Greece last opus
Since Sunday, we have been showing you around Greece, this exceptional country, so close to our Israeli borders.
And since day one, many of you have been sending us messages, about flights, hotels, and above all to know when we can finally get back to normal life and start traveling again.
You know, we are still in the midst of a pandemic, and here in Israel everything suggests that we are emerging from this nightmare, and that very soon we will be able to travel again.
A little more patience, Ben Gurion airport is due to open again on March 6 …
For this last Opus dedicated to Greece, we will begin our visit with Thessaloniki, nicknamed the Jerusalem of the Balkans
Thessaloniki, a port city open to the Aegean Sea, is one of the most important ports in Greece. Inside its ramparts, the city reveals a rich architectural heritage inherited from its historical past, from ancient Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman ruins.
Partly destroyed by an earthquake during the 20th century, the city has found the perfect balance between history and modernity. On the seafront, proudly stands the white tower, symbol of the city. But it is in the upper town, called Ano Poli, that one can follow in the footsteps of different civilizations by getting lost in the labyrinth of colorful streets. On the program, many Byzantine churches and Roman remains. To see, the Rotunda, a circular building that has served in turn as a church and then as a mosque. A historical past which gives it an extraordinary history and architecture with the presence of a minaret.
You will love its Jewish quarter, Kosher restaurants and Beit Habbad, even if you are not a practitioner, go and visit the city’s synagogue, a marvel, we highly recommend these visits.
City of art par excellence, Thessaloniki has important cultural institutions including the Archaeological Museum and the Byzantine Art Museum, located in the upper town. Far from being frozen in its past, the city is also passionate about modern arts, with the opening of cultural establishments dedicated to modern arts, photography, and even cinema.
Besides its museums, vibrant Thessaloniki is bustling with life all year round with a busy cultural calendar: festivals, exhibitions, concerts, shopping, not to mention a number of trendy bars and clubs that will delight revelers.
Don’t forget to visit the Archaeological Museum
The Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki, inaugurated in 1962, is one of the most important museums in the country. Behind these white facades, several permanent collections present works of art of infinite richness, retracing the great periods of the history of Macedonia and more generally of Greece, from Prehistory to the Roman era. One of the rooms is entirely dedicated to the treasures of Macedonia. You can admire several objects in gold and silver, including the large crater of Deverni in the center, or the gold medal of the Borea athletic games, given in honor of Alexander the Great.
The Perama Caves to see absolutely,
Near the town of Ioannina, a fabulous geological site awaits visitors just a few meters below their feet: the Perama cave. Formed 1.4 million years ago, this underground labyrinth is the result of the erosion of limestone rock. Discovered during the 20th century, the cave, long closed to the public, was transformed into a natural bunker during the Second World War. Today, a guided trail leads visitors, so to speak, into the bowels of the earth, on an 850-meter path accessible after descending a staircase of 183 steps. In the galleries, a succession of stalactites and stalagmites with phantasmagorical shapes offers a spectacle full of mysteries. Upon exiting, a lovely view of the island and Lake Ioannina awaits visitors.
If you still have time, also visit the Vikos Gorge
Spectacular natural site in the region of Epirus, it is the deepest canyon in the world! Measuring over 1,000 meters deep, they rank second on the list of the deepest canyons in the world, behind that of the United States. Stretching for a distance of about 10 km, a long hike starts from the village of Monodendri to the village of Vikos. Along the marked path, the landscapes are breathtaking. Take a dip in the icy, crystal-clear water of the Voidomatis springs, which meanders between the vertiginous cliffs. A real natural spectacle that leaves no one indifferent.
To conclude this week in Greece, we take you to visit the Dodecanese archipelago
At the crossroads of East and West, these 12 islands stretch along the Turkish coast (the archipelago actually includes more than a hundred other islands and islets for the most part uninhabited). Bathed by the Aegean Sea, these islands where the mild Mediterranean climate reigns are dream destinations for holidays. Sandy beaches and turquoise water, authentic Greek villages, historical sites witnessing the passage of Byzantine and Ottoman civilizations … the archipelago skilfully combines relaxation and culture, impossible to get bored! We sail from island to island on a cruise aboard a traditional caique, to discover buried treasures. Each island is unique and has its own identity.
Rhodes
Main and largest island of the Dodecanese, Rhodes is acclaimed for its sweetness of life. A must-see, exploring the island involves a visit to the fortified city of the same name, once the capital of the Order of the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem, also known as the Order of the Hospitallers. The tour then continues with the traditional village of Lindos and its white houses nestled at the foot of a medieval castle. Then we end the day with a well-deserved dip on one of the island’s magnificent beaches. You are spoiled for choice! During Antiquity, the port of Rhodes welcomed ships which then had to pass between the legs of a gigantic bronze statue bearing the effigy of the God Apollo: the famous Colossus of Rhodes, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, unfortunately destroyed during an earthquake.
The journey through the Dodecanese Islands continues with the island of Symi and its colorful houses, Karpathos and its fishing port, or even Patmos, the wild and remote island where the Apocalypse was written. Finally, we also stop on the small island of Kos and its coves with translucent water.
Thank you for spending this week in Greece with us.
A special thank you to everyone who helped us write these columns.
To discover the tours we offer in Greece click here
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Stay tuned, as of Monday, we’ll take you elsewhere …. further
