Σάββατο 26 Οκτωβρίου 2019

Athens Marathon – Nov 10, 2019 -- Registrations of Marathon Race

REGISTRATION PERIOD FOR THE 2019 ATHENS MARATHON OPENED ON 18 APRIL - REGISTRATIONS FOR THE MARATHON RACE ARE NO MORE AVAILABLE
Registrations close without any further notice once the participation limit per race is met (Participation Limit for the Marathon Race including Power Walking: 20,000)
Please select below the link corresponding to your personal data:

(Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom)

REGISTRATION PERIOD FOR THE 2019 ATHENS MARATHON OPENED ON 18 APRIL
RACE DATE: SATURDAY 9 NOVEMBER 2019
Registrations close without any further notice once the participation limit per race is met (Participation Limit for the 10km Road Race: 12,000)
Please select below the link corresponding to your personal data:

(Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom)

REGISTRATION PERIOD FOR THE 2019 ATHENS MARATHON OPENED ON 18 APRIL - REGISTRATIONS FOR POWER WALKING ARE NO MORE AVAILABLE
Registrations close without any further notice once the participation limit per race is met (Participation Limit for the Marathon Race including Power Walking: 20,000)
Please select below the link corresponding to your personal data:

(Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom)
REGISTRATION PERIOD FOR THE 2019 ATHENS MARATHON - 5KM ROAD RACE OPENED ON 18 APRIL
Registrations close without any further notice once the participation limit per race is met (Participation Limit for the 5km Road Race: 20,000)
Please select below the link corresponding to your personal data:

(Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom)

Κυριακή 20 Οκτωβρίου 2019

ALEXANDER THE GREAT MARATHON

ABOUT ALEXANDER THE GREAT MARATHON

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A total of 14.800 runners, aged 9-85 years, flooded the streets of Thessaloniki and Macedonia, lived a unique experience, won the applause of many fans and sent a message of fitness and health, through an event that has also social, cultural, environmental, touristic and historic character. An event that since 2006 is “joining” Pella with Thessaloniki and displays throughout the world the name of Alexander the Great.
The International Marathon “ALEXANDER the GREAT” connects the past with the present, crossing within 42 km over 2.500 years of Macedonian history and Hellenism.
The International Marathon is member of the International Marathons Association (AIMS) and it is included in the official and annual calendar.

PRACTICALITIES

Age Limit
 runner should be over 18 years old in order to participate in the Marathon race and over 12 years old in order to take part in the 10km and 5km races.
Aid Stations
There will be medical support at the start, at all support stations and at the finish.
Award Medals
Medal Awards (medals and certificates) will be awarded to the first three winners of the general rank of each race for both Men and Women. Souvenir medals will be given to all the runners who finish the race.
Maximum Time
The time limit for the Marathon is six hours after the start of the race (runners should finish until 14:00). The time limit for the 10km race is 120 minutes and for the 5km race is 90 minutes.
Refreshments
Along the Marathon course there will be 15 Refueling Stops (support stations), the first is at the 5th km. 
Timing
Chip Timing available. Carpets of electronic control and time check: Marathon: at start, at 10km at 21,1Km (half marathon), at 30km, at 40km and finish. 
Transport
The organization provides buses to transfer the Marathon runners from Thessaloniki to the starting-point (Pella).

ALEXANDER THE GREAT MARATHON ROUTE MAP

Alexander the Great Marathon Route Map
start:
Statue of Alexander the Great on horseback, Pella
Pella, Greece
Finish:
Alexander the Great Statue/White Tower, Thessaloniki
White Tower, Thessaloniki, Greece


DIFFICULTY

flat

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Alexander the Great Statue.
  • White Tower.

OVERVIEW

The race starts from Pella, in front of the statue of Alexander the Great on horseback, hardly a km from the homonym archaeological site, and some 43 meters above sea-level. After the first km of downhill road, the athletes get onto the Thessaloniki-Edessa highway, following it for another 8 km, until they reach Chalkidona. 
At the 8th km the athletes enter the city of Chalkidona.
At the 9th km they meet the junction Veroia and Thessaloniki. After Chalkidona they leave the 10th km.
At the 13th km the road passes through a bridge over the Axios River.
The 15th km is before the village Gefyra.
The 17th km is at the second exit of the Gefyra village.
The 20th km is right after the exit for Agios Athanasios at the national highway.
The 25th is a little after the crossroad of Nea Agchialos.
The 27th km is at the height of the Greek smelter company "Sidenor".
The 28th km passes over Gallikos River.
Precisely after the 30th km the athletes pass by Ionia (Diavata) and in front of the the premices of EKO, the Greek Petroleum Company (at the 32th km).
The 35th km is in the center of Kordelio, in Monastiriou Street.
At the 38th km the athletes turn right in Giannitson Street.
At the 39th the runners turn right in Dafnis Street and then left in Kountouriotou Avenue.
The 40th km is at the Court of Thessaloniki.
The 41st-42nd km is in Nikis Avenue.
The finish is at the White Tower.

Παρασκευή 18 Οκτωβρίου 2019

Ryanair Adds 14 New Routes to Greek Summer 2020 Schedule

Posted On 16 Oct 2019

Comment: Off


Ryanair on Tuesday announced its Greek Summer 2020 schedule that includes 14 new summer routes to destinations in France, Italy and Germany.
Speaking to journalists during a media briefing in Athens, Ryanair’s chief commercial officer, David O’Brien, said the total number of routes in Greece will reach 147 in summer 2020.
Indicatively, the new schedule includes a total of 37 routes from Athens with 4 new connections to Barcelona, Nuremberg, Madrid, Toulouse. From Thessaloniki, the new schedule includes 34 routes with 3 new connections to Prague, Bordeaux and Amman.


The Irish low-cost airline’s summer schedule is expected to deliver 6.6 million passengers per year, up from 6.3 million in 2019, and support 4,950 direct and indirect jobs at the 13 airports it operates in Greece.

O’Brien: We’re still flying to Greece

“We’re still flying to Greece, we’re still growing in Greece but in a different way than we initially intended. Our original intention was to grow through the year. We made several offers to several governments to grow to 10 million passengers by now. We haven’t because they showed no interest in our growth plan,” O’Brien said, underlining that the airline is interested in incentives for cheaper rates at Greek airports.
During the media briefing, Ryanair’s chief commercial manager once again referred to the “high charges” of the country’s 14 regional airports, operated by Fraport Greece, which he said do not meet the level of service provided.
Underlining that Ryanair’s general business strategy is focused on ensuring the most efficient routes possible, O’Brien said that the company does not hesitate to cancel routes that perform fairly but are considered expensive for the company – even to popular destinations such as Hamburg and the Canary Islands –  and this way support growth in other destinations.
It is reminded that Ryanair last year closed its base at Chania Airport on Crete and cancelled a number of domestic routes in Greece.
When referring to Chania at the media briefing, O’Brien did not rule out opening a base once again in the destination.
“We will consider again opening bases seasonally in Greece at some point in the near future… Not next summer, but in the future we will consider a favorite place of ours which is Chania,” he said, underlining that the airline would only open a base again there under certain conditions.
Ryanair currently has two bases in Greece, at the airports in Athens and Thessaloniki.
About the Author
Nikos is Greek-American born in New York, USA, and has lived in Greece for over 30 years. He is the managing editor of Greece's leading monthly travel and tourism guide, the Greek Travel Pages (GTP) since June 2008 and of news site GTP Headlines since its launch in September 2012. Nikos has also served as international press officer for the City of Athens and for the mayor. He has a degree in Mass Media and Communications, specializing in Journalism. Nikos is a native English speaker and speaks Greek fluently.

Πέμπτη 10 Οκτωβρίου 2019

12 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Greece

Written by Jane Foster

Feb 26, 2019


Home to some of the world's most important historical sites, along with some 6,000 islands, Greece is known for its natural beauty and fascinating culture. Ancient archaeological sites, cliffs tumbling into sparkling blue water, sand and pebble beaches, and a balmy Mediterranean climate make Greece one of Europe's prime tourist destinations.
Besides the capital, Athens, top things to see on the mainland include Ancient Delphi and the monasteries of Meteora. But most people come here to catch a ferry to the islands; Santorini, Mykonos, Zakynthos, Corfu, and Crete are the most popular. Plan your trip with our list of the top attractions in Greece.

The best way  το save money on travelling to Greece is to book all services on Following links .

To book hotel              :   click Here 
To issue air-tickets      ;   click Here 
To rent a car               ;    click Here 
To rent a Yacht           :    click Here 
To book Ferry-tickets  :   click  Here 





1. Acropolis, Athens







Acropolis, Athens

Acropolis, Athens
Considered the symbol of Athens and Greece, and indeed of Western civilization, the Acropolis is a rocky mound rising in the heart of modern Athens, crowned by three magnificent temples dating from the 5th century BC. The best known and most distinctive is the Parthenon, originally made up of 58 columns supporting a roof and decorated by ornate pediments and a frieze.
Skirting the foot of the Acropolis and connecting it to the city's other major ancient attractions — the Ancient Agora , the Roman ForumKerameikos, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus — is a 2.5-kilometer walking path known as the Archaeological Promenade.

  • 2. Acropolis Museum, Athens





Acropolis Museum, Athens

Acropolis Museum, Athens | Maarten / photo modified
The Acropolis Museum is one of Athens' most-visited tourist attractions. Designed by Swiss architect Bernard Tschumi, it is an ultra-modern glass and steel structure with light and airy exhibition spaces, built specifically to display ancient finds from the Acropolis.
Top things to see here include the 6th-century-BC Moschophoros (statue of a young man carrying a calf on his shoulders), the Caryatids (sculptures of female figures that held up the Erechtheion), and the highly controversial Parthenon marbles. From the museum's cafe-restaurant terrace, you can enjoy amazing views of the Acropolis itself.

3. Santorini







Santorini

Santorini
Stunning Santorini is the most dramatic of all the Greek isles. It is best known for the west coast cliff-top towns of Fira and Oia, which appear to hang over a deep, blue sea-filled caldera. Made up of typical Cycladic whitewashed cubic buildings, many of which have been converted into boutique hotels with infinity pools, both Fira and Oia are considered romantic destinations, popular for weddings and honeymoons.
Things to do in Santorini include sunbathing and swimming at the black volcanic-sand beaches on the south and east coasts and visiting the archaeological site of Akrotiri, an Ancient Minoan settlement buried below lava following the volcanic eruption that created the caldera, some 3,600 years ago. The island has an airport and is served by ferries and catamarans from Athens' port, Piraeus.

    4. Mykonos







    Mykonos

    Mykonos
    Greece's most glamorous island destination is Mykonos. After-dark activities center on Mykonos Town, noted for its chic boutique hotels, classy seafood restaurants, and live music venues. Other attractions include Paraportiani (a whitewashed church in Mykonos Town) and numerous sandy beaches along the island's south coast (served both by bus and taxi-boat from Mykonos Town). The island is particularly popular with international celebrities. Mykonos has an airport and is connected by ferry and catamaran to Athens' port, Piraeus, and Rafina.

    5. Delphi







    Delphi

    Delphi
    On the Greek mainland, Delphi is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Built on the lower slopes of Mount Parnassus, overlooking a dramatic ravine, the site was sacred to the ancients, who came here on pilgrimages to worship Apollo (god of light, prophecy, music, and healing) and to ask advice from the mythical Oracle. It is made up of the crumbling ruins of numerous temples, a theater, and stadium, dating from between the 8th century BC and the 2nd century AD. Nearby, stands the Delphi Archaeological Museum, displaying an impressive collection of finds from the site. Delphi lies 180 kilometers northwest of Athens.

    • 6. Corfu





    Beach view on Corfu Island

    One of Greece's top tourist destinations, Corfu sits in the Ionian Sea off the west coast of the mainland. The capital, Corfu Town, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, thanks to its elegant Italianate architecture — it was ruled by the Venetians for several centuries. Explore its romantic pedestrian-only streets to discover two 16th-century fortresses and the arcaded Liston, lined by old-fashioned cafes.
    Away from the main town, the island is lushly beautiful, with rugged limestone rocks tumbling into the sea in its north and velvety green hills in its south. The most popular beach area is Paleokastritsa, on the west coast, about 25-kilometers from Corfu Town. Here, you'll find a collection of deep, curving bays sheltering sand and pebble beaches stretching into a clear blue sea. Corfu is served by an airport and ferries from Igoumenitsa and Patras on the Greek mainland. In summer, ferries sailing from Ancona and Venice also stop here.

      7. Metéora Monasteries







      Meteora Monasteries

      Metéora Monasteries
      One of the most unusual things to see in Greece has to be the Thessaly Plain, where bizarre rocky outcrops are capped by the centuries-old monasteries of Metéora. On the UNESCO World Heritage list, six of the monasteries are open to the public. You need to climb up several flights of stone steps carved into the rocks to reach each monastery, and inside, you'll find flickering candles, religious icons, Byzantine frescoes, and burning incense. Opening hours vary, and to see all six monasteries, you need to spend at least one day in the area. The nearest town is Kalambaka.

      • 8. Rhodes Town





      Rhodes Town

      Rhodes Town
      Lying on the Aegean Sea, close to Turkey, Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese islands. Its capital, UNESCO-listed Rhodes Town, is one of Greece's top tourist destinations. It is enclosed by an impressive fortification system, including monumental towers and gates built by the Knights of St. John after they took control of the island in the 14th century.
      The car-free cobbled streets of the old town are a joy to explore on foot. Nearby attractions include the pretty hillside coastal town of Lindos, and Marmaris on the Turkish coast, which can be visited by excursion boat. Rhodes is served by an airport, as well as regular ferries from Athens' port, Piraeus.

      9. Zákynthos






      The blue caves of Zákynthos

      Home to gorgeous scenery both above and under the sea surrounding it, Zákynthos (Zante) island is another top tourist destination in Greece. It is also easy to access, with a locale just 16 kilometers off Peloponnese's west coast in the Ionian Sea.
      Two of the biggest boasts on this geographically intriguing island are its pebble and sand beaches — Shipwreck Beach is the most famous — and stunning sea caves like the Blue Caves, off the island's northern tip. Inside, the sparkling water reflects the color of the blue sky on the cave walls to create a magical glow. The Blue Caves are only one of the many watery attractions around this island. There is also excellent snorkeling and scuba diving.


      • 10. Samaria Gorge





      Samaria Gorge

      Samaria Gorge
      On the island of Crete, the Samaria Gorge is a top attraction for lovers of the great outdoors. Measuring 16 kilometers in length and, at its narrowest point, only four meters wide, it runs from Omalos (1,250 meters) in the White Mountains down to Agia Roumeli, on the Libyan Sea.
      Depending on your level of fitness, it will take five to seven hours to walk. It is steep in parts and rocky, so you should wear good hiking shoes and carry plenty of water. The gorge lies within the Samaria National Park, and is on the UNESCO tentative list. Through summer, organized tours depart from 

        11. Nafplio

        Nafplio

        Nafplio
        Often cited as Greece's most beautiful city, Nafplio is a popular weekend destination for wealthy Athenians. Built on a small peninsular on the east coast of the Peloponnese, it became the first capital of modern Greece in 1828 before Athens took over in 1834. The car-free old town is filled with Neoclassical mansions and proud churches and overlooked by the 18th-century Palamidi Fortress. Nearby attractions include TirynsEpidaurus Theater, and Ancient Corinth.
        Accommodation: Where to Stay in Nafplio

        12. Thessaloniki

        Thessaloniki

        Thessaloniki
        Overlooking the Aegean Sea in northern Greece, Thessaloniki (Salonica) is the country's second biggest city after Athens. Founded in 316 BC due to its position close to both Bulgaria and Turkey, it has always been a crossroads of various cultures and religions. Its main sightseeing attractions are its UNESCO-listed Byzantine churches, but there are also several Roman monuments (including the Triumphal Arch of Galerius and the 4th-century Rotunda), the 15th-century White Tower on the seafront, and an excellent Byzantine Museum.
        The best way  το save money on travelling to Greece is to book all services on Following links .

        To book hotel              :   click Here 
        To issue air-tickets      ;   click Here 
        To rent a car               ;    click Here 
        To rent a Yacht           :    click Here 
        To book Ferry-tickets  :   click  Here