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Pretty Interesting - Autumn in Greece

Autumn is a great time of year to explore the hidden side of Greece that few visitors know exists. The sun is still warm and shining, however, due to the cooler temperatures walking becomes one of the best ways to explore the country this time of year.

Greece is a nature lover’s paradise and her forests are rich in deciduous trees so as the days shorten, the quiet green palette of summer foliage is transformed into a vivid array of autumnal reds, oranges, golds, and browns. The hiking trails are covered in soft beds of pine needles and autumn leaves. The hillsides resonate with the sound of wood being chopped for winter and the distinct smell of wood burning in the fireplace hangs in the air. A peacefulness and silence spread over the landscape and wherever you visit, the crowds have long since dissipated as life for the locals has returned to 'normal' after the busy tourist season.

Greek food in autumn takes on a whole new meaning. Removed are the summer tourist dishes of moussaka and pastitsio and in come the healthy staples of legumes, wild mushrooms, and greens. After a day’s hike, you can sit by a log fire enjoying a hearty bean soup, local soft cheeses, freshly-picked and pressed olive oil accompanied by home-made, thick crusted bread - all washed down with local home-made wine. Mornings are greeted with herbal mountain teas, local honey and home-made marmalade. The Greek palate changes from season to season, however, it always holds fast to fresh, seasonal ingredients which are found in her fertile land.

Find your perfect location for an Autumnal break with our stunning selection of villas across the Greek mainland and islands. 

 

 

11th Sep 2019

Posted by Ben Bland

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Why Greece is the perfect holiday destination

Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway to one of Europe’s most historic cities, or a luxurious island escape Greece has something in store for everyone. From the mainland to the thousands of surrounding islands Greece is the perfect destination for every type of traveller.

For those looking for a city break to one of Europe’s most vibrant and bustling cities Athens provides the ideal location. Athens is a city that is full of history and culture with so many famous landmarks it is almost impossible to fit them all into one trip. However if you prefer to take it slower of your holiday then look further afield at what the rest of this gorgeous country has to offer. 

Outside the centre of the capital, life goes on as it always has in a picture postcard environment, with stunning views over an azure sea and surrounded by a dramatic landscape. Green mountains, punctuated with pretty flowers plunge towards the shore, white sandy coves with crystal clear waters, the colours of Homer, the land of Odysseus, this is Ellada, this is Greece, unchanged and just as beautiful as it has always been.

The country is varied with each island differing from its neighbour and each island group having its own unique personality. The fertility and vibrancy of colour found in the Ionian Islands change dramatically as we move north to the mountainous regions of Epirus and beyond with their alpine scenery and pretty stone villages lost in the annals of time.

As we move east across the mountainous region of the Peloponnese where ancient civilization flourished, we find an area of outstanding natural beauty where the shores and foothills are a garden of citrus and olives.

Moving on across the Aegean sea to the islands of the Cyclades with their white cubist architecture and villages perched dramatically on the edges of cliffs, offering beaches exotic, remote and serene.

The Sporades with their pristine nature and stunning beaches, and UNESCO World Heritage towns, and Crete steeped in history, with miles of beaches and mountain scenery is another jewel waiting to be discovered.

Greece is varied, a collection of micro cultures all shining under one flag and one mother tongue. Of course the country needs support and it needs change, but it is still and always will be a fantastic place for the traveller where one can explore without feeling threatened and where families and friends can holiday in a safe environment.

Pretty Greek Villas has a wide range of villas all across Greece and the surrounding islands meaning you’ll find the ideal location for your holiday. 

14th Aug 2019

Posted by Ben Bland

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Northern Peloponnese Review

The northern Peloponnese forms part of ancient Arcadia - a bucolic landscape watered by Elysian streams - and is a great place to start a Greek adventure with flights into Athens being frequent and very well priced. Easily accessible within a 2 hour drive is a stunning and varied landscape of mountains, sea, rivers, gorges, alpine lakes, and pretty mountain villages just waiting to be explored.
 
There are plenty of hiking trails to discover and some of our favourite walks include the rugged valley of ancient Pheneos, The Fall of the River Styx where Achilles was dipped to ensure immortality, Heracles's spectacular Vouraikos Gorge, and Lake Tsivlos with the clean scent of the surrounding pine forests. Transhumance is still a way of life in these parts and high up in the pastures of Mount Helmos you will still come across flocks of sheep or goats and their blue-eyed shepherds. An added delight is foraging for wild mushrooms and collecting wild greens that grow profusely in these parts amongst the mossy clumps of wild cyclamen and star-studded meadows of saffron crocus. 
 
Archaeological treasures abound where history and culture meet to tell the story of this ancient country. Aside from the well-known sites of Mycenae, Corinth, and Delphi which are easily accessible, the Northern Peloponnese has a few treasures of its own up its sleeve including Ancient Eyira. This site is set on a quiet hillside with astonishing views right out over the Corinthian Gulf with the mountains of Parnassos and Helicon beyond. Eyira was one of the twelve great cities of the Achaean League. Its amphitheatre, with superb acoustics, dates to around 280BC. There are two temples as well as the Agora and the Acropolis still in the process of excavation. 
 
Another fascinating trip is to the Monastery of ‘Panagia ton Katafigion' (Our Lady of Refuge) close to the mountain village of Evrostina. The monastery is built into a vertiginous cliff and exploring it is not for the faint-hearted! In Evrostina itself is the lovely church of Aghios Georgios (St George) which has an interesting history - it was built during the Turkish occupation when building permits were only valid for 40 days and no building was allowed to take place after dark. The wily Evrostinians, who numbered around 6,000 at that time, built one third of a church in the first 40 days knowing that the Turks would order it to be knocked down. They numbered every stone and hid them away in their houses. Re-applying for their second permit, they managed to complete an incredibly beautiful and unusual church within the 40 days stipulated which is still studied today at the Athens Polytechnic.
 
The Peloponnese is also a great place for wine lovers since it grows about a quarter of the grapes used in the production of Greek wine. In the Northern Peloponnese close to Diakopto, Tetramythos is one of Greece's most interesting small wine producers and is becoming justifiably well-known among wine connoisseurs. A tour of the vineyard followed by wine-tasting is a must for anyone visiting this area.
 
The biodiversity and ecological tapestry offered to nature enthusiasts is literally endless in Greece. Whether your interest is walking, hiking, mountain biking, river rafting, mountain climbing or simply eating, all is at your disposal - and the lovely mild climate in autumn and Greece's warm people combine to create an off season adventure worth remembering.
 
Browse our range of gorgeous properties in the Peloponnese to find the ideal place for your next adventure. 
 

31st Jul 2019

Posted by Ben Bland

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Kefalonia Review

Our focus this week is the northern part of Kefalonia - one of the most stunning and diverse Greek islands. Those not familiar with Kefalonia are in for a wonderful surprise. The landscape is lush and green and boasts some of Greece’s most splendid natural beauty.

Its diverse geography blesses it with innumerable small bays and rich vegetation. It is covered with vast olive groves, thick forests of Kefalonian Fir and cypress trees. The island is beautiful, wild, and unspoiled by mass tourism.

Many of the towns and villages remain traditional and much of the original architecture on the island has a Venetian influence.

Fiskardo and Assos, at the north end of the island, are two of our favourite spots. They are about 45 mins – 1 hour away from the airport and the views along the drive are truly breathtaking. One of the highlights you will pass on the main road is the capital of the island, Argostoli, rich in history and great for those wanting a bit of culture with its archaeological museum.

Heading further down the island toward Fiskardo is the famous Myrtos Beach, described as one of the most dramatic beaches in Greece with its long arc of dazzling white pebbles.

Yet further on in the distance and far below the road, you see the delightful fishing village of Assos with its impressive 16th-century Venetian fortress.

Fiskardo is one of the most picturesque fishing villages in Greece with its charming restaurants, cafes and shops that run along the quayside. The horseshoe-shaped harbour is lined with colourful neo-classical buildings with a dazzling array of Mediterranean plants and flowers.

Out of the hundreds of villages on this large island, Fiskardo is unique in that it was left virtually undamaged during the great earthquake of 1953 that ruined most of the historic buildings on Kefalonia. Evenings in Fiskardo take on a magical tone with the yachts lining the harbour, the atmospheric lights and the charismatic buildings along the quayside giving it a particularly special ambience on a warm summer’s evening.

There are plenty of daytime activities to keep you busy as well. Walkers and hikers will find plenty of trails in the surrounding hills, lush valleys and countryside. If the sea is your preference, you can learn to dive from the local dive school with qualified PADI instructors.

Hire a motorboat and to explore the coastline and find your own private cove that is inaccessible by car. Or hop on an excursion boat for a day trip around the Kefalonian coastline or across to Ithaca. Fiskardo is a great place for families, as well as couples looking for a completely romantic atmosphere.

Pretty Greek Villas has a wide range of stunning properties in Kefalonia meaning you’ll find the perfect location for your next holiday. 

 

 

17th Jul 2019

Posted by Ben Bland

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Meteora Review

Every now and then you discover a place that leaves you in absolute awe. One of these places is Meteora. The name Meteora means ‘suspended in air’.

If you haven’t explored Central and Northern Greece, you are missing some of the most breathtaking, mind-blowing, ‘WOW’ provoking sights that Greece has to offer. If you think that whitewashed houses and beautiful beaches are what Greece is all about, it is time to rediscover.

After winding down through the Pindos Mountains and beginning your cruise through the Peneas valley, all of a sudden, there it is! Skyscraping, rock towers, 400 meters high soar out of the ground supporting historic monasteries at their peaks, like great arms reaching up exalting what they hold in their palms.

Experts suggest that these sandstone and conglomerate pinnacles were created 60 million years ago from a combination of river erosion that created the rising formations and seismic activity that split them into separate pillars.

Monks have inhabited these rock formations since the 11th century. They first dwelled in the natural caves that were accessible with ladders.

As monks became increasingly fearful of the political instability during the Turkish occupation, they sought out a more secure recluse and moved upward. By the 17th century, they had built 24 incredible monasteries on top of the pinnacles. How they managed to do so under such impractical conditions is still dumbfounding. The pulleys and baskets used to transfer people and goods up and down the rocks are still visible and some still functioning.

Today, six monasteries remain working, four men’s and two women’s, and you are actually allowed to go inside for a trip back in time. Roads now take you much closer to them and over the years, steps have been carved out of the rocks for safer, easier access. It can still be quite a climb, so be prepared for some exercise. There is a conservative dress code to enter the monasteries. Women are required to wear long skirts and most monasteries provide wrap around skirts at the entrance that women can put on over their clothes.

Below the monasteries is the touristy town of Kalambaka. If you are after a more authentic experience we recommend avoiding Kalambaka and heading over to nearby picturesque villages, such as Kastraki, that have much more charm. Kastraki village is just a couple of kilometres from the monasteries and sits among the rock giants, peeking out of the hillside through the trees. The traditional village homes and inns are built from stone and wood. Narrow cobblestone pathways lead you through the village where you will discover small chapels and Kastrakis’s own hidden treasures. The town is also known for its high-quality meat and offers an abundance of tempting places to stop for classics like ‘kontosouvli’ and ‘kokoretsi.’ 

When we visited the area we stayed at the Guesthouse Sotiriou. It is a wonderful building with wooden staircases and ceilings, beautiful balconies, and cosy fireplaces and has all the characteristics of a traditional home and provided excellent service.

Meteora is also an internationally recognized haven for rock climbers, offering routes with varying degrees of difficulty. The nearby towns of Rizoma, Pyli, and Mousaki also have additional rock climbing routes. Hikers, as well, can find several worthwhile paths around the area.

UNESCO has declared Meteora as a world heritage site. It is not just an impressive part of Greece, but a ‘must see’ destination for any traveller. It is not often that we are able to get up so close to such a historically significant wonder of the world.

If you come to Greece, you should definitely make a point to visit. Your fascination with this spectacular place will stay with you long after you leave.

26th Jun 2019

Posted by Ben Bland

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Hydra Review

Lying South of Athens and very easy to get to, artistic, bohemian in style, a ‘hang out’ for the stylish, sophisticated and sometimes famous, Hydra is definitely a place well worth considering as a summer destination.

With the prices of air-flights to the Ionian soaring, it’s worth taking advantage of the cheap offers made by budget and schedule airlines that arrive into Athens International. The new Proastiakos railway as well as the Metro terminate in the airport building so it is very easy to reach the port of Piraeus to catch an interconnecting hydrofoil that will whisk you within 1½ hours to Hydra. All forms of transport are prohibited on Hydra so no need for car hire. The island has benefited hugely from this ruling – no smelly engines or noisy mopeds to interfere with the simplicity of life and the peacefulness of the majestic surroundings.

One must be prepared to walk in Hydra since all properties are located across three hillsides and most of them are at least a 10-15 minute climb. Once up, sitting on your veranda, the views are just superb and the tendency is to remain there sipping your preferred beverage and enjoying clean air and blissful silence.

The coastline of Hydra is mainly rocky and the sea is a cool temperature and crystal clear. The municipality has installed swimming ladders so it is easy to gain access to the refreshing waters. However, the local kids prefer to access the sea by their own means. With deep plunge pools to cushion the impact, the children leap from the rocks into the sea with huge grins on their faces, only to repeat the hilarious procedure again and again and again...

The villages of Kamini and Vlychos lie to the west of Hydra town and can be easily accessed by water taxis or by local caique boats found on the quayside in front of the clock tower. All have pebbly beaches so ‘jelly’ shoes are recommended for those with tender feet! Good local food is served in the tavernas which are dotted along the coastline.

Further west is Bisti Bay, a favourite for snorkelling and exploring. A wonderful thing to do is to search for the black spiky sea urchins, break them open and guzzle them in oyster fashion with some lemon juice, olive oil, crusty bread and of course some chilled white wine.

There are other secrets to be found on the nearby island of Dhokos which, like all the other suggested places, are best accessed under the experience of one of the local caique boat captains. They aren’t too expensive and it is ‘a must’ for at least one day of a holiday. The seadogs know the secrets and can steer you in the right direction!

Autumn and springtime are fabulous seasons to visit Greece especially if your interests extend beyond the beach. Hydra is a choice destination for an alternative holiday and the network of walking paths that line the inland offer a walker’s paradise.

Most of the paths are dirt tracks mainly used by the donkeys. GPS compatible OS maps are available in many of the shops that line the harbour so with a hand held device it is very hard to get lost. The island is long and narrow so it is easy to explore the heartland which is dotted with monasteries and a profusion of flowers especially in the spring.

A favourite hike is along the west coast of Hydra to a Byzantine village called Episkopi. The walk along the coast road is reasonably flat, until you arrive at the little harbour of Palamidas, then the route goes inward and upwards through a lush forest of pine trees. Following the track you arrive at a little group of houses, surrounded by olive groves.

The local people respond warmly to a friendly smile and a greeting of "Yasou". Generous invitations are often made, to sit for a while and enjoy whatever has been prepared that day. Remember that the local wine has quite a kick and the only way back is by foot!

To view a list of our Pretty Greek Villas located in Hydra for holiday rentals, please click here

26th Feb 2019

Posted by Ben Bland

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The Peloponnese Review

One and a half hours from Athens airport and forty minutes East of Patras, Achaia in the North of the Peloponnese attracted the Ancients for good reason.

The area is immensely fertile with bands of citrus plantations situated on the silt plains next to the sea. Above, lie olive groves punctuated by vineyards and surrounded by Mediterranean pine forest1000 metres above sea-level, cows graze on alpine meadows surrounded by spruce forests, littered with mushrooms and populated by wild boar. Goat herders drive their flocks to these highland areas in summertime when the heat below becomes unbearable. Above the 1800 metre zone when the spruce trees start to become sparser, the peaks of the mountains that reach up to 2500 metres are snow- capped and it is possible to ski until the end of April if the winter remains cold.

There are three mountains in Achaia whose concave formation plunge dramatically into the Gulf of Corinth below. Each mountain is separated by Alpine valleys and gorges where the scenery is spectacular. The seaside towns of Kiato, Derveni, Akrata, Egion and finally Patras are nothing out of the ordinary but the sheer beauty of the mountainous scenery is simply breathtaking.

This region abounds with charming mountain villages and with many archaeological and historical sites to discover such as Ancient Egira and Ancient Corinth. It is also within easy reach of other major sites such as Delphi, Mycenae, Epidavros, Olympia and Athens. Spring and autumn are fabulous times to visit this beautiful area. The mountains provide a walker's paradise and the many well-marked paths offer unique opportunities to the fell walker or rambler. Although these foot paths are well marked, they are deserted and you can spend the whole day with out meeting a soul. In spring the mountains become ablaze with wild flowers which open out in sequence. First the poppies arrive turning the mountains blood red, next yellow becomes the dominant colour, then the dainty anemones or 'wind flowers' and finally, the Judas trees with their dense pink buds. Wild greens, asparagus and artichoke can all be collected through these blissfully warm months under clear skies. In autumn comes a second flowering with warm weather bathed in a golden light. The mushroom season starts and the forest are littered with all types of species: Oyster, morel, chanterelle, boletus and field mushrooms can all be found up in the alpine forests of Achaia.

The mountain villages of this area lie untouched completely by tourism. Here you will probably find a square, the local church and usually a spring with cold, mountain water. Even the smallest and remotest of villages usually have a Kafeneion where the men drink coffee, discuss and play tavli around the fireplace. The mountain tavernas abound with delicious food, creamy feta cheeses, home-baked bread, dishes of wild rabbit, boar or cockerel, and sometimes even trout from the nearby river.  

To view a list of our Pretty Greek Villas located in the Peloponnese for holiday rentals, please click here

29th Jan 2019

Posted by Ben Bland

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Crete Review

Although the temperatures have not risen to the summer highs, spring time can often be beautifully warm. Crete, being far south offers early sun and would be a great place to spend the Easter week. In autumn 2010 we visited Crete and were particularly impressed by what Crete has to offer in terms of value. Fiercely independent Crete, Europe's first advanced civilization and Greece's largest island, is steeped in Homeric culture with a richness of history that would take a life-time to explore.

We based ourselves in the region of Chania for the majority of our stay and also visited the fortified town of Rethymnon. Stunning architecture bearing the influence of the various civilizations that have occupied the island abound. Exquisite Venetian, Ottoman and Egyptian buildings, ornate fountains and shady courtyards, winding back streets juxtaposed against immense Ancient and Byzantine walls and colourful markets with a Levantine flavour characterize these historical port cities.

The food on Crete is exceptional and we ate dishes that are unique to the island. Snails and special cheeses, stews flavoured with honey, delicious bread and of course Crete's famous olive oil. We ate in picturesque tavernas and swilled down the delicious dishes with home-made wine and 'Tsikoudia' (Crete's Raki).

The coastline of Crete is a beach paradise offering mile upon mile of white and golden sand. Inland, rich fertile plains provide a perfect environment for the cultivation of fruit and olive trees and the heart of the island is mountainous and richly verdant, with age-old villages untouched by time that are steeped in folklore. This mountainous island has been the home of many a family vendetta and even today, strange feuding occurs in the more remote villages on the island. We didn't see any evidence of this outlaw behavior other than the odd road signpost that had been used for target practice. On the contrary, our Cretan hosts couldn't have been more generous and hospitable. We returned to the Peloponnese feeling that we had visited a very special and unique part of Greece.

To view a list of our Pretty Greek Villas located on Crete for holiday rentals, please click here

18th Dec 2018

Posted by Ben Bland

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Spetses Review

Easily accessible by hydrofoil from the Athens port of Pireaus, Spetses exudes charm and a certain exclusivity. There is a ban on cars on the island which is a true blessing, especially in high season. Horse-drawn carriages are the main form of transport and the Neo Classical architecture of the town just adds to its natural beauty.

The ambiance of wealth and sophistication begins from its long maritime history, and it has become a favourite island among ship owners and well to do Athenians. Spestses is an island where mega yachts rub moorings with local caique fishing boats, and jet setters mingle with locals in waterfront tavernas watching the world go by.

There are two sides to life on Spetses for the visitor - one can dine at the traditional Greek taverna, or choose from one of the chic upscale restaurants serving European and Modern Greek cuisine where you might even be seated next to a film star or other famous personality.

For daytime venturing, water taxis are used as the primary transportation along the island so even getting to the beach is enjoyable. Pine covered hillsides give way to crystal clear waters and secluded sandy coves. A hired motor boat is a great way to explore the coastline and find your own secluded little bay for the day. Spetses is also a great jumping off point for exploring the other Saronic islands as well as the Peloponnese.Hydra and Aegina are reachable by hydrofoil and the Peloponnese is just 5 minutes across the bay by water taxi.

Then, within an easy drive are the significant archeological sites of Epidavros and Mycenae. The lovely town of Nafplion with its rich history and medieval castle perched above the town is well worth a visit too. We can help to arrange car hire or a guided tour for you.

For those travelling to Spetses, or any Saronic island Pretty Greek Villas can help to organize your transportation from airport to port for your boat departure. Keep in mind that there is a second way to travel to Spetses from the Peloponnese, just in case your flight and boat schedules do not match ideally. A drive of approx. 2 hours takes you to the southern Peloponnese and a short water taxi ride lands you squarely at your destination.

To view a list of our Pretty Greek Villas located on Spetses for holiday rentals, please click here

 

27th Nov 2018

Posted by Ben Bland

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