27 Mar 2021

Who are The Hellenes? The Real Name of the Greeks

By | Posted in: Greek Mythology and History, Traveling in Greece | 0

Last updated on May 29th, 2022 at 09:12 pm

Hellas is the land of Hellenes, i.s the land of the Greeks.

But why do we call Greece Hellas and who are the Hellenes?

Well, the question is wrong and should be reversed!

It should be as:

Why do we call Hellas Greece and Who are the Hellenes?

Hellenes and Hellas

Note here that the name Hellen has nothing to do with Helen of Troy, but Hellen (written with two ll), who was the first son of Defkalion.

And the Flood of Defkalion was the start of the Hellenic civilization according to Hesiod’s cosmogony.

A common factor in almost all mythologies is the fact that they meddle myths with historic reality, you don’t know what is true and what’s fictional.

There were people living and thriving in the Aegean islands of Cyclades and Crete for many centuries before the Achaeans, the first Greek civilization in Mycenae.

In the Cyclades, the Pelasgians created the first European civilization dating back to 3000 years BCE.

There are not many things known about them except that they had a written language using linear A script, a not decrypted script yet.  Later they used Linear B, obviously an evolution of Linear A.

Linear B is decrypted and can be understood, it is a syllabic writing system revealing Greek words and Greek names when read.

We still don’t know the exact relationship between the Pelasgians and the Greeks.

The same civilization on the island of Crete is known as the Minoans, from the name of their most famous king Minos. Minoans also used the Linear B writing system as the Mycaeneans also did.

Greek Mythology - The flood
Greek Mythology – The flood

The Flood of Defkalion

Here is the part of Cosmogony that describes the origin of the Greeks(Hellenes), hence the origin of the name Hellenes and Hellas.

Flood of Defkalion
Flood of Defkalion

Greek Cosmogony although a fairy tale is the part of Greek mythology that is more entertaining than the bible’s boring cosmogony.

The tales passed from generation to generation with a degree of skew or beautification each time.

Here we go!

After a terrible flood (not that of Noah), Hellenic civilization disappeared and only two survivors remained.

Defkalion and Pyrah.

Defkalion was the son of Titan Prometheus who created the human species and gave them fire.

Pyrah was his wife, the daughter of Pandora, the first woman created by the gods.

How many of you know the name Pandora? many I’m sure.

Before the flood, Prometheus advised his son Defkalion, when he reigned in Thessaly, to build a large ark, fill it with supplies, and pray for the best.

Soon the heavens opened and the earth flooded. The ark with Defkalion and Pyrah rained for 9 days and nights until it ran aground on the top of Mount Parnassus. From here they had a good view of Delphi, where later the famous Oracle was.

Delphi considered the navel, the center of the earth, as the ancient Hellenes believed.

Does all this remind you of the biblical version of Noah’s ark? Sure it does, it’s the same myth.

The first Hellenes after the Flood

After being rescued, the couple received an order from the God of Gods Dias(Jupiter). They should collect as many stones as they could and throw them behind their back.

The stones that Defkalion threw became men and stones thrown by Pyrah became women.

They were the first Hellenes to repopulate Hellas.

The first stone of Defkalion became a man named Hellen or Hellenas, who in turn had many children. Among his children were Aeolus, Dorus, Xuthus, and Ion.

They became the ancestors of the Greek tribes of Aeolians, Dorians, Achaeans, and Ionians respectively.

They were all called Hellenes, and their land was Hellas.

Nice story, isn’t it?

Roman Imposition of Christianity

Hellenes were always a danger to the early Roman Empire because they were free minds. They didn’t believe in the lies of the new religion.

The emperors, used persecutions, massacres, and the destruction of ancient monuments. They burned libraries where the ancient knowledge was and stopped Human progress. Oppression and many other atrocities were used against the Hellenes.

The first historical destruction of the Parthenon took place in the 4th-century CE by Christian fanatics. This is a historical fact that is shamelessly hidden by our educational system.

Acropolis Parthenon - Destruction by Christians
Acropolis Parthenon – Destruction by Christians

But the Greek culture prooven too strong to suppress and the Emperors had to do more to get rid of the danger of Hellenism. And they did. They changed our name.

A name used by the Romans for the Hellenes of Southern Italy was Graecus.

Hellas and the inhabitants were named Graecia(Greece) and Graecus respectively after the name. In order to eliminate the word Hellas and minimize any danger to the new religion as the Hellenes identified as Pagans.

It is well known that the word Hellenes was strictly forbidden for several centuries in the Roman and later Byzantine Empire.

Thus the Latin names Graecia and Graecus prevailed later on in Romance languages, ​​for both the land and its inhabitants.

The correct name for Greece is Hellas

Therefore this is the correct name for the Greeks, they should be called Hellenes, and their land Hellas.

In 1827 the Greeks gained their freedom from the Ottomans. The European public opinion of the Philhellenes wished to name the new country Hellas. It would be easy, as Iran did with Persia, to have Greece changed to Hellas internationally.

But the Greek church totally opposed the international name Hellas for the new nation. It was a name reminiscent of the old Hellenic legacy and in the minds of the priests, the pagan religion.

So, Why doesn’t happen now although the name Hellas is the only name in use inside the country among Hellenes?

Such a decision, the change of the international name of a country, is a very serious matter and has its pros and cons. By the time most people believe that it will be a very difficult task with contradictory results, and they agree that the gain will not be that big and therefore it is not worth the effort.

I just have a thought

If all of us who maintain websites change the word Greece, where it exists, with the word Hellas, what is going to happen?

It’s just a thought though, don’t take it seriously.

15 Mar 2021

Helpful Tips for Traveling the Greek Islands

By | Posted in: Traveling in Greece | 0

Last updated on May 29th, 2022 at 10:08 pm

Clouds Of The Morning Dawn - Fira on Santorini
Clouds Of The Morning Dawn – Fira on Santorini – Picture on Shutterstock

Whether it is for a honeymoon or a summer vacation, Greece makes a fantastic tourist spot with tons of islands and scenic beauty. Located in the eastern Mediterranean, the country is full of historical sights, iconic culture, and amazing food.

On top of that, the people of Greece are known for their welcoming nature and incomparable hospitality! What more motivation do you need to travel to this beautiful island country?

There are over 6000 islands, and around 227 are inhabited. The Greek islands are perfect for water activities, including scuba diving, snorkeling, and water skiing, sailing, and windsurfing. The picturesque beauty of the Greek Islands is the reason why most couples prefer to choose this spot for their honeymoon.

The most commonly visited isles of Greece are:

  • Milos
  • Paros
  • Naxos
  • Santorini
  • Crete
  • Mykonos

Let’s have a look at a few tips that can be helpful for you before you plan your trip to the Greek islands:

1. Avoid Peak Season

While planning your trip, you must be careful of the time of the year you’re selecting. Summer is the peak month for tourism in Greece because of its pleasant summer weather. The hotels are fully booked, you would find it hard to get a reservation at your choice of place, and the flight would be more expensive.

Try to plan your trip pre-summer or winter as it doesn’t get too cold in Greece and is reasonably less crowded as compared to summers. There are more options for you to select your accommodation, visit beaches and enjoy the location.

2. Be Prepared For Delays

You will observe a pretty laid-back attitude in Greece, which is why you can expect delays in your activities. The concept of punctuality isn’t common here as the Greeks believe that there shouldn’t be any rush in getting things done. You can expect a rather slow service at restaurants or service stations. Punctuality isn’t their strong suit, so sit back and relax while visiting the land of the Greeks.

3. Cigarette Smoke

For all the non-smokers, this is a heads-up; Greeks smoke a lot. Almost 50% of the Greeks smoke, and you can commonly find people smoking at restaurants and other public places. There has been an indoor smoking ban introduced. However, you will find that people smoke in places that are often prohibited in other countries, such as restaurants, elevators, and other public places.

4. Be Careful Of Distances

Distances are huge in Greece, and one small mistake can become a very big problem for you. Although there is fun in getting lost, no one wants to waste their limited time at a beautiful vacation spot.

Just try to plan your itinerary and the routes that you’re planning to take beforehand, so there is a lesser chance of you getting lost or taking the wrong turn. There are some journeys that can take over 10 hours for you to reach, so it’s advised that you plan your trip in consideration of travel time.

5. Credit Cards and ATMs

You must have cash with you at all times because not every place would be accepting cards, especially the less-populated, rural islands. However, there are ATMs available in every place, and if you don’t want to carry a lot of cash, then you can take it out whenever needed.

In bigger cities, almost all places, including shopping stores, large supermarkets, malls, and restaurants, readily accept card payments.

6. Driving

Driving is not for the faint of hearts in Greece; we don’t even think there is a speed limit within the city. People like to drive fast and enjoy their rides while on the road. You might assume they would slow down on sharp turns, but you’re in for a surprise.

If you think you can drive in all this chaos and madness, then feel free to rent a car for your trip, so your commute gets easier.

7. Eat Local

When in Greece, enjoy as much local food and wine as you can. You must have heard or used a lot of versions of “Greek Yogurt,” now is your chance to taste the real Greek Yogurt. Besides, Greek food is known to be the best in the world.

The food mainly includes Fresh vegetables, fish & seafood. You must try some of the following foods while in Greece:

  • Amygdalota – gluten-free almond cookie
  • Baklava – sweet which contains nuts and butter along with sugar
  • Bougatsa – sweet pie made of phyllo pastry & semolina custard
  • Dolmadakia – dolmades that are made of stuffed grape leaves
  • Ellinikos – Greek coffee
  • Frappe – iced coffee
  • Choriatiki – A type of Greek Salad containing tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and feta cheese without any dressing
  • Gyros – a meat dish
  • Halva – a sweet dish made from oil, semolina, sugar, and water

Greece is also famous for its white wine that you must try. Explore the local food and experience the culture and taste of the Greeks throughout your stay. You will never run out of options in food choices throughout your stay.

8. Hospitality

The Greeks are one of the most hospitable people, and you would be surprised by their warmth. They surely know how to respect and welcome tourists coming from around the world. So if you’re worried about the general attitude of people in Greece, then I can assure you that you will undoubtedly be taken care of.

9. Language

Although English is widely understood and spoken throughout Greece, we suggest you learn a few basic sentences in Greek. The Greeks are proud of their culture, language, and norms and would love to see you greet in their language.

So for a gesture of kindness, you can learn how to say hello, thank you, and sorry in Greek for better communication. If you want to say hello, say “Yassas” or “yasou” depending on the company.

You can also learn the Greek words you may need to use, such as “Kathárisma,” which means cleaning for when you need cleaning service. Katéfthynsi, which means direction, is another good word to know when visiting a new city. It is better to communicate in the local language than in English.

These were some of the useful tips that can be followed before you visit the Greek islands. Experts suggest that people must plan their trips before heading out so there is no trouble throughout the journey and one doesn’t feel lost once at the destination.

Author Bio:
Arslan Hassan is an electrical engineer with a passion for writing, designing, and anything tech-related. His educational background in the technical field has given him the edge to write on many topics.
24 Feb 2021

7 Condiments That Bring Greece Taste Even In Your Home

By | Posted in: Corfiot and Greek Cuisine, Traveling in Greece | 0

Last updated on May 29th, 2022 at 07:35 pm

condiments
condiments

A holiday in Greece isn’t complete without enjoying food made with these seven sauces.

For many years Greece has been a holiday destination for many people and families thanks to its child-friendly beaches, amazing blue waters, and delicious food made with amazing ingredients you cannot find anywhere in the world.

In this article, we’re going to share with you seven condiments Mediterraneans use to spruce up their meals.

The Mediterraneans believe that summer meals aren’t a pleasure without adding a few condiments.

It appears that the addition of these condiments is what keeps them protected and healthy.

Let’s sample the seven sauces that bring Greece taste even in your home.

1. Yogurt tahini sauce

Tahini is a delicious sauce much like tzatziki although tzatziki is made from toasted and ground sesame seeds. The seeds are sometimes roasted or used raw.

Often, tahini is used to make dressings, snack bites, etc.

Tahini is the favorite condiment in most foods due to the delicate roasted sesame flavor and versatility.

The Mediterraneans use it to spruce up roasted eggplant and bell peppers.

Tahini is also the foundation of most Israeli sweets, cookies, etc.

Besides, the Mediterraneans are also experimenting with combining this delicious sauce with other ingredients.

Below, we’re going to share with you an Israeli recipe involving a mix of tahini and yogurt to make a light sauce.

The sauce can also spruce up baked and grilled fish and you can also make a dip for raw carrots and cucumbers out of the sauce.

Let’s learn the recipe for this delicious condiment below.

Yogurt tahini sauce with roasted eggplants and bell peppers: Israeli recipe

Things you’ll need:

  1. 2 tablespoons of tahini paste and fresh lemon juice respectively.
  2. ¼ teaspoon salt.
  3. 6 tablespoons of Greek yogurt.
  4. 1 pressed garlic clove.
  5. Put all these ingredients in a medium-sized bowl or plate.

Roast eggplant and bell peppers:

  1. Cut 1 medium eggplant into strips.
  2. Cut 2 big red bell peppers into quarters- you can use two bell peppers of different colors if you wish to.
  3. Place the eggplant strips and bell pepper in a baking sheet with the strips skin side down and peppers skin side up.
  4. Cover the vegetables with drips of olive oil.
  5. Add salt and pepper to make your sauce flavorful.
  6. Bake the mixture at 200 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes.
  7. Spatter sesame seeds above the baked vegetables.
  8. Serve with the olive oil on a baking sheet and dressed with yogurt tahini sauce.
  9. You can also use other roasted vegetables such as sweet potato strips, green beans, etc.

2. Amba sauce

Amba sauce, otherwise known as mango sauce or mango chutney is a condiment originating in India; however, the Mediterraneans have adopted and adapted it into their cuisine and they use it in dishes like shawarma, falafel, and many more.

In some recipes, fresh and dried mangos are used; however, in our recipe, we’re going to use pickled green mangoes.

Amba pickled mango sauce recipe

Things you’ll need:

  1. 2 Peeled and cut mangoes, into chunks
  2. ½ tablespoons of black pepper and ground coriander respectively.
  3. 1 tablespoon ground fenugreek, another one for turmeric, and minced head garlic cloves.
  4. 1 or 2 tablespoons salt.
  5. 2 tablespoons of hot paprika and cumin seed respectively.
  6. 1 teaspoon mustard seed.
  7. Half or 1 cup water.
  8. ¼ cup olive oil- you can use grapeseed instead.
  9. 2 tablespoons of brown sugar- you can use honey instead.

How to prepare Amba sauce

  1. Cover the peeled and cut mango pieces with salt completely and put them in a jar then place them in the sun for around 4 days.
  2. Take out the mango pieces and dry them on parchment paper for at least 3 hours- you can use an oven on warm as well. Remember to reserve the juice because you’ll need it later.
  3. Heat the olive oil in a small pot, add spices and stir until you hear some noise popping out of the pot.
  4. Stir 3 more minutes, add garlic, and honey or brown sugar, then stir 3 minutes again and add mango, water, and reserved juice then stir the mixture again.
  5. Stop heating then use an immersion blender to make a smooth sauce.
  6. Taste salt and add more if not enough.
  7. Put the sauce in a sealed jar in the fridge for around one week. That’s it!
  8. Enjoy your sauce.

3. Tzatziki sauce

Tzatziki is one of the delicious dishes the world has adopted from the Greeks.

This condiment is similar to tahini but has some differences in that it’s seasoned with fresh herbs and a little garlic.

You’ll never miss this condiment on any Greek food list. This sauce is delicate though and is supposed to be eaten fresh hence making it a great summer dish.

You can make tzatziki in your home because it’s easy to make. It can also be added to any food.

You can use full-fat Greek yogurt but if you don’t have this, you can put your yogurt in the refrigerator for some hours.

You’re going to get hands-on with this condiment. For instance, you’ll need to cut cucumber and chop up some herbs.

You will also need to stir your mixture, place the tzatziki onto a plate and garnish it with drips of olive oil.

Let’s learn how to prepare the tzatziki sauce.

Things you’ll need:

  1. 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint, and 1 large garlic clove pressed or minced.
  2. Half teaspoon salt or more according to your taste.
  3. Sprinkling tablespoon.
  4. 2 and a half cups of full-fat Greek yogurt or 3 cups of ordinary yogurt.
  5. 1 and a half tablespoon white vinegar and one large cucumber around 10 ounces.

How to make tzatziki sauce

  1. Put a clean kitchen towel inside a strainer and add 3 cups of ordinary yogurt inside.
  2. Put the strainer onto a bowl in a fridge for around 2 hours to make the yogurt thicker.
  3. Peel the cucumber and cut it in half horizontally. Remove the seeds if any.
  4. Use a box grater with large holes to grate the chopped cucumber.
  5. Tip the grated cucumber into a fine strainer and add salt over it.
  6. Mix thoroughly and let the cucumber drain for at least 9 minutes.
  7. Squeeze out the liquid from the cucumber using your hands or push it around in the strainer using the bottom of a heavy glass. You can use a potato masher to squeeze the cucumber.
  8. Press garlic and slice the mint finely.
  9. Put the yogurt into a medium-sized bowl; add the cucumber, olive oil, vinegar, mint, and salt. Taste and add salt if needed.
  10. Add some ground pepper if you like and put the mixture in the fridge so the flavors can balance before serving.
  11. Tzatziki works well with most traditional Greek foods.

4. Matbucha

Whatever dish you’re preparing, matbucha can spruce it up. You can use it in a pita, cover rice, fish, or sever matbucha over chicken cutlets, or as a topping for any Greek dish.

Learn how to make this condiment below.

Things you’ll need:

  1. 2 onions and 2 green peppers.
  2. 6 garlic cloves and 6 vine-ripened tomatoes.
  3. ½ cup lemon juice.
  4. ¼ cup olive oil.
  5. 1 teaspoon Schug, salt, and ground pepper.

Matbucha recipe

  1. Place a baking sheet with parchment paper over an oven preheated at 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Cut peppers and onions into quarters and slice end off tomatoes then cut them in half.
  3. Add all vegetables into a large bowl plus olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  4. Roast it until it starts to turn brown onto parchment paper while spread.
  5. Let it cool slightly then throb in a food processor with about 2 tablespoons tomato paste, some dribs of olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and Schug.

5. Aioli sauce

If you’ve seen this sauce listed on a restaurant in the Mediterranean and you’re wondering what it is, then wonder no more because the name “aioli” is a compound made with garlic and oil. It’s simply a garlicky mayonnaise that you can add to chicken, salmon, or any fried fish, spread on bread, and many other Greek foods.

Let’s learn how to prepare this sauce.

Things you’ll need:

  1. 1 whole egg, a cup of olive oil, and squeezed lemon juice. Use one lemon.
  2. 2 large garlic cloves or 3 medium-sized ones.
  3. White pepper to add flavor.
  4. ½ teaspoon salt and another one for good prepared mustard.

Aioli sauce recipe

  1. Add all the ingredients into a bowl of the food processor except the olive oil.
  2. Run the food processor for 2 minutes.
  3. Add the olive oil to the pierced food pusher while processing.
  4. Allow it to dip in and open the food processor after about 2 minutes. That’s it!

6. Schug

Take a stroll around any Israeli open-air market and you’ll never miss a table selling Schug.

Schug is sold in red or green version and customers love it.

Schug derives its name from a traditional grinding stone the Greeks used to break down raw peppers and garlic into a paste.

It only takes 15 minutes to prepare Schug- expert chefs recommend using a food processor instead of a blender.

Let’s learn how to make Schug briefly.

Things you’ll need:

If you wish to make green Schug, these are the ingredients you’ll need:

  1. 1 large bunch of coriander leaves and 1 teaspoon of salt and ground black pepper respectively.
  2. 3 tablespoons olive oil and 3 large hot green peppers.
  3. 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice and 1 head garlic cloves peeled.

For red Schug, these are the ingredients you’ll need:

  1. 1 teaspoon ground cumin and salt respectively.
  2. 5 large hot red peppers.
  3. 3 tablespoons of olive oil and 5 large garlic cloves peeled.
  4. ½ large bunch of coriander leaves.

Steps to make Schug

  1. Wash and dry the coriander leaves carefully and chop them coarsely then remove most of the stems.
  2. Remove the husk of the garlic and chops it coarsely.
  3. Wash and dry the peppers then chop them coarsely.
  4. Put the garlic, coriander leaves, and peppers in the food processor and run the machine on high heat for several minutes to make a chunky paste.
  5. Put some salt, pepper and run the machine again.
  6. Stop and stir the olive oil by hand.
  7. When making a green Schug, cover the surface of the sauce with lemon juice before taking it out to obtain green color.

That’s how to make red and green Schug.

7. Silan sauce

If you’re looking to incorporate nutrient-rich dates into your diet deliciously then silan sauce is what you need to make. Because it is made from dates.

The good news is that making this sauce is easy. In fact, a lot of the ingredients needed are already prepared and you can find them at your local grocery.

To make this sauce, you’ll need:

  1. 1 teaspoon of hot Spanish paprika, parsley flakes, and salt.
  2. ½ teaspoon black pepper and 2 pounds chicken cutlets.
  3. 3 cups of bread crumbs.
  4. ¼ cup of Dijon or brown mustard.
  5. 1 tablespoon garlic powder.
  6. ½ cup mayonnaise.
  7. 1 cup silan
  8. 2 tablespoon grilling spice.

How to make the sauce

  1. Heat oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit before you start processing and line baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Pound cutlets to have an even thickness and cut them with scissors into 3” long and 1” wide strips.
  3. Throw chicken pieces in a small bowl with mustard and mayo.
  4. Mix bread crumbs with seasonings in a medium bowl.
  5. Add chicken strips onto wooden skewers to form an S shape.
  6. Put them into bread crumbs to coat then spread on parchment paper.
  7. Bake for about 15 minutes. Slice one of the chicken skewers to taste whether everything is ready. When ready, your sauce should be white and juicy.
Author Bio:
Joshua Sharp is a food blogger who contributes content to one of the best essay writing service UK blog. Joshua is also interested in traveling, learning about different cultures and food.
16 Feb 2021

What’s The Best Greek Islands to Visit for Family holidays?

By | Posted in: Traveling in Greece | 0

Last updated on May 29th, 2022 at 10:06 pm

A Spectacular beach in Greece
A Spectacular beach in Greece

The moment you step onto the beautiful islands of Greece, the fresh air will tempt you in so many ways.

Spending some time in such an environment feels like a slow-paced yet indulging activity that we don’t want to go away from.

The place will be simple but breathtakingly beautiful and what could be a better time to visit than during the Passover programs. The time comes down to a halt here after seeing a year of so much chaos and stress. This is the perfect thing to calm our nerves.

No other thing can bring a family closer together along with creating blessed memories than spending some good time with them in such places.

When you will visit Greece, the best thing you have here is that you have 227 islands to choose from and each one of them is unique on its own.

You can never make a wrong decision while choosing the next islands for this holiday. However, we would still suggest that having some research-backed knowledge won’t do any harm. Especially when you are with your family and kids.

To solve the riddles for you, we are here with our top 5 picks of the island for your family. Make sure to pick the right one:

1. Corfu

Corfu Northeast gulf
Corfu Northeast gulf

The mesmerizing Corfu island is full of lush green grass, dramatic hills, and cute little villages where you can spot varied beaches.

On the west side of it, you will see Glyfada and Saint Gordios stretching around on the soft sand followed by the pebbly playground of Paleokastritsa.

This island is the perfect choice for a family trip. Have fun with sandcastles to water sports, and kids feel on cloud seven while playing at the beaches.

2. Crete

Port in Chania Crete
Port of Chania Crete – Image by Albrecht Fietz from Pixabay

For the Greeks, Crete is the Megalonisos, which means the Great Island. That’s what makes it a place worth visiting and you would know soon why.

The sunny beaches and sparkling coves go well with all the ancient caves. And ruins that can infuse the sense of wild fantasy in anyone’s mind.

This place will show you the heart of Europe. You can get to know a lot about its oldest civilization. Knossos, and the spectacular palace ruins.

With the help of the efforts of modern archaeology, your trip to Knossos will be much like a walk through the history lessons and your kids can learn a lot of stuff here.

You can spot two lovely beaches that are clean and full of amenities. Just 4km west at the end of an urban bus line.

This is all separated by the headland, with a third, westerly cape graced around a little church of the holy apostles. And that is what made up the name of the area.

If you look at the easterly cove it will look smaller and crowded but it is more protected from occasional surf.

In the second part, there is Iguana known universally for its quirky Kantian and sunbed concession that is larger and exposed.

It is great for kids who go around playing in thick sand shelves gently along with forming a blue flag with the pristine water. This provides you with a friendly option with five minutes walk to the beach and offers free Wi-Fi.

3. Rhodes

Castle of the knights-Rhodes
Castle of the knights in Rhodes – Photo by Serhat Beyazkaya on Unsplash

Your first look at the gorgeous island of Rhodes will tempt you so much that you don’t want to leave this place forever.

It has a lot to look forward to apart from the usual magical east coast that is filled with beaches. For the next thirty miles, all that your eyes would see is the soft golden sands and warm shallow waters.

If you are here for rest and relaxation, then congratulations on making the right investment.

If you want something different from the islands but don’t want to go too far, just wander along the walls of the old town and appreciate the old beauty.

4. Mykonos

Waterfront in Mykonos
Waterfront in Mykonos – Photo by Courtney Mignot on Unsplash

This island has so much to offer, you won’t be disappointed with the reputation this place holds. It is fondly known as the party hotspot and if you have the same vibe then nothing can disappoint you here.

This place is also known as the island of the winds in multiple travel destination itineraries. Beginning your trip from Mykonos town (or hora in Greek) would be a perfect start you are looking forward to.

These small capitals can be your dream spot for a perfectly picturesque place and provide you with epic backdrops for your family photos.

5. Santorini

A Church in Santorini
A Church in Santorini – Image by Russell_Yan from Pixabay

In case you have no idea, the island Santorini was the result of a volcano eruption. This sank the middle of the island, and all that is left is this rim.

There is some unique topography here. The island is now home to some of the most reputed and well-known celebrated hotspots of Greece. The village’s clifftop is whitewashed which provides a magical view of the Aegean Sea-crater.

6. Pelion Peninsula

Taverna at Pelion mountain
Taverna at Pelion mountain – Photo by Alex Kalligas on Unsplash

North-eastern Pelion will showcase beaches of various sizes and consistencies as well.

Do you know what would be an excellent place to go for? Sandy Papa Nero, southeast of busy Agios Ioannis. Cars are also banned here to keep the population at bay and fresh air flowing.

Next up for your entertainment is the pebbly Damouchari that appeared in Mamma Mia! It is much like a tiny castle and Barba Stergios fish taverna is what commands the cove.

You can plan a quick lunch in the nearby area with your family. A good place would be Angelika Seafood Taverna without exceeding the budget.

7. Velanio, Skopelos

Stafylos beach in Skopelos
Stafylos beach in Skopelos

Here you can enjoy coves and rock-top chapels which were the go-to locations while the filming of Mamma Mia was going.

Although, there was a feature of Velanio in it that still holds the name for the longest and least-developed local beach, keeping you closer to nature.

You can sit with your family and kids while having a scenic 600m view, of pine-backed, pristine sea, fine gravel, and views across all the Evvia.

It is the purest form of nature you can experience and to reach there you need to cover a drive of 4km south from Skopelos Town to the road’s end at cramped followed by a short walk of five minutes east side of the headland.

Wrap Up

Greece is a place with myriads of breathtaking sceneries and beautiful views. You must plan your vacations in Greece. You will definitely have an unforgettable and life-time experience.

12 Feb 2021

How to Learn 100 Greek Words You Can Use Instantly

By | Posted in: Traveling in Greece | 0

Last updated on February 13th, 2022 at 10:57 pm

Greek, also known as Hellenic, is the spoken logos characterized as the symbol of Western Civilization.

Some theorize it as the common point between Eastern logic and Western science.

It belongs to the Indo-European genealogy of languages, forming its own furcate within it.

Greek is spoken today by 15 to 25 million people around Cosmos. It’s bureaucratic in Greece, Cyprus, the EU, and at a topical level in Communities in Albania, Italy, and Turkey.

Greek was first documented in the Mycenaean epoch on Linear B tablets from the 14th Century BC.

It’s the oldest known language that still survives. Its liberal arts have existed and progressed for more than 3,000 years!

As you noticed, we used some unusual words in parts.

Yes, you guessed well, bold underlined words are of Greek origin. Text is exaggerated of course, but consider that we did it on a non-scientific text but on a simple one.

Learn some basic Greek words

Certainly, our aim here is only to teach you some very common Greek words that can be useful during your trip to Greece.

It’s good to know the history behind the language if you intend to travel to Greece, but in the end, being able to communicate with some basic words with the Greeks is the only useful.

And believe us, Although almost every Greek can speak or understand some basic English, You’ll be most welcomed if you try to communicate with the locals using some basic Greek words.

Probably the first people you will meet and talk to are the hotel or other accommodation employees.

Also, people in tourist shops in all tourist areas, restaurant owners, and waiters, bar employees.

But also employees of local tourist offices where you can book boat or bus trips to local attractions or distant beautiful beaches.

It’s not difficult! Let’s start.

And here are the simple words you may be interested in learning.

Who knows; Maybe they intrigue your interest in a more extensive study of the Greek language.

General words

  • καλώς ήρθατε(kalos eerthate, th as in throne) = Welcome
  • καλή διαμονή(kali thiamonee, th as in this) = Enjoy your stay
  • παρακαλώ(parakalo) = Please or you welcome
  • ευχαριστώ(efharisto) = Thank you
  • καλημέρα(kalimera) = Good morning
  • καλησπέρα(kalispera) = Good afternoon
  • καληνύχτα(kalinihta) = goodnight
  • γειά(yeia, y as in yellow) = hi, hello
  • χαίρετε(herete) = Hello (more polite)
  • πως είσαι;(pos eese?) = how are you?
  • τι κάνεις;(ti kaneis?) = how do you do?
  • θα σας δω αργότερα(tha sas do argotera, th as in throne) = I’ll see you later
  • σήμερα(símera) = today
  • αύριο(avrio) = tomorrow
  • χθές(hthes, th as in throne) = yesterday
  • ημερολόγιο(imeroloyio, y as in yellow) = diary
  • ημέρα(imera) = day
  • ώρα(ora) = hour
  • λεπτά(lepta) = minutes
  • χρήματα(hrimata) = money
  • κάνω(kano) = I do
  • έρχομαι(erhome) = I am coming
  • πηγαίνω(piyeno, y as in yellow) = I go
  • γελάω(yelao, y as in yellow) = I am laughing
  • διασκεδάζω(thiaskedazo, th as in this) = I enjoy my self
  • βλέπω(vlepo) = I see
  • μικρό(mikro) = small
  • μεγάλο(meyalo, y as in yellow) = large
  • όμορφο(omorfo) = beautiful
  • ασχημο(ashimo) = ugly
  • καλό(kalo) = good
  • κακό(kako) = bad
  • χαίρω πολύ(hero poli) = I am glad to meet you
  • όχι(ohi) = no
  • ναι(nee) = yes
  • ονομάζομαι(onomazome) = my name is
  • με λένε(me lene) = my name is
  • καλό ταξίδι(kalo taksidi) = have a good trip

For the hotel

  • Δωμάτιο(thomatio, th as in this) = room
  • κρεβάτι(krevati) = bed
  • μπαλκόνι(mpalkoni) = balcony
  • μπάνιο(mpanio) = bath

In the restaurant

  • κατάλογος(kataloyos, y as in yellow) = menu
  • τον λογαριασμό παρακαλώ(parakalo) = the bill, please
  • ηταν πολύ ωραία(itan poli orea) = it was very nice
  • Πόσο κοστίζει αυτό;(poso kostizi afto?) = how much this cost?
  • Πόσο κάνει;(poso kani?) = how much?
  • φρέσκο ψάρι(fresko psari) = fresh fish
  • Ελληνική κουζινα(elliniki kouzina) = Greek cuisine
  • πιτσαρία(pitsaria) = Pizza house
  • καφές(kafes) = coffee
  • μπύρα(bira) = beer
  • τσάϊ(tsai) = tea
  • κρασί(krasi) = wine
  • νερό(nero) = water
  • πορτοκαλάδα(portokalatha, th as in this) = orangeade
  • λεμονάδα(lemonatha, th as in this) = lemonade
  • κρέας(kreas) = meat
  • κοτόπουλο(kotopoulo) = chicken
  • αρνί(arni) = lamb
  • ψάρι(psari) = fish
  • μάγειρας(mayeiras, y as in yellow) = chef, cook
  • φρούτα(frouta) = fruits
  • επιδόρπιο(epithorpio, th as in this) = dessert
  • παγωτό(payoto, y as in yellow) = ice cream
  • τραπέζι(trapezi) = table

On the beach

  • αυτοκίνητο(aftokinito) = car
  • δρόμος(thromos, th as in this) = road
  • Βουνό(vouno) = mountain
  • περίπατος(peripatos) = walk
  • θάλασσα(thalassa, th as in throne) = sea
  • παραλία(paralia) = beach
  • που είναι;(pou ine?) = where is it?
  • που βρίσκεται;(pou vriskete?) = where is it?
  • αμμουδιά(amouthia, th as in this) = sandy beach
  • ήλιος(ilios) = sun
  • φεγγάρι(feggari) = moon
  • ηλιοθεραπεία(iliotherapia, th as in throne) = sunbathing
  • ξαπλώστρα(ksaplostra) = sunbed
  • ομπρέλλα(omprella) = umbrella

Months and days

  • Μάϊος(Maios) = May
  • Ιούνιος(Iounios) = June
  • Ιούλιος(Ioulios) = July
  • Αύγουστος(Avyoustos) = August
  • Σεπτέμβριος(Septemvrios) = September
  • Οκτώβριος(Oktovrios) = October
  • Κυριακή(Kiriaki) = Sunday
  • Δευτέρα(Theftera, th as in this) = Monday
  • Τρίτη(Triti) = Tuesday
  • Τετάρτη(Tetarti) = Wednesday
  • Πέμπτη(Pempti) = Thursday
  • Παρασκευή(Paraskevi) = Friday
  • Σάββατο(Savvato) = Saturday
  • εβδομάδα(evdomáda) = week
  • μήνας(minas) = month
  • έτος(etos) = year
  • ρολόϊ(roloi) = clock

First aid

  • γιατρός(yatros, y as in yellow) = doctor
  • ιατρείο(iatrio) = doctor’s office
  • φαρμακείο(farmakio) = pharmacy
See? wasn’t that difficult, wasn’t it?

You’ve learned your first 100 Greek words, if you decide to become an expert Greek speaker there are just 70 million left, if you don’t waste your time, you can catch up in 20 years from now!

11 Feb 2021

Typical Examples of Greek, English, and French Malaka

By | Posted in: Traveling in Greece | 0

Last updated on May 30th, 2022 at 05:29 pm

Here are some very typical examples of behaviors that could easily characterize these assholes.

Typical behaviors of Greek, English and French Malakas are following.

So you get a complete picture of what we mean when we call someone a Malaka (or better asshole).
It’s a lot simpler than you thought!

A typical type of Greek Malaka, A Born jerk, a football fanatic asshole.

Talented actor impersonating the typical type of an English Malaka

A characteristic and unique type of French Inspector Malaka, of English inspiration

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