When the Sitia region became a member of the UNESCO Geopark family, we had no idea just how much positive change this would bring!
This new aspect of tourism “Sitia Geopark”, is proving to be a considerable point of interest, especially in the alternative tourism market. The natural environment is no longer an obstacle for tourism development, on the contrary it is a great attraction for visitors.
We are seeing increasing interest in our Geopark from our customers, both individuals and tour operators from all over Europe. Sitia Geopark recently took part in online exhibitions’ of alternative tourism with Belgium, Poland, UK, Germany and France. We spoke with tour operators, journalists and travel writers. This type of tourism was something new to many of them and we detected great interest.
This is because our new venture is different and better than anything previously on offer!
Before our area was designated as a Geopark, the tourism product sold by the area of Sitia was Crete’, as promoted by all the island – Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion etc. Impossible competition!
“Sitia Geopark” is a totally new autonomous venture, found only in our area, fully compatible with alternative forms of tourism. It seems therefore that our region is slowly beginning to take a leading role, by fulfilling the needs of the modern tourist. The classic product of mass tourism and the trio of sun, sea and antiquities has completed its life cycle in these changing times and is naturally evolving into special and selective, ie alternative forms of tourism.
But what is “alternative tourism”?
And I quote the most appropriate description I can find: “Alternative tourism is the form of tourism, which is compatible with the social and environmental values of the region allowing both the local society and visitors to enjoy positive, worthwhile interaction and shared experiences. In other words, “alternative tourism” is the development that meets the needs both of the visitors and the region.
Three forms of alternative tourism have been developed and sold as package holidays to offices abroad in the last 12 years within the “Sitia Geopark” area.
The 1st alternative form of tourism is “walking tourism”. Over 25 marked routes are available with packages including accommodation, transportation, and guided tours for individual visitors as well as small groups of 6-15 people.
The 2nd form of alternative tourism – the largest alternative programme in our area for the last 18 years – is the sport of Windsurfing, which takes place on the beach of Kouremenos, Palekastro. The package includes accommodation in Palekastro area, transport and equipment (boat, sails) supplied by the 2 windsurfing stations located on the beach.
The 3rd form of alternative tourism is “cycling tourism”. Over 7 marked cycling routes are available within the Geopark area. The packages include accommodation in the area, transport and supply of city or mountain bike for individual customers or small groups of 6-15 people.
We are expecting a 4th very promising form of alternative tourism, “diving tourism”, to be added to our area with the creation of a diving park in the near future.
If asked today what the future tourism model for an area would be, I would say, 30% mass tourism and 70% alternative forms of tourism. The areas where mass tourism has prevailed show us that the above ratio is very difficult to achieve. To this end, we should consider the actual capacity of the area and we certainly need the support of government and the municipality.
Why choose 30% mass tourism? Mass tourism obviously controls the airlines and handles millions of people. Even though it creates many negatives in the host areas (for example Malia, Hersonissos, Faliraki, Rhodes, etc.), it also has 2 positives that we need in our area:
1) Direct flights from abroad to Sitia International Airport, offering easy and quick access to the destination and reduced package costs for customers.
2) New job opportunities in hotels/tourism for young people.
And why 70% alternative forms of tourism?
1) As far as revenue is concerned, one customer of alternative tourism equals
10 mass tourism customers.
2) It is more resistant to crises and pandemics. For example, regardless of the
Covid-19 pandemic, generally speaking small hotels, villas and apartments
in areas less developed developed continued to operate at a much lower
loss, whereas many large hotels and resorts remained closed in 2020 and
may well not open in 2021.
3) Not easily blackmailed by big tour operators.
4) Eco-friendly and local population-friendly as opposed to mass tourism.
5) The relationship between humans and the natural environment is restored.
6) Sustainable tourism development is created, by answering both the needs
of visitors and host areas, while protecting and increasing future
opportunities.
7) The local community profits the most as opposed to 2-3 people in the case
of mass tourism.
8) Repeat customers are created.
9) It attracts those in the high-end market with high standards, who would
never consider mass tourism.
This is dedicated to our future generations!
In no way do we want our actions of today to limit the ability of future generations to fulfill their own needs!
Kind regards
George Belibasakis
Web: https://www.sitia-geopark.gr/
TourMap: https://tours.nhmc.uoc.gr/geo/sitia/
We are a Greek equine tourism and recreation business based just one hour outside the city of Athens in Atticas historical area of Marathonas. We offer a vary of equine activities and experiential workshops also horseback holidays, combined outdoor activities and tour packages.
Our horses are part of the family and their heart and spirit the core of all our activities. We are passionate about our work and horse life style there for we love sharing with our guests our experience and passion for them also nature, history, outdoor activities ,adventure and travelling.
Visit our fb page https://www.facebook.com/Equitrek-Attica-106209160767582/
Find out more about our activities and don’t hesitate to contact us 693 869 7034
We are also very happy to announce that from now on we will share part of our space in the farm with Ippothesis equine welfare organization so rescued horses can live in big paddocks together until they find lovely homes to adopt them.
Our goal is to help https://www.ippothesis.gr/ with the rehabilitation and training of the horses but we also see the opportunity to spread awareness to people about equine abuse and welfare !!!
Source: https://www.unlimited-adrenaline.gr/equitrek-attica/p/en/138
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION 2020
“Dora Stratou” Greek Dances Theatre, Philopappou Hill
Garden Theatre – The living museum of Greek dance
www.grdance.org
OPENING NIGHT 27 May 2020 CLOSING NIGHT 20 September 2020
PERFORMANCES
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 21:30. Saturday and Sunday 20:30. Monday, Tuesday (27, 28 June, 1-5 July and 12-23 August) closed or organizes additional performances and charity events. Please visit www.grdance.org
RESERVATIONS are not necessary, the theatre has 860 seats.
CLASSES All year long group classes on Greek dances in English, for beginners and advanced. Also private classes.
CONTACT Tel. +30 210 921 4650 (19:30 – 21:00) & +30 210 324 4395 (09:00 – 16:00)
mail@grdance.org www.grdance.org
PROGRAM Program changes every second Wednesday. Performances last 90 minutes without intermission. Company of 75 dancers, musicians and singers. Many regions of Greece presented in each performance, each village or island through its authentic dances, costumes, musical instruments and songs. Reproduction is as faithful to the historic original as possible.
ACCESS Our garden theatre is situated opposite the Acropolis entrance, on the far side of Philopappou Hill.
To parking entrance (Arakynthou 33, Philopappou Hill):
By metro: Stations “Acropolis” or “Fix”, line 2.
By subway: Station “Petralona”, line 1
By bus: Trolley bus 15, Philopappou stop, or bus line 230 Zografou-Acropolis, terminal at Acropolis.
By car: Drive around Philopappou Hill, starting at the “Dionysos” restaurant opposite the Acropolis; we have a spacious parking lot.
Entrance from St. Dimitrios Loumbardiaris pedestrian street, opposite Acropolis:
By metro: station Acropolis, line 2. From Plaka, the old town of Athens, take the pedestrian street towards St. Dimitrios Loumbardiaris, opposite the entrance of the Acropolis.
By bus: Bus line 230 Zografou-Acropolis, terminal station at Acropolis.
DESCRIPTION The national Greek Dances Theatre “Dora Stratou” is unique in its kind in the world. Since 1953 it is the living museum of Greek dance. Dances, songs and music are presented in their original forms as were or are still performed in the respective villages or islands. Costumes are authentic museum pieces, handmade in villages more than a century ago. The company wardrobe contains 2,000 such historical costumes from all over Greece, complete with jewelry and accessories.
Extensive field studies by a team of researchers under the direction of professor Alkis Raftis supports the fidelity of performances to the original.
The cultural and educational activities of the Theatre are financed by the Ministry of Culture, the National Tourism Organization, other government agencies and private donnors.
OTHER ACTIVITIES
Dance classes in English for individuals or groups. School with 500 students. Lectures, workshops, research programs. Copies of folk costumes made to order or rented. Library, collections and archives. Publications: books, albums, postcards, CDs, DVDs, T-shirts, posters etc. Close cooperation with the International Dance Council CID at UNESCO. Detailed information at www.grdance.org 12/09/2019
DORA STRATOU GREEK DANCES THEATRE
The living museum of Greek dance, since 1953
A public-benefit institution subsidized by the
Ministry of Culture and the National Tourism Organization
under the patronage of the City of Athens
– Daily performances in its 860-seat garden theatre, located on Philopappou Hill, opposite the Acropolis
– A company of 75 dancers, musicians and folk singers
– A collection of over 2,000 village-made costumes, with jewelry and other works of folk art worn on stage.
– School providing courses, lectures and workshops on Greek dance, rebetiko dances, dance therapy, folk embroidery. Teacher training program.
– Programs for elementary schools.
– Field research programs in Dance Ethnography, Dance History, Dance Sociology.
– Study group, classes and workshops on Ancient Greek dance.
– Archives of dance books, articles, field recordings, photographs, videos and films.
– Publications: over 45 LP records, 15 CDs, 15 cassettes, 14 videocassettes, 30 books on dance in Greek, English and other languages, 9 CD-ROMs, 6 DVDs.
– Costume copies and accessories made for folk dance ensembles.
– Organizer of annual events: World Congress on Dance Research, Anapali Festival, Emmelia Festival.
– Operation of the Greek Dance Pandect portal: www.dance-pandect.gr and various websites.
– Close cooperation with the International Dance Council CID, the UNESCO official summit organization for all forms of dance in all countries of the world: www.cid-portal.org
Office building: Scholiou 8, Plaka, GR-10558 Athens
Tel. +30 210 324 4395, +30 210 324 6188, fax +30 210 324 6921
Theater and school: Philopappou Hill, +30 210 921 4650
mail@grdance.org www.grdance.org
διαβάστε περισσότεραsince 1979
“an evolving tradition in winemaking excellence”
Founded in 1979, with deep roots in time-honored winemaking traditions and eyes on the future, the Semeli Estate produces wines of exceptional quality offering consumers best value for money.
The sunny Mediterranean climate and the extraordinary terroir, combined with the expert craftsmanship of our winemakers and the successful blending of indigenous and international varieties, result in wines of distinct character that have earned the respect of experts and captured the hearts of wine lovers worldwide.
Semeli Estate ranks among the country’s most advanced
and significant wine-related developments
… in the heart of a unique Greek terroir
Our privately-owned hillside vineyards span 32 acres, while another 100 acres are grown by affiliated local winegrowers.
This allows for continuous quality control throughout the growing season – an absolute must for consistently producing great wines.
Our state-of-the-art 4,200m² facility in the Nemea winemaking country, which can produce up to two million bottles annually, is a benchmark winery at a national level both in terms of innovative layout and excellent services.
Designed with respect for the natural environment and built on a vineyard covered hillslope with a long reputation of producing vintage grapes, the Semeli winery reflects our holistic approach to modern winemaking.
The Semeli-owned vineyards and those grown by affiliated winegrowers span more than 250 acres in the PDO areas of Nemea and Mantinia, as well as in other parts of the Peloponnese.
To ensure the best grape quality possible, the Semeli-owned vineyards are currently in the process of transitioning from conventional to organic cultivation.
In the next five years Semeli Estate plans to double its company-owned acres and develop ideal terroirs for the cultivation of well-known Greek and international varieties, as well as rare indigenous ones, which will produce unique single vineyard/single cru wines of exceptional quality.
#SemeliWineExperience
Live a unique wine experience
The Winery and the private vineyards are located in the heart of Korinthia, the land rich with the history of kings and heroes.
Designed with respect for the natural environment and with an innovative layout, the modern and stylish Semeli winery blends perfectly with the beautiful surrounding landscape.
The Semeli Estate is located at an altitude of 600m on a hillslope covered with vineyards, one of Greece’s most celebrated terroirs.
Its strategic location in the winemaking region of Nemea ensures a healthy vineyard ecosystem, while offering visitors stunning views in a peaceful and relaxing setting.
In the midst of culture…
The Winery also offers easy access to internationally acclaimed archaeological sites of both historical and cultural interest, located in the vicinity. Amongst them in Ancient Nemea, the Temple to Zeus, the Archaeological Museum, and Ancient Stadium, The Acropolis at Mycenae and the Ancient Theatre at Epidavros. Not forgetting the first Capital City of Greece, Nafplion with its Venetian charm and the Environmental Museum overlooking the Lake of Stymphalia, home to the mythical birds of Homeric times.
A forward-looking winery…
Semeli Estate is among the first to focus on the growing trend of wine tourism and the promotion of wine culture’s time-honored traditions. Travelers of all ages, students and oenophiles from around the globe visit the Semeli Estate to get a fascinating insight into the world of viticulture and winemaking.
Our doors are open, Monday through Friday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.,
Saturday & Sunday 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
For more information please contact us at +306985161414
or email us at hospitality@semeliestate.gr
Source: www.semeliestate.gr
Professionals in the field of gastronomy in its broadest sense – the agricultural sector, processing, hospitality, restaurants – have joined forces and created a society called the Gastronomic Community of Kalamata. Their goal is to enlist the best food-related businesses in the region, to set up a parallel structured link between Tourism and the Gastronomic Culture of Messinia, and to promote Kalamata as a centre for food and wine lovers, as a member of the programme “Gastronomy and Wine Tourism in Greece”
Source: /www.greekgastronomyguide.gr
A well-kept secret lies inside the secret facilities at the heart of Silk City. The people are starting to ask questions. Something’s not right about this building. For years, all they would see were strange, secretive human figures, meeting with the scientist who had made this building his permanent residence, only rarely leaving the premises.
The object of those meetings was kept entirely secret, leading to much speculation as well as theories about what took place inside the building’s walls. However, over the last few days, something even stranger has occurred. Wild cries and strange sounds filled the night, and many people exited the building’s main gate in a state of panic. The cries became increasingly wilder, until they melded into a deafening roar that had nothing human about it…
You Are Locked Inside
After the door slams behind you, your only tools are your mind and any items present in the room that might aid in your escape!
The Clock Is Ticking
You have 90 minutes to try and solve all the riddles and discover what truly happened… But beware, for you are not alone inside the room!
Get in the Mood
The rooms are built in order to evoke a specific mood, to create a feeling that will render your experience as realistic as possible.
Contact
If you want to visit our rooms or organize an event, contact us.
- Victor Hugo 32 Athens-Metaxourgio
- +30 21 1215 1967
- info@darkschool.gr
- www.darkschool.gr
If a picture is worth a thousand words, be sure that an illusion hides more than a million
Enter the fascinating world of illusions which will trick your confidence in senses, but amaze you by doing it; the world that will confuse you completely, but also educate you… Visit us and you will be thrilled because nothing is what it seems, especially not HERE!
Are you ready for an even bigger, better, more fascinating adventure? Visit the Museum of Illusions in Athens; we offer you an intriguing visual, sensory and educational experience with a handful of new, unexplored illusions.
Athens, the main place of illusions!
The Museum of Illusions in Athens brings you a space suitable both for social and entertaining tours into the world of illusions which has delighted all generations. It’s a perfect place for new experiences and fun with friends and family. Not only is it a place for children who adore coming, but also a place for parents, couples, grandmothers and grandfathers.
See what else we offer, you won’t believe your eyes!
Be brave enough to jump in an illusion created by the Vortex Tunnel that will drive you crazy and make you believe you’re heavily struggling just to make a step forward through a rotating cylinder – on a surface so stable and flat! Be unbelievably rotated in the Upside Down Room, let yourself free in an Infinity room, resist the laws of gravity and size ratio, and make pictures of yourself in EVERY POSSIBLE POSE!
Deceive your eyes and entertain the mind!
Enjoy in our collection of holograms, look closer at every optical illusion and observe thoroughly each installation. They are such a brilliant, playful reminder that our assumptions about the world we perceive are often, nothing but a spectre of illusions.
The genuine heritage of showpieces will more certainly make your jaw drop!
Amusing and awesome tricks will teach you about vision, perception, the human brain and science so it will be easier to perceive why your eyes see things which your brain cannot understand. Make sure you visit our playroom with intriguing and educational games and puzzles. These brain bashers are definitely great fun but tend to be frustrating as well.
Come and explore the world of illusions. Experience the impossible. Be sure your camera is fully charged with memory space before you visit. By all means take your camera with you 😉
Liar Wanted by Dimitris Psathas
brought to you by THEATRIKES SKINES and Petros Zoulias
from 15 MARCH
AT THE PALLAS THEATRE
SURTITLES IN PALLAS THEATER
THEATRIKES SKINES SA offer the opportunity to all foreign visitors and residents of Athens as well as theater-lovers with hearing difficulties to watch the performances at PALLAS Theater.
In Athens, a city rightly described as the theatrical capital, with more than 1,500 theatrical performances per year, theater must be a choice for all, including the foreign-language audience, especially when it comes to Athens’ most central theater.
Therefore, performances at PALLAS Theater will be from now on presented with English Surtitles which will always be treated with respect for the artists and the public in a professional translation, fine tuning and will be distinct and easy to read.
Surtitles will also appear in Greek so that our fellow humans with hearing difficulties can enjoy the show as well.
- Surtitles are in English and Greek. Recommended seats are the ones in the last rows of the stalls (below 10th row) and in the dress and upper circle.
- Surtitles are available for the main evening show of PALLAS Theater (Wednesday to Sunday)
Dimitris Psathas’ celebrated political satire Liar Wanted looks at politicians’ relationships with the clients who vote them into power. Translated into multiple languages and performed in numerous countries around the world, a new production of Liar Wanted is coming to the Pallas Theatre on 15 March 2019.
Needless to say, its subject-matter—lying in politics—is as relevant today as it ever was. Thodoros Silvertongue, or Thodoros the Liar (played by Alexis Georgoulis) declares himself a professional liar and leaves his village for Athens and a job in which he can put his talents to good use. A chance quarrel and a punch landed on a fellow passenger on the tram—his boss-to-be Ferekis, a Member of Parliament (played by Giorgos Partsalakis)—will clear the way for a brilliant career as the MP’s private secretary; a career founded in the brazen, blatant lies he comes up with to justify his employer’s failure to deliver on the promises he made his angry voters before the elections. Thodoros the Liar undertakes to take care of all his master’s problems with ministries, prisons, unions and… cabaret artistes, and in record time. But his successful career as a very special secretary brings him into conflict with the MP’s wife, the lovely Jenny (Natalia Dragoumi). Can he succeed against such a powerful opponent? That will depend on Agis (Argyris Angelou) and the sexy Pitsa Kitsa (Apostolia Zoi in her first theatrical role), the nightclub singer who has captivated the entire male population of the capital!
Liar Wanted examines one of our species’ most obvious characteristics: our talent for blocking out and embroidering reality. Thodoros the Liar represents escape from an ugly and miserable reality. The flight from harsh truth to hope and dreams. He needs to believe that, dirt poor as he is, he will one day be rich. His survival instincts are strong. He is the provincial who, unable to make ends meets back home, packs up his bag and moves to Athens to seek his fortune; to become someone. To do that, Thodoros needs to keep the dream alive inside. It’s the only way he can make his lies come true and make it through difficult times.
Wanted Liar is a timeless work which has as much to say today as it did when it was written. It should come as no surprise that it has played to packed houses and rave reviews in the US, Canada, Turkey, Russia, Ukraine and Romania. For it is a powerful, universal work.
PERFORMANCES SCHEDULE
Thursday: 21:00
Friday: 21:00
Saturday: 18:00, 21:00
Sunday: 19:00
http://www.theatrikesskines.gr
διαβάστε περισσότεραThe Natural History Museum of Meteora and Mushroom Museum, during its effort to create alternative touristic activities, that showcase our nature’s wealth, is organizing and hosting truffle hunting activities in cooperation with travel offices.
Special trained truffle dogs with their trainer are searching for this unique fruit of Greek nature. They offer an original experience that can be enjoyed by the visitors of the local area.
In the same time, participants are provided with information about this special fruit. They learn about the kind of truffles that exist and how they can be used. In this way they enrich their knowledge about what is called “black diamond” that is “hiding” in the ground.
The enjoyment doesn’t stop here! Participants have the opportunity to taste an exceptional truffle past dish in the forest!. This truffle pasta dish is cooked in an impressive cooking pan that can cover the feeding needs of 50 (!) people by a special chef.
After the end of truffle hunting, the participants visit the Museum. They are guided around the natural history museum and the unique mushroom museum. After that, they can enjoy a mushroom product tasting with 5-6 kinds of mushrooms and traditional mushroom spoon sweet which are accompanied by a glass of local wine.
Undoubtedly, this is an experience that many wish to live. Now they have the opportunity. Enjoy!
The program of truffle hunting is:
10.00: Leaving from the Museum
10.30: The truffle hunting begins!
11.15: Truffle pasta dish cooking
12.15: End of the truffle hunting
12.45: Visit to the Museum, guided tour, mushroom product tasting
13.30: End of program.
For more information visit: www.meteoramuseum.gr www.trufflehunting.net, or email us at:
info@meteoramuseum.gr info@trufflehunting.net or call us: 00302432024959.
Source: www.meteoramuseum.gr
“SYMPOSIUM” was established by Georgios and Emmanouel Roussis. We are a family of artists, a father and his son, who have had a passion for sculpture and, lately, for ancient Greek wine-making.
Both Georgios and Emmanouel Roussis studied at the School of Fine Arts in Athens and Florina respectively, at the Department of Sculpture, with a scholarship. They are ordinary members of the Greek Chamber of Fine Arts. They have created a variety of sculptural works, such as busts, statues, monuments of modern but also classic art, with either bronze or marble.
Sculptor’s Hall
In the Sculptor’s Hall discover your own talent in sculpture; touch a selection of sculpting tools and learn how they are used; watch a series of videos on ancient sculpting techniques (ceramics, marble carving, carving on precious stones, lost-wax casting); model and carve an art object under the guidance of an expert sculptor; take your own sculpture home as a souvenir.
Gallery Hall
In the Gallery Hall find out about ancient warfare through the Greek helmets exhibition, try on a helmet yourself, or just relax listening to good music.
Winemaker’s Hall
In the winemaker’s hall drink authentic Greek wine from a kylix (the wine-drinking cup of the ancient Greeks); taste original ancient Greek snacks; learn about really old vinification techniques; find out how a home grape mill looked and worked; touch amphorae and other serving gear of the Ancients; watch a short documentary video about the archaeology of wine; sit down on Cretan king Minos’ throne or lie back on an anáklintron (the Greek symposium chaise-longue)
Our wines
Our esteemed customers can now purchase our highly special, rare wine which carries the salted taste and the vinification techniques used by the ancient Greeks.
Carefully selected herbs blooming in parts of Mount Olympus used in its preparation, the genuine skin of the label that gives an odour of vitality, pure beeswax from honeybees in the fragrant hills and forests of Greece, and above all the beneficial properties of wine for health, all combine to build up a perfect organoleptic effect that carries you thousands of years back to Greek antiquity.
All this packed in a hand-made ceramic bottle, a faithful copy of an ancient Greek amphora, designed by the “Symposium” artists. The packing of our ancient-styled Greek wine is of rare, expensive marble, the same as that used for building the Acropolis of Athens. Keeping the bottle in a marble package ensures an ideally low, stable temperature for the wine – a particular way of preservation in a perfectly natural way. In addition, you can conduct a real wine tasting ritual by drinking the wine through our hand-made cup included, a kylix – just like the ancient Greeks, who used it in order to taste the aromas and flavors of wine in full. The wide surface of the cup provides extended contact with fresh air to the wine, giving the feeling that you drink from a spring of running wine.
39, Doiranis street, 176 72
Kallithea, Athens, Greece
Email: ancient.symposium@gmail.com
Phone: +30 210-9593710
facebook.com/Ancient_Symposium
instagram.com/ancient_symposium