastness of hope" he has with the Thessalonians (1:3).  He sees them, not merely as souls to be ministered to, but as brothers who participate in the same work.  The presentation of the theological virtues (faith, hope and love) points forward to 1 Cor 13 which Paul writes about 5 years later.
  
He praises the Thessalonians' faith in the midst of suffering (1:6).  They have probably endured some persecution as evidenced by the events of Acts 17.  Paul reaffirms his own and his team's (Silas and Timothy) sincerity in ministering to the church.   They did not accept donations from the Thessalonians, but provided for their own needs by working (2:9).  Nevertheless they apparently received some financial assistance from the Philippians (Phil 4:16). 
  
Paul and his companions desire to return to Thessalonica and are praying that they will be able to do so (1 Thess 2:17, 3:13).  Paul's pastoral affection for the Thessalonians evident in the letter reveals his intense personal connection with them and his profound understanding of his Christian commitment.  Timothy's good report about the Thessalonians increases Paul's desire to return and his love for the church (3:6-10).
  
Paul inserts a prayer (3:11-13) in the middle of 1 Thess to transition between the two parts of the letter.  The first part (1:1-3:10) deals with Paul's relationship with the Thessalonians.  In the second part (3:14-5:28), Paul exhorts the Thessalonians in their faith and teaches them.
  
Paul begins the teaching part by calling the Thessalonians to "abstain from sexual immorality" (4:3).  Most of the Christians at Thessalonica were Gentiles and former pagans.  Much of the pagan worship in the city involved sexual rituals.  Paul's teaching calls for a radical rejection of this accepted part of Thessalonian culture.  Next Paul gives a detailed teaching about death and the Second Coming.  When Jesus returns, Christians who have died will rise from the dead and Christians who are alive will be "caught up in the air" with the Lord (4:17).  Paul calls for vigilance in awaiting the Lord's return.  Then Paul instructs the Thessalonians to respect their spiritual leaders and to pray with joy and thanksgiving (5:12-22). 
  
 He ends the letter with a blessing prayer (5:23-24) and a few closing comments (5:25-28).  1 Thessalonians deals with an array of issues and gives us a taste of Paul's early missionary work.

By Mark Giszczak

Πέμπτη 3 Νοεμβρίου 2016

57th Thessaloniki International Film Festival

57th Thessaloniki International Film Festival







03 - November 13 2016


Faithful to its established annual appointment, the 57th Thessaloniki International Film Festival will take placeNovember 3 - 13, 2016. With renewed vision and a strong dedication to independent cinema, the Festival will once more invite both film makers and the audience to a special celebration of film. Films from all over the world, cinematic surprises, distinguished guests, tributes, masterclasses, round table discussions and parallel events will comprise the ten-day event.



CKLICK HERE  ALL EVENTS TAKING PLACE   

Κυριακή 30 Οκτωβρίου 2016

bookingolasena.gr: 32η Philoxenia tourism fair in THESSALONIKI

bookingolasena.gr: 32η Philoxenia tourism fair in THESSALONIKI: Όλη η τουριστική Ελλάδα στην 32η Philoxenia Η Philoxenia πραγματοποιείται από τις 18 έως τις 20 Νοεμβρίου στο Διεθνές Εκθεσιακ...

3 Greek islands-4 hotels voted among best in world: CNT Travellers’ Choice Awards 2016



3 Greek islands-4 hotels voted among best in world: CNT Travellers’ Choice Awards 2016




Santorini, Crete and Mykonos

Three Greek islands and four hotels were rated among the best in the world, after 300,000 readers of leading travel magazine “Conde Nast Traveller” had their say in the annual “2016 Readers’ Choice Award”, the results of which became public Tuesday. Santorini, Mykonos and Crete were included in the top 20 list, while the hotels of Canaves Oia in Santorini, Chromata Hotel, Kos Aktis Art Hotel and Kirini Suites & Spa were ranked in the top 50 hotels in the world. On the European ranking list, Blue Palace Resort and Spa (Luxury Collection) in Crete took 14th spot, while The Romanos (Luxury Collection)- Costa Navarino was placed 17th. This year’s vote had record participation and over 75,000 comments. The magazine readers showed their preferences based on their passion for original, personalised and unexpected accommodation experiences, both in newly listed hotels, as well as past entries.
Best Greek hotels:
12th Canaves Oia Santorini, Greece


There’s so much more to Santorini than clear blue skies and craggy hillsides awash in pristine white homes—though we’re certainly not complaining about either of those. At Canaves Oia Santorini, the draw extends to a cliffside infinity pool that overlooks the Aegean, and dinners whipped up from freshly-caught fish, plus a sampling of some of Greece’s finest wines.
17th Chromata Hotel, Santorini, Greece

Overlooking the island’s caldera, this boutique hotel and its 22 (nearly) all-white rooms epitomize all that Greek island life is about: Breezy, bright, and simple, they manage to flush out any memory of city grit from back home. After a hard day of watching the clouds pass over pristine blue waters, tuck into a flaky slice of spinach pie at the hotel’s CHROMA restaurant, and wait for one of Santorini’s legendary sunsets. The views from the hotel’s clifftop infinity pool alone are worth the trip.
20th Kos Aktis Art Hotel, Kos, Greece


The Greek island of Kos is famous for its abundance of Greek and Roman landmarks—Hippocrates’s shady tree has its home here—and you could make a strong case for Kos Aktis being added to the list. Its minimalist décor is a far cry from the fanciful flourishes of temples or forums, but what it lacks in flair, it makes up for in features like floor-to-ceiling bedside windows, and tasty, traditional Greek breakfasts comprising local favorites (try the loukoumades, sticky, honey-covered bits of fried dough, for a true taste of the island).
32nd Kirini Suites & Spa, Santorini, Greece

Sometimes, a little simplicity goes a long way—and that’s our favorite feature of this sweet Santorini hotel. Awash in a sea of fresh white linens and furniture, from the end tables, to the bed frames (and even the wall sconces), it’d be easy to clear your tired mind here. Take a table at Anthós Restaurant, hewn right from the rocky cliffside, where views of the cerulean waters below are best appreciated with a glass of Grecian red.
Best Greek islands
17th Santorini, Greece


No island group is so shrouded in myth as the Cyclades
11th Mykonos, Greece


Said to have been where Hercules killed the invincible
9th Crete, Greece


The largest Greek Isle, Crete is also one of the most

Παρασκευή 28 Οκτωβρίου 2016

bookingolasena.gr: Δείτε πότε να πετάξετε φθηνά από ΘΕΣΣΑΛΟΝΙΚΗ προς ...

bookingolasena.gr: Δείτε πότε να πετάξετε φθηνά από ΘΕΣΣΑΛΟΝΙΚΗ προς ...: Δείτε τον πίνακα δρομολογίων μας για φθηνές πτήσεις από Θεσσαλονίκη  προς Βερολίνο Σόνενφελντ. Δείτε καθημερινές αναχωρήσεις και διαθεσ...

Visitare Salonicco: i 10 posti da vedere !

SALONICCO  the land of Alexander the Great the kING OF MACEDONS .





Un viaggio a Salonicco è una full immersion in una Grecia fuori dalle solite rotte, una Grecia genuina, proprio come gli abitanti della città che al calar del sole colorano le strade con una vibrante atmosfera festaiola.
Se mi chiedesso la classica domanda di quali sono i dieci luoghi top da visitare a Salonicco risponderei così:
Agios Dimitrios, misteri ancora da scoprire

Chiesa Ortodossa, Agios Dimitrios si trova al centro della città, facilmente raggiungibile a piedi, è una maestosa struttura ricostruita dopo l’incendio del 1917che distrusse quasi completamente l’intera città. E’ una delle chiese più grandi della Grecia, dedicata a S. Demetrio, è il luogo del martirio del santo e nella cripta ne vengono conservate le relique visitate da pellegrini provenienti da tutto il mondo. Ma la vera sorpresa si trova proprio nella cripta, in una parte adiacente alla chies, dove grazie ad alcuni scavi sono state riportate alla luce delle terme romaneperfettamente conservate. Si ha quasi l’assoluta certezza che anche sotto la chiesa si trovino reperti storici, ma lì non si può scavare per non mettere in pericolo la stabilità della stessa. Misteri che difficilmente verranno  svelati, almeno per il momento.
Le antiche mura 

Per una bellissima vista dall’alto su tutta la città uno stop imperdibile sono le mura della vecchia fortezza che si trovano nella vecchia città, sulla parte più alta della città. Dal balcone panoramico è possibile riconoscere i principali monumenti di Salonicco e perdere lo sguardo scrutando l’orizzonte sul Mar Egeo. Consiglio di fare una bella passeggiata tra le tortuose vie della città vecchia caratterizzata da basse casette con i tradizionali balconi in legno che, scampate all’incendio del 1917, conservano il fascino di un tempo.
Il museo archeologico di Salonicco

Una chicca da non perdere a Salonicco è il museo archeologico, un vero e proprio viaggio tra incredibili reperti che mi hanno letteralmente stupito. Bellissime le collane e i gioielli macedoni in oro, con lavorazioni talmente dettagliate che sembrano essere stati prodotti da  mani di maestri orafi dei giorni nostri; guardandoli si resta stupidi dal fatto che sono datati 300 A.C!  E che dire degli elmetti e delle corazze che sembrano provenire direttamente dal film “il gladiatore”? Ma il museo è molto altro, anche se inaspettatamente poco frequestato e davvero un must se si visita Salonicco.
La Torre Bianca

E’ uno dei simboli della città ed uno dei luoghi più fotografati di Salonicco. Si trova nel lungomare cittadino, al centro di un parco dove i locali amano distendersi al sole o passeggiare accarezzati dalla brezza serale. Interessante ed un pò macabra la storia del suo color bianco: un’antica fortezza, trasformata poi in prigione e luogo di tortura, le mura della torre erano totalmente imbrattate di sangue. Fu nel 1890 che un prigioniero condannato all’ergastolo imbiancò l’intero edificio in cambio della libertà.
La Rotonda

Come solo alcuni monumenti riescono a fare, la Rotonda di Salonicco riesce a farsi notare nel panorama cittadino, rubando l’attenzione, oltre che per la sua imponente struttura, anche per la sua bellezza architettonica. Interessante sapere che come molti edifici storici della città di Salonicco, la Rotonda con il passare dei secoli ha avuto diverse funzioni. Costruita dai romani come tempio di Zeus, l’imperatore bizantino Teodosio il Grande la trasformò nella chiesa di S. Giorgio decorandola con bellissimi mosaici. I Turchi a loro volta la fecero diventare una moschea, distruggendo parte delle opere d’arte che conteneva; ma l’importanza di ciò che è rimasto e sufficiente per renderla unica nel suo genere e partimonio dell’Unesco.
L’arco di Galerio
Un’altra istantanea della storia di Salonicco è impressa nell’arco dell’imperatore romano Galerio che la commissionò attorno al 300 per celebrare la vittoria sui Persiani. Si trova nel centro della città, a pochi passa dalla Rotonda e viene usato come punto di ritrovo per i numerosi universitari che rendono la zona viva e vibrante.
Bagni Turchi
Le varie dominazioni hanno puntellato Salonicco con lasciti davvero vari e così in pochi passi si passa dai ritrovamenti Romani a quelli Ottomani. Per me entrare nell’ Hammam, chiamato Loutrá Parádissos ( letteralmente bagni del Paradiso) è stata una grande emozione, un’inaspettata  full immersion in una diversa architettura, perfettamente conservata nei secoli. Costruito nel 1444 come bagno turco privato per il sultano Murad II e il suo harem, questa struttura nei secoli ha aperto le porte al pubblico permettendo l’ingresso a tutti, ovviamente in aree separate per uomini e donne. Qui venivano i business man dell’epoca per discutere su scambi e chiudere affari; una vera e propria vita sociale girava tra le mura di questo luogo.
Il lungomare di Salonicco


Una passeggiata nel lungomare di Salonicco, accompagnati dalla dolce brezza che sempre spira dal mare è un toccasana per metabolizzare, magari al tramonto, tutto quello che questa città offre ai propri visitatori. Ottimo posto anche per fare del ‘people watching’, fantasticando ed immaginando la vita delle persone che per un attimo si incrociano con la tua, un popolo che a mio avviso ci assomiglia molto.
Il mercato locale


Il mercato di una città cela in sè l’essenza degli abitanti, passeggiare tra le bancarelle, scoprendo ed assaggiando gli ingredienti della cucina tipica, è una full immersion in colori e sapori, ed il mercato di Modiano, nel cuore di Salonicco, è piuttosto animato dal richiamo dei venditori che si sfidano a colpi di cantilene,  incomprensibili, ma che mi ricordano i mercati d’Italia. Tra una bancarella e l’altra, sullo sfondo si intravedono i bar dove le persone del posto si ritrovano per assaporare il frappè (in Grecia è un bicchierone di caffè freddo con ghiaccio), o per un pranzo low-cost.
I mosaici
Salonicco mosaici
Alcuni mosaici come gli affreschi catapultano chi li guarda nella scena che rappresentano e più si ammirano, più emergono particolari che incantano ed affascinano. La città di Salonicco conserva alcuni dei mosaici più importanti del periodo Bizantino, i più belli  si trovano nella Rotonda, nella chiesa di Agios Dimitrios o nella chiesa di S. Sofia: una delle più antiche della città e patrimonio dell’Unesco. Proprio nella chiesa di S. Sofia, costruito sulla cupola, il mosaico raffigurante Gesù ed i 12 apostoli mi ha letteralmente tenuto con il naso all’insù.

Info utili
Non c’è modo migliore per scoprire una città che esplorarla con chi lì ci vive, a maggior ragione quando si parla di una città come Salonicco che cela un passato ricco e vario. Se non avete la fortuna di conoscere qualcuno in loco, allora vi consiglio Thessaloniki city walks: passo dopo passo vi sapranno guidare alla scoperta del passato di Thessaloniki sulle tracce del periodo Romano, Bizantino ed Ottomano. L’ultima nostra tappa è stata proprio al mercato di Modiano, quale modo migliore per concludere se non dove la tradizione, culture diverse e sapori si incontrano.
Dove dormire: la scelta è varia e non sarà difficile trovare la soluzione adatta a voi. Cercate nel web, su www.bookingolasena.gr  un sito che potete prenotare biglietti aerei, alberghi , ristoranti crociere e.t.c.  Noi abbiamo soggiornato all’Astoria, un ottimo tre stelle a pochi passi dal porto e al centro della movida di Salonicco; stanze moderne e spaziose ed il prezzo sicuramente interessante, 63 euro a notte.
Nel link che segue abbiamo scritto alcune direttive  su  dove mangiare a Salonicco.